Photoshoot Preview: Kemuel Valdes

Labor Day usually marks the end of summer, and it will certainly close the curtain on my photoshoot series for the season as well.  I'm taking a vacation to Miami with good friends this weekend, but before kicking off the labor day fun in sunny Florida, I'll have the pleasure of working with renowned photographer, Kemuel Valdes.



Kemuel has been on my photographer wishlist for quite some time, however the only times I've been to Miami were to play tennis.  Mr. Valdes has photographed some of the best fashion and fitness models I know, both male and female.  He's received accolades from Ohlala and has been credited by Aussiebum, but the critical acclaim pales in comparison to the subtle beauty that speaks louder than any website publication or advertisement.  His images are elegant, subtle, and often very story-telling. His models portray an inner beauty through their expressions and poses, and Valdes' artistic merit captures it every time.



I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity and humbled by his acceptance to work with me. Although I'm really looking forward to spending a wonderful vacation down in Florida with friends and enjoying Miami beach, the photoshoot with Valdes will be a welcoming end to my summer photoshoot series.  In the meantime, please enjoy the works of Kemuel Valdes.

Modeling Bootcamp II

Photo credit:  Stephen Cubbage Photography

A few months ago I had undergone a series of training exercises with my favorite photographer, Y.M.I.J.  (see the related post here) to better display emotions, expressions, and bringing character out of my images.  It was a great success, and the training paid off as I got some of the best images to date from working with Y.M.I.J. and Joe TickNow.

Now, I'm going to be taking on a new assignment over the course of the next several months:  Modeling Bootcamp II.  I have a full artillery of kitchen equipment now that I've moved into my new place, new protein powder (cytogainer), and a mindset to bulk up during the fall and winter months.  I'm not going to be fearing carbs, nor will I hold back on the calories.  I'll be training harder at the gym, lifting heavier weights, and consulting a personal trainer on a semi-regular basis to ensure I'm meeting my fitness goals.  This means that I may be cutting back on the number of photoshoots I do, but it's the sacrifice I'm willing to take to drive my modeling "career" in a new direction.  My long hair has given me a different look already.

I've been slowly integrating this new course of action over the last month to get ready for what lies ahead of me.  I'll be promoting the Ripped Genes Calendar and shooting with Kemuel Valdes down in Miami -  I'll be prepared for both of those, but then it's serious business when I get back home.  I'm likely to do a few shoots here and there throughout the fall/winter months to keep my portfolio fresh (probably some editorial fashion work), but I still plan to stay the course.  Wish me luck!

Shawn Stingel: 2011 Ripped Genes Calendar Model

      Click here to get your 2011 Calendar today!

After auditioning and interviewing for consideration in photographer Robert Mercer's 2011 Ripped Genes Calendar last November (2009), I felt slightly intimidated and perhaps even a bit underqualified for a sexy and edgy men's calendar.  I had seen his previous editions and the stunning models he selected but felt only mildly confident that I'd even be considered as a wildcard (some of his models have gone on to sign contracts with agencies around the country).

I had high hopes and was very nervous last year after my audition with Mercer, but months had passed since that initial interview.  Within that time, I had gained valuable experience by shooting with talented photographers (many from NY), winning the TeamDC fashion show/model contest (Mercer was a judge), and being mentored by former model and now esteemed photographer from Y.M.I.J.   25 guys out of 500+ were chosen to do a photoshoot, but the calendar only features 18.  Even though I passed the first round, had many modeling experiences under my belt, and winning the fashion show contest, I was still feeling the pressure!

All the hard work at the gym, the numerous photoshoots, and advice/mentorship paid off in the end.  Mercer announced that I had made the calendar!  Needless to say, I was thrilled from hearing the news!  I probably acted like a little kid in the candy store.  I even called mom!

Even though I'm done with shooting and the calendar release party has passed, there will be various upcoming events and media shows in which I'll be asked to represent the Ripped Genes calendar.  Luckily for me I got a headstart with Mercer's Nutcracker fashion show this past December. I've also gained more experience by working fashion shows for Universal Gear as a model throughout the year - these will all come in handy when I walk the Ripped Genes runway in the future.  For those interested in purchasing your own calendar, please click here.

I'm quite pleased with the results of the photoshoot and being Mr. March.  I only saw one image through Mercer's camera at the time, but "Oooooh" was my reaction!  Thanks again to Robert Mercer for having faith in my abilities - I won't let you down, boo!  =)

Behind the scenes footage of last year's Ripped Genes Calendar shoot, courtesy of Jeoffrey Nolt.

Widening the Audience

In an attempt to reach a larger demographic and exposure in other arenas of the industry, UK-based Harlot Magazine featured yours truly as the hottie of the week.  As an e-zine geared towards women, Harlot displays various stories on sexy styles, erotica (not porn), and "tasty totty."  I pondered for a while about appearing in a female sex magazine, but since I'm trying to broaden my audience and gain exposure in other arenas, I felt this feature would foster some of that growth.  Plus, the interview questions were fun and amusing!  Even I got a kick out of it!

           click the image below to enhance.         

In any event, as I continue challenging conventions of male modeling through various photoshoots, interviews, and profiles, I hope to explore and discover other niches within the fashion and fitness community in hopes of gaining more exposure.  Special thanks to David Tickner for his reference and to the folks at Harlot Magazine for taking a chance with me.  And of course, to my esteemed photographer Joe TickNow for providing the high-resolution image used in the feature.

To flip through the latest issue of Harlot and for the interview, please click here.