.:[Double Click To][Close]:.
Popular Post

Favorite Pic of the Day for June 11th


Above:
Steven, one of my favorite shots by Jon Seneca from JSGPhotography
-See more of Jon's work below-

Happy Birthday today June 11th to:


Above:
Soccer player and model Ramirez Allender turns 29 today.
Check out more to today's birthday boys HERE:

Thumbs Down:


I always thought he was like Jerry Lewis, possibly found brilliant in other countries. I felt this because I had not really ever found anything he did even remotely entertaining or funny. Yet... people who I did enjoy and respect kept calling him some kind of genius. I thought maybe I just didn't get it. He was the main reason I could never stomach 30 Rock. Unfunny is one thing, dangerous is another.

No Beginning And No End: Philip by Jon Seneca



'Beauty is a form of genius -- is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation. It is of the great facts in the world like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in dark water of that silver shell we call the moon.'
Oscar Wilde



I am not sure if I search for great artistry or whether it finds me. Regardless, when I see work I love, I get excited to see more, to learn more and to explore more out about the artist who created it. This is exactly what happened when I came upon the work of Jon Seneca from JSGPhotography. A couple of weeks ago I was searching for shots for a possible future feature on model Benjamin Godfre. A couple of clicks later I landed on Jon's ModelMayhem page and fell instantly in love with his work.




Often it is light that is talked about in connection to photography. Lately I find myself instead being interested in the dark. Jon's use of dark creates beautiful, erotic and emotional images with the light focused exactly where it should be, on the body, the subjec. Although Jon shoots in a variety of styles, there was something that stood out in the way in which he presented the 'dark' images on his page. I guess I identify more with adjectives which are usually associated with dark; night, secrecy, concealed, obscure and mysterious are far more interesting to me than bright and sunny. Mysterious is also how photographer Jon Seneca describes Philip, the model featured in here. 'He is an amazingly beautiful model.'.




'I shoot because its what I love to do. Some people don't get my approach, thats fine I'm not seeking approval. My success in making amazing shots is pretty much dependent on working with beautiful and interesting models.'

Jon says he is inspired by the work of photographers Hedi Slimane, Paul Reitz, Kris Kelly and Richard Avedon to name a few. Like Jon's work each of these photographers has the ability to simply and beautifully focus so directly on their subjects.

'I feel the need to document something beautiful in every subject I shoot, whether it be the amazing eyes of a 40 year old cracked out street walker to the perfectly sculpted abs of a 20 year old body builder. It's compulsory'



The quote that I began with by Oscar Wilde is one of Jon's favorites and permeates his work. Jon's website is entitled The Jon Seneca project and Jon says the project is one that has no beginning and has no end. 'I am constantly evolving as an artist. I use photography to document beauty in such a way as to offer insight.'

Jon Seneca on Twitter
Also check out more of Jon's work on his website HERE: & on Model Mayhem.

Dylan Rosser's tMf: Less Fashion-More Skin



'Male nude photographers seems to do their own thing, quietly trying to make some money by selling prints and books. I’m more than happy to bring attention to these guys and hopefully promote their work.'
Dylan Rosser from his recent interview with my friend Brenton Parry from Aussielicious

Over the past several years Dylan Rosser has become one of the most successful photographers of the male form. Dylan's online presence is impressive and his site THE MALE FORM is one of the most popular destinations of fans of beautiful men beautifully photographed. I long ago stopped being surprised when researching a model for a profile that shots from Dylan would be apart of their portfolio.


Above:Bassili Hendy

Amazingly hot shots are not the sole reason for Dylan's popularity. Dylan has wisely and carefully forged a community of support by reaching out to not only models, but fellow photographers and maybe most importantly lovers of the male form.

Dylan was one of the first photographers to contact FH when the blog began. Dylan's first contact with me was not about being on my site but a request about an image he wanted off. Dylan then went on to work with me to provide what I needed for my post that was in keeping with the direction he was so carefully following. Since then, Dylan not only maintains regular communication with myself (and a host of other blog/site owners) with updates and news he is also quick to respond anytime I have a question, request or assistance with a profile. Last year Dylan began bringing on guest photographers on THE MALE FORM again enlarging his community and offering his stage and vast audience for fellow photographers to share in the spotlight. Most interesting, but not surprising has been how this community rallies to support the artist when needed. Dylan used some of this support this past year by pulling and using quotes from those who support his site making them a small part of it.

