StudioMGphotography: Southern California Rendezvous

Rendezvous: A meeting at an agreed time and place, typically between two people.

If you look up the meaning of Rendezvous, it typically refers to just the meeting of just two people.  Creators however, rarely rely on textbook definitions, and the great ones, rarely rely on the typical. I've never viewed the work of StudioMGphotography as typical.  I've been featuring Mark's work for close to 16 years, and rarely have a seen a shot with a hot male model simply posing in front of a black backdrop.  Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not Mark's style.  

Mark prefers to shoot his models in more creative poses, in unique and often risky settings. Usually, if you're shooting with Mark, you can expect to be hanging from a ceiling, scaling the side of a cliff, balancing precariously on a wobbly wooden chair or maybe bouncing on a pile of mattresses in an old abandoned army base.  I always wondered if Mark slid in a safety waiver along with the standard model release....

There was no safety waiver needed for this shoot however, just the willingness to go erotically exceed the typical definition of a rendezvous.  Of course Mark invited not just two, but three models to this particular meet up, and the three models are of course three of the hottest, and most popular male models working today.  I'm guessing most of you all know, Kramer Evans, Mr. Bradford and Logan (with the red hair).  All three have a huge on-line following and all three have previously made appearances on FH. 

There were clues that this Southern California Rendezvous was on the horizon.  If you checked out my last two features focused on Mark's work, (one with Kramer HERE: and one with Colby HERE:) the clues were there.   Although the shoots, and subsequent photo books, were focused on one model, other male models also popped up in various parts of the shoots.  Although Mark is a maestro at shooting the male form, he really shines when shoot two, and especially three models together.  If you check back on the many Lake Powell trips,(HERE:)  you'll see that some most stunning visuals occur when Mark has a triad of studs who are up for a challenge. 

For this particular Rendezvous, three men meet for a long weekend of exploration and adventure in Southern California. Mark invites the view to follow along as they explore a beautiful hillside hacienda, complete with private gardens, chic terraces, a sun filled massage studio, lavish bedrooms, a yurt, and even a game room! ( had to Google yurt) From here they travel to the desert at Joshua Tree with inspiring landscapes for hiking, and another property, complete with a glass-sided swimming pool for unusual views! 

You can make this hot threesome a foursome, by joining them visually with a peak into their Southern California Rendezvous and the many extraordinarily steamy moments they shared!  Mark has put together the hottest shots of Kramer, Logan and Mr. Bradford in a new photo book that you check out on Blurb .(HERE:) The collection is available in a large format printed hard cover edition, or an instantly downloadable digital format.  Warning, it's pretty out there these days and the book includes explicit content with full frontal nudity from all three rendezvous invitees in 64 pages guaranteed to get your heart racing.

StudioMGphotography
Southern California Rendezvous on Blurb

Logan on Instagram

Kramer on Instagram

Mr. Bradford on Instagram

Favorably Disposed: Benjamin by New Manhattan Studios

'I am favorably disposed to working with you but I would want to check with the model first. While I own the rights to the photographs I have promised this particular model a say on how and where his images are used.'

Wes Triplett

This post, featuring images of Benjamin from New Manhattan Studios began as a celebration of PRIDE .  If you scroll down, you'll see visuals of Benjmain with a rainbow scarf.  As I was putting the piece together however, I also wanted to make  it a celebration of NMS, and it's owner and lead photographer Wes Triplett.   The quote upon, with Wes replying he was favorably disposed to working with me on a post, was the photographer's first reply to my request to feature his work.

That first request to feature Wes' work was over 14 years ago in 2012.  I was inspired after seeing his stunning shots of the muscular Drew. (HERE:)  I was struck by two things starting with Wes open to working with me.  My favorite artists and models to feature don't just send me visuals, but work with me to create the story.  Each time I featured the work of NMS, Wes provides plenty of story, most of it,  I'm able to share with FH readers.  

Occasionally, there's a tidbit or two I'm asked to keep to myself.  This is is common with most of the artists and models that I feature.   Many share certain aspects of their work which helps give contest to the visuals, but not all of it needs to be shared.  I also loved that Wes wanted to check with Drew before going forward.  I know this may seem a small thing, but it's something I always encourage.  

