Last Day of Winter: Matthew Dunston by HardCastle Media

'You feel very vulnerable while nude, but even more so in the cold with very little to protect you.'

Matthew Dunston

 

FH viewers know how much I love seasonal visuals, especially when those visuals are of the male form taken during the winter.  In part, it's because there are so few of them. Not all photographers and models are up for the challenge and the added complications of shooting outside on a cold winter's day.  There is one model however, who I know shares my passion for seasonal sightings, especially during the snowy season. 

I first featured model Matthew Dunston's work back in 2017 and I believe I've featured his work in each of the year's four seasons. (HERE:)  We've seen Matthew in the woods in the spring, surrounded by corn stalks during summer,, on a bed of Autumn leaves and on a field of snow.   After his experience with winter shooting with Dave Larson (Takeapic4u) Matthew has been actively looking for a photographer who also wanted to shoot out in the snow.  Matthew even put out notice on Model Mayhem looking for a photographer up for braving the cold to capture some great shots.

This past January, Josh from HardCastle Media messaged Matthew about wanting to collaborate. Matthew wasn't sure he saw his posting, but when he mentioned wanting to do a s now shoot, the Rochester NY based photographer loved the idea.  It was actually Josh who picked out the location in Northern Pennsylvania.  Matthew shares that although it involved a bit of hiking the old stone structures and waterfalls made it well worth it.

'The day of our shoot started at 8 degrees F and then only got up to 20 degrees F.  Luckily the sun was out and it wasn't as windy in the valleys we were in There were actually some points of shooting nude when I totally forgot that it was freezing cold out!'

Matthew

The shoot took  about4 hours and Matthew was nude for up to 50 minutes at a time with 10-15 minute breaks to warm up his most important parts.  Although Matthew loved the beauty of the location, he had to be careful where he stepped.  There was still water flowing from the waterfall and although it was cold, the sun made the ice tricky and Matthew had to be careful not to fall on, or through the ice.  Although he was careful, Matthew still ended up slipping several times, his bare skin landing on the ice and in the snow.  You can't see it in the images, but Matthew's butt ended up scraped up and bruised.  Matthew shares that it was worth though, for name of art and the incredible images that Josh captured. 

'I will say that there are a lot of dudes out there who when I send them these photos think I'm crazy. They go on to say that they would never do a shoot like this in the snow because their penis would look too small, etc. I have a different perspective. The cold acts like an even playing field. Everyone gets small in the cold, it's only natural/biological. Therefore I don't think that people critiquing size when looking at these images (nor do I think the penis is the focal point of any artistic nude photo).'

'What I like most about doing shoots in the snow is the contrast of a warm body to the white background. For the viewer of the photograph, it almost tricks the brain into thinking that the day was warm for the model since they are out there without clothes on. But...then you realize that there is ice and snow in the background and that it was actually very cold.  

I loved my experiences with Josh from HardCastle Media, and for sure recommend him to any model thinking of posing nude in the northeaster US region. I know we will be working together again soon.'

HardCastle Media on Instagram

HardCastle Media on ModelMayhem

Matthew Dunston on ModelMayhem

Matthew Dunston: A Walk in the Woods

'It was very liberating to strip nude in front of my friend (it was the first time he saw me nude). He was very supportive, and I believe we got some very nice pictures that day. Hopefully we will be able to go out again, and continue this photo journey.'

Matthew Dunston

Matthew Dunston, and this shoot and story especially, personifies so beautifully why I so love to work on FH.  That liberation Matthew describes is a recurring theme in so many stories  shared from so many models.  That feeling of exhilaration that can only come from doing something risky, something new, (for Matthew, this time posing naked for a friend) and of course, something completely naked.

'I had recently told one of my really good friends that I've posed nude for both photography and for art classes. He was very supportive of this decision of mine, and said that he always wanted to try his hand in photographing the nude male form (he studied photography in college). He asked if I would be interested in being his first model, and I of course I said yes. The only issue for him was trying to find a location...'

'I told him that I was going to do a photo shoot with another photographer (takeapic4u) and another model (Harrison Snow) in this canyon at a local state park, and that this would be a great spot to try and get some photos as there are never anyone near the canyon. We decided to give it a try, and the rest is history.'

Matthew Dunston on ModelMayhem

Matthew Dunston on FH:

Matthew Dunston: Unabashedly Naked

Matthew by C Stephen

'Nudity is about freedom, and experiencing a child-like freedom that you have long since forgot about.'