Dylan brings some of the best of this community together for his new project tMf, a new online magazine which provides talented artists and models another platform to show their work. The launch issue includes a hot cover shoot with model Matt, plus interviews and portfolios with among others model Max Rhyser and top photographers like Rick Day, Walter Kurtz, Mark Henderson, Kurt R. Brown, and many others.

Be sure to check out tMf which launched this week. If the issue is a success Dylan promises we will see more!

Below:
Matt


Given tMf is all about community I decided to talk to a few of those Dylan features in the first issue. Cover boy Matt is new to the business but is serious about his work and his career. Matt loves the simplicity in Dylan's work. Matt says it was natural, without complications. Matt says working with Dylan was a pleasure and what he liked best was knowing the results were going to be quality.

'My favorite shot is when I'm looking out the window and I'm naked. I just love the outline of my body and the lighting was perfect.'
Matt

Below: Max Rhyser


Actor and model Max Rhyser shares with tMf his experiences as a model, actor and spiritual healer.

'Dylan is very calm and quiet, somewhat graceful as is his work. He's a great guy, centered which makes him really easy to work with. Our shoots have always felt very casual and relaxed.'

Max says that what he loves about Dylan's work is that it is'clean, tight, simple, elegant... simply beautiful'. Max admits that that he did not do his homework when he first worked with Dylan and says the visibility he obtained came as a great surprise. Dylan is the only photographer Max has posed naked for and was thrilled with the results. Max and Dylan also shot an extensive underwear series that have become Max's favorites. You can see all of Dylan's work with Max (including the shot below) on THE MALE FORM.



Below: Poolside with Mark Henderson


I have enjoyed the work of photographer Mark Henderson for many years. Mark is a color and lighting master and his work, both exterior and in studio, always have me feeling tropical and most certainly hot. Mark discusses his new book Poolside with Dylan and shares some of his wettest shots! I asked Mark about the connection between water and the sensuality within his work.

'To be honest, images shot by the pool are a relatively recent addition to my repertoire and represent a fairly small (but growing) part of my work, most of which is shot indoors. But photographing models by my pool and in my back garden has allowed me to further explore and experiment with lush, saturated color, which has always been an important element in my images. The way the pool water reflects numerous shades of greens, blues, and yellows, depending upon the weather and the time of day, adds an expressive quality to the images that I wouldn't be able to recreate indoors.'

Mark says that he greatly admires the fact Dylan brings an editorial-style sophistication and polish to the appearance of his images.

'This sophistication, combined with a forthright, honest depiction of the fully nude and eroticized male figure.It's a tough balancing act that few photographers attempt and even fewer do well.'

Be sure to obtain your own copy of Poolside HERE:



Below: The work of Walter Kurtz


Walter Kurtz and his work have always been exciting and fascinating to follow. It is filled with artistry, intense sexuality and has a layer not many artists are able to tap into. The dichotomy of mixing both pleasure and pain, joy and sadness, fantasy and dark reality. Walter's work blends these complexities better than any. In tMf, Walter discusses his struggles with motivation over the past couple of years (a place of frustration and immobility) and his return and need to do something different.

He also has a hilariously dark and witty sense of humor that brings me many regular laughs. His responses to my questions (which I would not even consider editing) give you a bit of a taste.

What is it about Dylan's work that speaks to you?

Ugh, please don't make me talk about another artist's work! I hate doing that. No matter what you say, it always comes off trite and contrived. Let me talk about Dylan "THE MAN". He's a true gentleman and, other than myself (of course), possibly the nicest photographer working today.

Your new work has a focus on black and white and 'arsty fartsy' (Walter's words) as you call it. Tell me about the change and tell me your signature black and orange theme is not gone for good!

It's not black and ORANGE! You need to get your monitor calibrated!! LOL

It's actually golden. I HATE looking at my work on other people's computers because it's VERY color specific and if the monitors haven't been calibrated the pics look awful. The best thing is to see my prints in person. I can't tell you how many people have said to me "Oh, NOW I get it!" after seeing the prints.

If you read the interview Dylan's going to include it explains all of that. But the highly condensed version is that I burned out and wanted to do something new. I still shoot in my signature but very rarely. Right now black and white film is my focus.


Whether black, golden (orange!) or black and white it is great to see new work coming from Walter Kurtz!



