Things You should NOT do Naked!

There are many things we can do that much more fun when naked. There are other activities which really do require clothes. In trying to research the idea for this post I was pleasantly surprised to find examples of images all in one place. Playgirls 1973 Man of The Year Greg Wainwright looks great doing almost anything. Although I applaud the creativity of the people behind Greg's layout, beyond the swimming and the running I would love to ask Greg what he was thinking as some these shots were set up.



Skinning dipping and running on the beach yes....
But... with much love to PG this particular shoot cracked me up!



Hanging with your 70's lady (who today must be pretty close to 70...)

Running with your dog...those teeth...that penis...too close too close!

Biking?

Running a dozer?

Repairing a roof.. What about the tar?

Hammering...

Using an electric saw?

Classic Playgirl: 1986-Daniel Cook

Daniel Cook

Playgirl: June 1986

Photographed by Norma Thom







If your read FH on a regular basis you know I like to look back at Classic Playgirl models and spreads. In looking at some past issues online, it appears that during the 80's the magazine was trying to get those readers of The Harlequin Romance with muted lighting, wispy white lace curtains and men who were safe, gentle and above all romantic. Not sure it drew in the women readers but then bartender and model Daniel Cook is certainly beautiful to look at. 23 at the time of the shoot, the Delaware native describes his ideal fantasy as;



'To get stranded on a island in the South Pacific with half a dozen of New York's finest female models. It would certainly help out if a case of Dom Perignon was stranded with us'



I love the quotes used, had to share a few more!







'I never fall "in like" with a woman-I am completely consumed'







I like to stroll along the beach or take my lover in my arms just because.







'I am energetic when it comes to work, but gentle and very accommodating when it comes to love.'

1992

In 1992 Bill Clinton defeated George H. W. Bush to become the 42nd President of the United States, Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially separate, the Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off on it's maiden voyage, the first Nicotine patch is introduced, the Summer Olympics take place in Barcelona, Spain and rioting broke out in L A following the acquittal of four white police officers accused of beating Rodney King.

The #1 movie of the year was Disney's Aladdin. Also on the Silver Screen, Sharon Stone gave a flash in Basic Instinct, Whoopi delivered in Sister Act, Jack Nicholson couldn't handle the truth in A Few Good Men and Whitney Houston never sounded better on The Bodyguard soundtrack. On television reality was nowhere to be seen with the half hour sit-com dominating the ratings. Cheers, Roseanne, Murphy Brown, Designing Women, Home Improvement, Coach and Full House all making the top 10 shows of the year.

I was in high school beginning the year in 11th grade and finishing it out in 12th. I was rehearsing for my role as Prez in The Pajama Game and in my second year of a long relationship with a wonderful girl and spent a lot of time worrying about whether I would get into University.



1992 was also the year Dirk Shafer became Playgirl's Man of the Year. This was not Dirk's first time in the magazine, the Illinois native first appeared in a pictorial a year earlier. Dirk is arguably one of Playgirl's most well known centerfolds. Playgirl's popularity was at an all time high in the early nineties and Shafer was one of it's most popular models appearing on numerous talk shows and making countless public appearances to promote the magazine. Dirk chronicled this time in the 1995 film Man of the Year, which he not only starred in but also wrote and directed. Man of The Year is described as a mockumentary about his time as a semi-closeted gay man in the role of a heterosexual sex symbol.



Dirk Shafer's Man of the Year issue was also the first issue of the magazine I actually bought. I had seen Dirk in the magazine before but up to that point most of the issues of Playgirl I saw were either quick peaks on store shelves. The only person I knew who purchased the magazine was my Aunt. Whenever we visited, I would sneak into her bedroom, frightened I would get caught, and take a peak. Thankfully she passed some of them on to my mother when she was done.

I was in a drugstore when I saw the cover.I remember the excitement and the panic as I put the magazine behind a Playboy (made sense at the time...)and an issue of Time and took all three to the check out. Thankfully there was no line and I breezed quickly through. I had this pattern of always grabbing a paper or some gum when the clerk was ringing in the magazines so no eye contact had to be made during the exchange.

Prior to his appearance, Playgirl also had an impact on Dirk Shafer. In 1990 he was was a film maker attending the University of Oklahoma focusing on film making and communications in the school of journalism.



'Playgirl became a great diversion and I was attracted to it, because as a sheltered lil ugly duckling skinny buck toothed boy in the sticks, it was the first time I had seen hot guys naked.'
DS

I know that sheltered skinny ugly duckling well, I think we all do. It is a part of all of us to varying degrees. We don't all get a chance to turn that duckling into a swan the way Dirk did but thankfully with his work for the magazine his movies he took us along for the ride.

