Shirt Off His Back: Pierson Hayes by Chris Teel

I have been featuring the work of Toronto based photographer Chris Teel for almost six years starting back in 2009. Even though I have posted dozens of stories featuring many of the incredible men Chris has shot, I always look forward to new work that he sends on. I love the anticipation as new images images download for me to check out.


When checking out his new work with Pierson Hayes, I first took notice of the Toronto model's great face, lips and eyes and of course those sensuous curves created by his long lean physique, back and backside. I then, got a bit thirsty....for a Pepsi. I especially loved the shots Chris included of Pierson in his white Pepsi t-shirt. I loved the poses, and shirts colors made this set of images especially pop out.


This had me thinking how magnificently Chris has incorporated fashion in so many of the shoots that I featured. Generally, clothes are not what stands out the most when discussing the male form, but Chris always manages to have his models unwear clothing in beautifully hot and erotic fashion. Clinging pieces of material that don't as much cover, but instead accentuate the male form.


Whether it be all the tank tops and jock straps, Matteo's hoodie, Quinn Jaxon's black gloves or Claudiu's white shirt and those jeans beautifully sliding down his butt, Chris always manages to use fashion as a way to reveal not just bodies, but pieces of personalities of the men he shoots.


In this set of images, you can feel Pierson's confidence, not to mention his undeniable sensuality. Through his face and eyes, Pierson appears to enjoy teasing and tempting the viewer, especially with the way he holds, and pulls down, his shirt and jeans. Seductively, Pierson uses his confidence, not to mention his limited clothing, to draw in the viewer.


Drawing in an audiences is nothing new for Pierson, a professional dancer, Pierson has been on tour with Rosette and as the opening act for AKon and Girlicious. Originally from Vancouver, Pierson is not based out of Toronto, working weekends as a DJ and MC at one of Toronto's hottest clubs, Remington's. Pierson's career is definitely on the rise and he is currently listed as one of the 'best new MC/Hosts' in the city.


Chris detected that confidence as soon as he and Pierson began working together. Both photographer and model enjoyed the experience with Pierson sharing that his work with Chris was not only very relaxed and comfortable but also noted Chris's immense professionalism. Chris shares that during the shoot Pierson was positive the two would be working together again and both Chris and Pierson are hoping to do just that very soon!