This past weekend Wes celebrated his birthday.  Wes didn't however, just have a couple of friends over for coffee and cake.  Wes had a birthday weekend extravaganza, with activities all themed to the male form.  I wish I could have convinced Wes to take his camera along, as his Birthday celebrations began Friday night with a Burlesque show, and climaxed at midnight on Sunday by attending Broadway Bares where Wes got to enjoy Sydney James Harcourt in the fliesh. I usually stick with having coffee, (well wine) and cake with friends, but that's a birthday weekend, I could get behind!

In between his male form focused festivities, including seeing a few models he worked with on stage, Wes grabbed a few minutes to pull together his work with Benjamin.  As June is winding down, Wes knew that I hoped to share the PRIDE themed shots before the end of the month.  No matter how busy Wes gets, he always finds time to send me on work, including many holiday themed hotties.

This shoot with Ben was a few years ago and the 22 year old model was a recent college graduate when they first worked together.  Wes remembers that Benjamin was one of the first models to list 'influencer' as his day job.  As we know, not everyone can make money as an influencer, and although he had a large social media following, Ben eventually returned to school to to get his graduate degree. Wes shares they worked both in the studio and along Manhattan's East River waterfront. They actually wound up shooting in front of a building that Ben had lived in during his years in school.  

Although Wes shares they got some good shots during that first shoot, Wes felt there was something missing, and felt they could even do better with a second shoot.  About three weeks later, Ben returned to the studio, and most of these shots were from that second shoot.  Wes compiled his favorite shots of Ben, featuring images from their location work, and studio shots featuring full frontal and erecton shots into an almost 50 page photo essay.  If you want to see more of Ben, including Ben's beautiful boner, download the Essay on NMS HERE:

New Manhattan Studios

Benjamin on New Manhattan Studios

Fluid, Authentic and Real: Giovanni by New Manhattan Studios

' 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.'

Wes, NMS

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.'

Wes

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:

Giovanni on Twitter

Giovanni on Instagram

Giovanni on New Manhattan Studios

Body Language: Jimmy by Shax Carter

'Jimmy expressed himself with his body. He choose to speak with his actions and poses.'

Shax Carter

If you've followed my previous pieces featuring the work of Shax Carter, (HERE:) you know the images I showcase are from multiple shoots.  Shax's process is to follow a model over a period of time to capture not just their beautiful bodies, but their spirit, and personalities as well.  In the case of his work with Jimmy, the creative duo set out for several days and nights of shooting and exploring the beauty of the US West.  

This meant shooting for hours in both in the woods surrounded by rocky and mountainous beauty.  When Shax first shared his work with Jimmy, I couldn't help but think that he reminded me of an incredibly hot Jesus.  Jimmy's lean body, long flowing hair and beard, especially in the outdoor shoots, reminded me of a Messiah on a mission.  Having seen Shax's visual stories spotlighting Jimmy, this delectable deity is far more sexually explosive than any story written in the Good Book.

As a freelance structural worker,  Jimmy is right at home in the outdoors.  As much as I loved seeing Jimmy in 'the wild', I also really loved he and Shax's work indoors.  Inside the hotel, without the worry of weather, bugs and curious looky-loos, it was easier for Jimmy to relax, and for Shax to capture more erotically charged visuals.  I also really loved, that although inside, in so many shots, Shax incorporated the room's large windows, utilizing the surrounding rocky and wooded areas into many of the interior shots.

As he frequently does, with so many different themes, locations and shots, Shax has put together a visual scrapbook of time with Jimmy into a book.  Featuring both the outdoor, and indoor locations, Shax has assembled 214 pages of Jimmy in both a hard cover, and PDF version, which you can instantly download.  If you want to see more of Shax's work with Jimmy, you can check out his site HERE: or preview more on Blurb HERE:

How did you find Jimmy? 

I came across Jimmy online, he was performing a cam show. Immediately I saw that his sensuality was mesmerizing. I started talking to him and he was very interested in doing a photo shoot, something he has always wanted to try. 

Had he modeled before?
Jimmy had done cam shows for a while but hadn't done any photography or anything like that. This was something he had always wanted to try, so he was up for it right from the start, 

What motivated you to want to shoot Jimmy?
My main motivation was to really bring out his sensuality, and further what I had seen in his solo performances. I really wanted to take it to the next level. 