Check out more from each of these talented artists as well as many others on tMf

Favorite Pic of the Day for June 9th


It's Thursday and today with the launch of Marlen Boro's new project we get to know a little more about the man behind the lens!
-Read All About it below-

Happy Birthday today June 9th to:


Happy Birthday today to Jean Galfione (above), Andrew W. Walker, and Cameron Bunce, Gildas Verbist, Michael J. Fox and Johnny Depp HERE:

Marvin's Room: Behind the Curtain of Boro's Boudoir

I feel more than blessed to have found the work of photographer Marlen Boro at the beginning of the year. Each week since then, myself and the readers of FH have been granted access to Marlen's work with some of the most incredible shots of some of the hottest models. The Gentlemen of Marlen Boro has not just become a regular and popular part of FH, Marlen has become someone I have grown to truly admire and respect. There is no pretense about Marlen's work. It is, in his own words, sexy, playful, witty, sometimes intense and most of all fun.

This week Marlen shares with FH thoughts on his work, losing models to the big cities, the industry in general and his new project, Male Boudoir. In an industry often based on repetition (much in the form of flattery), finding a new way to present the male form is not an easy task. Having worked closely with Marlen on many features the past six months I am keenly aware of how much work and the immense patience that went into deciding on just the right direction to take his talents. Check out the new site for yourself and I am sure you will agree that he has found that new way!



FH: When I contact a photographer about a feature it is usually because one particular photo grabbed me. With You it was Dominic and his amazing butt standing at the bathroom sink. Curious as if you were surprised at what shot in your port stood out to me?

Of course - but I’ve come to realize and appreciate that we each respond to different images.

FH: Were you familiar with blogs/sites like FH before my email. Had you reached out to any?

Absolutely familiar - but no, I hadn’t contacted anybody yet. I remember excitedly telling Cory (my husband) about your initial email and his response: “Umm... I’ve been bugging you for how long to submit your work??”




FH: Once we began a weekly feature the first person showcased was Moretti. Moretti has such sexuality literally bursting out of the images. Is this ‘energy’ something that is present during the shooting or is it something you bring out?

Cory assures me that it’s something I help my models and clients tap into.


FH: Now when I think of the world of male models and photographers I don’t instantly think of North Dakota. In fact I think you were the first from that area whom I featured on FH. What is the scene like there, is there much competition, model selection, opportunities.

I was raised in North Dakota, but Minnesota is home - and the men here are gorgeous. I’d say there’s a friendly rivalry among the photographers who focus on men - we each have really different styles.


FH: Marlen, I know you invest in those you work with. What is the best and the worst part of being invested in those you work with?

Best #1 - becoming friends with so many interesting (and hot!) guys. Best #2 - the images - it’s not just camera settings and stock poses - my models and clients know that I care about them as people - and I think it shows in the authenticity of the images.



FH: Given you’re in North Dakota I am aware at some point the models you work with obtaining some sort of success eventually move to New York or LA. What is this like for a photographer, especially one involved in some of the crucial beginning stages?

Regardless of whether they find commercial success or not, I love seeing new models grow into their own skin and learn to work their magic with the camera.


FH: It is interesting to me that big agencies often try to erase a models local past and give them a new name and ‘act’ like they discovered them off the bus in NY or Miami. Truth be told it is the work done locally that usually gets their attention. Have you ever had an issue with an agency trying to ‘bury’ a models earlier local work with you?

Of course - but I really don’t care anymore. Modeling agencies have a job to do - and here in Minnesota that’s landing paying gigs for Target and Best Buy. So scrubbing portfolios is part of what they do.


Above: Stefan

FH: So, I know you have another job, one of those jobs which requires a suit, briefcase and tie. How, why and when does the fact you spend much of your time shooting hot guys come up in casual conversation around the photocopier?

My legal clients quickly become friends and my male boudoir work usually comes up when we talk about photography (most of my clients are other photographers). Most folks are pretty shocked - especially considering how unapologetically sexual many of the images are.


FH: Speaking of shooting hot guys, is it hard for your husband when he knows the next 4 or 5 hours of your day is going to be spent with one or even two great looking naked men?

Cory’s my biggest fan and source of encouragement. And as much as I care about photography or any of my clients/models, none of that matters compared to him - and he knows it. Do I get sympathy from him if it’s been a long day of photographing hot guys? Never. ;)



FH: On the subject of naked men (and it is a great subject) curious as to whether there is an unplanned or embarrassing moment that stands out most to you while in the middle of a shoot?

