Above:
Alexis by macpics
-See More Below-
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Instagrams that Inspire: Mr. August
I have been featuring actor, singer, dancer, model and jewellery artist and maker Dave August for close to 6 years now. Dave is certainly a favorite hunk not just because of his incredible body and killer face but also his immense talent, generosity and humour. Watching Dave perform has become a highlight each year during Broadway Bares. Be sure to check out all of my features and interview with Dave by clicking HERE:. Also drop by Dave's instagram where his latest posts include a few clicks, (like the image below) from his recent trip to Costa Rica.
'Swimsuit modeling school is in session with renowned underwear and fitness model Dave August. Space is limited and at a premium. Schedule your life changing lesson now!'
Todd Hanebrink & his NYC BUNS
I first profiled New York actor, singer, dancer and model Todd Hanebrink back in 2009 when I was still using the label, Hunk of the Day. Todd had just finished a North American tour of Wicked and his series of Todd's images from Johnny Photography were definitely some of the hottest images of a model in a kilt I had seen.
I have kept up with Todd's busy career which included a turn in last Winter's Nutcracker Rouge. Although Todd is not in this year's production, his posting of an image from last Christmas (see below) certainly let me know that a FH update was due! Maintaining his body for costumes like the one he barely wore for Nutcracker takes intense work, much of it Todd gets through his job teaching with Kore New York.
The high intensity interval training at Kore certainly helps Todd have incredibly well toned NYC buns that help promote his new clothing apparel line, NYC Buns that Todd founded to promote pet rabbit awareness and to help his local rabbit Shelter. Many of you might have read, or seen images of Todd and one of his three pet bunnies before. Todd, and his furry friends, have been featured in The NY Daily News, and even got a mention on morning talk show Kelly & Michael.
'I'm turning into a creepy cat lady, but with rabbits,” laughs Todd Hanebrink, who keeps three bunnies in his Chelsea apartment, and documents their every adorable move under his YouTube and Instagram handle NYC Buns'
Todd is well known in his neighborhood for walking his largest rabbit, a 15-pound Flemish Giant named Dumbo, around on a harness. The other two members of Todd's cuddly trio are Dumbo’s girlfriend, Diva, a Holland Lop and Diesel, a Velveteen Lop. They say that dogs have owners, cats have staff and bunnies, well, they have people that work for them. Todd's bunnies certainly have inspired him to work to educate and support all things rabbit related. If you're interested in learning more, or contacting Todd about his apparel line, check out his Instagrm HERE:
Nutcracker Rouge (2014)
Ahead of the Shadows: Alexis by macpics
It is often said, that many of us live in the shadows. This sometimes refers to the unseen, the unthought-of. The homeless, the poor, those suffering in other places far enough away for us to ignore. There are others, who choose to hover in the background. Many are more comfortable behind the scenes, interacting and creating, but without feeling the need for a spotlight always on them. That doesn't mean they don't want, or even crave recognition, it just means they don't need fed to them on a constant intravenous stream.
Man of they artists I profile on FH, particularly photographers, are for the most part, content to remain in the shadows. They are passionate about their work and enjoy the joy their images bring to others. They like feedback, but many understand that most of the attention will end up going to the person in front of the camera, not behind.
I am always interested in those men who although live within the shadows, are striving towards the light. So many models have interesting stories of growing up overweight or overly thin, without body definition or physical attributes that cause them to stand out. Many of them work tirelessly to change their appearance, to change their attitude and level of confidence to feel justified in stepping out in front of the shadow that both protected and restrained them.
Hans Christian Andersen's story of the ugly ducking is well known to most. Like most fairy tales however, it is a metaphor or than reality, and speaks to our fears and emotions. The ugly duckling was actually a beautiful swan long before he could see or accept it. It just took the right reflection, in this case a pond, not to change his appearance, but the way in which he was able to view it.
Sometimes, the camera, held by just the right photographer, can create that same reflection the duck saw within the water. Sometimes, it takes seeing ourselves from another view to see the beauty that is actually there. There have been many models I have interviewed and profiled on FH who didn't see certain things about themselves until captured by a skilled and perceptive photographer.
I love that Ian from macpics chose to shoot Alexis with, beside, and in front of his shadow. Ian describes Alexis as very polite and cooperative but also a little conflicted about taking the risk of stepping in front of the camera. The young models nerves are understandable. Originally from France, Alexis had only been in Australia for about a month before this shoot, his very first time in front of a professional camera.
Despite this being his first shoot, and despite his reservations, Ian describes Alexis as ambitious, wanting to move beyond the shadows and often asked Ian to retake certain shots because he felt he could give more, or do the pose and look much better. His goal is to study, and eventually use his body and hard work to assist others as teacher or fitness trainer.
It is fantastic to witness the transformation in Alexis throughout the shoot. Although not initially entirely comfortable taking it all off, one naked he enjoyed the freedom and confidence the experience brought on. Alexis has an incredible body, beautiful skin and toned physique highlighted by his amazing chest and abs. His eyes also grew more confident as the shoot progressed and by the time he entered the shower for the final part of the shoot, his smiles were impossible to contain.
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