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Happy Birthday today June 29th
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Favorite Pic of the Day for June 29th
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Body Check
He Shoots, He Scores
Image by Ernesto Perdomo
Drew by Robert J Guttke
Colin by Chris Teel
Next three shots from Rick Day
Tyler Seguin
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Sights & Smells
You Miss 100% of the Shots you Don't Take!
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Shawn Mendes : FaVorite FiVe
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Happy Birthday today June 30th
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Favorite Pic of the Day for June 30th
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Glorious and Free! Taylor by Studio1x
'I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.'
John G. Diefenbaker, Canadian PM, 1957-1963
I have written before how different Americans and Canadians express patriotism. Although no person, nor any country can be catalogued the same, as a general rule, Canadians are quieter in their pride. The quiet doesn't mean lack of or less than, just the opposite actually. Canadian seem so self assured in their love of country, they don't seem to feel the need to yell it loudly, it is more an internal feeling of safety and gratitude for the country they live in.
I recently watched CNN's Kamau Bell's The Canadian Way episode of National Shades of America. It was interesting to see that although Canada has it's issues, many of them, there is a cultural peace so dramatically different from just south of the border. Canada is always thought of as being a bit behind the United States, but with cultural issues, they have been far ahead when it comes to most cultural issues, especially sexual orientation.
Because their pride is more internal, there are less choices for imagery to celebrate Canada Day. With the US flag, there are literally thousands of images with different models and different photographers across the net. For Canada, a google search usually pulls up the classic shot of Canadian actor Shawn Ashmore (HERE:)
Last year, I reached out to photographer Shaun Simpson who I knew had shot some flag images with model Michael Hamm. (HERE:) This year, I'm exited to present a brand new set of images shot for FH by photographer Jim from Studio1x. Jim's biggest obstacle was finding just the right model to pose wearing nothing but the maple leaf. Jim found just the right model in Taylor.
Taylor is not a professional model but loves taking risks and always had a hidden desire to take part in a nude photo shoot. Jim brought Taylor in and they shot twice, the second being with the flag. I love how Taylor used the flag in so many different ways and believe me, Jim sent on over 300 images, so there were many I had to edit out for another day and time. Usually I shoot on questions to help me pull together the piece, but Jim briefly interviewed Taylor about his experience during the shoot.
What made you want to do nude modeling?
I wanted to give this shoot a try for a couple of reasons. The primary being just to do something so taboo! It was liberating and exciting to participate in. In addition, I am happy to have some shots to look back on 40 years from now and remember when I was still in decent shape.
What were your thoughts the first time you did a nude shoot compared to the second time?
I was nervous both times, but much less nervous the 2nd time. There is no good way not to be awkward, especially if you're a somewhat modest person like myself. The first 10-15 minutes is always a little nerve racking, but you "warm" up after that!
What do you like to do in your down time?
In my free time I am an avid outdoors enthusiast. I fish, kayak, hike, and rock climb as much as possible.
How would you describe your overall experience doing the shoot and would you recommend others to do so?
'I had a fantastic time doing the shoot. I think anyone who is even considering it, should take the risk and give it a go. You'll regret not taking opportunities like this! Just think about it and set limits for yourself prior to arrival.'
When looking at your finished photos, do you see yourself the way you normally do or how do you feel it is different?
When looking at the finished photos I am stunned. The photos turn out much better than expected. I feel like the lighting and technique makes me look like more of a "model" than I would ever consider myself. It is great for self-esteem :)
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With Glowing Hearts We See Thee Rise
Hockey, more contact than football, better eye-hand coordination than baseball
and more skills than soccer all coming together ON ICE!
You can't think of sports and Canada without thinking of Hockey. Call me grateful it's still hockey as I'm not sure I could have found enough images to fill a post with the naked hotties of curling. Over the ten years working on FH I have featured a number of hockey themed pieces. Both models in hockey gear and real hockey players mostly out of their gear. I played hockey for a few years, and still get get excited during the playoff's.
Many models have put on, and taken off their jock straps for hockey themed posts, including the come from behind beauty of Cole Monahan. (above) There have also been more than a few photographers who use the theme regularly in their work, often featuring their model in goalie gear, I guess maybe to symbolize getting ready for an incoming.
I included a few of my favorite shots of models in (and out) of hockey gear on page 2 (HERE:) but for the remainder of this post, I wanted the real thing, and to head into the locker room with candid shots of real players hanging out before and after the game.
As a gay kid playing hockey, locker rooms were both an exciting and a dangerous place. My memories of locker rooms hit all of my senses, especially the sights and smells. For me, the sounds were usually muffled, I didn't hear much as I was focused on making my way through the changing area and showers without bringing on any unwanted attention.
In order to do so, I usually looked straight ahead, restricting naked players to the peripheral. I think if I had been out at the time, I would have felt more relaxed to enjoy a gaze or two, but at the time, my fear of being outed drove my behavior. That's not to say I don't have some fond memories of team mates in jock straps and in the shower, but I was always on the move when in the locker room, so my memories are mostly drive by recollections as I changed or headed out to the shower or out the door.
