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Thursday, August 21, 2025
Monumental:
Over the years of working on FH, there are images of the nude male form that can be described as iconic. Sculptures like Michelangelo's David and Edmé Bouchardon's Endormi. (Sleeping Faun) pictured above and below. As we moved into the 19th century, the visuals were usually photographs from early chroniclers of the male physique. As time goes on, and images are easier to both take and share, it's increasingly more challenging for work penetrate through and obtain the the status of 'iconic'.
A few years ago, I started a file folder titled, Monumental. The purpose, to save images of monumental moments of male nudity. Images that pushed beyond just lovers of the male form and slid into the mainstream. In many cases, it was because the image itself was visually outstanding. In other cases, it was because the image captured a moment or cultural milestone that provoked or stimulated the masses.
Earlier this year, I began to assemble those images into a piece for the site. I got a little overwhelmed by the research, and the amount of images that I'd collected. I ended up doing a theme post titled 'Alone in the Crowd.' It included images from the 'Monumental' file, as well as other images featuring a single nude male in a clothed crowd. I certainly didn't use all of the images in the file folder, so today wanted to share the others that have been sitting there for so long.
To see more of the images from my 'Monumental' folder, head on over to the NEXT PAGE HERE:
One of the first images is that of Andy Wade. Wade is thought to have been Britain's first male stripper. His 1974 performance at Dudley's Saltwells Inn is thought to have been the basis for Ladies' Night, one of the most instantly recognisable paintings by novelty artist Beryl Cook. The image of Andy was taken by Graham Dudley, a former regional press photographer who was working at the time for the Express and Star. The image, ended up going 1974's 'viral', appearing in newspapers and magazines around the globe.
'When I took the picture there were just me and Andy among all those women, and it got a bit frisky. There are some great expressions on the faces of the women and along with the atmosphere made it a winning shot.'
The Youngest Beckham Boy
Oh those Beckham boys! If you were on social media this week, and are a fan of sites focused on the male form, you may have caught this speedo wearing hottie having fun on vacation. 20 year old Cruz, the baby of the Beckham family was photographed having fun with his family and girlfriend while on a yachting trip off the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Cruz certainly does fill out his speedo well, something his girlfriend seems to really appreciate.
Did He Know???
Last week, when featuring actor Graham Rogers, I was surprised to learn Rogers appeared in 2011's 1313: Haunted Frat from director David DeCoteau. When I was checking out the flick, there was another familiar face, or maybe familiar body, appearing in the film. Playing Liam was model Adam Phebus, who made quite a hit in the modeling world in the late 2000's and early 2010's. Many remember Phebus from his work with Ronald Tan for DNA Magazine, (above) and photographer Tom Cullis for Timoteo. (below)
Phebus was all over the net at the time, appearing on FH several times, (HERE:) most notably for his modeling work with N2N Bodywear. Phebus was incredibly successful working for company's and campaigns including: Abercrombie and Fitch, Adidas, Target, Macy's, Calvin Klein for Macy's, JC Penney, OUT mag., Gianfranco Ruffini Italy, American Crew, and Guess. In addition to DNA he also appeared in the pages of Men's Health, Instinct, OUT, Tetu and Figaro Magazine. (France).
When it came to movies however, Phebus' career was sadly too short. He only appeared in two movies, both in 2011 and both from director David David DeCoteau. In addition to Haunted Frat, Phebus also appeared in 1313: Giant Killer Bees! I featured a few caps of the hotties from Giant Killer Bees! when spotlighting Adam's co-star, actor Tanner Novlan. (HERE)
As quickly as Phebus hit the modeling scene, he soon quickly disappeared. This is the case of with many male models who start when they're young, make as much money as they can, then vanish to live a more normal life. I'm not exactly sure, but I believe Phebus is now a successful real estate agent in California.
My question is whether Phebus actually knew how revealing the mesh undies he was modeling for N2N actually were???? Now my first instinct is that he did, how could he not! But... sometimes, with the right lighting, some things show up on camera that don't seem as prominent when looking in a dressing room mirror.
Again, I'm guessing Phebus was aware, but it's always interesting to me when models who have never shot a full frontal image, would basically show everything under a thin layer of mesh. I guess you can say you never posed fully nude, but really, these shots are as hot, or hotter than if Phebus was wearing nothing at all.
Both Sides Now: Alex by Saki
'We all have at least two sides. The world we live in is a world of opposites. And the trick is to reconcile those opposing things.'
David Lynch
We're all made up of different personality parts. Some sides, we share proudly, l others we hide. We all have soft and gentle sides, hard and stubborn. We're all sometimes the reader, and other times the storyteller. We love the total sensation of total freedom, yet also, the desire to be held or bound.
As I've moved through life I've come to the same conclusion as David Lynch. It's far healthier to embrace and reconcile each of our sides, even those we've chosen to keep a secret. That doesn't necessary mean everything you do needs be shared, it just means that's important not to waste energy hiding something that's not really hidden.
Most of our secrets, and most of our 'other' sides are most likely already known, at least to those who know us the best. Even if they're never discussed, they're known. There's a joy and a power to owning all that we are, even the parts we fear others won't support or accept.
Most FH readers know photographer and model Saki. I've been featuring his work, (HERE:) both in front of, and behind the camera for close to a decade. Initially, I focused mostly on the Paris based artist's work as a model and his beautiful nudes and self-portraits. Not only was I drawn to Saki's visuals, but I also loved the quiet, sensual mood that he captured.
Maybe in part it's his French location, but Saki's images always conjure up for me an erotic European weekend afternoon. A sunny Sunday in rented villa spent with a new lover. Of course there's a sexual component, but the predominate sensation is intimacy. The type of intimacy you only feel once, the initial discoveries about the person whose body is wrapped around yours. Learning their passions, what stimulates them, their quirks, and the many sides of who they are.
Saki seems to always beautifully discover many sides of the men he works with. This was certainly the case sexy and sultry Alex Hey. Alex is not stranger to posing nude, and was totally comfortable in front of Saki' lens. Saki shares that Alex is definitely a exhibitionist, and had no problem with any of the poses, or shooting fully erect. Alex and Saki have worked together twice now, and both hoping a third is on the way.
When I dove into Saki's large portfolio from his work with Alex, I quickly noticed the many sides of Alex he captured. The images in this series are what I call the sensual series. That quiet feel and beauty that I love so much about Saki's work. Sometimes, depending on the artist and model, erection shots can change or alter the feel of a image series. With Alex, they flowed so beautifully, maintaining the set tone.
I think part of the reason is because Saki's focus wasn't just on Alex's body parts. As incredible as they were, Saki was capturing Alex, and his beautiful form, in it's entirety. Saki and Alex were creating a mood and telling a story. That Sunday afternoon with Saki's lens exploring the many sides of the man on the other side.
As stated though, Saki captured many sides of the Paris based model he was shooting. In addition to this 'quiet' sensual side, there was another facet of Alex's personality also chronicled during their time together. It's interesting how although different, there was also a streamline to the visuals. Although very different, they weren't opposites. It's like that reconciling of sides that David Lynch referenced.
Check out more of Saki's work with Alex on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
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