'Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate'
John Kander
Whenever I feature a model's work, one of the things I'm most curious about is what. What factors led them to be standing in front a camera, naked no less and what led them to shoot with the particular artist behind the lens. For actor, singer, dancer and model Taylor Collins, it all began with last years Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids Broadway Bares 27: Strip U.
BC/EFA helps grant individuals and organizations around the United States and in other countries relief and help from HIV and AIDS. Regular FH readers are I feature the best and the hottest from Broadway Bares each year on the site, as well as supporting my favorite's through the annual Stripathon fundraiser.
'It's an organization that is very near and dear to my heart. Inside the show, people are "cast" into a group number and that group really becomes your team for the Broadway Bares donation season. It becomes a fun competitive way to out raise each other. Our team had a brilliant idea to do a separate personal photo shoot for our social medias to raise our donations and reach our goal.'
Not only did Taylor's team end up winning that year in fundraising, it also drew the New York based performer a lot of attention from photographers from around the country. (See Taylor's image HERE:) Taylor shares that after shooting nude artistically for Broadway Cares, his insecurity of being naked seemed to disappear. 'Its actually very liberating.'
It was once again through work on stage work that led to Taylor being in front of the camera, this time connecting with photographer Chris Teel, producing this exquisitely erotic set of images. Last year, Taylor joined the National Tour of CHICAGO and was able to meet and work in collaboration with a number of talented photographers. Taylor was also able to continue to help raise donations for BC/EFA while on the road with the popular and beloved musical. Taylor came across Chris' work on Instagram, while coordinating shoots with with the cities he was performing in the show with.
'I loved his work and how he captures the male physique. The angles he shoots with just bring out the best in every picture. He was incredibly professional and knew exactly what he wanted every step of the way. His work really speaks for itself even seeing the newer guys he's shot since I was there. Next time I'm in Toronto I will definitely be hitting him up again for another photoshoot.'
Although his initial shoot, fundraising for Broadway Cares, was as part of a team, for his work with Chris, Taylor seamlessly moves to center stage. When I used to appear in high school and University productions, especially musicals, it was usually the supporting, or second leads who were expected to bring, as John Kander writes, the razzle dazzle and flash. The leads, in traditionally written shows, usually had to rely on talent, charisma, and the power of song and story to hold an audiences attention.
Chris Teel rarely uses razzle dazzle within his work, his focus is his subjects, beautifully capturing both their natural essence and allure. Chris' task was made easy with Taylor, especially his incredible eyes which drew my attention in almost every images. While he may sing and dance ass part of a large ensemble on stage, here, with Chris's camera focused solely on him, Taylor quietly, but powerful commands the viewers attention.
Beyond his hypnotizing gaze, Taylor has a magnificent physique, from his facial structure and beautiful lips, down to his incredibly sexy un-shaved chest, stomach and legs. Clearly, his time on stage not only supplemented his work outs, it also provides Taylor a grace and smoothness with movement and pose. Within Chris' images, Taylor not only appears comfortable within his own beautiful skin, but even more importantly, at ease and content.
Taylor is now back in NYC, currently awaiting being shipped off again, touring North America with CHICAGO. If you want to catch Taylor on stage, check out the shows website (HERE) to see if they'll be in a city near you. Taylor also encourages anyone who is able to check out Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids to make a donation and help someone in need. This years stripathon may be over, but you donate any time of year.
1 comment:
OMG! HE CAN'T BE REAL
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