MODEL SEARCH 2011

With the success of contests launched by notable photographers such as Dylan Rosser, we are launching our own model search for the next great MALE MODEL! Photographer Chris Teel, along with, myself Tye Briggs, owner of FH, loved the idea so much we wanted to begin our own search to help the launch the career of an upcoming talent!

The Internet is full of hopefuls looking to break into the modeling world. Although there are many sites, like Model Mayhem ,which help talent get noticed, sometimes you need a leg up to get your career kick started and to get yourself noticed.

Chris Teel has helped launch the careers of many new models in Canada and the US. FH currently reaches as many as 25,000 visitors a day. If you have ever dreamed of being a model, want help building your portfolio and feel you might have what it takes to successful in the industry, Model Search 2011 might be the kick start you need!

FH and Chris Teel are launching MODEL SEARCH 2011!

Between now and December 4th, models are encouraged to apply to be the winner of Model Search 2011. Models should apply to FH (fhmodelsearch2011@yahoo.ca) starting today!

Between December 5th and December 7th our panel of 5 judges will select the top applicants for public voting. Public voting will occur between December 8th and January 1st with an winner announced on January 9th 2011.


The Winner will Receive:

-Photo Shoot with Chris Teel
-Selected shots from the shoot will be showcased on FH
-$500 US (to be award upon completion of photo shoot).
-$200 H&M Gift Card


Rules:

-Must be at least 18 years old.
-Supply a minimum of 4 photos (more is ok) that clearly show your face and body, either nude or in underwear/swimwear. (Note: Nude images will not be included for public viewing/voting).
-Stats – (height, weight, measurements, date of birth and your current city and country your living in).
-Although we are looking for a new talent, professional models are welcome.
-Models must be able travel to one of the following cities for the shoot: Toronto, Montreal or New York.


-The winning model will be shot in a variety of looks, including artistic nudes - please ensure you're are comfortable with tasteful nudity before submitting your application-

Voting: Chris Teel and Tye Briggs are determined to have a positive contest without drama. Watching past model competitions it has been difficult to watch the negativity that sometimes comes with the voting process. We expect passion and determination but if any model and/or their fans partake in excessive voting (blogger determines one vote per cycle), or bringing a negative tone to the contest or other models we reserve the right to remove that model from the competition.

Model Search 2011 Judges:

Chris Teel: A few years ago Chris Teel gave up the security of a full time job to devote his full energy to his passion for photography. Moving from the West Coast of Canada to Toronto the leap of faith has led to Teel becoming one of Canada's hottest new photographers. In the past year and a half Teel has focused solely on photographing images of the male physique. Chris's focus is on hot new talent and in the past year has helped build the portfolios and the careers of Corey Kirk, Sammuel Boux, Jae Garcia and many more talented new models. Teel features his work on Fine Art Photography by Chris Teel found HERE:

Tye Briggs: By day Tye Briggs spends his days in court helping youth and families make their way through the court system. Keeping kids from a life behind bars can be stressful which is one of the reasons Tye unwinds by working on FH. FH launched almost 3 years ago and has grown steadily, now reaching sometimes up to 25,000 viewers a day. Tye, who at different times in his life dabbled in photography, singing and acting has an affinity for new talent and tries to shine a bit of a spotlight on models, photographers, singers, dancers and actors who generally do not get a lot of attention elsewhere on the web.

Corey Kirk:Corey Kirk is the perfect person to help with the search as he has experienced first hand working with Chris Teel. Corey's modeling career has rocketed over the past several months and has led to Corey working with some of the world's top photographers and has seen the results on international sites and blogs. DNA magazine recently featured him on their blog and has touted him as an up and comer with “the most impressive abs we've seen in a while”.

