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Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Another Lacy Look:
'The best of us don’t know when we’re being cruel or inappropriate, and that’s Shane, he thinks he’s just talking or telling you the truth.'
I know, I know, I'm late to the party, very late. Sure I saw caps and clips of Marry Bartlett dining on Lukas Gage, but I didn't watch The White Lotus until last weekend. Not sure what took me so long, I knew I'd enjoy it. I think sometimes I purposely avoid shows I know I'll enjoy until a time I really need a good binge and escape.
There's not really much I can write about the show's first season that hasn't already been said on every other site. I'll just say thank you to Mike White for his writing, directing and incredible casting. Although I hated most of the characters, (in a good way) I love every actor cast. My favorite storyline was that of couple Shane and Rachel.
I crushed over both, actress Alexandra Daddario and actor Jake Lacy. I've been a fan of Lacy since first seeing him the 2010 sit-com, Better With You. I previously featured Jake on FH, (HERE:) after loving his turn as Ron in the not talked about enough Fosse/Verdon.
If you've followed Lacy's career, you know he's not only incredibly talented, he's also a bit of a chameleon. Lacy weaves in and out of different looks, and different characters with ease. I always recognize Lacy when I see him on screen, yet because he's so good, I often have to Google to ensure it's him. Lacy was so good in White Lotus, he had me, and I'm sure many of you, crushing over a pretty unlikable character.
I'm Dying Up Here
Artistic Representation: Jae by Pierre-Yves Monnerville
'We live in times where just being ourselves can sometimes feel like an act of bravery.'
I've been featuring the work of photographer Pierre-Yves Monnerville for over a decade now. I was always drawn to his visuals and how he so beautifully captured the strength, both the internal, and the external, of the men in front of his lens. Earlier this year, I featured images from a photo series Pierre had created for his new project Unapologaytic.
Pierre began Unapologaytic as a t-shirt and clothing brand, but's concept and message was too important and too big for only t-shirts, and Pierre's since expanded the concept into other areas. The focus on the male form, Pride, body positivity and celebrating Gay Men and Gay culture has expanded to photo-shoots, on-line zines and most recently, a new series of podcasts.
The first episode of the Unapogaytic podcast featured Pierre's interview with Jae. Some of you may remember Jae from his turn as gay icon St Sebastian in a piece from earlier this year. (HERE:) Jae made the perfect first guest. Not only has he modeled for Pierre several times, he also spoke so openly, sharing their experience of challenging society’s expectations of what gender queerness should act and look like. You can listen to Jae's interview on the Podcast HERE:
I strongly encourage you to have a listen as Jae is incredibly honest about his experiences, and the challenges and unique nuances connected with gender identity and expression. Jae was equally open about answering a few of my questions about his work Pierre, and his experience, both the challenges and rewards, of putting yourself out there by modeling nude.
When was the first time you had a nude image taken of yourself?
I'm sure it was a selfie because the first nude image of me was done by Pierre in 2019. There is a big difference between taking a selfie and having someone photograph you nude. It's about intention, which I learned. Nude selfies I think are generally about sharing images of yourself to share and turn someone on or get them interested sexually. Working with photographers, the intention for me is about self expression and artistic representation of the male form.
Did seeing yourself nude in an image impact in anyway how look looked at yourself or your appearance?
One hundred percent. I'm comfortable being naked, but examining myself in photos, sometimes going through hundreds at a time has been really challenging. Ultimately, it's made me much more comfortable with the entirety of my physicality.
I recognize now I'm unique and can better celebrate all parts of me, even those I used to think were flaws. I'm non-binary, so it also caused me to get comfortable with my cock in a way I hadn't been before. I love it as a part of me now and don't experience so much dysphoria when I have it out on show.
Was it a struggle at all to decide to post nudes on-line?
Yes, very much so and remains a struggle sometimes. I tend to be quite intentional in what I share and write online. For me it's self expression, even nudity or perceived sexualization in images. I'm conscious not everyone has my same sensibilities, so I try to be mindful of that and still go with my own intent. However, sometimes that means censoring what kind of images I choose to share publicly.
What was the reaction from others?
I mean, positive generally speaking! There are plenty of people who like how I look, and I am aware of this. What I hope to do is use any attention I get to also share deeper messages around inclusion, self-love, etc. On Instagram in particular I like to write commentary, usually in form of prose, about what the image sparks in me. Maybe it's longing or a sense of loss, love or a sky full of stars. What bothers me is when I simply get comments like "I'd fuck it". I'll not comment on what I think of comments like that!
How did you connect with Pierre?
We met at a weekend self development festival for queer men/people in London. We got to talking and became friendly a bit before he asked he could take my photograph. After some discussion, I agreed. We've been friends ever since.
What was your favorite part about working with him?
Pierre has such a gentle, warm spirit which makes him easy to be around and trust. He's incredibly grounded and knows what he's interested in and likes, so that also helps when working together creatively. We always have a great time shooting, but also connect as friends. Altogether, I just enjoy being around him and feel I can be myself in front of the camera or when we are just hanging out.
