Side of the Road: Ash Marquez by Mark Leighton

'I first shot Ash Marquez in June 2015. He had just started modeling and although by no means shy, he vastly underestimated his looks and the impact his images could have on people.'

Mark Leighton. The Journey

Mark's images of 23 year old model Ash Marquez certainly had an impact on me. From the first moment I saw their work together, I was eager to put together a feature for FH. I am clearly not alone, as Ash is one of the sites's most searched models. The blue eyed blonde UK model has a tight athletic build and seemly boundless energy that leaps off the pages of The Journey, Mark's photo book devoted to his work with Ash.

When I profiled Mark's book earlier this year, I of course had to put in a great deal of time and research to showcase some of my favorite images. Two of my favorite sections in The Journey feature Ash on an isolated country road. In one section he is just wearing only a pair of jeans, which of course come off, leaving Ash on the road wearing nothing at all.

I especially loved this set, with Ash in his ripped jeans shorts, alone with his knapsack. Ash looks like a student traveling, lowering his jean shorts, maybe to help ensure he gets a ride. When I told Mark I liked the shots from this set, he kindly edited more from the series for me to feature.

I love the story that Mark begins, a story with an ending, left to the viewers imagination. Why is Ash on that road wearing next to nothing? Where is he going and does he ever end up there. Does he get picked up, and if so, by who? Or...maybe Ash isn't looking for a ride, maybe he already had one and the images are just after he was dropped off... You can see more (all) of Mark's stories about Ash in The Journey HERE:

Ash Marquez

Ash Marquez on ModelMayhem

Mark Leighton Photography

Mark Leighton on Blurb

Ash by Mark Leighton on FH:

At The End Of The Day: Ash by Mark Leighton

'That feeling, usually at the end of the day, work is done and you're home. Your shoes, and often your clothes, are off and on the floor, and you're free from the stresses of the day... Even if just temporarily, for the next eight, ten or twelve hours you're time is your. The sensation of both beautiful relaxation and erotic freedom.'

In February of 2015, when I featured Joel with At The End Of The Day, I thought it was the last piece in the series. I had been featuring the work of Mark Leighton for many years, and I had loved that point of total freedom and relaxation hMark so beautifully captured with so many of the models he had shot.

When looking into new themes to explore with Mark's work, I was excited when the Lagos based artist shared that he had shot some new work to support a revival of the theme. I was especially thrilled that one of the models Mark sent on was 22 year old UK model Marquez Ash. I had seen Ash's first shoot with Mark and loved his look. Incredible body and face and the most beautiful blue eyes you could stare into for hours. I had actually contacted Ash last year about a piece on FH, and his response came right in the middle of his second shoot with Mark.

'Tye, I'm writing to you here from not so sunny Portugal with Mark. Although my tan looks incredible, the weather has been dreadful today, we will be shooting bedroom sensual and sexy shots in the next few days... wink.   I'm sure the images will turn out super hot and fiery!'

Marquez Ash

In order to have a truly exhilarating and relaxing end of a day, one must exude a lot of energy the previous 12 hours. Ash is a hard worker, pushing himself both mentally and physically in the journey to achieve his goals. Ash has worked hard to achieve the fitness results he wants, through intense training and sports like rugby league, various other athletics all the way to capoerira dance. Fitness is not just a goal but a passion for Ash, and modeling and training are both challenges, and part of the path to his future as a qualified personal trainer. With all of the energy Ash exudes throughout the day, the release is even more intense when he's finally home at the end of his day.

Marquez Ash

Marquez Ash on ModelMayhem

Mark Leighton Photography

Mark Leighton on ModelMayhem

~At The End Of The Day~

The Journey: Ash Marquez by Mark Leighton

'Mark's images are ones of beauty and art. Working with Mark it really makes the model feel comfortable and he really does take alot of time to consider the look and assists in the styling and concepts before and during a shoot. His images are very empowering and portray many emotions and this is because he as a photographer is such a friendly and charismatic character that he is able to get each model to perform at their very best.'

Ash Marquez

When I posted just before Christmas about Mark Leighton's first book, Nothing To Hide, my final sentence teased that a second book was in the works. The focus of Mark's second book is a favorite of mine, Ash Marquez. I love Ash's look, and the energy, fun and athleticism he brings to his work, especially when captured by Mark Leighton.

The Algarve based photographer wasted no time with creating his second book, something I am sure was motivated by the amazing images that the book includes. Mark's book featuring Ash was just released on Blurb in both a hardcover print edition, as well as e-book downloadable version. The Journey: Sensual nude photos of Ash Marquez, includes close to 100 images, including full nudes, of the beautiful blonde Ash.

The Journey on Blurb

Marquez Ash

Marquez Ash on ModelMayhem

Mark Leighton Photography

Mark Leighton on ModelMayhem

How The Sausage Gets Made: Ash by Andrew Bowman

'Here's a few new edits of Ash from the hide the sausage game.'

