Sunday, January 4, 2015

Favorite Pic of the Day for January 4th

Above:
-See More Below-

Happy Birthday today January 4th


Check out today's birthday boys HERE: & HERE:

An Artistic Alliance: Austin Tacious by Max Woltman


Artistry is an interesting concept really. Sometimes it is born of spontaneously, from an urge, a compulsion, sheer passion and circumstance. Other times, it is more planned, it is sought after and searched for in sweat, hours of practice and years of hard work and experience. For Albuquerque's Austin Tacious I would say it is all of the above. Austin's artistry certainly stems from a passion, but that passion is one he has worked at, honed and perfected through his music, martial arts, circus skills and desire to create powerful, professional and memorable images.


I first introduced FHreaders to Austin last December in the feature Primeval. I was amazed by Austin's ability to weave both wild with sophistication, raw sexuality with style, and powerful intensity with a quiet beauty. All of this was magnificently captured through the lens of photographer Max Woltman.


'My specialty is in showcasing timeless human characteristics such as personality, emotional range, sexuality, and other qualities that won't go out of fashion next season. I believe in revealing something intimate, sacred, vulnerable, and unique about you.'


It is always apparent when both model and photographer have an artistic alliance. When both of their creative processes and goals work together to create images that stand out. I especially love the mannequin shots, and how in the first image at the top, Austin weaves his body with the mannequin which makes them appear as one, causing the viewer to look closely to see where one part starts, and other one ends. Austin makes a wonderful Mr. December in Max's New Mexico Men 2015 calendar which you can preview HERE:


'Max Woltman is my favorite photographer to work with. I have said it before, but I think he very well may be the nicest person in creation. He has a wonderful way of putting his subjects at ease and capturing wonderfully expressive moments.'


'My favorite shot with Max...that is a toss-up between a couple that were posted when you last were kind enough to feature me on your blog. Either one where I am bent over backward on a stool (above) or the shot of me in the shower. (HERE:) The stool shot I enjoy because I find it really interesting to view and I think it is one of my more expressive shots.  The shower shot I mentioned because it was my first nude shoot and took a good amount for me to actually do it. It was a big step for me. It meant a lot that it was well received.'



Destination Downton


For those of us in America, Downton Abbey returns with new episodes on PBS tonight. Since season 2, I usually get my hands on the DVD before Christmas (Amazon UK usually) and did so again this year. But... for the first time I have not watched, waiting to let it unfold on Sunday night.


I still oven Downton, but since Matthew's death I have not watched with the same devotion. Maggie Smith is still a scene gold mine but most of my investment was with Mary and Matthew, and I have not really paid as close attention, especially with what seems an endless parade of new characters and suitors. I did however, pay closer attention last weekend when PBS was re-airing the episodes leading up to tonight's premiere and for the first time in awhile, I am looking forward to it.

Below: Stevens & Leech

As much as I loved Matthew, and actor Dan Stevens, his leaving has given me an new appreciation for Branson, I mean Tom, played by actor Allen Leech. I was not really a Branson fan for season 1 or 2, but he won me over, especially since Lady Sybil's death.


I remember writing just after Matthew died, (utterly indignant, and absurdly grieving the loss of a TV character) that I hoped the producers would not now pair Mary with Tom. Well, two seasons later, that is exactly what I hope happens. Mary has never really given any man the attention she managed to muster for Matthew, and she clearly genuinely cares for Tom. Tom, on the other hand, continues to gravitate towards any woman who helps wipe off the smell of wealth that he so hates that surrounds him.


From the little I have seen, Downton Abbey does't have any huge cliffhangers on the horizon, and maybe this is good. I am still not over losing Matthew, Sybil and Mrs. OBrien. I know someone from down stairs slides off early in the season and if Lady Rose would were head back to London on a permanent basis, I wouldn't be shedding any tears.




Leech on stage in Phaedra

Quaternate: TR Pics

Favorite Four:

Photographer Tom Rubeck (TR Pics) hasn't only brought FH some incredible images, he has also connected me with several models with incredible stories. Thank you Tom




2011
Sam Devries: Part passion, part obsession, complete expression..
Tristan:Point-n-Shoot
Roham Da Mirz: Music & Movement!

2012
Vincent WolFang: Right Before The Lens


2013
David: Idiosyncrasies
SaulH: Meaty
Seconds of Saul
Hats, Sacks, Socks & Packages


2014
Leonel: I'm Ready!
AJ Irons: Menagerie

2015
Sunel Molina: Lyrical / Beautiful
Jesse Townsend: In The Wings
Heath: Exit Stage Right