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Favorite Pic of the Day for July 31st
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Constancia Disciplina: Andres by David Vance
I think it was back in 2009 that I first contacted photographer David Vance about featuring his work on the site. David kindly responded with both support, as well as sending on new images of model Nathan Wessel, (HERE:) the subject of his 2008 book Muse. That post remains a favorite of mine. Not only did I love his images of Nathan, it was also one of the fist times that I touched on the relationship dynamic between and artist and a muse. I've since explored the creative complexities of the theme with many different models and photographers.
A few years later, I had the opportunity to interview David while working as features editor for Dylan Rosser's TMF Magazine. The focus of the piece was David's book Jungle Fever. I remember when I was putting together the piece really struggling to find just the right adjectives to both describe David's work, and do it justice.
In the end, one of the words that I ended up using was paradisiacal. I remembered finding and using the word in short story that I'd written when I was in University. I was writing about a mysterious God-like young boy suddenly just appeared in a small rural town. I remember noticing that I was really overusing the word 'heavenly' and went on the hunt to find some more creative words to describe the young boy's aura. Paradisiacal proved the perfect word, and ended up being the perfect title for the story.
It also proved for me, a fitting descriptor for David's imagery. David's work elevates his subjects, creating an almost heavenly look and feel. Through their work, many artists draw out aspects of their subjects personalities. David, almost appears to draw out a lightness, and pieces of their spirituality. It goes beyond just the poses used and the branch crowns. With so many models, including the gorgeous Andres Cardenas, it emanates through their eyes.
As incredibly hot as he is physically, I found myself first drawn to Andres striking face, eyes and beautiful head of curls. Although David captures every inch of Andres' incredible body within his images, he also wisely ensures that Andres eyes and face remain visible and in focus in every shot.
Speaking of every inch of Andres, I also couldn't help but notice his tattoo's, especially the words Constancia and Disciplina (Constancy Discipline) placed on each of his his lower legs, just below the knee. Clearly, Andres adheres to the motto, and their placement on his body, also seems to speak to their significance in how he lives his life.
Are the dynamic shots of models leaping in the air more dependant on a model's physical abilities, your skill and timing, or a combination of both?
It really is a combination. It takes skill on both sides. Dancers and athletes are usually best because they have more control over their bodies that most models, but I’ve had good luck with inexperienced guys as well, with patience and heavy direction.
How did you connect with Andres for the shoot?
He contacted me directly on Instagram.
What about Andres' look did you first notice?
Of course his great body but I also really loved his hair. Unique..
How much do you plan/discuss theme/set-ups and poses?
Not much. I tend to work best organically, especially if I’ve never met the model in person.
Is the degree of nudity negotiated prior to the shoot, or was it just a given
Considering my work, most models expect some degree on nudity. Now, especially with Only Fans, models will request certain kinds of shots for their content.
What stood out to you about your shoot with Andres?
He’s quite fluid and uninhibited in front of the camera. He also has a very mellow, humble personality. Some models as beautiful as he can be arrogant.
How much has Covid impacted your work?
It was difficult for me because I’m used to always being busy. Shooting fell of completely for several months. When I was able to shoot, I wore a mask whenever I was near the model. Now things have loosened up a bit, so it’s more relaxed.
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Artur Dalaloyan: Achilles Heal
I'm sure Artur's sentiment if felt by every Olympic team member, but Russian gymnast Artur Dalaloyan has more of a reason than most to want to get back to contributing to his sport, and to his team. Dalaloyan posted the fourth-best score in the first qualifying session last week just three months after an injury so severe, his foot was bouncing uncontrollably he had to be rushed to the hospital.
The 25-year-old severed his Achilles in training before the European Championships and had surgery in April. He recovered partially and was named to the Russian men's Olympic team.
'I couldn’t control my emotions,” Dalaloyan said through a translator, explaining why he broke down and buried his face in his hands after finishing floor exercise, his second-to-last event. “One side of me was full of joy and confidence. I was kind of proud I could make it, that I could come to this point and do all the exercises all the way I really wanted to.'