How did he bring up Unapologetic and what inspired you to become involved?
I've known Pierre for several years so he mentioned before his dream to start a clothing line. He told me that did it, and because we had worked together and were friends I was interested to hear more about what he wanted to do. I have expertise in business and human performance, so I offered to support him in his business, not just in his creative photographic projects. Honestly, he didn't need much help, but I am glad I got some insight into his business and helped him a little bit--probably mostly by confirming he's doing all the right stuff.
Saturday, May 27, 2023
#89
Up until recently, Fred Dryer was never really on my radar. In all the years on FH, Fred has never appeared on the site, not even in the birthday section. I've heard of the show Hunter, but was a little young to watch. I don't really remember ever seeing him in anything. That was, until last week..
For 13 years, Dryer was a defensive end in the National Football League, playing in over 175 games from 1969 until he retired in 1981. Dryer is the only NFL player to score two safeties in one game. Best known as #89 during his years playing for the Los Angles Rams. (1972-1981)
Dryer's good looks got him a few guest roles on television, as well as a few ad campaigns, including modeling for Jockey in 1976. If you check out the ad below you might spot some other familiar faces, (and crotches) including Ed Marinaro. Last week, due to a weird series of on-line clicks, I ended up watching Dryer in his first official credited role. After ignoring him for years, I now understand the appeal. Check out the show I caught him on and more of Fred on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
A Deeper Dive:
'The human world, it's a mess.'
Sebastian
Earlier this month, I did a piece focused on the male models who worked on the just released version of Disney's The Little Mermaid. (HERE:) While putting together the story, I re-visited one of my favorite Mermen, and one of my favorite shoots, Chasing Tail by photographer Richard Rothstein.
Given my love for the shoot, the concept, the theme and the two models featured, I thought it was time to re-visit the Merman and the fisherman. I attempted to feature images I didn't use in the first piece with a focus on the catch, and the subsequent release. Check it out on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
Creative Director: Tyler Sarry by Stockwell Photography
' I was a SHUTTERBUG! I was that guy at the party who could never JUST "take the picture!" but had to 'arrange' everyone and everything before clicking the shutter.'
Having worked in theatre, local, community and school productions, I know that many people, including myself, think of ourselves as just a wee bit omniscient. Although our (my) main job might be to play Paul, Fred's dresser, in Kiss Me Kate, we often look beyond our appointed role. At times during the production, I also thought I could cast, produce, design, choreograph and direct the entire production. Truth is, in local theatre you may indeed have to do all of those jobs, including working the box office.
There is a creative intimacy in theatre, especially during rehearsals, that is similar to what happens during photoshoots. This is especially true if the shoot includes nudity. When nudity is involved, it is often just the photographer and model on set with the photographer required to take on a multitude of roles. From creating the concept, casting the model, organizing the studio space, choosing wardrobe, and then preparing the lighting and directing the shoot. That doesn't even include all the work required after, especially the hours of editing.
Photographers are often forced to look systemically, to visualize the whole, and not just focus on one aspect of their work. This is something that comes natural to New York based photographer Rick Stockwell. Rick was an actor all his life, working in regional theatre, in Las Vegas, on Broadway and Off-Broadway. Rick's worked in theatre, film and television productions as well spending time as a top 40 radio DJ
Rick quit show business in 2008, but that didn't stop him from creating. Rick's been doing photography ever since and in 2014 turned his focus to the male form. Inspired by Herb Ritts to s hoot naked men, Rick quickly began shooting some of the industries hottest male models with his work getting noticed by major publications, including DNA magazine which has featured Rick's work on the cover 3 times. One of those covers included fitness and underwear model Tyler Sarry, who Rick connected with on Instagram
'Working with Tyler was fun. He was coming to town from Toronto where he lives. He was shooting with several photographers and agreed to fit me into his busy schedule. I had initially wanted to shoot him in his hotel rooms but we decided to shoot here instead. He had no boundaries when it came to shooting him, as I recall and I really loved the studio work we did. He stands out because he’s so damned handsome. I generally gravitate toward smooth-skinned muscular models with pretty faces. '
Rick describes his focus as more commercial than artsy. Rick does like to feature the face of the model whenever possible. For Rick, the image's impact is heightened when you can see the model's face, and their facial expressions, along with the body. This may stem from getting his start in photography shooting headshots. He works as much with models on facial expressions as he does on body poses. Showcasing the 'complete man' has always been my goal and philosophy with FH as well. Images of just body parts without seeing the models face or a hint of personality, rarely grab or hold my attention.
'My shoots always go long because I enjoy the process so much. I enjoy getting to know the model and feeling like I’ve made a new friend by the end of the shoot. I tend to direct and be very verbal when I shoot. I know what looks good and I can be very specific about poses. I think this comes from my life in the theatre.'
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