2 shots below by Jon Abeyta.



FH: You first appeared in Playgirl in 1990, tell me how it came about?

I used to sneak peeks of Playgirl as a kid whenever I could, and it came to represent what I believed at that time were the strongest most attractive guys on Earth. So once I moved to Los Angeles to chase after a film making career, I started doing every odd job under the sun to make money to survive. I was working a lot on movie sets, as a reader, in development, as assistants to producers and directors, even working in the art departments and transportation departments to get experience. My best friend Vivian suggested I pose for Playgirl for extra cash too and I was all for it, because if I were to be chosen, it would validate me as being attractive. And I had never felt like a sexy person until that point.



FH: Was it a difficult decision to decide to bare all for the magazine?

'It was tough at first, and I went back and forth saying yes and no to them many times. But once there is a seed of something planted in your head, it tends to grow... whether or not it's a weed or a beautiful flower. Well, it grew, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. They let me have a lot of control over the pics, the poses, the photographer, the location, everything.'



FH: What was the pay for a playgirl appearance in 1991?

It wasn't much and they still don't pay as much as they should, but in the end I wasn't doing it for money and never really do anything for money or I wouldn't have made two low low budget indie gay films. I did it for the experience, the validation, and the adventure and look where it eventually took me. It changed my life and I went in all sorts of different adventurous directions.



FH: What was the first shoot with Tom Clark like, were you nervous, any memories?

I love Tom and through the magic of facebook we have reconnected. He was and is very talented. I was scared to death, but he has a calm reassuring manner and he made me feel confident. And he worked with me on making choices which gave me a lot of trust in him. We shot at this old cabin up at Big Bear Lake, which was beautifully painted because it belonged to a gay art director. The location was fantastic. We spent the weekend there shooting and it was very chill. Just the two of us. No assistants, no make up, no hair, no intimidation. It was surprisingly innocent feeling at the time.


FH: In 1992 you were chosen Man of the year, how did you hear the news and what did you do to celebrate?

They called me on the phone, and I SAID HELL YES, without even thinking of the repercussions, because I love awards and trophies and I love to win, who doesn't? Then I called my gay lover and explained it to him and he made me aware of the potential mess I could be setting myself up for...



FH: The 1992 shoot again put you back on a farm, this time shot by Robert Cuningham, any memories of this shoot? How many people were mulling around and was there more pressure given it was for man of the year.

There was a lot more pressure, but again I was with a photographer I trusted who made me feel confident. And his past work really spoke for his talent and made me feel like I was in good hands, so to speak. He was cold at first, and we were not fast friends like I had been with Tom. But once Doug and I warmed up to each other, the walls came down and I enjoyed the shoot and we collaborated on it artistically. Doug found the farm, and I have always thought I was best suited to being a cowboy or surfer type, so I was more comfortable there (growing up in Oklahoma I was on many farms). But of course I wasn't loading hay and feeding horses in the nude. Back then, there was a trend at Playgirl that the model must be engaged in an activity while he was naked. You know as in sailing a boat, working a fork lift, or knitting a shawl, lol. I was the first time around reading books in Adirondack chairs, and the second shoot, working on the farm.



FH: Did you have any say/clout on shoots given you make multiple appearances?

Yes, as I said, they always gave me a lot of creative freedom, primarily because I always came to the table with lots of ideas, probably more than their average model. Because I study film and directing, my mind works better behind the scenes than in front. And I think my ideas were fine with them, I never suggested anything nutty like setting myself on fire and jumping off a ledge in the buff.



FH: How did your family/friends react when you first appeared in the magazine?

I kind of just did it without telling them, so they all learned of it after the fact. Everyone was really good about it, and some not so much, this is all really detailed in my film MAN OF THE YEAR.



FH: Was there a point your sexuality had any impact on your relationship with the magazine or did you keep it quiet until everything settled down?

They had several different reactions at the time, worried which one would cost them the most readership. In the end they have gone completely gay friendly and I don't even know how much of it is for women at this point.



FH: Where was the first place you saw the edition on the newsstand?

It was at a news stand in Hollywood, on Cauenga and Hollywood Blvd. It was freaky for me and a weird moment, being both proud and embarrassed. Much like Gypsy Rose Lee must have felt when she became a famous stripper, I mean it's great, I'm working right?




FH: In the early 90’s, mainstream media was paying close attention to Playgirl and I know you made numerous appearances on daytime talk shows, meeting celebrities and discussing the shoots. Any specific memories from this crazy time?

