Madison Avenue Loft: Ricardo by New Manhattan Studios

'Ricardo is just about the most popular model on my website.' 

The holidays are a time to s spend with old friends, and Wes from New Manhattan Studios is certainly an old friend and long time contributor to FH.  I've been featuring Wes' artistry, and dozens of the studio's models since 2012.  In those first few years of spotlighting the studio's work, two  models were certainly in the forefront, sharing and baring more than any other models that Wes had worked with.

I know many of you enjoyed the many posts featuring models Bond Brown and Alex Corso.  I had the pleasure of featuring them multiple times, and some long time readers may remember Alex not only modeled for Wes, but also worked as an assistant, and then a photographer for NMS.  Even if Alex wasn't the spotlighted model, he was often seen the background, aiding, assisting and adjusting the props and minimal fashion pieces Wes incorporated within the shoot.

Some FH readers may also remember that Alex's younger brother Ricardo, also joined the family business, working with Wes and his older brother, with multiple modeling shoots of his own. I featured the studio's work with Ricard several times between 2014 and 2016, and if you look back on those older posts, (HERE:) you'll see that Ricardo looks hotter than ever.  It's clear that Ricardo takes exceptional care with his body, and has grown even stronger and confident in front of the lens.

Wes has assembled many collections featuring the studio's work with Ricardo, but one of the most recent,  Madison Avenue Loft, is definitely one of my favorites.  Given the loft in question, was in the middle of renovations, it made perfect sense for Ricardo to take on the role of a hot, hunky construction worker. It wasn't hard for the New York based model, who in real life works as a carpenter. One certainly didn't need any special tradesmen's tool or device to find the stud in this workspace, he was right there, stripping down and ready to get to work.

'I've shot several models in the loft space over the years, and Ricardo was perfect for the moment. At the time of the session, the loft was being redesigned and rebuilt, from the home of an interior designer to that of an art collector. Amid the chaos of the renovation, Ricardo fit the scene like no other model could have. He is, in real life, a carpenter and construction worker whose company specializes in home and office renovations. He wore his own work clothes and wielded the "props" like the pro he was.'

Wes

I love photo essays, as they generally focus on the best, and the hottest shots of a particular model.  I've featured many of New Manhattan Studio's photo essays over the years, I think Madison Avenue is one of my favorites.  Ricardo looks incredible, and Wes and assistant Logan Hart, capture every tantalizing and toned inch of his magnificent physique.  

Photo essays also make great gifts, and are instantly available to download and enjoy.  Wes also ensures his photo essay's are reasonably priced, with Madison Avenue Loft available at just $6.95.  Wes also created a special coupon for FH readers!  Just enter RICARDO2025 at checkout, they'll get 25% off the publication!  

This is the studio's third photo essay featuring Ricardo. The first, Stormy, featured some of Ricardo's early work and there is also a collection of images available, privately commissioned by one of Ricardo's admirers from the UK. You can order and preview all three on NMS HERE:

'Having been shooting him for 12 years, I remain astounded at how much more popular Ricardo has become as he ages. Of course, the maturing physique has a lot to do with it. He's never looked better and possibly possesses the most powerful physiques in the studio's portfolio. It's on my list to create a retrospect of his work over the past decade. I've shot a only a small number of models over such a length of time.'

Behind the Scenes:

Most of you know how much I love behind the scenes shots and Wes never fails to provide some great ones.  In these two shots, Wes captures Ricardo getting his his close-ups curtesy of NMS assistant, Logan Hart. 

See more of Madison Avenue Loft, and more of Ricardo, 

on New Manhattan Studios HERE:

Ricardo on Instagram

Ricardo on New Manhattan Studios

Family Business: Ricardo by New Manhattan Studios

It was over two and a half years ago that I first discovered the work of New Manhattan Studios. I had no idea at the time how many fantastic images, and incredible stories were about to come my way. Photographer Wesley has an enthusiasm for his work, and the stories that accompany it, that makes every return to his site and blog a memorable experience.

One my favorite models that Wesley has shot is Alex Corso. I have featured Alex in several pieces on the blog, the first Sunset Meadow back in 2012. Alex has a great look, beautiful face and body and an infectious grin that makes spending time with his images a joy. Over the last few years, Alex has become an important part of Wesley's work. Not only has Alex modeled regularly for Wes, including being a part of various projects and exhibitions, he has also assists Wesley on shoots involving other models. With his experience behind the lens, and his experience working with Wes, he is the perfect person to support models, especially newer models, some doing nude or semi-nude shoots for the very first time.

With these extraordinary images of Ricardo, Alex's role as supporter was put to the test. Not only did Ricardo step in front of the camera professionally for the first time, shooting fitness, physique, head shots and implied nudes, he assisted through it all by his brother Alex. As you can see from the images, Alex and Ricardo have many similar features, yet distinctly different body types and look in front of the camera. Below, Wesley, Ricardo and Alex share what the experience was like. How it came together, what Alex told Ricardo to expect, stripping down for the first time, and what it was like having your brother share the entire experience!

Coming Together:

'Ricardo had never modeled. But Alex, watching the progress his kid brother was making in the gym, encouraged Ricardo to document all of his hard work with a professional physique photo session. I’m not going to guess whether or not this was an easy sale to make (we had been discussing it since last fall), but in January of this year, Ricardo agreed and showed up in the studio for his first-ever modeling session.'

Wesley

'My brother is very similar to our father, which is, on the surface, non reactive... He looked at some of my images and said 'Oh that's nice, I want to do that.' When Ricardo started showing interest in modeling, he wanted to start first with physique and we talked about taking starting with print and taking small steps.'

Alex

'When I saw Alejandro’s shoot it was not only amazing to see his work but it also inspired me to do the same. The possibility of becoming a serious model, the fact of really doing what I have been wanting to do for quite some time now.'

Ricardo

First Time in the Studio

'Without a doubt, Ricardo walked into the studio in January with an impressive physique and I quickly understood why Alex had been encouraging his kid brother to pay off all his hard work in the gym with a photo session.'

Wesley

'It was Alex's trust in Wes that made me ease into the idea, seeing that Wes was serious and really professional with his work.'

Ricardo

'I told my brother pretty much what I tell all models that come into the studio, "just be yourself. As a model, you're expected to collaborate with the photographer and do what is needed for the shoot. That might be wearing a bikini in thirty degree temperatures, or being nude." But... since Ricardo's shoot was with Wes, and I have known and worked with him for awhile, I knew he had nothing to worry about. I told him to just relax, enjoy the process and follow Wes's direction.'

Alex

Brother May I?

'My feelings at the beginning, were supportive and very proud. As the shoot went on however, and I had to direct him to get into  smaller things, underwear or the implied nudity, my feelings were a little more mixed.  I didn't really want to see my brother naked, yet... I had to see him naked to see how he looked in certain things and for certain shots'

Alex

'It was kind of weird at the beginning, shooting half naked with my brother off to the side, but I got used to it as the time passed.   Alex told me, that if it makes me feel uncomfortable, don’t do it! Otherwise, do whatever the photographer asks you. That’s why your modeling.'

Ricardo

'I’ve known Ricardo for a couple of years but I certainly can’t say I know him well. What I did know is that he is a very taciturn young man. He possesses a gentle and quietly engaging personality but he is, definitely, a person of few words. It was hard, therefore, to determine whether or not he was enjoying being the center of the attention in the studio. The flexing and the posing came easy for him but, as with many new models, initially he looked like the proverbial deer caught in the headlights (or strobe lights in this case).'

'Midway through the session, though, he relaxed and we started getting some very natural smiles out of him. By the end of the shoot he did seem to be enjoying himself, enough so that before leaving he agreed to come back for a second session.'

Wesley

'When I saw the first pictures from the shoot it was incredible to see myself that way. It almost made me think I had been a model for years. I am eager for more shoots as the results of the shoots with Wes so far have been amazing and they make me curious to see what is to come.'

Ricardo

Click HERE: to go an exclusive video presentation just for FH readers!

New Manhattan Studios

New Manhattan Studios on ModelMayhem

Alex Corso on ModelMayhem

More of Ricardo on New Manhattan Studios

Video Presentation (for FH readers)

Private Gallery (for FH readers)

New Manhattan Studios: Models Gone Mad...

Mason

'After you've gobbled him down you'd be left alone to regret it while covered in blood and guts. That's the hunger of a ghoul. That's our destiny.'

Tokyo Ghoul

New Manhattan Studio's gorgeous ghouls mark several returns to the site. The studio's images have been featured each of the last three Halloweens, and I am hoping it is now a firmly planted tradition! behind the impressive make-up you may also recognize Ricardo, a model from NMS that I featured several times in the past. If you didn't recognize Ricardo's face, I am sure the site of his impressive body rang a bell or two...

You may not recognize our first caped sexy beast, but behind the make up is model and actor Mason O'Sullivan, a model I featured several times between 2009 and 2011. When Wes first sent on some teasers from his Halloween shoot I barely recognized Mason, and it wasn't until Wes included his full name that it all came together!

I have to thank Ricardo, Mason and especially Wes for getting together to shoot a Halloween themed shoot exclusively for readers of FH. Although the images may depict hot menacing models, I think it may have been Wes who went a little batty with my Halloween requests and fighting against his impulse to always shoot models looking their very best! Even with the capes, props and make-up, Ricardo and Mason remain two incredibly handsome little devils!

Ricardo

Halloween 2016

by Wes, New Manhattan Studios

The Halloween session was long-discussed and planned for weeks. In the end it was a roll-with-the-punches imrov session with a sense of serendipity that I carried over into the editing. Mason one of the models I worked with in Los Angeles last month, was in town and we planned to do a studio shoot to follow-up on the work we did in a stunning home in the Hollywood Hills. I asked him if he’d be up to some Halloween-themed fun for part of his New York City session and he was all in.

