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Saturday, January 3, 2026
Tom Nakielski : The Project Payoff
'I would love to work with you on a project. Although I am not as prolific as some of the photographers that you feature that I really admire.'
The words above were from the first reply on Model Mayhem I received from photographer Tom Nakielski (Lights On Studio.) Tom wrote back after I messaged him about a piece on the site. Little did we know, that 'project' would turn into dozens and dozens of original shoots over the next decade. I mentioned Tom's passing last month on the site, but really wanted to give this talented artist a proper tribute.
Tom was laid to rest this past Saturday in Michigan, and was also honoured for his service in the Navy. In additional to being a wonderful friend and gifted photographer, Tom was also an activist, something he did even from a wheelchair in his final years. Tom and I shared many passions, including our mutual loathing for the orange idiot in the White House. Tom so wanted to outlive the sociopaths time in office, and I so wish he could have lived to see him taken away in handcuffs.
The best story I have about Tom, is one I've shared before. It speaks however, to his going above and beyond, as well as his caring nature. Tom knew I always wanted a Thanksgiving shoot with a real turkey. Given his experience as a studio photographer, Tom had often used rabbits and chicks with kids for Easter shoots. Those of you who have seen Tom's Easter shoots on FH, know this was something he also carried this into his work with male models .
So, Tom scoured the Internet and called around to some farms near his home. Finally, he found a farmer willing to 'loan' Tom a turkey for a Thanksgiving shoot. Tom spent a long Saturday afternoon driving to the farm to pick up the turkey. He brought him home and cared for him the night before the shoot. Sunday morning however, Tom was worried, the turkey was stressed and not doing well. Not wanting to cause the bird any additional stress or trauma, he drove the turkey back to the farm early the next morning.
Now, I am an animal lover, and wondered if posing with a naked male model might have been less stressful that what awaited our feathered friend back on the farm... Still, I loved hearing Tom's turkey tale. Because Tom knew I wanted a turkey, the next year, he scoured craft stores and bought feathers to make his own turkey costume that Tony slid into for the 2021 Thanksgiving shoot. Tom will be missed by so many, especially his close friends and family. I tried, but it was difficult to communicate with Tom the last few months. Most of my communication came through one of his friends or a machine as speaking and typing had become too difficult.
Tom was really struggling the last few weeks, so I am comforted that he is no longer in pain. Tom had some medial options, but decided his body was ready for rest. I'll miss his work for sure, but more so his friendship. Tom loved to send funny gifs and jokes, more so when he was hospitalized, with time on his hands. I still have some work I have not yet shared, so there are still a few surprises. These shots are all images of models I've featured, but I believe these are all shots are ones I did not use before. Rest my friend, and thank you for everything you brought to FH and for working on the project!
Farewell...
Rob Reiner
1947-2025
Like so many of you, I grew up going to the theatre to enjoy Rob Reiner films. I loved so many, but my personal favorite is The Princess Bride. I've watched it multiple times over the year, always brining forth laughs, even when I know the joke that's coming. I also remember visiting a Great Aunt when I was a kid, and being introduced to All In The Family. Even though the show had been off the air for years, she watched the repeats every afternoon, leading me to buy the DVD's for myself when I got older.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
1970-2025
Like every kid growing up in the late 80's and early 90's, Thursday night meant watching The Cosby Show. Despite the crimes of the lead, the show made an impact for so many reasons, including the writing and the talented cast.
Gene Hackman
1930-2025
I know there are many great Gene Hackman movies and performances, but sorry to Mr. Hackman, who didn't speak well of the film, but I LOVE The Poseidon Adventure. I watched it first in the 80's, I was just a kid when it aired on TV, but loved it then, and still enjoy it now. Hackman said he did for the money, but t me the movie is classic camp and I still DVR it whenever TCM plays it.
Valerie Mahaffey
1953-2025
Valerie Mahaffey is one of those actress's who never had a long running hit show, yet, was memorable in almost every role she was in. I remember her fondly for her turns on Wings, Desperate Housewives and Northern Exposure, just to name a few of her long career in film and on television. Every time her name popped up in the credits, you just knew she was going to bring it.
Roberta Flack
1937-2025
The Closer I Get to You.... I don't know about everyone else, but my music tastes were formed by the albums in my parents collection. My dad's mostly came from his father and included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Roberta Flack. I listed to Flack, and her duets with Donny Hathaway hundreds of times when I was a kid.
Patricia Routledge
1929-2025
On Saturday nights at my parents house, it was always PBS night, which meant British sit-coms. When I was home, that meant Are You Being Served, As Time Goes By and Keeping Up Appearances. When I was younger, Hyacinth Bucket annoyed the shit out of me. As I got older, I grew to love her, and the actress who portrayed her.
Diane Keaton
1946-2025
I love so many Diane Keaton films, but I think I hold a special place for Baby Boom. First off, I think it's the first time saw her on screen. Long before seeing The Godfather or some of her other hits, Baby Boom was a VHS family rental. My mom enjoyed the film so much, she ended up buying a copy and it was replayed often by her, and later by me.
Graham Greene
1952-2025
Yes, I loved actor Graham Greene in many roles, no matter the role, he always stood out with a powerful onscreen presence. As a Canadian First Nations actor, Greene was both internationally successful and an ambassador for bringing a unique diversity to roles often written as stereotypical and dimensional. Graham Greene was neither of those things.
Jon Miyahara
1941-2025
I came to Superstore late in the game. I began watching about the time it was cancelled. I quickly fell in love with the sit-com, the writing and the characters. Brett, (Miyahara) said very little, in fact, I'm not sure he ever spoke at all. Still, his brief appearances each week were a highlight. We all have, or should have, a Brett in our workplace.
Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu.
Robert Redford
1936-2025
Richard Chamberlain
1934-2025
Julian McMahon
1968-2025
Val Kilmer
1959-2025
Wings Hauser
1947-2025
Francisco San Martin
1985-2025
Michael Madsen
1957-2025
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