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One To Watch:
'I learned very early on in my life that dreams are the entire timeline of goals. If you want to achieve something, map it out, strategize, and make it a goal.'
I know many of you spent a few minutes yesterday watching the trailer for the upcoming House of Gucci. The trailer was really well done. In addition to Adam Driver looking especially fetching, I loved the arrangement they used of Blonde's Heart of Glass. In addition to the big names that the trailer spotlighted, there is another actor in the cast I wanted to take note of.
Up and coming actor Edouard Philipponnat also has a small part in the film. Some of you might have seen Edouard The Runner, a film released earlier this year. The French-French actor got the bug when he was 13 after staying up late one night in bed watching The Pirates Of The Caribbean. Edouard was so taken with the film, and how much fun Johnny Depp seemed to be having, he decided to pursue an acting career. The next day, he told his father he wanted to go to Los Angeles and a few months later he was on his first audition. Edouard Philipponnat, one to watch!
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Claude Hooper Bukowsk
Check out more of Claude Hooper Bukowsk, (aka John Savage) the next actor up in my Actors & Skin series. Check out more of the actor (HERE:) and his scenes of skin (HERE:) on the next page.
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Favorite Pic of the Day for August 1st
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Chairing The Pants Off Them! Chris by Cooks Photography
'The chair does sit in our family room. My partner sits on it when he's putting his shoes on. lol '
Whenever I feature the work of Cooks Photography, I'm always amazed at the dynamic curves, lines and poses that photographer Hal Cooks always manages to capture. One of the ways the California based artist is able to do this, is through his us of furniture. If you've check out my previous pieces featuring Hal's work, (HERE:) you'll remember that Hal brilliantly uses stools, chairs, trunks and ottomans.
Although Hal ways keeps his model the focus, the furniture that uses provides the model with a base to sit on, stretch on and straddle. A pivot point for their poses. When Hal send on this series of shots of Chris H, I was struck with how the furniture pieces were used as more than just a prop. The furniture pieces act to actually heighten Chris' beauty, by providing a visual contrast between their fixed, hard structure and the beauty, softness and fluidity of Chris' beautiful body.
Do you remember what it was about him that inspired you to get in touch with him?
I believe I met him on ModelMayhem or Instagram. I saw that he was an extremely handsome guy and he was already posing for a photographer
Was he immediately up for a shoot?
Yes, He had already posed for a few photographers, so it was fairly easy to get him to pose for me
Did you have to bring up nude work, or was it already a given?
I saw that he had already posed nude in the past. I typically send a few of my favorite nudes from previous shoots to gage their comfort level.
Is the wooden chair that you use just for shooting, or is it a part of your own dining room?
It's actually a chair I primarily use for photo shoots, but it does sit in our family room. My partner sits on it when he's putting his shoes on. lol
How much direction do you give your models about the chair and poses?
It really depends on the model. Several guys have dripped pre cum on that chair. lol
What was Chris like to work with?
Chris was incredibly easy to work with. We seemed to hit it off immediately. I always start off with clothes first, then ease the model into it.
I'm definitely a chatter. I find it helps the model to relax more, especially if they're just meeting me for the first time.
Did you get any feedback from Chris after he saw the final images?
t's been a while since our first shoot, but he did seem to like them. He's posed for me three or four times now. He's always great to work with and laid back.
How did/has Covid impacted your shoots, both the amount, and the process.
It took several months before models were comfortable enough to come out again. Once I got a few to come over to shoot, they were comfortable shooting.
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Don's World by Ori Paul Levi
'When I first discovered Ori’s Instagram feed, I was immediately drawn to his layering and manipulation of color, shape, and vintage physique and beefcake imagery. Ori was breathing new life into images 50+ years old and I found that to be very exciting.'
