Above:
Jeremi by Ian Burgess (IFB)
-See more of Ian's work below-
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Happy Birthday today December 8th to:
Happy Birthday to:Bruno Santos (above), Ian Somerhalder, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Hufsey and Warren Cuccurullo.
Kudos to Chandler Massey
I have not had much time to watch much television lately but did begin setting my dvr to Days Of Our Lives again a few weeks ago after reading that the show finally officially committed to Will's coming out storyline. Chandler Massey seems like a great guy, sensitive and proud of the storyline and touching carefully but succinctly on the right notes of confusion, anger and pain. I have never seen, only read, about other soap opera coming outs but this one is hitting close to home for me and I look forward to watching it unfold.
Catharsis: IFB Photography
On stage and in film, Catharsis occurs after a moment of high tragedy usually at the climax of the performance. What follows is an emotional cleansing and purging for the characters and maybe more importantly, for the audience. This moment is a release of both physical and emotional tensions usually marking a turning point for a character. For directors, this is an important moment, one that often defines the 'story', summing up hours in just a few seconds. For a photographer, this moment can be equally as powerful. Ian Burgess from IFB is aware that you’re only as good as the end product. Ian is satisfied if each of his images tells a different story to each and every person who views it.
'Because my background originates from theatre and tv related graphic design, and subsequently working with actors, then my main focus in any photograph is that “the eyes have to say something”. An incredible looking model can be just that, but if there’s not tale or intent showing in their eyes – which you can only get with the right person and the right trust and connection between model and photographer – then you’ll get a technically good, very pleasant photograph that means absolutely nothing to anybody.'
It is important to Ian that his work appeal to a “universal” audience. The story, the models intent, their sexuality, can be whatever the viewer wants or needs it to be. This appeal is clearly evident in the images and models featured in this post. I love how Ian incorporates his experience working with actors and performance and the results are dramatic, theatrical images, using costume, set and pose to create images bursting with emotion and urgency.
I asked Ian to share a few words about the images and models I chose to include:
Adam Coussins
'Adam Coussins is one of those most accomplished and reliable models I’ve ever had the pleasure to shoot, he appeals to a massive audience: guys want to be his best mate and go for a drink, girls want to fantasize what they’d do with him, and gay guys want to do exactly the same! Once you’re into the swing of a photo session, the ideas start feeding back, so they tend to be hugely productive – when a model knows the way you work, then they know (like a code or shorthand) what you expect. And he’s a great looking guy with perfect body shape to light and work with.'
Harsh
'I’ve only worked with Harsh once. A very charming, quietly professional model from London. As I was due to be photographing slightly differently, using costumes designed by a really incredible stylist Neil Fisher, the model and styles needed to create their own story, and as Harsh is both an actor and model, then as we’d been talking about maybe doing some work together, suddenly it seemed the right time. It was a long photo session, but I don’t think I heard one complaint and I think I’ll explore a series of these “fantasy exotic stylings” more in the future.'
Haydn
'Probably my all time favourite model. He works exclusively for me and was one of those rare occasions where you see someone working in everyday life and think, well, I’ll just face a smack in the mouth for suggesting it – but just asked if he would model for me. He checked with his girlfriend, checked my work and agreed. The good thing is, you really can throw him a challenge, if the waters cold, he’ll look you in the eye, call you all the name sunder the sun and then just get on with it – I like that and respect that. He’s got great male model look anyway, and a natural style that changes with his moods and where he is with his life, works hard, drinks hard and enjoys life to the full. Pretty much a good mate now but also still modelling, so I will be doing a whole new series of work in 2012 with him – and I can’t wait!'
Tim
'Tim is another very shy, normal everyday guy who I had seen working. It’s tricky explaining to someone why you think they could work as a model, but just people walking past would stop and stare at him, I think the big soulful eyes, great styling too. So he stripped for series of photographs, predominantly for a calendar. We used an amazing location, not a set, someone’s actual house and it worked so well, as soon as you walked in you could feel the creativity there – the house belongs to an incredible singer/songwriter, and everything in the place just clicked, I could have spent forever photographing in there, and have in fact used it again for a chocolate advertising campaign I worked on.'