So... when everything just magically comes together - the light, the pose, the expression - sometimes I laugh with glee. The first time I caught myself laughing, the model was buck naked - understandably, he didn’t realize that my laughter was a compliment. (so now I mention it before each shoot)



FH: Some photographers use digital magic to make pecs look harder, penis’ look longer and thighs look leaner. How do you feel about using this technology to change the appearance of a shot or a model?

I use it - but hopefully you can’t tell when/where - it’s not integral to my style, but it can be tremendously helpful to an image - especially with my boudoir clients -not everybody has a perfectly flat stomach.


FH: Speaking of other photographers, who are your inspirations and why?

Apart from the obvious (Maplethorpe, Tom Bianchi, Rick Day, [insert 30+ other amazing photographers that you frequently feature and I follow them all], it’s Anna Kuperberg - she’s an amazing wedding photographer (and adorable lesbian!) from the Bay Area - she has this rare ability to capture both architectural beauty and genuine emotion. And John Waters - he’s not really a photographer, but I love his unapologetic uniqueness and his naughty sense of humor.

FH: When I profile a shoot from Marlen Boro I usually end up with a wee crush on the model by the time the profile is ready to post. Even if the photos don’t instantly jump out at me, communicating with the model, getting to know them beyond the photos often has me looking at the shots differently. Has this happened with you?

Of course - most of the guys I work with are amazing, interesting individuals - and I always appreciate how your blog postings help introduce these guys more fully!


Above: Trench

FH: Has there ever been a model you really loved, who was very hot who was just not able to transfer that ‘in person’ heat onto film?

Thankfully no - although there are models who have a difficult time believing they are hot. Jesse, for example, still can’t accept/believe that he’s stunning.
That said, I think this goes back to your Moretti question - and it’s a function of my philosophy background. I don’t believe there’s some metaphysical, ultimate beauty that we as artists should strive to replicate. I work to find each man’s unique sexiness - the poses and facial expressions that work best for him - and help him learn how to show that to the camera (and hopefully also in life).


FH: Do you have a favorite shoot? A favorite idea that turned out better than you had envisioned?

My favorite shoot is the Swan Song - the goodbye to my old condo - an amazing day spent with two of my favorite collaborators - creating and capturing these moments of raw sexuality. Happiest surprise? It’s a tie between the pink panties that Moretti wore and the red rhinestones which crowned Max Dennis’s penis.


Above: Andy and Trench from Swan Song

FH: Most of the famous photographers of the male form make their living with books, calendars, the odd selling of a print. In NY and LA they can make money shooting headshots for agencies. How does one in ND make sure they are not going to go broke following their passion? Gentlemen of Marlen Boro was really meant to be an 18 month calendar BTW!

By practicing law part-time. In all seriousness, I love being a lawyer and I have amazing clients - so now I have the best of both worlds with my hybrid career.


Above and Below: Jack & Jesse





FH: Tell me about your new focus and your new site. Where did the idea come from?

My new site is MaleBoudoir.com and my focus is on custom “boudoir” photoshoots for men. Women have been doing these boudoir shoots for years - frequently as a wedding present for a fiance or a “I’m still sexy at 40” shoot of self-celebration. I provide these shoots for men - so whether it’s a gift for a partner/spouse, a reward to celebrate a fitness milestone, or a “I won’t be in my early-40s forever” - that’s where I come in.

My mentor, Verna, and Cory have each been bugging me for years to explore this idea more fully - but things gelled this spring when I attended a workshop by Critsey Rowe of CoutureBoudoir.com - she’s amazing - she flies around the US (and Europe!) doing these stunning boudoir photoshoots with lovely ladies.

Critsey looked through my work and told me I was thinking too narrowly by focusing on Minnesota - that I needed to think bigger - go national.

And in reworking my site, it also led to a realization - I don’t want to be a fashion photographer - I no longer want to be “the Rick Day of the Midwest” (even though I do adore his work) - I don’t care if I ever get published in DNA magazine. My strength lies in relishing the diversity of men and tailoring each shoot to my client’s physique and his personality - and then capture images of remarkable candor and sexiness - and that’s what I intend to be known for.

I explain it more on MaleBoudoir.com - you’ve worked out for years and spent how much money and time to create this body - and then what? Hire a local photographer who usually shoots women, uses soft lighting and teasing/forced poses? Look back in 20 years at all these keen iPhone photos of you posing in front of the bathroom mirror? You deserve better.


FH: Where are you hoping the site might take you?

Frankly, everywhere across the country (and Europe!), working with men who realize that it’s time to celebrate themselves.



FH: So the phone rings and it’s an agency requesting you do some nudes of three of their hottest models. Which 3 models you have never shot would you hope they might be?

Mark Wahlberg, Francois Sagat and either Mark Salling (Puckerman) or Darren Criss (Blaine) from Glee (better yet, both of them together...)

Happy Birthday today June 8th

Love actor Mark Feurstein who turns 40 today.
Check out more of today's birthday boys HERE:



Below: Mark in 'Once And Again'.

Just Because:



Just Because:
I am a little sad that I am missing the Glee tour this summer. This of course led to feeling a little pathetic as I am in my thirties. This...again turned into a little sadness. This...was nothing a little Chord Overstreet cannot fix!

Favorites: Aaron Lee Smith



I have this little rule I try to follow that when I profile a model, a photographer an artist, I try to limit the shots I use to about 10 or 12. Often I will push it to 15 but it is rare I go much beyond that. I do this as I try to make FH more than just a 'picture posting' blog so try to ensure I maintain somewhat of a balance between photos and text. When putting together my profile today of model Aaron Lee Smith that was pretty much impossible. My 34 initial shots became 30, then 25 then I thought screw it. I figured since Aaron was nice enough to take my favorites questionnaire I could simply cheat and separate the post into two parts. The shots in this first section are my favorites of Aaron by Chris Gosses from Gosses Photography.




Favorites:
Aaron Lee Smith:


Nickname: Big A
Pet as a kid: German shepherd named Poochie
TV Show: I don't watch television
Favorite movie: 9 to 5
Favorite Actress: Reese Witherspoon
Cartoon character: Tom & Jerry
Halloween Costume:Punk rocker
Singer: Madonna
Food: Pizza!
Restaurant: Little mom & pop place called, Lola's Pizza in Charleston, WV
Drink: I love beer but also a weakness for dirty martini's
Subject in school: show choir under the direction of David Legg
Celebrity twin: That guy from the biggest loser, the trainer, so I am told.
Celebrity crush: Linda Carter
Moment in High School: When I realized that not being popular really wasn't so bad...


The Shirt Off His Back..... Aaron Lee Smith



Besides incredible mountains (it is the Mountain State), the coal industry and white water rafting, West Virginia has a rich political history. On June 20th, 1863 Abraham Lincoln declared the northwestern portion of Virginia to be returned to the Union, and West Virginia became the 35th state. I think at some point in the future West Virginia might also be known as the home of Aaron Lee Smith.



On the surface 34 year old Aaron Lee Smith fits the country boy stereotype to a T. This first series of shots (from Hunter Shelton) showcases more than just Aaron's amazing chest. Fields, hay, ripped jeans, t-shirt, no shirt at all, in this series of shots, Hunter captures the 'country boy' look to perfection. But like with most stereotypes, there is much more to Aaron Lee Smith.



Aaron keeps in shape by lifting weights and usually keeps working out until they kick him out of the gym. Aaron always tries his best and says he would give almost anybody in need the shirt off his back. Although he loves his home State, Aaron is looking to view new horizons beyond those West Virginia mountains, This creative soul says a future move might be coming down the road.

'I love music, writing and learning something new. I practice positive affirmations and maintain an open mind and keep an open heart.'
Aaron Lee Smith



Aaron is a person who believes that anything is possible. This positive attitude has served Aaron well. While some modelling agencies seem for some reason to have an affinity for 16 year olds with mannequin type bodies, Aaron, at 33 recently signed his first 2 year contract with a Modeling Agency. (Directions USA). I am not sure what took so long as Aaron's great face, amazing body and attitude certainly command attention. I respect Aaron sticking with it and am sure positive things will follow with the right exposure.

'This experience came to fruition through the power of positive thinking and the separation from a negative past. If you believe in yourself....so will everyone else.'

You can check out more of Aaron's work on ModelMayhem HERE:




Each of the incredible shots above by Hunter Shelton

Below: Aaron by C.S King.



Below: Aaron by Julian Vankim
Check out my profile last month on FH of Julian's work HERE:



Remaining images from Robert Mercer of Fashion Enterprises 3
-Aaron was a part of Robert's Ripped Genes calendar which you can find more about at the link above.