Brandon Ruckdashel: Brandon Ruckdashel is an actor, singer, model and photographer. Ruckdashel gained the attention of the New York critics for his work on stage in various productions including the critically acclaimed Ascension. Brandon followed this up with numerous stage and film roles. Brandon has been seen on television in productions such as The Lair, National Debt, Cougar School and Co-ed Confidential. When not on stage or in front of camera, Brandon also loves to write. Besides many songs, the past year has seen a focus on his first full play Exposure' which began readings this past summer


All those interested should submit their applications to fhmodelsearch2011@yahoo.ca

Matt Is Back! Matt Eldracher by Chris Teel

'Not only had Matt developed physically over the year between our two shoots, I noticed a difference in the level of confidence as well. We shot for almost 8 hours over the second shoot - a number of concepts shot in varying outdoor and indoor locations and I kept thinking to myself that he'd grown into a 'man' since our first shoot together. Matt takes direction well and doesn't hesitate to add his own spin on concepts - he's the kind of model you want to shoot over and over and I hope to get that chance again in the future!'
Chris Teel

It was just about two years ago when FH featured the first shots of Model Search 2011 winner Matt Eldracher. Matt proved a deserving and worthy winner, creating a series of incredible shots with photographer Chris Teel. In that first shoot, there were several themes shot including a particular set up which pushed boundaries with Teel's bloody and erotic take on the film American Psycho. With Model Search 2013 just around the corner, Matt is back! The 22 year old Ontario model talks to FH about his experience with winning the contest and what he has been up to since.

What was your initial reaction to winning the first Model Search?

'I was shocked and excited at the same time! Being a beginner model it was almost my first big break into the world of modeling and it started me on the path that I am on today. It truly changed my life.'

What was that first shoot like?

'The first shoot was exhilarating! Working with Chris always feels natural but that first time we just got started and the was no anxious feeling only adrenaline and excitement picture after picture idea after idea. It is how I base what all shoots, both past and future, should be like.'


Was this the first time you shot fully nude?

'Yes it was, I had done underwear shoots before, but it was my first time baring it all.'

The first shoot had some edgy work with American Psycho themed images; did your work as a performer help you in creating a character for the camera?

'As I have mentioned in the past I love horror movies which made that aspect of the shoot very fun. As for the acting bit, I believe that models are actors within one caption, we have to portray an entire story. It is probably the hardest part of bring a model. Without that story the photo isn't as interesting an will likely get forgotten but the more story the model can portray through one snapshot, painting, sketch, sculpture, or other form, the more interesting the piece of art.'

What was it like getting the images back? Were they what you expected?

'Getting the images back was a nerve racking experience as you don't really know what to expect. Yes you are there posing as the camera clicks away but you are never sure at what exact moments the images were captured. When I did get the images I was very pleased with the work me and Chris had created and wanted to show the world.'

What were the reactions from your friends and family to the shots?

'They were a little shocked with the nudity but not in a bad disgusted way more just that awkwardness that they know me lol. But they did enjoy the images and I received praise from all.'

Have you ever been recognized from your images that have appeared on the net and in magazines?

'Yes, actually the images spread like wild fire and have been posted all over the web as well as featured in some magazines and they put my name out there. I even got nominated placing a close 3rd for hottest up incoming model on the DNA blog. This was a world wide contest and I placed third with a difference if a few points between me and first place.'

You obviously have been bulking up since your first shoot with Chris, was this goal you set for yourself?

'Yes this was a personal goal. I think it's time the world saw me as a man and that is why I have decided to bulk up.'

What were the biggest differences between the first and second shoot?

'Well the second shoot was a non-stop, 14hr shoot compared to the first, slower paced 8hr shoot. We managed to get a lot more accomplished with many different ideas. The first shoot was shot in a single location opposed to the second which we shot all over Downtown Toronto and in 2 studio spaces. We tried interesting concepts and there was more artistic experimenting to achieve the many ideas.'

What was the best part of winning model search?

'The best part was certainly the exposure and that it pushed me into the world of modeling. Without it I'm not sure where I would be.'