I have also have found memories of the smell. Contrary to what most think, locker rooms, especially just after a game, are a mix of sweat, Axe and Old Spice High Endurance. Sweat just after a game can have an almost pleasant aroma, at least it did to me. It was the sweat and smell of that hockey bag, especially a few days later, that brought forth the gag reflex.
I came from a hockey family, we all played and my father coached, and our furnace room was filled with wet hockey gear, not always properly hung to dry. I don't remember too many dinners when my bother didn't complain about the hockey gear, and the smell, my brother and I needed to 'take care of.' I miss playing hockey, the locker room and the excitement of entering the rink on game night. I don't miss getting up a 4a.m on Saturday for practice, or... that hockey bag, with wet, three day old gear.
If you want to spend a little more time in the locker room, there are some additional shots on Page 2 HERE:
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The True North strong and free!
Despite being often covered in parka's and heavy sweaters, Canada has it's fair share of hot bodies. I'm not sure there's been anyone in awhile who has elicited as much Canadian carnalism as Shawn Mendes. The 19 year old singer is both sweet and sexy. Mendes has many qualities of the typical adorable twink teen idol, yet he also has a maturity that attracts lustful longings from all sexes and all ages. .
Unlike Justin Bieber, Mendes has been handling his mega fame (thus far) with respect and grace without even the slightest hint of bad behavior. When I was thinking of sexy Canadian's to feature this Canada Day, the only choice this year was Mendes. Mendes is magic on stage, both as a musician but also as an entertainer who is so effortlessly sexy on stage.
I started to do a FaVorite FiVe on Mendes, but of course, it turned into a FaVorite TeN. Check out some of my favorite Mendes images on the second page of my Canada Day theme posts HERE:
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True Patriot Love
A Sizzling Slab of Canadian Bacon
Happy Canada Day!
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Favorite Pic of the Day for July 1st
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Instagrams that Inspire: Nico Lorenzon
Argentine born model Nico Lorenzon began traveling the world at the age of 16. By the time Nico turned 18, he was modeling internationally spending time in London, Paris and New York. Nico's main goal however is to be an actor, so in addition to modeling, Nico has been studying his craft in preparation of big break.
Below: Nico by Ariel Mendes
Below: Nico by Pantelis for RollerCoaster Magazine
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Erotic Isolation: Craig by Richard Rothstein
'We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.'
Orson Welles
Isolation is a theme I've explored often over the years. Although many think of sex as involving more than one person, for most, especially men, sexual gratification is just as likely to be a solo sensation. Beyond sex, moments of eroticism, titillation and lust often occur when we're alone. I've had some of my most powerful sensual sensations while driving in a car, or walking or running by the lake. They're usually not planned but arise from a quick thought or memory that triggers an arousing reaction.
When I first saw Richard Rothstein's series of images with Craig, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of erotic isolation. There is almost a science fiction feel, like a Twilight Zone episode where the main character awakes to find that everyone on the planet has disappeared. Richard's images drew me into a story of Craig waking up and finding himself totally alone in one of the busiest and most populated cities in the world, New York.
In only his tighty whities, Craig explores his neighbourhood looking for any signs of life. Finding no other beating hearts, the first thing Craig feels is the quiet. An overwhelming quiet with no sounds from animals or birds, not cars running or honking and not even the hum from the electricity that energized the city. After the shock wears off, Craig begins to adapt to his circumstance and decides to slip off his undies and take control of his domain.
As the only person left, for the first time Craig has total control over what he does, where he goes and what he thinks. Without any eyes to see, to judge, Craig walks confidently through the streets of the city that were once a challenge to navigate and get through. Of course the courage and confidence would eventually transition to feelings of fear and loneliness, but for awhile, Craig immersed himself fully into his erotic isolation.
Or course, all of Manhattan didn't head upstate so that Richard and Craig could have the city to themselves. But... the calm, quiet and isolation came from hitting the streets before the crack of dawn when the city is as still as it can be. Like his recent work with Clay, (A Walk in the Park) Richard says Craig too had a surge of Pride an defiance taking on the big apple with all his naked glory. Of course, given this wasn't a science fiction TV show, the journey did include running into a few other signs of life...
'We did encounter a very handsome dog walker and sat and watched us for about 15 minutes. His smile was priceless. His dog just kept staring and clearly thinking 'there’s an ass that needs to be sniffed!'
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Big Guns
Jason Canela
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The Young and the Restless is certainly bringing out the big guns this week. Actor Brooks Darnell (below) joins the show as Nate, joining Jason Canela and Michael Mealor in a hunk trifecta of shirtless sumptuousness heating up Geona City this summer. That's the upside.... The downside is the shows writers seem to think a bit (ok, a lot) of skin is going to make up for weak storytelling.