Yes, literally thousands, and too many to go into here. I was on over 25 talk shows. Talk shows were like reality is now, completely over exposed (just like me). They were desperate for material and guests and I was a talking bod who could put sentences together and complete them and make a point. I had a pulse and pecs and that was all that was needed. It wasn't hard to pull off being straight, I had done it all my life growing up in Oklahoma (which is cousin to Matthew Shepherd territory). I think you understand what I am saying.


Above: Dirk with Phil Donahue

FH: What was fan reaction like? Any difference from men and from women?

At that time it was mostly women who came up to me on the streets, then when I came out, mostly men. The audience suddenly shifted. Most people were and always have been very nice to me and genuine. I like that energy and have been fortunate to receive that kind of attention for so many years.



FH: What was the best part of the experience?

It was certainly not the money, it was the people I encountered, the friends I made, the characters I worked with, the places I got to travel. Then when I "came out" it grew even larger, and I traveled with the film (both films, CIRCUIT as well) all around the world and worked like a little gay ambassador. I gave speeches at universities and schools, and encouraged people to come out, and be who they were and not be ashamed. I brought my mother and sister with me on TV shows and they were vocal and supportive. I have traveled through South Africa, England, Brazil, Canada, and everywhere in the US that has a gay film festival. Some of them twice. It's so cool to go to a smaller city and be treated with such respect and get to live with the locals and see their little gay worlds and the difference they are making step by small step. They have been like pioneers and have earned by greatest respect. It's easy being openly gay in New York and Los Angeles... not so much in Tulsa, Tampa, or Johannasberg.



FH: What was the worst?

I don't remember worst moments for the most part, I have been able to forget worst moments, it's a nice little gift. I let that stuff go, to dredge it up really doesn't do anyone any good, unless I can use it as a warning which is what my movie Circuit was all about...


Above: Dirk by D'Andre Michael

Dirk Shafer's impact on Playgirl readers, especially those of us who grew up sneaking peaks and nervously buying the magazine, continued long after his time as man of the year. Up until Dirk, the words Playgirl and gay were only said together in whispers. Dirk was not just a champion for coming out publically, but more importantly for letting the world know that us 'peakers' actually exsisted. I can understand the magazine not wanting to become solely a 'gay' magazine but combining the female and gay audiences has proved quite powerful for some... (Think Oprah, Desperate Housewives & Sex & The City).



I also recommend Dirk's follow up motion picture 2001's Circuit. The film garnered mixed reviews but won several film festival awards. In many ways, like Man Of The Year, Circuit was groundbreaking, bringing attention to a subject not generally covered at the time by mainstream media. Circuit went on to become one of the best selling gay DVD titles on record.

Dirk Shafer proved centerfolds are not just God like, distant, unattainable masses of hot flesh. Dirk's transformation from ugly duckling to 1992's Man of the Year and then to Man Of The Year brought both homour and humanity to the role. For many of us, it also for the first time brought relatability and a much needed direct connection to the publication so pivotal in many of our lives.

Thanks to Dirk Shafer for sharing with FH ,putting up with my far too long list of questions and for providing such detail.

Iconic: The Images of Greg Weiner

Above: FH Favorite Dave August from his shoot with Greg for Paragon Men.

Whenever I post about Playgirl Magazine, or a Playgirl model I get emails. Playgirl holds a special place in the hearts of so many. I have recounted my own experience with the magazine on FH a few times. (read my account HERE:) Last month I began a new series looking back at the history of the magazine with a profile of Playgirl model Gene Carter (HERE:) When thinking of who I could profile next a friend suggested what should have been the obvious to me, photographer Greg Weiner.

Above: Carlton

Greg Weiner has been working in NYC for the past 25 years, first as an assistant and then as a freelance photographer. He has worked with HBO, Showtime, book publishing, and many editorial magazines. Greg says he has worked for Playgirl for the last 19 years and is hoping to make it until at least 20. Greg is looking to launch a book and a show of his work the last two decades with Playgirl.

It was amazing to me when researching Greg's work to see how many shots I have loved over the years were his work. From actors I crushed over to Playgirl models to some of the most popular men on the net. Although my original intent was to look at Playgirls past, Greg's talent not only is a part of the Magazines rich history, it is also ever present in the here and now and most importantly, the future of magazine.

Thanks to Greg Weiner for sharing his work, and most importantly, the last twenty years with FH!

Above: Matt Bomer (From his time on Guiding Light).

Above: All My Children's Cameron Mathison.

FH: Prior to joining Playgirl in the early 90’s you were working as a commercial photographer in NY and I know worked with many stage productions. Can you share any stories of any jobs or celebrities that stand out from this time period?

Well Playgirl was one of my first clients. I started out doing jobs for exercise magazines. I had done a few soap opera jobs too, but my work all started about the same time. I started working with theater jobs in NYC and other celebrity shots a few years after Playgirl. When I first started every job was big and a stand out. One of the first things I got to do was to photograph Liza Minnelli at a function. It was done for a PR friend, but I was so nervous that I loaded the film wrong, so when we started to shoot, it made a crunching noise every time I shot. I only had a minute to shoot 4 or 5 frames. They did come out but they were all crunched up and wrinkled. This was before photoshop, so I tried to retouch by hand the wrinkled spots, but it still looked pretty bad. But that is all a part of life.

Above: Anne Rice

Above: Zach Roerig (Currently seen in Vampire Diaries) during his time on As The World Turns.

FH: You have also photographed many celebrities, were you intimidated with
any?

I am nervous about every shoot. I just worry about everything. I usually don't sleep too much the night before, but it is fun.


Above: Matt Bomer


Above: Kerr Smith & Josh Duhamel

FH: Playgirl Magazine seemed to go through different phases ( the non frontal
year in 1987). Where was the magazine at when you joined and what direction were you hoping to help take it?

I started in the early 90's. When I started erections were not mandatory. They did not care if we shot them, but the models were encouraged to fluff at least part way. I had worked for about a year and then John Holliday did a spread in the magazine (he was a famous centerfold) and he did a full on erection shoot. He was very well endowed and it caused a change in the way the magazine was presented after that. From that point on, all models had to do erection shots. From my experience, all the models wanted to do erections, so nothing really changed except that now they printed those shots.

Above: Michael Anthony (Playgirl, March 2008)

FH: Although Playgirl was a women’s magazine it had a profound impact on the lives of many gay men. Prior to the Internet, Playgirl was one of the only way many gay youth had to actually view beautiful men. It was also one of the safest as many mothers and aunts were subscribers. It seems most gay men have a ‘Playgirl story’. Do people like to share theses with you and were you aware of the power the magazine had on many youth?

Most people come up to me and always ask about their favorite models. We were planning a big anniversary issue when the magazine stopped printing which would have been fun. Now that they are publishing again (although it is only a few times a year) I hope they will return to that. It is amazing how many people remember those guys and how many of them are still around and look good.

Billy Dakin (Playgirl, July 1996)

FH: It seemed like the mid to late 80’s were some of Playgirl’s most successful years, was there pressure to find the next Brian Buzzini or model who would create a sensation?

There is always that need to find the next big model that will create a sensation. So that hasn't changed at all. I think that now there are so many more types of guys to choose from that the "one" look is not the same as it was years ago.


FH: Researching Playgirl in the 90’s I was surprised at the amount of female photographers working on the magazine. Were there some models who were more comfortable working with female photographers?

There were a couple of female photographers, but most models would rather work with male photographers. A few that I worked with that had shot with women were always saying that it was easier to shoot with a man. I think it took the sexual part of the shoot away, so it was just easier to worry about the photos then. Most of the models were straight, so to be in front of a woman, and to have to perform, it was too much for some.

Paul Brumble (Playgirl, August 2007)

FH: I know that many of the models were scouted, but was there much competition between the photographers to shoot certain models, to shoot the cover, the centerfold?

Yes, there is always competition. I had a good friend who shot, he got me started at the magazine. But we had to bring in models, so we were always out at the clubs or walking the streets looking for the next model. Sometimes I got them, and sometimes I lost. The only model I really wanted to shoot and made it known was John Holliday, he had caused a sensation and I had met him before, but never knew he was going to pose. Once he came out, I told the staff that I wanted to shoot his Man of the Year spread, and I got it. Even today it is competitive.

John Holliday (Playgirl, Man of the Year 1995)

FH: Although the first erection shot in Playgirl was in the 80’s, they seem to have become the norm in the magazine in the 90’s. Curious as to how the subject was brought up with models. Were all asked, or was it something that was part of negotiation and pay?

I answered a part of this before, but when they made it known that the models had to have erections, it was just told to the models that they had to do this. So, like today, they go about it in different ways. Some bring magazines, videos, but today they use their cell phones. The money is the same.

Above: Stefan Galio (Playgirl, September 1994)

FH: Although you mostly worked on the East Coast, I know Playgirl is known for it’s exterior shoots, beaches, on boats. Did you get to travel much for shoots or was that rare?

I always traveled, we had to give a concept of how we were going to shoot. So we could do anything we wanted as long as it was within the budget (which was low). So you had to try and borrow or use as many free locations as possible. So, about 1/2 of my work has been location and 1/2 studio work.