Regular readers of FH know that I'm a huge fan of artists Baker & Adams. It was through photographer Devin Baker that I was first introduced to the new Western Photography Guild website. Fans of artwork featuring the male form know the work of the WPG and it's originator, photographer Don Whitman. As much as today's chroniclers of the male form strive to create unique and original visuals, so much of what we see hark back to photographers, sculptures and painters in the past.
So many photographers like Don, focused on the male form during times when you end up charged, in jail, or even killed for not only shooting, but possessing images of the nude male form. In many ways this has helped bring both a greater appreciation, and a heighted significance to the visuals they created. Recently, Devin got in touch about an exciting new collaboration between the WSP and visual artist Ori Paul Levi. Raised in Tel-Aviv Israel, Ori found an interest in art and photography at a young age.
'It’s always been our goal that Don's work remain relevant for all including past, present and future generations. I’d been following Ori on social media and found his collages to be fresh and exciting, especially with his incorporation of vintage beefcake imagery. For us, the collaboration was about pushing Don’s material into exciting new directions while maintaining a respect for his legacy and that of his models.
We trusted and believed in Ori’s vision from our first conversation. Ori demonstrated an honest respect for Don’s physique photography and we moved forward without hesitation. For our part, we personally selected many of the images Ori worked with and provided him with both digital material as well as prints and vintage ephemera.'
'My work has a lot of elements in it that some would put in the collage category, which would be accurate, to me however it’s simply Visual Art, you see it and it makes you feel. I have always been focused on the male form, after attending school in Milan, I moved to London. And began interning at Wonderland Magazine which defiantly had pushed towards being focused working with male models and men’s fashion. soon after I was able to snag a job working as the assistant to the menswear editor at I-D magazine, which fully cemented my desire to focus exclusively on male figures. I have always felt comfortable sharing my work.'
Who are your artistic inspirations?
I love Robert Mapplethrop, his work is my main source of inspiration. So is the work of Andy Warhol, Nick Knight, Rankin, Don Whitman and many others.
What inspires you more, a specific man or model, or a concept?
A combination of all three. But first and foremost it’s all about the composition. When I rework an image the first thing I do, is try to visualize it in my head, to see the color and to envision the message.
Your work has distinct vibes from the 60's and 70's, do you know where that comes from?
There’s just something magical to me about that era, that I’m instantly drawn too. The ruggedness of models, the feel of the paper, the way it all looks on film. We live in an instant digitized society, where you can shoot a single frame multiple time, choose the best image, photoshop that image. The end result to me is just this overly processed image. When you have (or had) a limited number of shoots, it forces you to really think about the image you’re creating. That is mainly why I choose to work with vintage photography, and why I exclusively shoot using Polaroid camera.
Tell me about the process of creating art inspired by work from the WPG?
It’s been an interesting and deep process.. Usually when I source my images, they're either from old magazines or from the web. and I have less of an affiliation...or immediate connection to the person who had originally created the content.
However the “WPG” series I wanted to take a different approach. I wanted to know who Don Whitman was, and I was fortunate enough to have multiple conversations with Both Andrew and Devin from “WPG", that helped shed some light on who this person was, what was his process and how i as an artist can rework these images into my own vision whilst maintaining the original vision.
I tend to not go with themes, or any pre set idea of what something should look like. Each image has a life and a story of it’s own, they all carry a touch of Don’s spirit mixed with my own.
How difficult is it to make a final decision on text to add to your art? The text has the ability to limit, or expand a viewers imagination range, is this a tricky balance?
I’m very big on minimalism, something that a lot of times is missing in collage work, while other artists have a tendency to have a lot of different elements in their work. My main focus is always the image, color, message and composition.
Adding written elements can be difficult, but it is sometimes a necessary element in my work, that I see as bringing it all together, I don’t always use it, but when I do I first have most of the main elements on paper, which I then couple with the right written element - which has to be sexy and make you think.
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Tyson Bull: Making Australian Olympic History
There are a lot of history making moments at every Olympic games, but not all of them get the same amount of attention as others. In his Olympic debut, 28-year-old Victorian gymnast Tyson Bull finished fifth in the horizontal bar event after making history in artistic gymnastics.
Although placing 5th isn't usually seen as history making, Bull's placement marks the first time an Australian made it through to an Olympic men's artistic gymnastics final. Bull is also the first Australian to compete in men's artistic gymnastics at the Olympics since Josh Jefferis at the London Games.
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Room With A View
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Favorite Pic of the Day for August 5th
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The Price of Being a Child Star
River Phoenix & Wil Wheaton![]()
'People who have often been directed and pushed and molded to varying degrees get a rare opportunity to put their stories in their own words, with the help of a filmmaker who knows how to combine these disparate experiences into something coherent. The result is a chance to get a more rounded sense of people who rarely get this kind of nuanced treatment.'
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Mrs. Fletcher (2019)
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Wil Wheaton
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The Curse (1987)
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NPR
I also liked that writer and director Alex Winter didn't fill his film with psychiatrists and film critics, but let the actors talk for themselves. Except for actor River Phoenix, who is no longer with us, most of the actors involved told their own stories. In some ways, this made the film more personal, but in other ways, it caused a lack of balance that I found a little distracting.
So many of the child stars featured referenced their parents, and often not in a flattering light. Most of the parent/child relationships really suffered with the role reversal of having the child, the bread winner of the family. For some reason, I was curious to hear from some of the parents themselves. Evan Rachel Wood for example, referenced her parents often, placing responsibilities on them, yet not really sharing any specifics in much detail.
Henry Thomas in 1990's Psycho IV: The Beginning
Henry Thomas and Wil Wheaton both spoke of strained relationships with their parents. Mara Wilson and Todd Bridges spoke more positively of their relationships with their parents, but I felt like with each of these actors, a story was started, but never really finished. I get that many child stars feel they're living out dreams that weren't necessarily their own, but I wished Winters would have gone deeper in one of the stories, maybe especially that of would be child actor Marc Price.
Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1990)
Price is not a child star, but his mother certainly wants him to be. Their story was one of the most interesting to me, and one that by clicking on Price's IMDB page, doesn't seem to be going the way mom has planned.
Cameron Boyce
It was ironic to me that one of the saddest moments of the film, one that hit me the most, was finding out that Disney star Cameron Boyce had died shortly after the film was made. Boyce's died at the age of just 20 from an epileptic seizure. I'm sure many who watched the film already know of the actors passing, but I hadn't really heard of him before, and finding out about his death in the films last few minutes was a bit of a shock.
Of course in part, the shock was the loss of a talented actor at such a young age. In part however, it was rather a jolt that the actors death was not connected to the theme being explored in the film. In the clips featuring Boyce, he appeared to be handling his success better than many of the others, and seemed to have a decent relationship with his father. Although not directly, with the way Winter's chose to reveal his death, there was a connection, intentional or not, to his child star career.
I think the lack of balance extended to the director himself. Given Winter was a child actor, I found it odd he didn't include himself. Of course as the writer and director, the film acted as has voice, but I felt he was trying to say something, without really saying it. I enjoyed the film very much, and was left saddened by the stories told. Yet there were so many other voices I would have liked to have heard from.
Winter included the stories of both Wil Wheaton and River Phoenix from 1986's Stand By Me. He didn't however, include their co-stars Corey Feldman or Jerry O'Connell. I can understand why Feldman might have been problematic, he's been interviewed many times on the subject, as well as his relationship with Michael Jackson. O'Connell however, seems, at least on the surface, to be a relatively well adjusted man, something that may have complicated the story Winter wanted to leave the audience with.
Winter also used a clip of Wil Wheaton in his undies from 1987's The Curse. I guess it was in part to demonstrate how many child stars are sexualized and exploited by both individuals and the studios and the business. Unfortunately, Wheaton wasn't discussing that subject when the clip was shown. What Wheaton did discuss was his negative experience making the film, and how much he hated the 'teen idol' part of his career. The issue was really only broached by Evan Rachel Wood, when she discussed a director that I can only assume was Bryan Singer.