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While the new hunks are all appealing, they aren't as captivating as some of the shows veterans (hello Doug Davidson, Beth Maitland and Tracey E. Bregman) who have all been sidelined for the pectacular newcomers. Hey Y & R, shirtless hunks are welcome, VERY welcome, but shoving your Emmy winning veterans to the wings is not worth the overly forced 'T & A' you're shoving viewers way. Write great stories, and if a half naked (or in the case of Kyle, fully naked!) man is involved, great, but without great writing your shirtless hunks just don't satisfy.
Michael Mealor
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The Young and the Restless is certainly bringing out the big guns this week. Actor Brooks Darnell (below) joins the show as Nate, joining Jason Canela and Michael Mealor in a hunk trifecta of shirtless sumptuousness heating up Geona City this summer. That's the upside.... The downside is the shows writers seem to think a bit (ok, a lot) of skin is going to make up for weak storytelling.
While the new hunks are all appealing, they aren't as captivating as some of the shows veterans (hello Doug Davidson, Beth Maitland and Tracey E. Bregman) who have all been sidelined for the pectacular newcomers. Hey Y & R, shirtless hunks are welcome, VERY welcome, but shoving your Emmy winning veterans to the wings is not worth the overly forced 'T & A' you're shoving viewers way. Write great stories, and if a half naked (or in the case of Kyle, fully naked!) man is involved, great, but without great writing your shirtless hunks just don't satisfy.
Michael Mealor
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Happy Birthday today July 2nd
Happy 57th to actor Jimmy McNichol!
Check out more of Jimmy on FHHERE:
Below: McNicol in Night Watching (The Evil Protege)
Although his character was 17, McNichol was 21 when he filmed Night Watching in 1982. I was going to cap the scene, but he quality was too bad for decent snaps, the scene is oddly shot, but decided to add the clip as this was McNichol's only nude scene.
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Favorite Pic of the Day for July 2nd
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Broken Dreams: Sergey by Richard Rothstein
'Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.'
Abraham Lincoln
The idiots power is not negotiation, it's not deal making, it's nothing remotely positive. His only real power is of dream killing, bringing the hopes and dreams of what America truly means to a screeching halt. But it's temporary, we will dream the dream again, and after his reign of hate, it will be more determined, and powerful than ever.
'Sergey and I wanted to send several messages with this shoot. For Sergey, a gay man, an immigrant and a drag queen, this shoot represents the American Dream as he saw it when he moved to New York from the Ukraine. Freedom. Pride. Equality. For me, I’m making a statement about patriotism on the 4th of July. I’m an American and this is my nation, my Constitution. This is the America my father and grandfather fought for in both World Wars. This is an inclusive and diverse America celebrating all of us and our individual truths.'
'This is Miss American Drag, standing courageously naked before the world, wrapped in Old Glory and celebrating the colorful sparkle that lives inside each and every one of us. America the beautiful, my America, standing for that which is great about America: freedom, human rights, human dignity, diversity, inclusion and equality. Fuck Trump.'
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Fine Sheen of Sweat: Brandon by JW Johnson
'It was a beautiful day to shoot, blue skies and a few clouds and just perfect temperatures. We started in one of the hay barns soon after we arrived at the farm.'
'Being from Oklahoma, Brandon had his own hat, jeans and boots, good thing as nothing I had would have fit him anyway due to his height. When we worked in the horse barn and tack room it was sooo hot, in no time at all, Brandon was covered in a fine sheen of sweat.'
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Jon Voight in The All-American Boy
'Vic Bealer, a young boxer from a small town in Texas who is known by his ring name The Bomber, is seemingly on his way to big things, undefeated as an amateur and a possibility to make the U.S. Olympic boxing team. Without explanation, Vic walks away from it all, including his family, his fiancee and his fighting career. Disaffected and disillusioned, he enters into relationships with small-town girls Janelle and Drenna, while trainer Arty wonders if the Bomber will ever return.'
Although I loved Jon Voight in The Deer Hunter, I haven't really been a close follower of his career. I watched that film years ago basically to complete my viewing of Meryl Streep films. Jon was incredibly hot, especially during the 60's and 70's, but when I think of Jon Voight naked, which I do from time to time... I only have one film, Midnight Cowboy as a reference.
A few weeks ago I noticed TCM was airing The All-American Boy from 1973. I PVR'd the film in the hopes there might have been a little seventies skin. For me, seventies skin means tan lines, really white butts and lots of bush. The film included two nudes scenes from Voight and although it was his female co-star who had the bright white butt, Voight's bush was shown in one long lingering scene.
I believe there may have also been a very brief frontal when Voight stood up, but the only copy I could find was a low resolution copy on Youtube. I was going to buy one, but they were about eighty bucks on Amazon. If I find a higher resolution copy, I'll update the caps. The movie lived up to the tile though, with an all American feel of small town life and the gifts and limits living their implies.
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