Favorite Pic of the Day for June 9th

Above: My favorite shot of Dave Wilkinson by Dan Skinner.

Today's posts started with a question about a razor. It ended with a day covering the work of one of my favorite artists, Dan Skinner from Cerberus Inc. I have featured Dan's work on FH several times over the past couple of years. I decided recently to go back to some of the photographers I have covered in the past and do updates on their new work. Some of have been so wonderful and giving, sharing not only their work but what motivates them in their art.

Dan was one of my favorite artists to profile for many reasons which I outline in the posts below. Not only does Dan brings us beautiful, thought provoking images, he also introduced us to model Dave Wilkinson. Dan and Dave had created a wonderful working partnership and the trust they have in each other have created an outstanding body of work. Dan has such enthusiasm for his work and is always willing to assist me with stories so that I can really do justice to his work.

Dan is at heart a story teller. His work is never just one image, it is a complete story and each shot is carefully thought out. Dan knows exactly what has occurred prior to the shot as well as just after. Like a motion picture, Dan storyboards his work and includes more information in one single shot than almost anyone that I know of.

Dan's storytelling is not just a facet in his work as a photographer and artist. When I ask Dan a question about a shot he responds with a complete story. A wonderful back story of the shoot including anything from the mood of the model to the weather that day and how something like the temperature can effect the outcome of a shoot.
Dan's storytelling has also moved to books (see more below). I usually only post one page a day but due to the amount of past posts on Dan's work be sure not to miss out on page 2.

Thanks Dan again for sharing not just your work but more importantly, thanks for sharing your stories!

Birthdays:

No Birthday pics today but you can go HERE: to see my posts for June 9th for previous years. Happy Birthday today to Andrew W. Walker (31) today, Jean Galfione (39), Cameron Bunce (29), Gildas Verbist (31), Johnny Depp (47) and Michael J. Fox (49).

The Muse: Dave Wilkinson

'Dave is an incredible talent. And I don't use that word lightly with him. This is a guy I know we will see on the screen. He is "star" material in every sense of the word. And I say that not confining my assessment to his looks. The kid is a gifted, gutsy, a full -of- daring actor. I feel incredibly blessed to have discovered him... and had him make my work look so much better than I could have even imagined.'
Dan Skinner

-Please continue to read more about Dan's work with Dave in my more detailed post below.-

Coverboy by Dan Skinner

One of the things I love so much about Dan's work is his ability beautifully depict scenes of male love. It seems many of those who showcase two men together seem to struggle with separating love and sex. Not that sex is not apart of love of course, it is simply not the only thing. Dan clearly knows this with scenes of lust, longing, passion, anger, sadness, pain and every other emotion associated with a relationship. Dan is not simply one of my favorite artists at showcasing male love, he is also one of the best.

Dan does not just photograph it, he also writes about. Dan has written his first book, Coverboy and promises it is just the beginning. Dan says about the book:

'It was very important for me to tell a story that would be uplifting and inspirational about male love. There are a lot of personal things in this one, as you probably guessed. Something that conveyed friendship along with admiration and love. It's considered a novella, or a short read. I designed it for folks who were sitting on a beach, riding a subway or bus, camping out at the park for lunch...etc. Something they could read and walk away from going... yeah... this could happen to me. Things can change. Things can get better.'

You can read a review of Coverboy HERE: or purchase it yourself (the price is great!) HERE:

Pic Series Of The Day: Shaving By Dan Skinner

When I asked Dan about his shaving shots he replied:

'I am known for some bizarre reason for my innovative and always " unique" shaving shots. Every model who has come to me has asked me to dream up something specifically for them'.

Not bizarre at all. Personally, I never seen 'shaving', an activity find a chore each morning, ever look so good!





Below: More Dave Wilkinson



Below: John Paul Matteucci (see more of John Paul Below)