I'm guessing that Winter didn't want to dive too heavily into the issue. If he had, it would have meant having to bring up the biggest child star in the world, Michael Jackson. That would have only proved to have complicated the films focus. I must say, I did watch without pausing or stopping, something that is rare for me these days.... I also think Winter did a great job with the interviews with the multi-generational actors he chose to include.
I just couldn't help feeling that so many issues, from exploitation to child stardom itself, were brought up, but not really explained or explored. Maybe that's because although there are some shared experiences, there is really no common trajectory to child stardom or any induvial career.. Each of the actors featured had their own unique stories, proving that that all though we think we know everything about the experience of being a child star, we really don't have a clue. What was clear however, was that no matter how difficult child stardom was, for most, having it disappear was even more of a struggle.
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David Alanson on Film
'I was in the industry for a very brief time when I was really hard up, waiting tables. I know it sounds weird, but I don’t really have hang ups. It's not something I'm proud of and it's not something I like to dwell on. I live without regrets.'
I feature a lot of actors, a lot of models and a lot of reality stars, but I don't feature many men who've had success in all three areas. And yes, David Alanson also made a few adult films, I think my favorite being his turn in Brent Corrigan's Heat, but his time in porn was brief. David is mainly an actor, and during the 2010's was in over half a dozen films, mostly gay themed films.
A truck-driver Brewster takes over his missing brother's delivery of a load of coffins to a funeral home. He picks up hitchhiking gay couple Cary and Vogel whose relationship is in trouble to help him stay awake.
When his GPS leads them into a deserted junkyard, his truck breaks down, stranding them. NIght falls, and the coffins reveal blood-thirty vampires. Now the mismatched trio must barricade themselves in the cab of the truck and try to survive until dawn..
2011's Bite Marks was David's film debut, and one of the films in which David was the lead. Although there is a bit of tame nudity in the film, the focus is more on the action and the story. David gets to focus on character more than skin and the films gives him the opportunity to show off his personality and his beautiful face lights up the screen.
Jasin and Caleb's eternal bliss is put to the test when Jasin's century old rival Demetrius returns to get his revenge. Power and passion collide when the two broods finally clash. Who will remain and who will be destroyed for eternity?
In Vampire Boys 2: The New Brood , David's role is mostly that of the body. The hot naked body that is kidnapped and that Quinn Jaxon gets to devour. The film came out in 2013, the year after Quinn made his appearance on FH. (HERE:)
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Sibling Saturdays: The Pric3lessTwinz
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Thespian Torsos
Just read this incredible torso is heading back to Salem. Not a huge fan of his politics, but love Austin's Pec (k) s...
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Favorite Pic of the Day for August 7th
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Without Regrets: David by Fotorebelxt Photography
First 2 images froM Bravo TV![]()
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'My whole life has been an adventure. Ever since I set out on my own, it's adventure after adventure.'
Earlier this year, I stumbled upon an episode of Below Deck Mediterranean. I was instantly hooked. Starting with season 5, I made my way backwards, binging the the series over the last several months. There were many things I loved about the show, including the many hotties who scrubbed down the deck and have enjoyed featuring some of my favorites on the site. (HERE:)
After cruising around the Mediterranean, I thought I'd give the Caribbean a go, and take a look the original Below Deck series which began the now popular franchise. I recently finished the show's first season which originally aired on Bravo back in 2013. You can feel the show is just starting to find it's footing, but most of the elements of the show that I liked are in place, including swoon worthy deck hands.
In Below Deck's first season, one of the hottest, and most interesting deck hands aboard The Honor was David Bradberry. Given how few gay yachties the show has featured, it was nice to see David featured so proximately in the shows first season. Not only is David incredibly beautiful, he had a fascinating back story. It's not often you find someone on a reality show with past careers ranging from being a marine, an actor, a model and as well had a brief stint in the adult film industry. David was also one of the only members of the crew involved in a serious relationship off the boat, something the show explored in one of the episodes late in the season.
Like many others, I really enjoyed getting to see the friendships that developed between David and the crew, especially his roommate, the adorable and hilarious Eddie Lucas. Eddie didn't seem to mind his gay roommate flirting with him, and joked with both David and the crew about how when David got dressed each morning, Eddie couldn't help but notice how hung, (like a horse) his roomie was.
In addition to his stint in season 1, David also returns in the shows third season for a few episodes after one of the crews deckhands is fired. I'm guessing David may have appeared in more seasons except that he was generally so well liked, he avoided most of the drama the producers liked to spotlight. Despite his varied careers and past, David was a nice guy, and not really that comfortable when things got ugly and mean between those he worked with. Although they occasionally offered support and acted as peace makers, David and Eddie usually kept their heads down, and just kept mopping those decks while drama swirled around them.
I was actually introduced to David Alanson long before meeting David Bradberry on Below Deck. Alanson was last name David used for his work as an actor. Some of you might remember David briefly appeared on FH back in 2016 when I spotlighted the gay films produced and created by Lime Street Entertainment. (HERE:) Previous that, I'd seen David's work as a model with one of my favorite photographers to feature, Alwin from Fotorebelxt Photography.
I first featured Alwin's work back in 2012, and have been lucky to have featured his imagery several times on the site since. (HERE:) I really admire the way Alvin contracts his images, especially his use of light and color. I also love how Alwin seems to so beautiful be able to capture a visual intensity within in his images with a heightened sense of drama and erotic urgency.
. 'In some ways, photographers are like painters. It takes years for their style to develop. At one point, however, everything seems to come together, and the strength of their body of work becomes evident. I consider every shot as an opportunity to experiment and push beyond my limits using various lighting techniques and lenses. '
Alwin, Fotorebelxt Photography
When I decided to feature David, I got in touch with Alwin about featuring their work together. Alwin checked back into his archives and found the raw files from his shoot with David. They connected at a Palm Springs Photo Festival that both attended, two years before David went Below Deck. The master photographer for the event was Greg Gorman who had assembled about a dozen photographers for an artistic nude workshop. There were 3 female and 2 mal models that posed over the the three day event
'The shoots were done in the studio, Joshua Tree National Park and at a Gorman's private home. All photographers were able to use their images from the workshop for their personal portfolio. Greg gave me the impression that he was trying to help David with his acting career by introducing him to his contacts. David told me he was in the Marines. However, he never mentioned his San Diego military porn work. He actually used his real name during Don't ask, Don't Tell.'
You can check out more of David, and a couple of his film roles on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
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Kevin Mayer : Déka, and Ten
French athlete Kevin Mayer is the world champion (2017), two-time Olympic silver medalist (2016 Rio de Janeiro) and world record holder in the Decathlon. Mayer went to win his second silver medal last week in Tokyo with Canada's Damian Warner taking the gold.
Warner finished the 10-discipline, two-day event with an Olympic record 9,018 points, Mayer battling back to take the silver with 8,726 points. Decathlon athletes have some the fittest bodies, Mayer is a perfect example of that.
In addition to his incredible body, Mayer also has a great face, which has also led to many modeling opportunities when he's not on the field or on the track. One Mayer's modeling jobs included doing a nude long jump for Athena. You can check out the (sadly overly blurred) video on Youtube HERE:
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Showbiz Kids:
'The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing'
Bill, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
Last year, HBO released the documentary, Showbiz Kids about the price associated with child stardom. I've always been interested in why some child stars struggle while some others seem to come through it relatively unscathed. I put in on my DVR last month, and finally got around to watching it this week.
The film was written and directed by Alex Winter, who started acting when he was 15. I have to admit, I haven't see any of the Billy & Ted movies, but I did crush over Alex in one of my favorite films, 1987's The Lost Boys. Alex, (then credited as Alexander) played Marko, one of the lost boys in David's (Kiefer Sutherlerland) pack of vamps. . I had mixed reactions to the film, and some of the actors Winter's chose to feature. Check out more about the film, and the actors involved, on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
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Seasonal Sightings
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