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Sunday, January 4, 2026
Play by Play
Although I haven't had time, (yet) to do my year in male skin review, January has had me thinking about some of the highlights. Of course for many of us, the shit show that was 2025, (politically at least) was cinematically saved by the November debut of Heated Rivalry. I've not seen a television show hit such heights so quickly after it's premiere. Even Game of Thrones took a few years to really become must see TV. I personally didn't start watching until well into it's run.
One of the stars of Heated Rivalry was definitely hockey. Sure, there were not actually that many scenes on the ice, but the sport still played an important role, and really a character on it's own. It impacted so much of what occurred, and formed the basis for so many of the main characters choices and decisions. As someone who grew up playing hockey, I was happy to see it get attention. Sure it's the national pass time in Canada, but in the US, it still ranks below Football, baseball. basketball and even soccer in popularity.
Given I've done so many posts already on the cast of the show, I wanted to devote a day to the game they play. With the help of a new shoot from TR Pics, and some previous posts stories about my days on the ice, (and in the locker room) I've put together some old favorites, with some hot new visuals. Check them out on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
So Long....
Udo Kier
1944-2025
Over the last couple of years, I've basically stopped doing tribute posts when a celebrity or noted public person passes on. There sadly seem to be prominent deaths almost every week. Most are covered on a variety of site, not to mention countless posts on social media. Secondly, I want FH to be a bit of an escape, a brief refuge from reality. That would not be possible if I posted every time a celebrity passed away.
I do however, want to pay tribute to those who had an impact on my life. Some, from when I just a boy, some, whose work I discovered when I was older. Public figures and celebrities whose work touched me in some way, and played a role in my passion for the performing arts. I chose to do post in early January to ensure it was separate, and not shoved in the middle of all the festive, holiday posts.
There were a few, like Robert Redford, I noted when they occurred. There were others however, that I really wanted to pay tribute to. My list is not a comprehensive list by any means, I only included those who made a personal impact. Some I've featured previously FH, others whose body of work I loved and admired. Check out my tribute to those we lost in 2025 on FH HERE:
My Own Private Idaho
I noted the passing of German actor Udo Kier briefly last month, when putting together a post on adult actor Joey Stefano. (HERE:) I noticed Stefano with Kier in shots from photographer Steven Meisel after Kier had passed. I first discovered Kier in 1991 after seeing him in My Own Private Idaho. I went on to catch several of his American films, including his work with Paul Morrissey and Andy Warhol. I've also been on the lookout for some of his earlier work in German cinema, and have a few favorites on my list to watch.
Amber Aperture: Rustin by New Manhattan Studios
'Wow, I loved that light! It outlined all of the muscles on the Rustin's beautifully defined torso.'
Last spring, I had the pleasure of featuring the first shoot between New Manhattan Studios and model Rustin Scarbrough. (À Votre Santé!) I loved the visuals Wes and Logan from NMS created with Rustin, and looked forward to seeing more. Wes shared in the previous piece that they already had a date scheduled for a second shoot in a month, this series is the result of that shoot.
'We had a bountiful and delightful session when we worked with Rus last winter. The three of us had such a grand time creating art together that we agreed to work together again on the model's next trip to New York. That opportunity came several months later and left me with the challenge of topping our previous session. I so much loved the work from our first session that I wasn't sure I had it in me. '
I'm guessing, like many other visual enthusiasts of the male form, I developed a wee crush on the Miami based model. Both his stunning good looks and natural engagement with the lens and viewer. For this shoot, Rustin and Wes certainly matched the ambience and drama of the shooting location, even if it may not have been the original plan... Wes and NMS certainly rose to the challenge, capturing something visually stunning, yet distinct and divergent, from the first time they worked together.
'I did not want to return to the same workspace for the second shoot. Once again, I am grateful to be plying my trade in New York City. I have a world of easily-accessible, professional studios and assorted venues to choose from.
I scoured my resources and lists and found a studio in Long Island City, a short taxi or subway ride across the East River from Manhattan. I chose a venue with a large, round window. Given that my favorite light is backlighting, it appeared to be ideal.'
When Wes first sent on samples from the second shoot, I replied by rambling on and on about how much I loved the huge round 'window', the light it emulated and how magnificent the visuals turned out. Turns out, those stunning results were more about the skills utilized, and the magic created by NMS. Turn out, there's wasn't a huge round window at all....
'When we arrived at the studio, my concern about the nature of the window was confirmed. It wasn't real. It was part of a constructed set. My worries about how the fake prop would photograph however, were vanished as soon as we turned off the studio lights and switched on the "window." It gave off a golden glow like a late afternoon sun, wrapping the model in warm amber light.'
Below: Behind the Scenes of Logan at work shooting Rustin
'I'll leave it to the viewer to decide now natural it looks. Upon seeing the results, however, Rus gave me the highest compliment he could have: "Wow, we topped our first session! I had to agree, iit has turned into one of my favorite sessions in 2025 and I look forward to working with Rus again on his next return to the city'
Many readers I know checked out Rustin's first shoot with NMS and the photo essay, First Champagne.. Wes again compiled the best, and hottest shots of Rustin for a new photo essay, Amber Aperture. You can preview, and purchase your own digital download your own on the NMS website HERE: The essay features over 50 images of the 23 year old model, including full nudes and erection shots basking in the golden light of the afternoon sun.
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