'Like a meteor, blazing quickly through the night sky.'
I didn't intend to, but I've found myself writing quite a bit lately about change. Maybe it's because it's the summer, and as I discussed in another piece today, summers can often symbolize change. Change is of course always central to story, and since FH is rooted in story, it's understandable that it comes up from time to time. As a writer, it's always important to make sure that any changes in a specific character make sense. That any drastic or abrupt changes are explained through experience, life events or backstory.
Although FH make appear immutable, at least visually, there have been many changes in the way I put the site together. The ways I contact and connect with artists and models, to the way many wish to promote or spotlight their work. There were no OnylFans or similar sites when FH began. Even the rise, (and sometimes fall) of certain social media sites came over the course of the run of the blog.
I think that's one of the reasons I cling to the format of the site. Despite calls, even from inside the house, to update, I like the consistency and clean look of outstanding images illuminated by a solid black background. I've also grown to especially appreciate the enduring excellence of of photographers whose work stands the test of time. One of those artists is definitely Wes from
New Manhattan Studios.
I first featured Wes' work back in 2012, and the care, skill and excellence that he put into his work was evident then, and I believe even more so now. Through the many creative collaborations for the site, I've learned a lot about Wes' process, his standards and even his rules. Nothing goes out until Wes feels it's ready, which means the editing and post production process is fundamental as the shoot itself.
Just as I've experienced with FH, Wes, and most of the photographers that I feature, also have to deal with change. I think one of the most appreciable changes I've noticed, is how artists present and promote their work. Long gone are the days when purchasing physical images directly from a photographer was the norm. Although many photographers still sell images directly, most have also added other ways to exhibit and share their work.
One of my favorite formats is the 'photobook'. Unlike buying a subscription to a site, one that has clicking button after button, photo essay allow you make a one-time purchase. You don't have to worry about unsubscribing or additional charges, and you can focus on what you really want to see. Beyond just seeing a few images, photo essays allow artists to tell a deeper and more involved story of their work with a specific model.

The focus of this photo essay is the lovely Levi. When I was going through the model folders on the New Manhattan Studio website, I zoomed almost directly onto
Levi's portfolio, and quickly clicked to enter. Levi's muscular physique was tight and toned and I loved the emotion and expression from his handsome face and beautiful blue eyes.
Although I'm not always a lover of tats, I was strangely drawn to Levi's. I especially loved the stems on his lower abdomen, the serpent wrapped around his arm. Then of course, there's that adorable toadstool on Levi's equally adorable behind. There are others I'm sure that some of you have zoomed in to check out.
'I worked with Levi twice. The first time. Logan Hart (A/K/A Logan with the Red Hair) was the second cameraman. Marc French assisted at the session done a month later in his loft. Between 4 cameras trained on him at 2 sessions, We ended up with over 6,000 raw images.'
NMS was one of the first studios to shoot with Levi when he arrived in New York, but sadly Levi's modeling career seems to have ended as quickly as it began. It wasn't due to lack of work, Levi certainly didn't seem to have any issues booking shoots and lining up gigs.
Modeling is certainly not for everyone, and not everyone finds it a fit. Levi, and his beloved puppy, did struggle to find decent and affordable housing, especially somewhere that welcomed pets. This shoot with Wes and NMS, took place about month after Levi arrived in the city. Although he and his pup stayed with Wes while they shot, all of the bouncing around had Levi a bit discouraged.
Wes shares that in addition to having a beautifully proportioned and toned physique, Levi was bright, incredibly sweet and personable. At just 22 however, like so many, had gone through his share of struggles. Sometimes a boy and his dog just want a place to call home, and Wes recently heard that Levi may have headed back home and resume his work as an EMT.
With over 6000 raw images to choose from, it took awhile for Wes to narrow down his favorites to edit and publish. He recently completed his photo essay spotlighting the studios work with Levi, all of Levi, in a 40 page photo book that you can buy instantly, (PDF) version, or order in hard copy as a magazine. You can check-out and preview more on NMS HERE: or directly on Blurb HERE: