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Saturday, January 11, 2025
Lights On Studio: Artificial Snow
When I was a little in the 80's, we had snow almost every Christmas. Despite having real snow, just outside the window, every December, my mom bought those tins of 'artificial' snow to coat the windows. Although I loved Christmas decorations, I hated that stuff. What I remember most about it, was the smell.
Truth is, whenever you see snow in a television show or movie, chances are, it's fake. Even though Hallmark goes to Canada to shoot most of it's holiday movies, they don't go up for the snow. They usually film them in the summer, and go to Canada for the tax breaks, not the weather. I really don't mind 'fake's snow on a sit-com, but I hate it in films, especially big budget films. I guess you have more control over artificial snow, but as a snow connoisseur, I can spot fake snow a mile away.
Given ow much snow we see in visuals is fake, I thought we needed at least one post featuring snow that didn't fall naturally from the sky. Although photographer Tom Nakielski, (Lights On Studio) is from Michigan, and is no stranger to snow, he also knows that most of his models, won't drop trou in in the snow.
That doesn't mean Tom hasn't shot outside, I previously featured his work with Michael Moody outside on a snowy day, but generally, when shooting during the winter months, Tom sticks to shooting naked men in a comfortable, and heated studio. This shoot with Zeus was a combo, with Tom shooting both a Christmas, and then winter theme. Later, he used a plain backdrop for a series of shots focused not on a holiday, but just Zeus, and his beautiful body.
In Too Deep... ☃️
As much as I love winter and snow, shoveling can sometime be a chore. Over the years, we've had winters with light snow, and others where the snow and ice made shoveling a daily occurrence. When I owned a house, I had a great neighbour who often helped. It was great exercise, that I actually enjoyed, except for those early morning work outs in order to get to work.
Now, If I had a Roger, (Thatyogafvcker) living next door, it might not have been so taxing clearing off the car and shoveling out. Especially if he shoveled, as he's doing in the video below, completely naked. I'm sure it's cold on those sensitive area's, but Roger gets his shovel in deep, ensuring his task will be satisfyingly completed in a hard, but speedy amount of time.
Peter Mairhofer: The Hills Are Alive!
'I even heard him singing in the abbey.'
I started working on a piece on model Peter Mairhofer this past November. I put it aside when December hit, and began doing holiday pieces. I'll post that piece next week, but wanted to include Peter in today's snow day pieces for a couple of reasons. To begin with, if you follow him, you know he's from Austria, and calls himself 'mountain boy' on Instagram. In so many images you can just imagine he's twirling around and singing loudly, his voice echoing in the distance ala Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music.
Since he takes so many selfies and videos in the mountains of Austria, you know there's plenty of shots of Peter, surrounded by visually magnificent and snowy backdrops. Last week, one of Peter's TikTok videos went viral. I saw it shared on at least a half dozen social media accounts I filed. I loved seeing him get more attention, but stupidly waded into the comments. I should have known better, I've learned long ago, no matter what the subject, the comments section is a hell hole of negativity and cruelty.
The video, (posted below) featured Peter doing something most of us who grew up with snow have done. Shaking branches in the woods, resulting in the snow floating down cover the shaker. Usually, we hit the branches by accident, or if on purpose, plot to hit another person, not ourselves. It wasn't the snow, or what Peter was doing that caused so many cruel responses, it was his voice.
The first time I head Peter's voice I was surprised as well, pleasantly. I loved his Austrian accent, and especially loved the pure joy his voice expresses. It was sad to read on Twitter, so many people, both straight and queer, were so ignorant with their comments. I'm assuming both assumed the 'mountain' boy might have a deeper, more manly voice, one that meet what they expected from the hot Austrian model.
There is a magic in Peter's voice, almost lyrical. I could listen to him all day. The joy he expresses in the videos he shares, far outweighs the negative reactions in the comments. I'm guessing most were from people not familiar with Peter's work, as a model, and as a on-line creator. It was jarring to read some of the comments, especially from members of the LBGTQ community, who should know better. By the way, I have no idea about Peter's sexuality, nor do I care, I just enjoy his work, especially the visuals in his treks in the snow in the Austrian mountains.
I know, this is a snow day, but the end of many snowy days, especially if you're outside on a hill or mountain, a steam or sauna is definitely in order!
12 Days: Jack Turner in One Winter Weekend ❄️
'A recently dumped travel writer goes on a ski getaway with her best friend and they find themselves double booked with two eligible men. When they are snowed in, love ensues, as it always does.'
I'm still in the process of weaning myself off Hallmark Christmas movies. Truth is, I didn't watch very many, but since I work from home at least three days a week, they were great as background noise while I worked. It was just a step above the yule log, or aquarium channel, with little action or noise to really distract me while I worked.
When I was distracted, usually by a hot actor, I pressed record on my digital recorder, turned the channel, then watched later. I can't work in silence, and music doesn't quite cut it. Ever since my emotional and total boycott of cable news last November, it was nice to have a pleasant, soothing background while worked.
After the Christmas and Hanukkah themed flicks were over, Hallmark seemed to know that many needed to go off their 'feel good' films slowly. I noticed there were a few winter themed films, usually beginning with a scene of New Year's Eve, then moving into snow filled January and February scenes. The first one I noticed was 2018's One Winter Weekend. I noticed, because actor Jack Turner was introduced coming down the stairs of the ski chalet shirtless, dressing, presumably an after ski shower.
I first notice, and then posted about Jack after seeing him in a Crowne Plaza television commercial. (HERE:) As you can see, it's hard to to instantly fall a little in love with his sweet face. His body's not so bad either, which Hallmark obviously knew. A ski chalets need a sauna, which made the perfect setting to again get Jack's character shirtless, in just a towel.
One Winter Weekend I learned, was part of a trilogy of Hallmark films, all set in winter, focused on two couples. I was followed by One Winter Proposal in 2019 and One Perfect Wedding in 2021. I haven't watched either yet, but will try if I see that they're airing. Sequels are a catch 22 with Hallmark holiday films. There are many films with characters that I'd love to see more of, yet most of the sequels I've seen have not been nearly as good as the original. Thanks to SOMS for some of the images!
Stitchers 
Although Jack hasn't done any nude scene that I could find, he did have some hot scene sin the 2014 gay romance film, The 10 Year Plan.
The 10 Year Plan
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