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

Moon Over Miami: Yasiel by Frank Joseph

'Oh when I saw him standing there. 

Well my heart went boom when I crossed that room.'

Although the phrase, 'Location, location, location' is usually used in real estate, it's also a common phrase in the arts. Whether it be filmmaking or photography, location can sometimes not only impact a shoot, (either positively or negatively) it can also become a character within the work.  As a artist who often shoots while traveling, photographer Frank Joseph often uses hotel rooms as his makeshift studios.  For his work with Yasiel, the studio was The Deauville Beach Resort in Miami Beach.

The song lyrics I began this piece with were not just because Yasiel would look incredibly hot standing anywhere. The Deauville Beach Resort is famous for hosting The Beatles on February 16, 1964, for their second historic live performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. This broadcast an performance didn't take place in the show's Midtown Manhattan studio, but took place on location in the hotel's Napoleon Ballroom.  The Beatles performance reached almost 70 million viewers.  The Fab Four performed six songs, including 'I Saw Her Standing There.'

The event put the Deauville on the map as a defining hotspot of 1960s South Florida, In addition to their television performance, the band famously spent their time at the Deauville lounging by the resort pool and giving interviews.  There are iconic shots of the group in the resort's swimming pool.  In addition they spent time writing and rehearsing in their rooms. 

As nice as those room were, given Frank and Yasiel were shooting in the evening, utilizing the windows and natural light wasn't an option.  Although Frank tried to light the room himself, he wasn't thrilled with the results.  That's when he decided maybe using natural light was an option, but the light from the moon hovering over Miami. Yasiel was one of the models Frank shot when first began shooting.  If you've followed my previous pieces featuring Frank's work, (HERE:) you know there's one specific quality Frank looks for in the men he shoots.

'As i do with so many  models, I selected Yasiel for his butt. He certainly did not disappoint in that regard!'

frank Joseph

Frank remembers that Yasiel was from Cuba, and was new to living and working in Florida.  Although he was working on his English, there was a language barrier, and not a lot of chitchat during the shoot.  Still, Yasiel knew what he was doing, and how to pose showing off his assets.  The poor lighting in room actually worked out, leading to some glorious of shots of Yasiel's magnificent moon, under a blue, Miami midnight moon.

Frank Joseph Photography
Frank Joseph on Patreon

Frank Joseph on Twitter

Frank Joseph on Instagram

Favorite Pic of the Day for May 26th

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Giovanni by New Manhattan Studios

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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

Favorite Pic of the Day for May 25th

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Giovanni by New Manhattan Studios

Favorite Pic of the Day for May 24th

Above:

Giovanni by New Manhattan Studios

Favorite Pic of the Day for March 30th

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Logan by New Manhattan Studios

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To The Forefront: Logan by New Manhattan Studios

'Work from three sessions, spanning over 18 months with the red-headed actor and Broadway dancer!'

NMS

It is tradition at New Manhattan Studios, for Wes, the studio's founder, to put his associates in the spotlight.   I've been featuring the Studio's work for close to 15 years now, and Wes loves to share the spotlight.  Not just with the models in front of the camera, but the creatives behind it.  Whenever I feature  NMS, Wes also encourages me to not only to talk to the model, but others on set from those doing fashion and make-up, to the assistants and the other photographers covering the shoot.

That's why so many of my posts features Wes and NMS include such incredible behind the scenes visuals.  Wes normally has at least one other photographer for coverage, sometimes even a third or forth.  Back when I first started featuring the Studio's work, many of you remember seeing a certain hottie in background, often also with a camera around his neck.  Alex Corso was not only one of the studio's most popular models, he was also an associate, often seen shooting, as well as reading sets and locations and assisting models with wardrobe and pose.  

Many times, these behind the scenes shots featuring Alex, became a key part of the shoot. A fun piece of the studio's work that many viewers, including myself, began to look forward to.  I especially loved seeing Alex working with Bond.  Over the years, viewers are able to watch and enjoy the growth of their friendship and creative alliance. Wes obviously saw it as well, and before long, whenever Bond was in the studio, Wes ensured to capture the two models together. 

Over the past couple of years, whenever I featured the work of NMS, (HERE:)  another associate has begun gaining attention from viewers of the site.  I've gotten more than a few comments and e-mails asking about the hot ginger in the tight t-shirt and jeans in many of the behind the scenes shots. It didn't take me long to start asking a few questions about the studly photographer and assistant in the shots.

Now I really should have known who that hot ginger was as I have been following him on Instagram for years.  I've also previously featured his work as a model in a shoot with  RMark PHotography. (HERE:)  Because he was in the background though, I didn't initially recognize Wes' hot associate was Logan, aka Logan with the red hair.  As soon as Wes enlightened me, as always, I wanted to know and see more.

Wes and Logan have shot multiple times over the last year-and-a half.  Along the way, Wes shares that

Logan became an integral part of the studio and his sessions document the shifting characters and history of the studio.  Logan's first session was a standard studio session with Alex assisting toward the end of his 10-year run as the studio's assistant and second cameraman. The second session was in the loft on Madison Avenue that has been a favorite venue for years. 

It was actually Bond who was the first model that Wes  brought into his friend David's New York apartment back in 2014.  A decade later, David sold the space and retired to Fort Lauderdale. By then Alex too had moved to Florida and Logan was offered the roll of studio assistant/second cameraman.  Logan eagerly accepted.  To mark the end of era, and the end of shooting in the loft, Wes brought Logan in to be the last model shot in the apartment with David serving as assistant. 

If you've read some of my previous posts spotlighting the work of NMS, you know it didn't actually end up being the last shoot in the space.   David ended up selling the apartment o his neighbour Marc French, who Wes already knew.  Marc was aware that the space had previously been used for photo shoots.  When Marc saw the books that Wes had gifted David of the studio's work in the apartment, he enthusiastically encouraged Wes to continue bringing in the models to shoot in the apartment.  

'It's the same raw space, but the loft took on a new look reflecting the taste and style of the new owner. Through all of last year, the models flowed and with Marc's zealous embrace of the practice, I wound up shooting as many models in his space in one year as I had in David's apartment over 10 years. 

Marc also  enthusiastically embraced the role of assistant and soon began shooting behind the scenes shots with his cellphone. Within a couple of months, he purchased his his own professional camera gear and became a full-on second cameraman. And a damn good one!'

Wes

I think my question about Logan, and my request to feature his time in front of the camera, may have led to some additional work for Wes.  Given that he and Logan had shot several times, Wes decided to compile some of his favorite shots in a new 60 page photo essay, Logan With The Red Hair. You can check it out on  NMS HERE:

Then last year, when Alex was back visiting in New York, Wes brought Logan back to the apartment to become one of the few models to be shot in the space under both of it's owners.  Alex jumped at the chance to work at the session.  Over the course of the afternoon, Wes and Marc ended up shooting both Logan and Alex together.  Or course, before too long, both models were pointing their cameras at each other.  You can check out the hot results on the NEXT PAGE HERE:

Logan on NMS

Logan with the Red Hari Photo Essay

New Manhattan Studios on BlueSKy

Logan on Instagram