I had seen Ian's incredible work with Nick & Adam before, but this shot of Tim was the image which had me reach out to the artist about a profile. I loved Tim's expression, the dramatic surroundings, and or course how Ian chose to shoot 'Tim' both subtly and overtly.
Nick Wolanski
'Nick Wolanksi is another one of those “ticks the boxes” models. He’s not only incredibly experienced in modelling, both in the UK, America and Europe, he’s also used his experience in working in the adult industry to understand it, use his brain and has a great future ahead. He’s still only young, but done so much, great musician and DJ, I’ve seen him wow the crowds in some of the biggest clubs in London, and was surprised how well this Scottish powerhouse worked the crowds. Because he’s 100% reliable, and sees it as his side of the job to get himself into shape when he knows he’s doing a shoot, there is NO situation, set up or location that you can’t throw at him that won’t make him crack up with laughter, then strip off and give you 100%.'
Ian Burgess Official Site:
IFB on ModelMayhem:
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Turn Around: The Photography of Frank Bell
If you check out FH on any type of a regular basis you already know I have a, lets just say affinity, for beautiful butt shots. I can't tell you how many times a photographer has sent me a set of shots to showcase that has frontal after frontal without a great rear view. Thankfully, Frank Bell's portfolio is not one of them. The Atlanta photographer's images were so full of incredible posterior poses it was an easy decision to make them my focus.
There was one particular derrière that stood out to me and the model is featured in many of the shots shown here. One of the things I loved so much about Frank's work with the model was the element of mystery and of reveal in each image. We are seeing a lot, but yet not all. I am not a huge fan of 'tease' within imagery, teasing always has an element, even if a small one, of cruelty or taunting. Standing naked with a hand over your crotch is an much overused and almost insulting pose unless the hand eventually is removed. Don't get me wrong, I fully respect a model who does not wish to show all, but I think there is a clear difference between 'teasing' the viewer and leaving a little to the imagination. It is usually crystal clear by looking at an image what the intent is.
Frank Bell's intent is not subtle or hidden, he is shooting butts meant to be enjoyed. Frank says that the model used in many of these images came from an extremely conservative, religious family who he was living with when the shoot took place. He was clear with Frank that he would not pose nude yet surprised himself as he discovered how much he enjoyed showing his body. He ending up initiating being naked for each of their two shoots. With the rear views, Frank was able to capture some hot images while supporting the model to safely express and explore a side he usually kept covered and suppressed.
'I love to capture the natural beauty of my models. I never use any makeup. I take great care with my lighting and post production in order to capture the model's beauty.'
'I almost never get models from Model Mayhem. People there are not serious. They will send me a hundred messages about posing, but will never pick up the phone and make an appointment. I meet almost all of my models in the real world. I meet them in malls, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. I directly approach them and ask them to pose. I offer to let them see samples of my work. I am a huge man, very intimidating in appearance at 6'5" and nearly 400 lbs. So I have to be somewhat charming when I ask models to pose, since most are scared to death of my size! I shoot in a small space in my house, next to my grand piano and computer center. One of my favorite sayings is that "all photography is an illusion." When I show my work to prospective models and they say "I don't look that good," I say "Neither does the guy in the picture! I just captured him at the right instant - all photography is an illusion!"
Frank Bell
Now I am not sure if in the quote above, Frank's mention of a grand piano stood out to any of you. When I profile an artist however, I am always seeking out the nexus between the images and the artist. I am not exactly sure how important Frank's mention of his size factors into his work, but it is obvious Frank is aware of how his presence can may impact those around him. The grand piano is not only one of the largest, but can also be both imposing, and certainly one of the most impressive, musical instruments there is. I grew up around musical people and believe me you need a pretty impressive living room to surround a grand and it impacts everything that surrounds it, unusually by either complimenting, or overshadowing it.