Matthew Dunston

Next three shots from MichaelR09

When I was first featuring photographer Dave Larson's (takeapic4u) Dirty Nature series last year, one of my favorite models from the series was 27 year old Iowa model Matthew Dunston. It was one of Matthew's images I chose to use as pic of the day, and was hoping to have the opportunity to feature more of his work in front of the camera.

I frequently describe models looking comfortable in front of the camera and that certainly applies to Matthew's images. Maybe even more so than just comfortable in front of the camera, Matthew appeared comfortable in his own skin, especially when that skin was not covered or restricted by clothing. Even during Iowa's long, cold winters, Matthew usually only wears clothes when he absolutely has to!

Although Matthew is completely naked in almost every image that I am including, the visual contrasts, in style, look and feel are unique with each of the five artists featured. Whether in classic physique poses, in studio or in the great outdoors, Matthew displays a great connection, not only with his body, but the camera and the artist behind it. Many models begin a modeling career and find themselves with having to decide how much skin to show. For Matthew, showing skin, was not a secondary element, but the impetus for seeking out photographers to collaborate with. Below, Matthew shares why.

Next five images from Jay2828

'Ever since I was a young kid, I've always been trying to find ways and scenarios to be nude. This continued throughout high school and college, and when I turned 18, I ran across this one photographer's website. He was interested in taking pictures of students who went to the University of Wisconsin Madison while they were naked. Even though I didn't attend this university, I really wanted to be involved with the project since there were some great areas to shoot around the campus.'

'I sent in some shots of myself, and he said that I didn't qualify since I didn't go to school at Madison. I was really bummed out, but always looked for additional photographers that may want to take some artistic pictures of my nude form. Fast forward approximately 7 years, and I ran across Dave Larson's ad about a Dirty Nature shoot, basically a shoot were I would be naked and covered in mud outside. This sounded like so much fun. I love the outdoors and being nude, so it was a win, win for me. Dave was the first photographer that but his trust in me, and I will always be thankful for that.'

'Obviously I am comfortable taking off my clothes and being nude. However, the general public typically frowns on this, and I really don't blame them. There are a lot of ridiculous people out there that spoil nudity for everyone. I am not going to get on my soapbox about this, but It is just a shame that we as a society in 2017 are not more open about nudity. Anyway, the way that people perceive my nudity was a big factor that I thought about before taking it off for the very first time. I was a bit nervous about that, but I didn't let that stop me from stripping naked and having a good time in front of the camera.'

'Everyone who I've worked with has been professional. Thank goodness too since I have gone to some of their houses and hotel rooms to shoot. You never know what you are going to walk in on, but my advice to beginning models is to make sure you communicate clearly with your photographer before agreeing to meet. Also, it really does not hurt to talk with them over the phone. I know a phone call is overlooked nowadays, but it really is the best way to understand a person's intentions.'

Remaining images from takeapic4u

'I've had many great experiences with each photographer I've worked with, but my favorite will always be the Dirty Nature shoot. It was my first photo shoot, and I had so much fun doing it. I have done two shoots so far for that series, and I plan on doing one more this year to hopefully get some even better shots.'

'Modeling is a great hobby for me. I have always been into trying to promote a positive self-image, and I believe that my photos try to do that for a larger group of people. I am far from the fittest male model that you will see on model websites. I really don't have six-pack abs, huge biceps or triceps, well defined leg and chest muscles, or, let's be honest, a huge penis, but I am still getting naked for others to see. Don't get me wrong, I try to workout and gain muscle, which you can hopefully see in some of my newer pictures, but I really don't diet. I'm just the average guy that enjoys pizza, beer, and ice cream.'

'This next part is very important. I'm an advocate for positive male image because I have witnessed nude male body shaming in the locker rooms and have heard stories of my younger cousins getting pushed around in the locker rooms of their high school for not having the "perfect male body." I get so frustrated with people that body shame. Everyone is built differently, and everyone has their idea of being happy with their body. We should all encourage people to stop stressing out about their physical looks.'

Matthew Dunston on ModelMayhem

takeapic4u on ModelMayhem

Husk & Stalk: Matthew Dunston by takeapic4u

Husk:
-Outer layer
-A usually dry or membranous outer covering (such as a pod or one composed of bracts) of various seeds and fruits.

