2011 - The Year in Review

Yes, just like the Oscars or CNN, I too will have a year in review of the more memorable moments I encountered through the world of modeling.  It was an evolutionary year for me I would say.  I cut back on the number of shoots and focused on quality rather than quantity, choosing to mature my physical expressions over everything else.  I took a look at 2010 and thought, "how can I build upon this momentum leading into 2011."  After all, 2010 was quite an exciting one, so I wondered how I would be able to tread differently and still be successful.  It helped to take a break from it all in late 2010-early 2011 so I could gain a few more pounds of muscle and basically just take a step back from it all.

My first shoot of 2011 was in the spring, a collaborative shoot with West Phillips from San Francisco.  Fresh off his trip to Australia, I had the opportunity to meet him prior to shooting to get a sense of his concepts and objectives.  I gathered up several model friends who participated in the TeamDC fundraising event so that he would have a variety of hunks to choose from.  There were roughly 8-10 of us modeling in DC's Meridian Park, along with the help of stylists and other assistants.  It was a fun time and I had a blast working with everyone.

Kicking off the start of the summer, I went to Boston for Memorial Day and shot with Cory Stierley.  First off, the guy is a trip!  He's silly and sarcastic, which is my kind of humor.  He wanted my body hair to be fully grown out which was the first time I had done so in a shoot but I knew the images would come out great.  Below are a couple furry shots from the weekend.

The summer was a sizzling one!  In June I was able to reconnect with Miguel Suarez on an edgy B&W fashion series.  Perhaps some of my more dynamic and expressive shoots to date, I really wanted to nail this one.  From the looks of these, I think I did alright.  To view the full set, click here. In addition, we shot again a few weeks later and produced a couple more steamy shots that added some sex appeal to my portfolio.  I have my fingers crossed in hopes he'll consider working with me again in 2012.

Midway through the summer I learned that the Goliath known as YMIJ was returning to Maryland!  I hadn't worked with him in well over a year, so not only was I nervous but anxious to be working with him again!  He dusted off his camera skills while I did my crunches and produced a wildly-artistic series he called Uncanny Rose.  Oh, and we shot again shortly after that on an Annie Leibovitz-inspired shot, which happens to be my favorite image of the year!  The third shoot together we basically got drunk and had fun playing with magazines, tic-tacs, and empty liquor bottles.  Who knew the pictures would actually turn out as good as they did (I sure didn't think they would).  We did a couple other tests shots here and there, but these images below  were among my favorites!

In the fall, I was able to grab the attention of Sean Gomes.  We had been trying to set up a shoot for quite some time but schedules never matched up.  I'm finally glad they did because I got some pretty unique shots out of our shoot.  He's another photographer I'd like to continue working with in 2012 if he'd be up for it.  Here are a few from our collaborative efforts...

The fall would not be complete without a Ripped Genes honorable mention.  Although I was up for the coveted cover model spot, I still managed to produce a few stylish images that are keepers in my portfolio.  Robert Mercer, the principal photographer and producer of the calendar and release party, went classy with a collection of charming lads in sharp attire.  I for one was quite pleased with the new direction and stylish look!  

Rounding out my final shoot of the year was a collaboration with Julian Vankim.  Stay tuned for clips from a series of concepts we did, debuting in early 2012.  Cheers to all my wonderful photographers who added such great depth to my portfolio.  Hope to work with you all again in the near future!  

2012 Ripped Genes Calendar Outtakes

As a follow-up to my previous post on the 2012 Ripped Genes Calendar, Baltimore-based photographer Robert Mercer Jr. always provides a CD of all the images he shot during the photoshoot to all his models.  Fortunately, there were a few that stood out for me that were not used in the actual calendars so I've decided to make a mini-set out of them.  From the creative hands of artist Manny Fontanilla (who assisted with post-editing duties), I hope this set conveys a sophisticated confidence in my modeling - something I've been working on a lot this year.  I'm quite happy with how these turned out and I hope you do, too!

    

 

Photoshoot Preview: Sean Gomes

So I'm going to attempt to not jinx myself by posting a preview of my photoshoot this weekend. Oftentimes when I post previews like this I tend to raise expectations for the photos and when they don't come out as I had hoped, I feel let down.  I'm hoping to change that this weekend.

Sean Gomes is a local photographer who I've yet to shoot with, based in Delaware.  I've had my eyes on his work for quite some time and the common connections we have in the industry confirms that it's time we collaborate.  As you can see from his images here, there's a clean and crisp quality to his style, simple yet beautiful.  I hope to contribute in my own Stingel way to his wonderful collection this weekend.  Wish me luck!

Uncanny Rose, by YMIJ

A reunion of epic proportions!  Well, at least I like to think so!  Sure you have your peanut butter & jelly, Regis & Kelly, heck even lace and leather.  But what two commodities go better than YMIJ and Shawn Stingel?  Hmm...now THAT'S a fierce combination in and of itself if you ask me!

Okay, well enough with the dramatics...there's certainly a more significant and profound art to showcase here and that's the return of YMIJ to the photography scene once again.  After studying and doing research, as well as my own internal reflection, we've reunited on our first series in over a year which takes shape as an editorial story. Maybe that's why it's best described as uncanny, something unusual and out of the ordinary.  It's clean, crisp, beautiful...and different. Perhaps one of my more softer and inviting sets, I enjoyed the concept and hope you appreciate the sophisticated approach.

And as an added bonus, I washed away the sophistication about a week later by sexing things up with YMIJ in this Angelina Jolie-inspired retake of a famous Annie Leibovitz bathtub photograph. Just like a DVD with extra footage, Uncanny Rose comes with its very own deleted scene. Perhaps one of my favorite images of the year, this re-imagination demonstrates how important strong facial expressions are and how far I've come since I started modeling.  

2012 Ripped Genes Calendar

For the second year in a row I've decided to give it another shot at the Ripped Genes Calendar auditions and was selected for both versions!  For 2012, Robert Mercer decided to do two calendars to satisfy everyone's tastes for hunky men, both in underwear and in formal attire.  This time around I got the month I asked for - my birthday month, which is May!  Although I do not have copies of the image files used in the calendar you can catch a small glimpse in the images below.  It was a fun evening at the release party and many of my friends showed up for support! Thanks to Robert for a great event and best of luck for a profitable and successful run in 2012.

  Click here to purchase the Structure edition         Click here to purchase the Swimwear edition

Maintenance Man, by Michael Brown

Plumbing is a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it!  The fun and flirty message print on the underwear from my most recent photoshoot grabbed the attention of artist extraordinaire Michael Brown, who transformed one of my B&W images into a masterpiece!

Since discovering his work on Facebook, I've always tried to stay on his radar and hoped that one of my images would inspire him to pick up his crafty pen.  Shortly after I released my B&W series, Mikey took notice and requested permission to draw the plumber picture.  Not only is he exceptionally talented with the pen but maintains the warmest personality and a generous sensibility!

I'm hoping to collaborate with Mr. Brown in the near future on other images from the B&W series and possibly upcoming shoots.  Please visit his website here for more samples of his stellar penmanship.

Summer Editorial, by Miguel Suarez

My first feature of 2012!  Gracing the pages of WowWow, a London-based website featuring established and emerging artists in stylish photography and modeling, this black & white stylish set by photographer Miguel Suarez found its way to publication!

I must admit, I took some time off from the modeling scene to focus on friends, family, and myself which included a complete overhaul of my fitness regimen.  Plus I just wanted a break from it - I was shooting way too often with an uncertain purpose.  I was lost.  Not taking any credit away from the photographers, but my expressions were flat, my poses were dull and forced, and it didn't seem like I was really enjoying myself in front of the camera.

So after taking hiatus and learning to have fun and focus on other things in my life, I've been able to return to the modeling scene with a fresher mindset and a new outlook on the industry.  This new series of images from photographer Miguel Suarez marks a breakthrough for me personally.  Not only am I quite proud of them but I pushed myself creatively to achieve a higher standard of what I'm capable of.  I hope you enjoy these shots as much as I enjoyed creating them!      .

Top 5 Finalist for Adam Bouska Photoshoot Contest

First of all, I want to give a BIG thank you to everyone who contributed in voting for my image in the Adam Bouska Photoshoot Contest. All of your gracious "likes" and comments have landed me as a top 5 finalist, quite an achievement in its own right!

But I still need your help! For the entire month of May, it's up to Adam's fans to decide who will be chosen to model for Adam Bouska. This is the final round, so your votes and feedback are even more crucial as the competition tightens and the pressure builds to determine who will become the winner.

Since most of you have already become fans of the Adam Bouska page (and for those who haven't, what are you waiting for?), all you have to do is provide comments or "like" on my image so that he'll be persuaded to shoot with me. It's really that easy!

Simply click here and provide your feedback - http://on.fb.me/jVXaT3
Oh, and don't forget to share on your wall and convince others to vote as well! :)

Thanks in advance for your consideration and your time. Regardless of the outcome, it's been a great adventure and I thank you for being part of it!

Adam Bouska Photoshoot Campaign

On the eve of returning to Washington DC to spread love with his NOH8 campaign on May 30th, celebrity photographer Adam Bouska announced that he's hosting a photo contest on his Facebook fanpage. The winner will receive a custom photo shoot at his studio in Los Angeles, CA.  As you can see from these samples, his work is nothing short of brilliant!

Needless to say, I've long been a fan of Bouska's photography before NOH8 surfaced, so when I read the news on his blog I took advantage of this opportunity by posting "Pinup" on his fanpage. I've since been soliciting votes ("likes") from my friends on Facebook to help me reach the top, so hopefully my efforts will pay off in the end.  Wish me luck!  

Here's how to vote:

1. Become a fan of Adam Bouska - www.facebook.com/AdamBouska

2. Scroll down the page to find the image you see to the left (or click the pic)


3. "Like" the image.

4. "Share" with others on your wall.