' Giovanni sports one of the most perfectly toned and proportioned torsos in the studio's portfolio; a masterpiece worthy of Michelangelo.. Every angle worked. Every frame delivered. It felt like shooting fish in a barrel.'
Whenever I feature the work of New Manhattan Studios, studio owner Wes Triplett usually shares plenty of behind the scenes stories from the shoot. When I asked Wes about the studio's work with the swelteringly hot Giovanni, Wes didn't have a lot to say.... Not because the shoot didn't go well, just the opposite in fact. Giovanni has been modeling since he was a child and arrived at the Madison Avenue loft ready to go.
The Saturday morning shoot went like clockwork, with Giovanni performing at full tilt from the moment he stepped through the door. Although Wes had more time planned, after about two and a half hours, and after taking hundreds of incredible captures, Wes and photographer Marc French had everything they needed and more.
'What Giovanni brought to the set, though, needed no embellishment. Years in the gym and on the tennis courts carved the trim, beautifully proportioned physique that he carries so naturally. Some of it is discipline, some of it is genetics — really good genetics. He started modeling as a teenager, and it shows: the confidence, the swagger, the instinct for the camera. Every angle worked. Every frame delivered. It felt like shooting fish in a barrel.'
Those genetics, and Giovanni's hard work are striking, and I was instantly enticed upon viewing his work with NMS. As soon as I noticed a image of Giovanni that Wes posted on his BlueSky page, I loved Giovanni's look, especially as I love for a great head of wavy long hair. I headed immediately to the NMS site to check out more from his portfolio.. Starting with his skill and confidence in front the lens, everything about Giovanni and his work with NMS is striking. Add to this, his handsome face, his tight, toned physique and it was clear that Giovanni is the total package.
In addition to wanting to see more, it will surprise no one who reads FH, that I also wanted to know more. Although Wes had nothing but high praise for Giovanni, and the professional and seamless shoot, I still wanted to hear more. Given how well things went for those behind the lens, I wanted to also hear from the man in front of it. Giovanni generously also shared his thoughts on that Saturday in the studio, and his work with NMS.
How did you first connect with NMS?
I first found out about and connected with New Manhattan Studios through an agency from Atlanta called Heights that reached out to me. They introduced me to the talented Wes, and from there everything naturally fell into place.
Had you seen the studio’s work before?
After hearing about the studio, I did some quick research to get an idea of what to expect and how to prepare for the shoot, which is something I always do before projects. Once I arrived, the venue completely exceeded expectations — the apartment and overall atmosphere were incredible.
How long have you been modeling?
Modeling has honestly been part of my life since birth. My parents were models, so they naturally introduced me to the industry very early on. As a baby and little kid, I was doing campaigns for brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, and Bed Bath & Beyond — I was everywhere as a kid. Later on, I shifted my focus heavily toward tennis, so I stepped away from modeling for a while before eventually returning to it later in life.
Was modeling nude always part of the plan?
I never really crossed out nude modeling at any point in my life. I’m very confident in myself, and honestly I feel the most natural that way. I’ve always connected with the whole Adam & Eve mentality, being natural and existing the way we were originally put on this earth. Clothing was something society added later; it was never our natural state. I bring that mindset into shoots, and it allows me to feel very content and comfortable in front of the camera.
How was your shoot with NMS? What stood out?
The first thing that stood out was how great the crew was. Everyone was welcoming and professional, and the apartment itself was spectacular. They sat me down beforehand and gave me a full rundown of how the shoot would be structured, which I appreciated a lot. I like when a team knows exactly what they want because it makes my job easier, and in return it makes things easier for them too. Teamwork really makes the dream work.
Are you chatty during a shoot? Do you ask questions or make suggestions?
I’m definitely pretty chatty during shoots, but I always make sure the main focus is the work and making sure everything is turning out how we expect it to — and hopefully even better. I like collaborating, asking questions, and making suggestions when it feels right. At the same time, shoots should be enjoyable too, so every now and then I’ll throw in some one-liners and keep the energy and fun throughout the day.
What was your favorite part of the shoot?
My favorite part was how lifestyle-oriented the entire aesthetic felt. Honestly, it felt like I was just living through a normal day in my own life, except cameras happened to be there capturing it. Everything felt very natural. The team was moving at rapid speed, constantly shooting and capturing every movement, which made the whole experience feel fluid, authentic, and real.
With all those moments captured, Wes, Marc and NMS ended up with thousands of great captures. So many, that Wes put together over fifty of his favorites in a new photo essay. You can check out Giovanni in all his glory by previewing or purchasing the collection HERE:
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