Frank's surroundings are not only occupied by beautiful behinds, but by pianos, pianists and musical artistry. Frank is a highly regarded expert on Romantic virtuoso piano music and has recorded and produced with the world's finest pianists in both in the studio and in live concerts for decades. Virtuoso comes from the Latin, virtus meaning, skill, manliness and excellence. Frank, The Virtuoso Pianist, has produced and recorded concerts in major concert halls extending from Washington D.C.'s The Kennedy Center to Miami's Gusman Center. His recordings have been broadcast nationally and are a television series, The Virtuoso Pianist, which airs frequently on the Arts & Entertainment Network (A&E).
Believe me, although I knew it was wrong, it was difficult to stop myself from trying to tie 'virtuoso' with some form of the word 'butt' in the profile title but thankfully, I self censored! Thank you Frank for sharing your work and your stories with FH. You can check out more of Frank's work on ModelMayhem HERE and also check out Frank's work featured in Bruno Gmünder's 2006 book Night Visions.
Ten From Tell
'I never saw myself being a model. I was always the class clown and a goofball. I thought if anything I would be a comedian or a comedic writer. When people asked me to model for them or their company it shocked me.'
Tell Perry
Tell Perry knows he may not be an obvious choice to be a male model. No bulging muscles or perfectly defined jaw line. What Tell does have that shines through each photo is his incredible smile and infectious personality which draw people to him.
The Indiana model is a performer and strives for perfection in anything takes on. This is not just in modeling, but athletics, running cross country or playing soccer through dancing and singing, Tell gives his all to each and every performance
Given the Tell is just starting out in the business I thought it would be interesting to find a bit out about his perceptions of his experiences so far.
Q-Tell me about the first time you stepped in front of a camera professionally.
The first time I stepped in front of a camera professionally was for a little photography company my Senior year of high school. I had absolutely no confidence until the photographer, Casi Leisure, began to cry and get excited over the quality of the photos. It was an amazing feeling, to see a professional get so excited over work that involved me.
Q-Do you see modeling as a career or as part of the big picture of where you’re going?
I could see modeling as a career for sure. It's the end result I love the most. The clothes, the compliments, and the locations are fun, but the end results of both the photographer and the model are always rewarding.
Q-You’re also a performer, how much does performing play a role within your modeling?
Performing plays a huge part in shooting. It helps with feeling comfortable. You're asked to show emotions you don't exactly feel at the time. Performing in front of thousands is overwhelming, performing in front of a single person is a lot more intimate.
Q-Model Mayhem is a great way to connect with others in the industry. What is the most interesting request you have had since joining the site?
Model Mayhem is so addicting and fun. I meet such interesting people on there along with very interesting requests...the most interesting one has been a photographer asking to shoot photos of me in complete clown attire. I had to refuse cause the weekend conflict...had It worked out, I would have done it in a heartbeat...it sounded so intriguing.
Q-What is the oddest request?
The oddest request I was given was to take photos mourning over graves in a graveyard. I had to decline. Out of respect for others I didn't want to mourn the life of someone I didn't know.
Q-What factors went into deciding whether or not to shoot nude?
I always look at the photographers past work before deciding to take my clothes off or not. There is a clear line between beautiful nudity even erotic photos and porn. There are some photographers who tasteful do nudity, and other photographers who will you get you naked for their own sexual interest, which is apparent in some of their photos.
Q-How did you feel during your first nude shoot?
My first nude I was nervous, but the photographer, Scott Barnes, was SO amazing and was completely professional. He was a great mentor and I look back now and couldn't be more happy that the first photographer I did nudity with was him. He is an amazing artist.
All images above by DSquared Photography
Q-Is there a model whose work you especially admire?
Oddly enough... I admire Alex Pettyfer, he is well known for his roles in movies like Beastly and I Am Number Four, but his photo work is amazing. He is so handsome and so engaging, it's easy to get jealous of him.
Below: Tell by Scott Barnes
Q-What photographer would you most like to work with?
There are so many photographers I would love to work for. Paul Reitz being one! I had plans to work with him in November/December but unfortunately school got in the way.
Q-What would be your fantasy dream shoot?
My fantasy dream shoot would be a male version of fairy tales. Two men playing fairy tale couples like 'Cinderella and Prince Charming' or 'Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming'. Two men, no dresses. I think that would be so fun.
Tell Perry on ModelMayhem
Tell Perry's blog
Monday, December 5, 2011
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