As a back-up, I had lined up Ricardo, the body-building brother of our studio assistant and second cameraman, Alex. Ultimately I decided to shoot both models and booked their sessions back-to-back. The biggest problem that I had was that said assistant, Alex, was out of town. I had already put Mason on notice that he might be pressed into service prepping and steaming his wardrobe before the shoot. At the last minute, a talented young lady, who’s both an aspiring photographer and a makeup artist, was referred to me. She was able to arrive midway into Mason’s session so I seized the opportunity to use her makeup skills to add some ghoulishly-themed face paint.

Thanks to Ricardo’s early arrival, in the end we wound up with a couple of models in the studio at the same time and an unexpected chance to shoot the two of them on the paper together. It was a fleeting opportunity that ended within minutes when the clock expired on Mason’s session and he was off for an evening in New York, heading to his old stomping grounds on the trendy Lower East Side. Squeezing what was essentially 3 sessions with 2 models into 4 hours, would have been challenging enough. But taking another half hour out of the schedule for each make-up session severely limited the amount of time for any one session.

I was pleased that we were able to squeeze so much in, but I would have loved to have been able to work with the models to get something beyond the static set pieces that we had time to capture. I especially would have loved to have spent more time with the two models together but I am grateful that we had the six or seven minutes that allowed us to capture the handful of shots that we did. I am also grateful for the opportunity that this session provided for me to celebrate a red-letter date of the studio. Some of the photography that is now identified as early work for New Manhattan Studios was taken prior to 2011, but that Halloween was the day that I quit a previous job (and advertising career) to devote myself full-time to photography. It marked a return to my roots. I had started my career as a photojournalist and after years of commissioning, art-directing and supervising photography sessions, I intended to end my career by returning to the creative side of the camera.

Within months of hanging out the corporate shingle, Tye found the studio online and over the past five years his interest and support has had an outsized influence on both New Manhattan Studios and its creative product. I value his judgement, opinion and friendship, so I find it sweet that we can celebrate the studio’s five year anniversary with a gift of a Halloween session to celebrate Favorite Hunk’s tenth anniversary. Good going, Tye! Let me add my thanks to the thousands and thousands of photographers, models and fans that love the site. We wish you many, many more years of hot and favorite hunks!

Mason OSullivan on ModelMayhem

All Things Ricardo on New Manhattan Studios

Propped: Ricardo by New Manhattan Studios

'The great bonus in working with Ricardo is that I can always count on his physique being even more impressive each time we shoot. We have worked together since early 2014 when the construction worker and part-time model was just 21. I can’t begin to imagine the number of hours this guy has spent in the gym since then. At 23, he’s sporting a massive, ripped physique.'

Wes, New Manhattan Studios

'To my surprise, I find that my interests are taking me toward physique art photography; at least this year. I suspect that working with the likes of Ricardo, Norm and Alex, three gym buddies who sport three of the best physiques to come through the studio, has a lot to do with it. Playing along the line between art and photography has long interested me, however.'

'But as I focus more and more of my time and efforts at crafting art out of bodies, increasingly I am coming to value a model’s torso above all other physical attributes. Capturing the evanescent light and shadows playing across the body is the essence of the art and having a subject with sufficient definition to cast a few shadows is increasingly a base requirement for me. The one physique model I can count on always to deliver the goods is Ricardo, the kid brother (and personal trainer) of our second cameraman and production assistant, Alex Corso.'

'The timing of Ricardo’s last shoot with us was very much determined by the schedule of snow birds. I have long had my eye on a metal sculpture that has appeared as a prop in the photos we’ve shot in the studio/office of a friend, David. The room the sculpture calls home is too confining to adequately showcase such a large prop in an art pose and for some time we have been looking for a chance to bring it into the studio. That finally happened in December, just days before its owner, a prominent Madison Avenue designer, retreated to Florida for the winter.'

'I wouldn’t think of borrowing such a large (and expensive) piece of art without having the owner present to supervise its transit and handling. We took advantage of having an extra set of hands in the studio that day and pressed David into service as our stylist (and model spritzer), freeing Ricardo’s older brother, Alex, to devote his full attention to the second camera.'

'Perhaps it’s a reflection of their native Colombian culture, but unlike the Italian brothers Luca and Matteo, Ricardo and Alex are a bit more reserved around each other. Alex steps out of the studio when his brother is posing nude. Given that dynamic, it’s worth noting that my favorite picture of the day was one of Alex's last shots, taken just as Ricardo's clothes were coming off.'

'Alex's picture of his kid brother inspired a series from the session that we’ve dubbed, It Was a Dark and Stormy Night. Alex wasn't around for the rest of the session, but you can find the full series in Captured Shadows #3, the studio’s quarterly physique art magazine. The images start to blur the line between art and photography and invite the viewer to spin a back story for the rain and flashing lights.'

~Behind The Scenes~

A special video presentation has been prepared for the readers of Favorite Hunks. In addition to dozens of additional images from his shoot, many take you behind the scenes at New Manhattan Studios. Other images from the day can be found in Ricardo’s gallery and in the Fine Art Gallery on the website.

~Click here for all things Ricardo at New Manhattan Studios~

Family Business: 

Ricardo previously on FH: