'My name is Tony, and I'm ready to shoot. I have a love for creativity, style, and grace. I'm looking for photographers who are ready to go to the next level.'
My first thought when seeing images of Los Angeles model and musician Tony K Welch was how suave and sexy he comes across in photos. Tony exudes a sort of a retro-cool feel like he would be right at home hanging with Frank, Dean, Sammy and the rest of The Rat Pack. Besides a great face and incredible body, Tony has the most beautiful Brown eyes that express both determination and confidence. For Tony, the ultimate goal is making music. It's in his blood and flows through every part of his body, (including the arm tattoo) and soul.
10 For Tony:
1. Who or what got you started with modeling?
Tyson Beckford is the person that encouraged me to model. His photos are always eye-catching and daring. I knew that I wanted to model when I became an adult.
2. What has been your favorite experience modeling thus far?
If I had to choose, I'd say the creative process. Each shoot that I've has been a collaboration; even with my first shoot. It's great when creative minds come together for one common goal.
3. Any strange or interesting stories from any shoots?
Yes I have. I did this roof-top shoot in Hollywood a few weeks back. Some people decided that they wanted to throw a BBQ. It was a cloudy, windy day; definitely not BBQ weather, but they insisted on staying upstairs. So instead of cooking, they spent 2 hours just watching me and making comments. It was starting to get creepy after they watched me change my shirt. I knew it was time to go lol
4. What has your experience on ModelMayhem been like? Any strange offers or requests?
Wow, Model Mayhem has definitely been AN experience. I've met a lot of great people on the network. The moderators have been jerks at times, but oh well. I've had some strange offers: Porn, body paint, and fetish shoots. All of that is great but that is not something that I want to do.
5. What factors did you weigh before deciding to take it all off?
Taking it all off? I'm assuming that you're referring to nude shots. I knew that once I posted a photo it would go everywhere. So at first, I was EXTREMELY apprehensive. It wasn't until this one music producer that I was working with told me. "we all have body parts, it's just a human body. People need to deal with it". Ever since then, I've been a lot more free with expressing myself.
6. Did the response from friends/family enter into your decision?
No, not at all. I have never sought approval so I've been freely expressing myself since I was a child. I've had some family members and friends that didn't like pictures that I've taken, but that's something I walk away from. We all get one life, it's up to us to live it up.
Next 3 images via iBrandImaging
They're so many, but one that currently stands out is Matthew Rolston. He's shot Janet Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, and so many others. His work is eye-catching and fun.
8.What part of your body are you most happy with? What part gets the most attention from others?
Wow, that's a different question lol. If I had to choose one I would like to say my legs. I had chicken legs for most of my life so to have muscular legs makes me feel great. So yes, I do wear "short" shorts at times lol.
9. Where do you want modeling to eventually take you?
I would eventually want modeling to take me into a music career. It's one of the toughest businesses to crack, so I hoping that modeling takes me there.
10. What would your dream scenario be for a shoot?
One of my dream scenario's I'm actually shooting tomorrow; a nude beach shoot.
Check out more of Tony (and hopefully soon the results of the beach shoot...) on ModelMayhem HERE: Instagram HERE:& Goggle+ HERE:
Also check out Tony on Youtube including his moves to TLC's Fanmail HERE:
