A Bevy of Butchers

 'Dude, that goalie was pissed about something!'

Freeburg, Freddy vs. Jason

Owen Lindberg

I'm not really into the sexualization of serial killers and psychopaths, but with fictional movie characters, I'm all for it.  I'm not really sure I know why, many cinema slaughterers motivate not only fans and viewers of the films, but creatives and artists as well.

Next 2 images by Brett Kiellerop

I think the fist time I really saw, enjoyed and featured depictions of Jason's junk was about ten years ago.  In his book Aussie Gods, photographer Brett Kiellerop shot several models wearing the Jason mask on their face, and on their heads...  I love the many creative ways Brett shot the many models featured, from shoots on incredible Australian beaches, to elaborate studio shoots featuring costumes and body painting. 

A Butcher Bared by Brett Kiellerop

Dirtroad by Noplacia 

One of my favorite 'Jason' inspired shoots is definitely photographer Gary Larson (Noplacia) and his work with model DirtRoad.  DirtRoad has always been one of my favorite models, and I have been fortunate to have featured many of Gary's shoots with him over the years. This Friday the 13th themed shoot remains a stand out. 

Hatchet Job: DirtRoad by Noplacia

David & Andrew

I love the shots model and digital creators David and Andrew took this year honoring not only Jason Voorhees, but several other hunky horror hellions as well. 

Jason

If you're a fan of Jason, and a fan of cosplay, you've most likely seen the work of another Jason, (dontgojasonwaterfallstx).  The Texas based model, and self described comic geek, has picked up Jason's machete several times over the years.

 And.. a favorite Jason themed video

Saki: l'auto-préservation

When I was a kid, I took my camera everywhere.  I loved taking photos of myself, my pets and my friends.  When I was in my twenties, I took fewer shots of myself, fewer shots of my pets and friends, and more shots of architecture and landscapes. When I hit my thirties, I pretty much stopped taking pictures all together.  

In part it was because I was working full time, so there was less time to hike and travel with my camera.  I also had boxes full of pictures of my pets, and after you've lost a few pets, you quickly learn you only really that one great image to remember them by.  The rest, just made me sad.

I still pulled out my camera, and then my phone, on trips, at weddings and  on special occasions, but documenting my life became less important.  Like most, I went through a short phase of taking daily selfies, but never really kept that many of them.  Now, I don't really like pictures just of me, I still like having to have my picture taken, but not with the focus just on me. I like to have my arm around a friend, in a group, or be posing  in front of a unique building or location. 

I think in part, it's because I'm less creative when it comes to taking images of myself.  When taking pictures of others, or of other things, I till  look for ways to creatively capturing them in new and different ways.  I think many can relate to how I feel, and the changes in my shooting habits.  I also know there are others, that do not.

Over the last ten years or so, I've come to respect and admire those artists who are able to turn the camera on themselves.  I'm not necessarily taking selfies, but creative self-portraits that contain the same care and creativity that goes into shooting another.  Artists like DirtRoad, Luke G, JayK and many others, artists who continue to create dynamic, erotic and unique contacts with themselves in focus.

Also at the top of that list would be model and artist  Saki.  Although the Paris photographer shoots models other than himself, it was his self-portraits that first drew me to his imagery, and it's  his self-portraits, that keep me checking out his Flickr page and Instagram to see his latest work.

I first featured Saki's work back in 2015, and have continued to feature his new work and images on a regular basis.   My 'selfies' all tended to look the same, but Saki's self-portraits are always creatively posed with a quiet beauty and sensuality that I really both love and respond to.  I recently found myself back in Saki's portfolio choosing new favorites that he's posted since my last feature from 2021.  I narrowed my favorites down to these ten shots that Saki again graciously welcomed me to share. 

Saki on Flickr

Saki on Instagram

Saki on ModelMayhem

Saki on FH

There It Is: Anthony by Always A Novice Photography

'In everything I do, I always feel the need to expand my knowledge. With that in mind, I approach everything as if I'm a novice with the capacity to learn more.'

Russell, AlwaysANovice

When I got my first full time job after University, I was hired, along with nine new employee's, into a new branch of the organization. The first thing my new supervisor did, was assign each of the new nine a mentor.  They felt connecting us all someone established will support our work and transition into the job. One of the most memorable thing my mentor taught me, and something I still apply to my work is to always be a student. He taught me that when you assume you know everything about your job, you're pretty much done. 

He also taught to me to 'look for the learners'.  This was especially important when hiring.  I remember sitting in hiring sessions in which overly qualified people were dismissed and others, with far less experience, were hired.  They, were the learners.  Individuals who presented themselves as open to taking risks, being more creative, and exploring and trying things outside of the box.  This was especially important in my field of phycology in which each new person you interact with is an opportunity to learn more about human behavior. 

As you can tell from his professional credit, Russel from Always A Novice positions himself as a learner.  Russell has always been fascinated with photography.  As interested as he was the results, Russell was equally passionate about the process and what an artist can capture with lighting, setting, composition and a great model.  In 2010, Russell made the move from Philadelphia to the San Francisco area. 

Two years after his move he decided to purchase a camera and create images that he found intriguing, artsy and fun. After playing around with his new camera for awhile,  decided to take some classes.  Even after getting the basics, he knew there was so much more to experience and learn.  With that in mind, he came up with 'Always A Novice Photography', indicating his desire to always be learning and creative exploring. 

I first discovered Russell's work about five years ago.  I came upon his work with DirtRoad, one of my favorite models to feature.  I began to follow his work on Model Mayhem and Instagram and have always hoped to feature his imagery.  So many features on the site are created through connection. Thanks to Photography by George, a link was formed and contact was made. Since this is his first time on the site, I threw Russell as series of questions about how he got started and some of his experiences shooting over the years.  I of course had to ask about this shoot, and his work with the intensely sensual and alluring Anthony.

 

What led to your focus on the male form?

As a longtime nudist and nude model myself, it struck me that the nude male figure was not getting the fair attention and praise that it deserved in society. The nude male form comes in all shapes, sizes and ages and I wanted to capture and celebrate that! I decided that I wanted to make art (whatever that is) and showcase the diverse male bodies but not in an overtly sexual or erotic light. I'm still trying to find that line and that keeps me going. 

Do you have a philosophy that drives your work?

As a way to put the model at ease, I inform them that I'm a nudist and nude model and my philosophy on capturing the beauty of the nude form.. Before a shoot, as part of the itinerary, I always include, "If we're not laughing during the shoot, we're doing it wrong!" 

How do you set the tone for a shoot?

Because I've been a nude model, occasionally, models have suggested that I be nude as well during a shoot and I oblige. I'm definitely not bashful, however,  I've always been shy and a bit of an introvert so engaging with the model was a surprising challenge for me. I'll come up with a joke to get a smile if I sense the model is a bit nervous or hasn't smiled in a while

Although the model may be nervous, I'm a bundle of nerves...always! If there are tattoos, I always ask which one was the first and if they plan to get more. I also make sure to ask if there are any shots they'd like for themselves which can run from 'mild to wild'. Most don't but there are a few models that take me up on it. I also have a side project called the "Backside Project". These are full nudes from behind that I place on my Flickr account. No faces so it's totally anonymous. I always get one or two from each model who sometimes have to remind me. 

Do you have any 'stories' you can share of shooting outside in CA?

I shot a model along a trail north of San Francisco and twice the model was caught nude and had to quickly get dressed with no offense to the passersby. An older couple, had a great reaction. The gentleman was laughing the entire time while the woman was a bit shocked. When the model put on pants, she was waiting for him to put on his shirt as well...all the while her partner was laughing. 

Another model wanted me to take some very intimate photos of him and his girl. After talking it over with the both of them, I obliged. Started out awkward for me but ended up being another shoot and learning experience. The things you do for your art!

'As soon as we walked into the space, we had a vision. The way Russell and I took the space and created art was masterful, It truly was a work of art.'

Anthony

How did you first connect with Anthony?

Anthony answered my Model Mayhem post and man was I excited! I've wanted to work with him for a long time and here was the opportunity. 

Tell me about the shoot?

Working with Anthony was pure joy! He's as charming as he is beautiful. Was quite comfortable in front of the camera and took directions well. I explained the theme I was looking to shoot and we all came prepared but you go where the art takes you and I'm quite pleased with the results. Had a nice long talk afterwards and we're set up to shoot some outdoor nudes next month. I'm really looking forward to that experience. 

Do you have a favorite shot from your work together?

I love the play of light and shadow on the figure so my favorite shot is that of him squatting on the chair with his back to the camera. Once I saw that, I thought, "There it is!"

AlwaysANovice

AlwaysANovice on Instagram

AlwaysANovice on ModelMayhem

Anthony on Instagram

The Patience Process: Wilie by Noplacia Photography

'The models I look for also need to be patient with the process, tolerate the mundane as we try out different poses. They also must have the  physical endurance to go through a number of poses that can be physically demanding.'

Gary Larson

Although many photographers are  inspired by their models, muses tend to be more prevalent with artists who illustrate their subjects.  Although a great photograph can take time to plan and create, the actual image can be captured in a split second.  For artist's who capture their subjects through sketches, paintings or sculpture, the process is more complex and requires a great deal of patience. 

 

Not all models have the time, interest or abilities to be an artist's muse.  Where as a photo-shoot can be completed in a few hours, posing for an illustrative artist can sometimes take days or even weeks. It can mean holding the same pose for hours on end.  I've been featuring the artistry of Gary Larson since 2015.  I've featured both his work as a photographer, (Noplacia) and as an artist. (Classic Configuration).  Although I've featured Gary's work close to 20 times, almost all of those pieces were focused on just a few different models.

My introduction to Noplaica Photography came through his work with model DirtRoad.  Gary collaborated with DirtRoad multiple times creating various concepts and themes both in-studio and outside in a variety of locations.  I loved exploring the growth and changes in their artist and muse relationship through time working together.   

Recently Gary sent on images of  Wilie, his latest muse. I love exploring Gary's creative process and visually comparing the initial photographs with the final art piece.  I was also curious about the process of finding a muse and what Gary looks for in a model he'll be working with not just once, but over a longer period of time. Gary shared both what he looks for in model or muse, and the circumstance that led to connecting with Wilie.

'My art project has always been a two part project. The first part is extroverted and collaborative. The second part is introverted and explorative. For the first part, I schedule a photoshoot with a model willing to collaborate on capturing photographs of interesting poses. I have binders of collected ideas that can be used as references for the shoot, but I also like the models to improvise and bring some of their own personality and physical capabilities to the shoot.  

I am usually alone for the second part. I put on some music and explore different ways to draw or paint the model based on the photos we took earlier. '

'There was one Saturday that I didn't have any commitments and wished that I had a photoshoot lined up. I found in my email that someone had responded to my ad that I had posted to find new models. The person had not provided a photo and provided barely any information about himself. However, he wrote this, "I'm about 135 pounds, pretty skinny. I've the kind of body you learn anatomy from just observing though." Normally, I would like to know a little more information, but I decided to set something up based on that remark. '

'Wilie didn't have a car, so I picked him up from the light rail station. He was incredibly upbeat and enthusiastic about the job. His body was lean, but as he had mentioned, it was anatomically intriguing and capable of performing athletic poses. I learned he had a background in wrestling and swimming which I believe permanently shaped his upper body in pleasing way.' 

'He was also a lot of fun to work with. His upbeat nature and great sense of humor made me want to work with him again in the future. The models I like to continue working with have a degree of physical attractiveness, but it is more important for their personalities to be attractive. So many physically attractive people come with narcissism and arrogant behaviors that make them annoying to work with and overall less attractive as people.' 

'The models I look for also need to be patient with the process, tolerate the mundane as we try out different poses. They also must have the  physical endurance to go through a number of poses that can be physically demanding. Occasionally, I have found people that check all of those boxes, but one other important element is missing: they either aren't interested in coming back or were just traveling through so it isn't an option to work with them again. ' 

'Wilie was the first person to check all of the boxes and was very interested in coming back. So, we worked together many times after that, and we became good friends. This year, he became a muse residential. As roommates, it has become very convenient to take new photos whenever we are feeling creative. Our shoots continue to be as fun as the first one ,and I am surprised to find that we are still discovering new poses and artistic ways to portray his anatomically educational body.'

Wilie on OnlyFans

Wilie on Instagram

Classic Configuration on Instagram

Noplacia Photography on Model Mayhem

A Snowy Strip

'When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.'

If you check out FH on a regular basis, you know there's also a third choice, get naked!  Seasonal Sightings is one of my favorite themes on the site.  I love searching for spectacular images to celebrate each of the four seasons.  Each is visually distinct, and I love finding images of men who meet the moment.  One the most challenging moments to meet however, is one that's freezing cold.

There are understandably far fewer images of nude men in the snow than there are of men on the beach. It takes a brave soul to head out in sub zero temperatures and expose your skin to the elements.  Whenever I'm working with a model who does 'self shoot', I always ask if they'll consider a snow shoot.  Some of them, ( Luke & DirtRoad) have risen to the challenge and shot in the snow exclusively for FH.  

Whenever I find an image I'm not familiar with, I try to search for the source.  For this set, I couldn't find either the photographer or model.  After finding it on an old tumblr, I set it aside, hoping to find some credit.  I haven't had any luck, but still wanted to share the series.  If anyone knows the source of the shoot, please shoot me a line!