-Matt Eldracher on FH-

Culmination: Matt Eldracher by Chris Teel

Encore: Matt Eldracher by Chris Teel

Canadian Carnage: Matt Eldracher by Chris Teel

Fine Art Photography with Chris Teel

Chris Teel on ModelMayhem

Matt Eldracher on Modelmayhem

Matt Eldracher on tumblr

The Photography Of Chris Teel

Above: Andrew Civinelli

Now that FH has been up for close to 3 years it has been exciting to watch the progression of some of the artists I have profiled. About this time last year I saw some shots of model Sergio Hiram by one of my favorite photographers Thomas Synnamon. In researching Sergio I was fortunate to discover the work of Toronto's Chris Teel. (See the post of Chris's work with Sergio below).

I remember when I first contacted Chris about a profile that what struck me most was that he was never in one place for too long. Chris was always emailing me back that he would get back to me in a day or two as he was on the road for a shoot. It seemed Chris was constantly traveling Eastern Canada shooting beautiful men. I was immediately drawn to Chris for his work yes, but equally so, his story. Although Chris had been a photographer for many years, he had only recently decided to leave his office job to focus on his dream of photographing images of the male physique. As I have written before on FH, photography was once one of my dreams and when I am at my desk at work I often think of leaving it all to follow one of my many dreams and taking the risk that Chris Teel did.

In addition to leaving his job, Chris moved across Canada to Toronto to be where the models are. This time last year Chris had a blog much like FH and a page on MM. Over the past 12 months, Chris has worked hard and focused on developing his skills as a photographer. The results have led to some amazing work. Chris's profile in the industry has risen quickly and I have enjoyed seeing his work pop up on some of my favorite sites. Most recently Chris and his vampire series, Brothers in Blood was featured on Beautiful Mag.

Below: Claudiu


Chris says:

"Though I tend to shoot different concepts, my photographic style has been described as consistently “masculine”, “aggressive” and “sexy”. I am inspired by an eclectic mix of photographers including Justin Monroe, Rick Day, Terry Richardson, Matthias Herrmann and others. I like to have fun in my shoots and I believe that translates to the final result."

Although I agree with each of the three adjectives I might add assertive and honest as well. Chris is up front about what he wants, both in his life and in his work. This directness cuts through a lot of the obstacles that get in the way of many. I think along with his talent, knowing what he is looking for, in and through, his work have helped fast track his journey.

Chris says that although ‘male physique’ photography will always be a primary focus, he is currently developing his portfolio and expanding into fashion and commercial work.. With his focus on photographing 'the male physique, Chris has created a site, The Fine Art Of Chris Teel, which does an outstanding job of showcasing Chris and his ever growing portfolio. Please take some time to further explore Chris Teel and his work at his site HERE:

Below: Jae Garcia

Chris Teel: A Night at the Anvil

'Shooting at Anvil Toronto was quite unusual, and maybe even a little unexpected from me.  It was something new and required a bit of creative experimentation.'

Chris Teel

I confess, I've never been to a sex club, except maybe in my imagination.   My main references come from scenes from movies and television shows.  I think my introduction may have been when I was younger watching Queer As Folk.  I remember many episodes which included scenes of Brian visiting sex clubs.

Those scenes often began with sort of a shock to the senses.  They always seemed to start out a bit blurry. A hazy mix of music with flashes of lights alternating with darkness. Slowly our vision improved and the surroundings more in focus.  Slowly we began to notice more detail, movement and color, predominately the hues of exposed male skin.

If you live in Toronto, you may have heard of the city's new men's club and gallery.  Anvil Toronto opened early this year with the goal to provide a discrete downtown destination for men seeking excitement.   Located in the heart of Church Street, the club offers not only privacy and excitement, but also values inclusivity, community and safety. 

Since the clubs only been open a few months, getting the word out, especially to those outside of Toronto, is a promotional priority.  Photographer Chris Teel was recently invited to the club to shoot behind the scene images of a pre-planned video shoot (filmed by LoudCount Studios here in Toronto).  As one of the site's longest creative contributors, I featured many of Chris' photoshoots. (Check out an updated list HERE:)  Usually, Chris shoots models in studio, or outside on location.  For his time at Anvil however, things were a little more spontaneous, and impulse infused.

'Normally, for my shoots, I plan most of the details from the models, to wardrobe and location and lighting. In this case, because this wasn't my production, I took the opportunity to play and experiment a bit more than I usually do. Having said that I was still able to capture portrait-style shots of each of the models for their own socials and OnlyFans pages. The space was actually closed to the public, all of the guys in the shots were performers in the scene.'

Chris Teel

Having worked on FH for so long, I'm always looking for new and unusual visuals and stories.  For Chris, whose been shooting the male form for close to 20 years, new and unusual are also things he looks for in a project.  Chris was curious about the space, and excited to be working in a new environment.  Chris shares that the space is quite dark and is maze-like with lots of little side rooms and a 'slurp-ramp' in the middle.  The ramp is an elevated space surrounded by glory holes.

The goal for Chris was to capture the atmosphere and voyeuristic feel of the space.  Something raw and anonymous yet artistic at the same time.  Chris shares that the low-light conditions and constant movement and 'action' from the performers really helped with his goal. Many of the images were shot through the glory holes, capturing what was happening on the other side.

When I was going through the images Chris sent on, I was reminded of the erotic haze I remembered from those scenes from Queer As Folk.  Through his visuals, Chris introduces us to the club with an instant spark to the visual senses.  Then, slowly as you're eyes and mind start to adjust, the sexual scope of the location slips fervently into focus.

Anvil Toronto

Anvil Toronto on Instagram / Twitter

Chris Teel on OnlyFans

Chris Teel on Instagram / Twitter

A Look Back: Sergio Hiram by Chris Teel

Sergio Hiram by Chris Teel From August 1st, 2009



The Model: Sergio Hiram

Toronto based model Sergio Hiram is on the rise! It is no wonder with a personality bursting with enthusiasm for creating great work. There is nothing shy about Sergio when it comes to his art as he strives to make all his work 'AMAZING' Certainly his work with Chris Teel is just that. I first saw Sergio in some shots by another of my favorite photographers, Thomas Synnamon. In looking to find out more about this model I was led to Chris Teel. Besides his work in front of the lens, Sergio also works behind it, and has created some wonderful self portraits. I am sure you will agree there is an energy in Sergio that not only draws you to him, but is also contagious. Sergio is also a photographer and you can see more of his work HERE:




Stats:
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 161 lbs
Shoe size: 9.5
Hair color: Brown
Hair length: Long
Eye color: Brown
Skin color: Other
Experience: Experienced





The Photographer: Chris Teel

Toronto's Chris Teel says:

I could shoot pretty pictures of vases, or 'do' weddings but my interest lies mostly in capturing artistic images of the male physique. Previously a hobby, I started focusing (pun intended) on shooting male models about 8 months ago and absolutely love doing what I'm doing. I enjoy the entire process from conceptualizing an idea, to casting for models, hunting for props and doing the shoot itself. At the end of the day, its all about delivering an image and I get a lot of satisfaction when the model and/or client reacts positively to the work done.



Many people I am sure, think the perfect job would be spending your days photographing beautiful men. As I have learned from time behind the camera myself, and through this blog, it is much more than just snapping a picture. The internet is filled with pictures of great looking me, but not all are in front of the lens of talented and skilled photographers who not only see what is front of them but also what can be created with skill and creativity.