Andrew Bowman

FH readers are familiar with UK based model Ash.  I was first introduced to Ash by photographer Mark Leighton and I've had the pleasure of featuring his work several since.  A couple of months ago, I noticed an image of Ash I really loved by photographer Andrew Bowman. I knew that Andrew had  worked with Ash and the image inspired me to reach out about featuring their work together.

Andrew generously went back to the shoot and edited and sent on dozens of new images from his work with Ash. I featured the first set this past April. (The Clumps)  When Andrew sent on the shots, he titled the set, the  Ash hides the sausage game.  Andrew's comment had me curious...  FH readers know I love story, especially about process and the details about how a shoot comes together.  With Ash, I was curious not just about how the sausage was made, but why this case, it was mostly hidden.

If any of you purchased Mark Leighton's book The Journey, (HERE:)  you know Ash is not shy about frontals.   Some may have even spotted a couple in previous pieces on FH.   Sometimes however, both photographers and models like to switch it up a bit.  Ash is also keenly aware that too many frontal shoots can lead to viewers losing interest, and a quicker end to modeling career. So for for this shoot, Andrew and Ash decided they'd try to get a little creative.

 'I exchange messages with models before shoots to see what their limits are. Normally i can see from their profiles on Purpleport and Model Mayhem etc. Generally I don't pay models which can also be a factor, especially if other photographers offer them payment. I quite like doing implied nude on occasion - preferably if a few pubes are showing!'

Andrew Bowman

I whole heartily agree with Andrew, and respect Ash's choice.  I know of many models who did dozens and dozens of full frontal shoots, all within a short period of time.  Soon, viewers were bored and it became more difficult for them to create anything new and unique to excite new viewers.  This philosophy is one I not only respect, but also follow with FH. 

I try to mix up my posts with full nudes, implied and physique and underwear shots. I know this helps sustain my interest and excitement in putting together new pieces, and hope it does the same for those who check out the site.    I would much rather a photographer send on a set of creative images with implied nudity, than an uncreative set of penis pics. There is a difference between images that tantalize and tease, and those that just just try to trick or exploit the viewer.  Andrew's shots of Ash certainly tantalize and provoke.  They also leave me both wanting to see more,  and at the same time, leave me completely satisfied and fulfilled

Andrew Bowman on Instagram

Andrew Bowman on ModelMayhem

Ash on ModelMayhem

The Clumps: Ash by Andrew Bowman

'The Clumps have been the inspiration for poets and artists for many years.'

Although inspirational to me, the clumps in question are not Ash's incredibly sculped butt cheeks.  The clumps described in the quote refer to the Wittenham Clumps, one of South Oxfordshire’s most iconic landmarks.  Standing proudly beside the Thames. the Clumps offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside and are the most highly visited free to access greenspace in the region. 

I would argue that Ash's ass offers equally stunning views, and although I'm not sure how often they are visited, I know they've been photographed by several of my favorite photographers.  Most FH viewers are familiar with Ash through his work with photographer Mark Leighton.  I've been fortunate to have been able to feature Mark's work with Ash several times over the years. (HERE:) It was also through Mark's work that Andrew also discovered Ash and connected with him for a shoot.

Last fall, I began compiling a list of models for my Baker's Dozen series. I was fairly confident that Ash was going to make the list.   Although I have featured Ash multiple times, starting back in 2016.  he didn't quite make the 7 post threshold required for the list.  I was reminded though, that in addition to his work with Mark, I'd seen images of Ash in Andrew Bowman's portfolio, and especially loved this series of Ash having fun with hanging from the huge tree branch. 

When I contacted Andrew he was immediately on board, and generously offered to head back into his files and edit more images of Ash, images not yet released or seen before.  Andrew sent along dozens of images from their both studio work together, and their work at the clumps.  Ash traveled for their shoot, so they had time to shoot in the studio in the evening, then head out to the Wittenham Clumps the following day.

The name Wittenham Clumps come from the ‘clumps’ of beech trees which crown both hills; these are the oldest known planted hilltop beeches in England, dating back over 300 years.  The are is located only a few miles from Andrew and he often uses the location for outdoor shoots.  Given how popular the location is, especially for walkers, Andrew tries to schedule his shoots during the daytime hours.  Although he still may run into the odd nature walker, with kids still in school, there less likely to be large numbers of people around.

If you want to check out more of Ash, and his inspirational ass, check out some of Andrew's studio shots on THE NEXT PAGE HERE

Andrew Bowman on PurplePort

Andrew Bowman on Instagram | ModelMayhem

Ash on ModelMayhem

Morning Coffee: Ash by Mark Leighton

'Coffee is the common man’s gold, and like gold, it brings to every person the feeling of luxury and nobility.'

The last time I featured Mark Leighton's images of Ash it was At The End of the Day. But I think you'll agree that the 22 year old Leeds model would also be a welcome site in the morning. Two of the most important parts our day are the beginning and the end and Mark thought waking up to the smell of coffee, especially with Ash, would be a beautiful way to book end the series.

Marquez Ash

Marquez Ash on ModelMayhem

Mark Leighton Photography

Mark Leighton on ModelMayhem

~At The End Of The Day~