FH: Curious if there was ever a model, a man you scouted who said no who went on to become famous?

I've had a couple of guys who, after a test shoot decided not to pose. A couple that went on to do some type of reality show or model. They never signed releases, so it just goes into the archives.



FH: Do you have a favorite shoot, or model whose shots you were especially happy with?

Yes, I have a lot. I am hoping to do a book and gallery show of my
favorite shots, some that were used and others that were not. Playgirl has
given me permission to do this, so it is up to me now to get busy and put it
together. I'll come back and tell you about that when it happens.

Daniel Jacob (Playgirl, January 2003)

FH: You don’t have to name names, but was there a model or shoot that was just pure hell either because of a models attitude or another unrelated reason?

Well, those are still happening. Most are not too bad, but there are always models that are too big for their own good (in their minds) and tell you how to do the shoot. There are others that never show up for the shoot. You name it and it has happened.


FH: This blog has been up for close to 5 years now. I have gotten several emails over the years from Playgirl models who are now lawyers and doctors who ask me to remove their images. Curious if you have had any issues with models with regret?

Yes, this is an on going thing. I am a nice person, but now that I have my own company, www.paragonmen.com , I see this from a different perspective. These models posed, and were paid for the shoot. But it is not just their time that was used, the photographers, web designers, and everyone else involved, so to just say "I'm tired of having my shots up" is not a reason anymore. If you do the job and you read the release it clearly states that you sign your rights away to the photos. So I just don't care that they have moved on anymore. I know that sounds harsh, but I tried at first to help these models and quickly realized that it would never end if one does it they all will. So now we will try to make it more difficult for people to search for their name, but we will not take the photos down.

Jamie Bales (Playgirl-April 1994)

FH: Curious as to your thoughts/emotions when the magazine ceased monthly publication.

Well it was a big blow. We were all out of work. The staff and all the freelancers. I still work for the website, and now that they are beginning to publish again on a limited basis, I get some stuff into print. But it is not the same as it was before. I am hoping that if the money comes back, since they are still the only outlet for "women", that we will all be back at work.

Above: Eric Zientek (Playgirl, 2004)

FH: In 2009 you shot Levi Johnston for Playgirl. Despite the fact the shots were on every website devoted to the male form and almost every news organization covered the story, I was surprise how few credited the photographer. Curious as to how you felt about this. It seems like today more photographers are getting the recognition for your work, but when the magazine was on the stands it seemed all the attention went to the models. Do you feel this change and did you get validated by the models, the magazine for your work?

The magazine is pretty good about giving credit for the photos. Some outlets will honor the credits when they reproduce the photos, but that is a new trend that once the work is out there, the credit is soon forgotten. I don't mind that much, but it would be nice if people would think about it and honor that tradition.



FH: I would guess the tabloid press was all over the Levi Shoot, did you have to go to any extreme lengths to keep the shoot private?

Not really, they were always doing tweets to let people know what was going on, so it was kind of silly to think we were doing something secret.



FH: Paragon Men seems to attract many of today’ hottest men, Phil Fusco, Marcel, Dave August have all appeared. How do attract such a great collection of men?

Well lucky me, but I have done it for so long now that people kind of know my name, so that helps with models knowing that the work is legit. I created the site (along with a business partner, Dimi) to continue to shoot what I like, male physique work.

Above: Marcel for Paragon Men

FH: The video’s are a big part of the Paragon experience and it has been great to not only see some of the shoots, but hear from the models. Have any models been uncomfortable with this aspect of appearing on the site?

No most of them are OK with being in front of the video camera. I don't care for it that much. Our site is really a PHOTO site with the video as bonus material. We get some members who get really upset that it isn't professional quality video, but it is really a second thing for us, so I hope that people will love the photos and enjoy the videos.


FH: Any upcoming surprises or models you can share for Paragon?

We have a lot of great guys in the can and still shooting. I am always surprised that there are that many models out there willing to do the erotic work. I thought that would be more difficult, but I hope it continues. I think people will be happy with our upcoming Man of the Year. It has just started voting on our site, but that is always fun to see who gets that.

Above: Phil Fusco for Paragon Men

FH: If there was a signature shot/look identified with Greg Weiner, what would it be?

You know when we started Paragon Men, we both thought about those iconic images from the physique magazines from the 50's and 60's. So that look is close to what we are trying to do as well as the "Hollywood" look that I love so much. So the fact that people love the look makes me happy.

Above: Nick Pesola (l) and Sam Devries (R) from Paragon

Check out much more of Greg's iconic images at his official website HERE:
Be sure to check out some of the hottest men on the net on Paragon HERE: