Favorite Pic of the Day for December 10th

Above:
Tim by Scott Barnes
-See More Below-

Happy Birthday today December 10th

Actor Michael Schoeffling, known to many for his role in 'Sixteen Candles' turns 51 today. Check out more of Michael HERE: and more of today's birthdays HERE:

Just Because: The X Factor

First off. I don't like seeing anyone in pain, especially a child. That being said however, there was something epic about Rachel Crow's elimination this week on The X Factor. I finally watched my DVR of last nights results show tonight. Like the entire season, it was over the top, overly dramatic, and there was almost something Shakespearean about it. What ever goes up, must come down! On most reality shows the winner, no matter how rotten or vile, seems to get away with their sins when the prize is awarded. Now Rachel is too young for sins or to be responsible for either her win or her loss. Her fall from grace last night however was clearly not about talent but due to those around her. She began on the show an adorable 13 year old, precocious and immensely talented. She ended her reign as a 35year old, in dress and in voice, overly coached, singing and talking in a way that turned off most who loved her in the beginning. Her fault, nah, but whether it be her parents, agent, Simon or the shows producers, whatever connection people felt towards the girl back when the show began faded with each 'big smile' and 'big reaction' she gave week in and week out.

Lost In Time: Zachary Oliver by Wananga

As always, it is one shot that usually begins my curiosity and interest in a model and photographer. In the case of 25 year old model Zachary Oliver the shot was the last one featured within this piece. Yes it is a nude, but that was not the reason. Most often do we see a great image of a clothed model and want to see him in less. How often do you see an image of a nude model and want to see more of his face? The shot of Zachary (Zo) by Wananga, had such beauty through the use pose and lighting that I wanted to find out more about both model and the artist behind it.



The pose may have come naturally to Zachary as he says that he has always been intrigued of photography and noticed himself always striking poses in front a camera. I wonder sometimes about those kids who always pose when a camera comes out and wonder what inside them, even at an early age, wants to perform and become something beyond what they are. Although Zachary has worked with other photographers, most of his work has been with Robert from Wananga.



Zachary says he is pretty comfortable in front of a camera, and will try almost anything. If you check out Zachary's MM page (HERE:) you will tell from the shot in the fishnets his adventurous and creative nature is at work. He is always up for new ideas, and has recently became infatuated with action shots and body paint.



In Zachary's work with Robert you can clearly see that creating something new and unique is clearly the objective.

'He was a joy to work with, very professional, allowed me accent some of the photos that he had lined up. For exampled, allowed me to chose different attire and poses and postures (anything that I felt would help the photos). I enjoy every moment of modeling and with Wana we ended up having about a 2-3 hour photo session, we got lost in time and new ideas kept arising'
Zachary on Robert



If it is moving, I will photograph it.
If it is stationary, I will photograph it.
If it is boring, I will photograph it.
If it is exciting, I will photograph it.
If it is, I will photograph it.
Robert from Wananga Photography



Check out more of Zachary on ModelMayhem HERE:
Wananga on ModelMayhem, Wananga Official Site:

The Dancer Stretches by Scott Barnes

The Dancer Stretches:
Tim by Scott Barnes


I love to post images of dancers. Every time I do I talk about how they make the best models due to how well they know their bodies and how well they are able to use them within their work. I think it is more than though. When I see a model in an image, no matter how great the shot, they remain a model. When I see a shot of a dancer, I instantly connect to a part of who they are that is not always present with other models.



Being a dancer takes a type of strength, a dedication, that goes beyond what most of us, even other athletes, commit to. It means a degree of pain, both mental and physical that most models are not accustomed to pushing themselves to or through. It means hours of practice, much of it alone, early mornings, auditions and for most, far too many rejections. It is a short career, if one at all, not usually financially rewarding. For male dancers it also means at some point during their youth, they must make a decision to pursue something almost everyone around them does not support.



I am a huge fan of the work of Scott Barnes and have featured his images often. I think The Dancer Stretches is my favorite of his works. The editorial series, showcased in his Dreams section of his site Vir Impudicus. The shoot embodies so much of what I love about photography. Without words, a story is told. It is beautifully quiet, erotic with an emotional impact.



'After shooting Tim, for a while I didn't want to work with any guy that WASN'T a dancer. They just move to naturally and smoothly and beautifully. A dancer and a photographer is a perfect combination.'
Scott Barnes



Scott Barnes Official Site:
Vir Impudicus: