Friday, January 24, 2014

Favorite Pic of the Day for January 25th

Above:
-See More Below-

Happy Birthday today January 25th

Happy 39th to actor Yann Trégouët!

See more of Yann HERE: & more of today's birthday boys HERE:

Sign Of Strength: Donald By Carl Proctor


'Donald's interest in modeling gives us the pleasure of viewing his lean, defined physique and that great smile of his.'


Donald Solley is a 25 year old model from Orlando Florida who Carl Proctor calls an all-American boy-next-door guy, who also happens to be a professional athlete and motocross addict. One of the best, and one of my favorite photographers Carl Proctor, captured these images, and Donald's incredible smile in Florida this past December.


The longer I work on FH, the more I am impressed with the ability of models and the skill of artists, who are able to capture a true smile. Most of us have a 'show' smile, that camera smile we put on when we are asked to smile for a image or family photo. Every once in awhile though, I will see a picture of myself where the smile looks real, the happiness genuine. Those few times are not about my ability or skill to put it on, they are based on the capturing of true moments of joy that could not be put on or faked.


When I see a face, and a great smile like Donald's, I connect it to an inner strength that is not created for the camera, but instead, a natural piece of the model being photographed. For so long it seemed smiling was almost frowned upon in the shooting of the male form. It was though a smile was seen as a weakness instead of sign of strength and confidence as beautifully demonstrated by Donald.







Archer


I have posted about Arrow and it's star Stephen Amell a few times on the blog. I began crushing on the Canadian cutie after seeing him Dante's Cove awhile back and have been following is career since. I started watching Arrow last year, but got behind and stopped watching for awhile. I got caught up with the DVD of season 1 over the holidays and am currently working my way through season 2.


Stephen Amell is the perfect lead for the show. Hot as hell yes, but also has an openness and quality about him that differs from many other Hollywood hunks. Amell seems undaunted by celebrity and appears to comfortable with what it takes to be a television superhero. He doesn't shy away, the way many actors seem to, of showcasing his body, as well as considerable acting talents, within his role. Amell jokes about the wig used for Oliver's island scenes, but I think I loved wigged Oliver as much as the buzz version.


It took a few episodes to fully commit, but once in I enjoyed the ride of season on. The cast as a whole is strong and I especially enjoy David Ramsey and Emily Bett Rickards as Arrow's crime fighting sidekicks. The one weak link to me is Katie Cassidy who is limited in range and displays little chemistry with Amell. I saw her need in the shows early development but her storyline's now only bogs things down. Cassity's Laurel Lance, destined to be Oliver's Lois Lane, is not up to the task. Amell's chemistry is much stronger with Bett Ricards character Felicty Smoak. (got to love that name)


Arrow seems to also welcome the shows large gay following and takes every opportunity to rip off Oliver's shirt. They also seem to enjoy toying with the homeotic within certain scenes and relationships. I know I am not the only one who found it fun, hot, and not the least bit subtle, to have John Barrowman's character tie up and torture the half naked, leather clad Amell in one of the shows first season episodes.



Dante's Cove
(See More in my 2009 post HERE:)

On Getting Naked on His First Day on Hung


Hung

Arrow,The Apprentice: Colton Haynes


Sometimes you see an actor or model in an image but for some reason you don't connect. I have seen tons of images, and small written pieces on Colton Haynes for the past few years. Obviously good looking, I didn't really stop and go 'Whoa!' until watching him as Roy on Arrow.


A model since fifteen, Haynes began modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch in New York. Upon moving to Hollywood, Haynes got roles on shows known for casting hot young guys willing to take off their shirts. Stints on the new Melrose Place, Teen Wolf and The Gates brought the young actor attention, not to mention all of the rumors of relationships with various actors.


I never paid much attention until making my way through Season 1 of Arrow. Haynes portrayal of Roy is spot on and scratches away at my perplexity to lust after the bad boy. Roy is damaged, yet self aware enough to fight to change and follow in the footsteps of the man who saved his life.


Haynes has the ability to move from pretty boy to bad boy deceptively smoothly. (don't they all...) He exudes a sexual energy in his scenes, regardless of this co-star. Roy makes you want to help him, save him but ultimately...do him. Tis the way lust usually works.






XY Magazine (2006)


Look 2010