'The attention I've gotten has been pretty amazing. The funny thing is I did it as a whim when I was home one Saturday night with nothing to do. I thought that I would check out my old profile which basically didn't really exist anymore so...I had to do it over. The next morning my email box had close to 50 messages in it. Crazy!'
Those fifty messages aren't really a surprise to me, as when I first saw an image of Sean, I quickly messaged him myself. The image, from Jeff Beasley from flashframe was Sean sitting, leaning back with his jeans pulled partially down. I was struck by how the image combined the strength of Sean's amazing physique, his strong face and an erotic vulnerability that weaved both a depth as well as personality within the image.
The was something extra ordinary about Sean, his six foot frame, incredible body and chiselled facial features are reminiscent of one of the many superheroes I grew up looking up to and admiring. Sean however, did not bring on the thought of the usual suspects, Superman or Batman. It was not just the blonde hair, when I saw the image below, which has the effect of a incredible body ascending from the ocean depths, it was clear that Sean is exactly what I would picture a more mature Aquaman to look like.
Below: Next three images by flashframe
Sean grew up on the east end of Long Island and eventually moved into New York to attend NYU. While at NYU, Sean fell in love with the city and ended up staying for the next twenty years. Although he modeled a bit in New York, it wasn't until moving to LA when modeling began to take on a life of it's own. Sean's full time career is that of a fitness trainer, something he worked hard to build and really enjoys. He didn't really expect the kind of response he has gotten on Model Mayhem as it began as something for fun, a hobby and because he enjoys the artistic value of it.
At 44, Sean says his age has both helped and hindered at the same time. While the industry continues to want to book teenagers, still hopelessly trying to cover their acne, Sean has managed to carve out a niche for himself, working with some of the most celebrated photographers of the male form. Sean just got hired for a coffee table book featuring male physiques outdoors entitled 'Man, Naturally' from Dallas photographer Al George. Sean is also set to step in front of the lens of Robert W. Mercer. Robert is the photographer for Ripped Genes Calendars and Sean was one of the top picks to take part in their first over 40 calendar.
Diving back into the ocean for a moment, there was yet another reason Sean reminded me of King Of The 7 Seas. One can't spend time admiring Sean's incredible body without spending more than a few moments focused on the beast which seems to be swimming up and out of Sean's Hanes boxer briefs. Sean says the sharks origin began when he was unable to join his two best friends who were traveling to Greece. While there they both got shark tattoo's and when they returned, their gift to Sean was take him to get one as well.
'I was in Ibiza and there was a man doing henna tattoos on the beach so I got him to copy the shark onto me to try it out. I really liked it and I liked the connection I felt it brought the three of us. So... when I got back to the states I had it done. What I hadn't realized however was I had the tattoo artist do it much larger than my friends tattoos so when I showed them my new shark he looked at me and said "Oh my God. It's so big!" He pulled up his shirt and after looking at his, which was a third of the size of mine I told him that wasn't a shark it was a minnow and we were both hysterical over the whole thing.'
Next three images from HNS Imagery
'I think it fits me well. I also use it to judge my weight. When I put too much fat on it turns from a shark into a Killer Whale.'
Six For Sean:
What has been your favorite experience modeling thus far?
'I did this one photo shoot where it was as if I was doing a 5 hour yoga class on a table. It was physically challenging and all I could think about was holding the different positions. I was exhausted afterwards.'
Strangest modeling job offer so far?
'I've had requests to shoot different parts of my anatomy from all different angles and close-ups and the requests were very descriptive...'
What part of your body are you most happy with? What part gets the most attention from others?
'I guess my shoulders and chest. I get a lot of comments and compliments on my chest.'
What factors did you weigh before deciding to take it all off?
'I'm just getting, or trying to, used to being ok with full frontal nudity pics of myself. I thought of my family and friends, who is going to see the pics? Finally, I just thought "what do I care." I'm too old to worry about it. I set some boundaries and I am not doing anything I'm uncomfortable with. As long they don't stare too long.....'
Sean by John M Clum
What was your first time shooting nude like?
'It was good. I was a little nervous. But Matson Jones was really good at making me feel comfortable as if it was no big deal. He's pretty funny and high energy so it kept me distracted.'
And your reaction to first seeing the shot?
'I was shocked a little when I first saw it. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. I'm a pretty harsh critic on myself.'
Sean by Robert King
Sean by Matson Jones