Chris has only been shooting models for 8 months but Teel is on his way to becoming one of the great ones. Although I have seen many great shots by Chris, there is a theme in much of his work not always present in male model shoots and that is joy. There is great sense of fun in much of Chris's work. Fun mixed with beautiful men is certainly a winning combination. The series of Sergio on the bed is the perfect mixture. Check out more of Chris's work at his blog HERE:

Quaternate: Chris Teel

When I think of favorite Canadian photographers of the male form, the first name that comes to mind is Chris Teel.  I have featured Chris' work more than any other Canadian artist, more than almost any other artist for that matter.  Starting back in 2009, Chris and I have collaborated on over 50 pieces, most of which are linked below.  We also worked together on 2011's Model search which saw Matt Eldracher taking the crown.  Here are just a few of my favorite images from Chris Teel on FH: 

Chris Teel Photography

Chris Teel on OnlyFans

2017/2018
Taylor Collins: Center Stage
Mardi: Peeps
Dale Kuda: Chef D'oeuvre
Calvin Cox: Freakish Resuscitation

2015/2016:

Kangaroo Nik: Aroused By The Offbeat

Colin: He Shoots, He Scores

Pierson Hayes: Shirt Off His Back

Jon: Unleashed

Steve

2014:

Claudiu: Six

Claudiu: Six More

Tapping Into Tobias

Nigel: Auld Lang Syne

Claudiu

2013:

Mardi: Old School Christmas

Mateo Chulo: One Of Those Guys

Quinn Christopher Jaxon: Things We Bury, Things We Hide

Quinn Christopher Jaxon: Nevermore

Rob Yaeger: Manhattan Migration

Matt Eldracher: Matt Is Back!

Deano: Partners

Nigel

2011/2012:

Claudiu

Klimack: Tělo Boha

Nicolas

Steve Raider: Principles

Matt Eldracher: Canadian Carnage

Brandon Jones: Inside

Brandon Jones: Outside

Matt Eldracher: Culmination

Tyler Christian

Matt

2009/2010

-Chris-

The Beginning of Winter

Shariq Salam

Samuel Boux: Waking Up

Samuel Boux: Looking Into Your Eyes

Jason

Corey Kirk

The Photography Of Chris Teel

Samuel Boux

Sergio

Sergio: Pic Series

A Baker's Dozen: Matt Eldracher

The best part was certainly the exposure and that it pushed me into the world of modeling. Without it I'm not sure where I would be.' 

Matt Eldracher

Next 2 images from Chris Teel

The top image of model, actor and dancer Matt Eldracher, many FH readers have seen before.  It's the first image of Matt that I remember seeing, and one of the images the Toronto based entertainer submitted when he entered FH's 2011 Model Search.  The contest, co-sponsored by photographer Chris Teel, elicited hundreds of applicants with Matt quickly and easily becoming a finalist and favorite.

Although new to modeling, especially modeling sans clothing, Matt was a natural.  One of his first shoots with Chris included the popular series I dubbed Canadian Carnage.  Based on the character of Patrick Bateman from American Psycho, Chris created the series in part due to Matt's love of horror movies.  Matt's acting and performance background made it easier for him to slip into character and the shoot remains one of my all time favorites. 

Next 3 images from Carlaw Studios | Toronto 

2014 -2021

An Autumn in Ontario

Shake Ya Tail Feathers

The Terrorizing Torontonian 

The Day After 

The Cape As Red As Blood

Matt Eldracher by Carlaw Studios 

Movember 

2010-2013 

Matt Is Back 

Halloween Countdown 

Culmination 

Canadian Carnage 

Coda: Model Search 2011 

Getting to know our Winner 

Model Search 2011

Remaining images from Chris Teel

After winning the 2011 model search, Matt continued to perform on stage and modeled with many well known photographers including several more shoots with Chris Teel.  I was going to add some recent shots Matt sent on, but since this piece is about looking back, I'll save those for FH viewers to look forward to checking out in January! 

'The first shoot was exhilarating! Working with Chris Teel always feels natural but that first time we just got started and the was no anxious feeling only adrenaline and excitement picture after picture idea after idea. It is how I base what all shoots, both past and future, should be like.'

Matt Eldracher on OnlyFans

Matt Eldrader on Instagram

Chris Teel on OnlyFans