Stalk:
-Stem, shaft, or slender attachment part of a leaf, flower or fruit

'It was lucky that we found a nice corn field on some rural gravel roads in the middle of nowhere Iowa. It was the perfect spot for stripping nude and not drawing too much attention.'

Matthew Dunston

The first time I featured the work of Iowa photographer Dave Larson, the focus was on Deconstructing the Cowboy. Dave loves to take conventionally held examples of masculinity, and examine, reveal and deconstruct them down to their most raw and naked form. Today's deconstruction is of the farmer, or as model Matthew Dunston calls the shoot, the deconstructing the farm boy.

For those of you who read my August profile of Matthew's work, (Unabashedly Naked) you may remember that getting naked isn't usually an issue for him. This shoot however, involved more than just being nude, but something Matthew says was a bit tougher for him, exploring his sex appeal.

'I am comfortable in my own skin, but I didn't think I was sexy enough for this photo shoot. It turned out that stripping in front of the camera was more difficult that just posing nude. Dave has done these kinds of shoots before with much better looking dudes than me, and I just wanted to make sure I lived up to the deconstructing series. Luckily, Dave had ideas on how to make me look sexier than I initially thought I could be.'

Matthew's reservations about his level of sex appeal is one of the reasons that for me, this deconstruction was not only successful, but incredibly hot. One of the reasons farmers are so appealing is in part because they tend to be unassuming about their sex appeal. They are usually more focused on their work, than how hot they look doing it. Standing in the corn field, the field he both panted and created, Matthew's farmer is just naturally sexy. Both his smile and his stare are filled with pride and satisfaction for the many physically grueling and long hard days that yielded the results.

takeapic4u on ModelMayhem

Matthew Dunston on ModelMayhem

Atmospheric Phenomena: Matthew Dunston by takeapic4u

'It is really awesome to feel that crisp air all over my body.'

Matthew Dunston

Given how odd the weather is getting, it's harder to rely on dates and season to predict what will be happening in the sky.  Although the winter solstice is not until December 21st, meteorological winter began on December 1st.  That's not to say you ever predict snow, or any other atmospheric phenomena. I've experienced it in October, and even into late May.  Usually however, the first substantive snow, one that stays on the ground, and lasts awhile is still for me, a major event.

I'm a little like Lorelai Gilmore when the first snow arrives.  I run excitedly from one window to another excited about the magic that falling snow can conjure and evoke.  Although my enthusiasm wanes when I have to drive any distance and when January arrives, but that first snow day is a highlight of the season.  We had our first major snow storm earlier this week, and it's still on the ground.  It will disappear with high temperatures and rain next week, but until then, it's a winter wonderland.

Given FH follows the seasons, there have been several visual representatives and mascots for each season and holiday.  I have a coven of hot witches, a ghost, several Santa's, and even a Thanksgiving turkey.  If I were to choose a FH snowman, I think it would be the meltingly hot Matthew Dunston.  I first featured Matthew's snow shoot with photographer Dave Larson from takeapic4u back in 2018. (HERE:) I've since posted more images from the shoot, as well as Matthew's frigid snow shoot with Hardcastle Media. (HERE:)

I love Dave's summer shoots, and featured some of my favorite shots in a recent post. (Forest of Flesh)  I have to say however, there's something about shoots in the cold, in the Autumn, and especially the winter, that I'm particularly drawn to.  To celebrate the season's first snow, I decided to ask Dave if he had additional edits from the winter shoot with Matthew that I hadn't featured before.  I also asked both artist and model to share their thoughts on their shoot in the snow.

Whose idea was it to shoot on a cold, snowy day? 

Dave:

My brain would like to think it was too cold for me to want to drag someone out naked in the snow. I blame him for the idea and the wardrobe...that fur hat is to die for! 

Matthew:

Back then I left all the creative side of photoshoots up to the photographer themselves. I was very new to the modeling field, but it was fast becoming a hobby for me. I believe that Dave always wanted to find someone brave (or stupid) enough to take it all off on a cold, snowy day. Luckily, I have what I would call a winter fetish. While some don't like being cold, I do enjoy the thrill of the cold air on my skin, all over my body. Also, the sun on a winter day can feel great too, so why not get naked? 

What additional factors went into deciding to do a winter shoot? 

Dave:

Well, less hiking to get to the location for sure. And it is not quite as easy to go unnoticed without vegetation and leaves on the trees. We had to be creative to get the right spot. I think we did though and the sky and sun/lighting was amazing that day. 

Matthew:

I think safety as far as hypothermia and frost bite would be factors that I considered before the snow shoot that I didn't consider before other shoots. Luckily we had a good amount of sun that day, and it never felt as cold as it was. 

How cold was it? 

Dave:

It was cold enough for snow, but not super cold. I would love to say it was -30 and the wind was howling and Matt is THE MAN...but it was close to freezing and the sun helped a lot. There was pretty much no wind and conditions were just right. Matt is a tuff model. He can smile and get through anything. I did ok, but of course, I was pretty bundled up, even on that relatively nice/sunny day. 

Matthew:

If I remember, it was somewhere in the high 20s (Fahrenheit) but luckily we found areas that weren't as windy. Wind would make nude snow modeling very difficult. I was thrilled to be out there. Like I said, I have a winter fetish, and I found being nude in the snow very freeing. It is really awesome to feel that crisp air all over my body. 

Any favorite memories, or anything that stands out from the day? 

Dave:

Honestly, I just really enjoyed working with Matthew and photographing him. He's game for about anything at anytime.  And for this shoot...ha...no one can knock that hat...no one. I dare them to even try! Without it, the look would have dramatically different.

Matthew:

Believe it or not, the thing that stands out the most from that day had nothing to do with the cold. What stands out most is how exposed we were to anyone that passed by the woods we were in. It was winter, so no leaves were on the trees or shrubs. This added a level of vulnerability to the shoot that we enjoyed to play around with. I don't believe anyone saw us, but its hard to say. 

You've worked together  multiple times, what do you like most about collaborating with each other?

Dave:

Matthew has since moved to another part of the country, and I miss having him on speed dial to pose when I get some crazy notion for a shoot, or to get a text from him, saying, "hey, wanna try this...". It was always fun to shoot with him.

Matthew:

There are so many things I like about working with Dave. He always comes prepared with ideas for the shoot, is open and honest with the models he works with, is super professional, and shares the results of the shoot right away (usually that day) so that we can get our "first reactions" to each photo while we are in the moment. 

Any future winter shoots planned?

Dave:

I have been discussing it with a few models. This winter seems pretty hit and miss so far, and we have only had a hint of snow this winter so far. Iowa can be a bitter mistress in winter. It is complicated to plan things for outside without an indoor back up, especially if models are traveling, but I am always open to discuss more.

Matthew:

Gosh, I hope so. I am in talks with a photographer now, so I hope we will be able to get some winter photos done soon. Like I said before, I love winter shoots, and I am always game for more modeling (as long as I can find the time for them).

takeapic4u on Twitter

takeapic4u on Instagram

Matthew Dunston on ModelMayhem

Six More: Matthew Dunston by takeapic4u

'Although it was way too cold for sweat, I think there are some pretty hot shots of Matthew, especially given it was so cold!'

takeapic4u

Some may remember that FH celebrated the season's first snow last November with a few crisp and raw shots of model Matthew Dunston from Dave. (takeapic4u)  (First Snow of the Season)  Given it's Groundhog Day, and for many of us, there's six more weeks of winter in front of us, I thought it a good time ,to post another six of my favorite shots from the shoot, to help us all make it through with a little visual motivation.

I love winter, well at least I did last November, this week, my love for the season is again being tested.  It's not the snow as much as the cold and wind.  Currently, even typing this piece is a bit of a challenge.  I just came in from shoveling a short while ago, and despite the 'cold proof thermal gloves'  that I received for Christmas, my fingers have yet to fully warm and thaw out.

I applaud all photographers and models who head outside to shoot erotic environmental images of the male form.  I especially respect those who head out in when the elements prove challenging, especially in the cold and snow.  There is no better background, nor a better contrast to the beauty of skin and the naked male body, than frigid temperatures and snow.

Dave shoots almost entirely outside, and living in Iowa (today feeling like -13F) has had to get used to changing weather conditions, if not, he'd only be shooting a few months a year. Although Matthew, also from Iowa, enjoyed his snow shoot with Dave, like myself, Matthew is a seasonal enthusiast, and I've been fortunate to have featured his work outside in all of four natures glorious seasons. (HERE:)

takeapic4u on ModelMayhem

Matthew Dunston on ModelMayhem