What were your first impressions upon meeting?

Jimmy was very quiet and a little withdrawn when we first met. I thought it would be relaxing for him to start with some outside photos, with the camera at a distance letting him find his own personal space to work in. As we went on, I brought the camera closer to him and by that point, it was if the camera wasn't even there. He became a natural fairly quickly.

Any stories from the location shoots?
We did a lot of wandering around the woods and rocks, looking for places to shoot. The overall location was so magnificent, and Jimmy really enjoyed searching out the best places. My original plan was to do one piece of outdoor shooting, but we ended up doing about four pieces at different times of the day. 

What was your favorite part about working with Jimmy?
To put it simply, everything.

Did he ever express any boundaries, or was his goal to push those boundaries?
Jimmy naturally pushed his boundaries throughout the shoot. As we progressed, he became more and more open with everything naturally, and I just followed along photographing everything.  He was very grateful for being able to do the shoot, and it was like he didn't want to stop. 

Tell me when in the process erections and ejaculation come up?
When we moved to interiors the first time, and the clothes started to come off, he started getting an erection naturally and repeatedly. We would move again outdoors for some shooting in different light, and when we returned to interior work, it would begin all over again. By the time we were finishing up the shoot, ejaculation seemed the most natural thing to do. 

Shax Carter Photography

Shax Carter on Blurb

Shax Carter on Instagram

Beware of Poison Oak! Colby by StudioMGphotography

'Whenever I'm working with Mark, he always points and reminds me of the poison oak...'

Colby

When you're posing completely naked in the woods, it's always helpful to have a photographer who can warn you about the lurking dangers, especially the poison oak. Pacific poison oak is dominant along the West Coast where Mark G..( StudioMGphotography) shoots, especially in damp forests with bushy areas and sandy soil.  If one's skin comes in contact with poison oak, there can be an allergic reaction involving intense itching, followed by red patches and even blisters.  Something you want to avoid, especially on those exposed sensitive body parts.

Colby appreciated Mark keeping an eye on the oak, especially given they've headed into the woods and down to the beach to shoot numerous times over the last 18 months.  Some of you may remember Colby's first appearance on FH back in spring of 2024. (Bodies of Water) The images were one of Colby's first shoots with Mark, and was also my introduction to Colby's work.  I was instantly drawn to Colby's look, not to mention his vibrant persona and engaging relationship with the camera and viewers. 

Mark shares that  Colby has really gone through quite a transformation in the last couple of years.  His experience in front the camera has led to not only an increase in confidence, but a creative desire to push boundaries and continue to build and expand on his already impressive portfolio.   Over the course of those 18 months, Colby also went through major changes in his personal life.  A student when he and Mark first met, he's now graduated and working full time in his chosen career.  

I know fans of the male form also know that's Colby's been busy behind the lens, working with many of the top visual chroniclers of the male form.  Given the incredible results of their time creating together, Mark has put together a new photo book featuring images from each of his sessions with Colby.  The book features close to 100 pages of Colby in all his unabashed glory.  Imagery includes full nudity, and also a duo shoot featuring Colby with Kramer. (who I featured earlier this year HERE:)

Comments from Colby

What's changed most since your first shoot with Mark? 

Since our first shoot, I have become a professional in front of the camera. Mark has always given me the space to try new things and learn from mistakes when posing. 

The book contains several different locations, do you have a favorite? 

My favorite location was Hawaii. Little Beach and the King’s Highway were warm, beautiful, sunny, and warm!

What are the pros of working with another male models? 

The pros of working with other models are new friendships and useful tips. I have so many amazing friends that I’ve met through modeling and I have learned so many useful tips and tricks from posing with other models.

Given all of the artists and models you've collaborated with. What is still on your bucket list?

I want my work to have an impact in the world. There are a lot of photographers that I still want to create with because there are so many stories that I want to help tell. There are concepts that I want to execute, challenge, and build on. I love to work with creatives that yearn to tell stories and change the world.

You can order, in hard cover or an instant download PDF Colby HERE:

StudioMGphotography Photography

StudioMGphotography on Twitter / Instagram 

Colby on Instagram

Colby on BlueSky