David & Samuel by YogaBear Studio

Samuel

'YogaBear certainly knew what he wanted, but Sam and I chimed in with ideas and it was fun.'

David Pevsner

David

Traditional stories are generally rooted in progression.  A beginning, which introduces the characters, sets the tone and themes of the piece.  The opening triggers movement, taking us further into the story.  If compelling enough, we remain immersed, moving forward again, to the eventual climax and conclusion.

I like to think of FH as traditionally story based.  The words that accompany each piece tell a story, usually the behind the scenes comments about image creation from the artist and/or model.  Often my thoughts on the images or story are also woven within the text.  This story is told not only with words and images, but with image placement, and the order also supports the progression of story.

I like a clear beginning, middle and end.  That is why when I can, I like to start each post with clothed shots and portraits.  Most great stories have a reveal, and I like when possible to do the same.  I sometimes struggle when photographers send me all nude images to post.  As great as the shots may be, the lack of reveal makes story telling more of a challenge.  This is especially true to me with couple shoots.

I don't feature a lot of couples, mostly because I find so many photographers start the shoots at the ending. Maybe it's the influence of porn, but all couples, regardless of gender, have a beginning.. Even a relationship based strictly on sex, still has to start some where, with a meeting, an urge or an initial attraction.

I love the trajectory of story with YogaBear Studio's work with Samuel and David.   Yes, these two incredibly beautiful men end up naked, their bodies intertwined within the sheets.  But the story begins with both men clothed, introducing them not only to the viewer, but visually, also to each other.

YogaBear's reveal is not restricted to just unveiling Samuel and David's bodies .  As the images progress, layers of attraction, personality, humor and intimacy are also visually exposed.  YogaBear's progression of story makes the final images that much more enjoyable.  The viewer not only observes the relationship, YogaBear's images bring you close enough to virtually feel the experience and closeness as it develops and grows.

Last month, I featured Samuel Lora's work with YogaBear Studio and their collaboration with rope artist Explorer Frank. (Restraint)  In this series of images, Samuel is again bound, but this time not by rope, but the powerful sexual force that is model and actor David Pevsner. Samuel and David are together, quite simply hot.   My love for YogaBear's images confirms for me why I dislike so many couple shoots. As great as each man looks photographed individually, YogaBear manages to capture the overwhelming power, and quiet sensually, that being intimate with another can brings out.  Pieces of personality not seen when each man is shot alone.

I'll talk a bit more about story in the next piece below, but I want to ensure I have fully introduced you to David.  Most readers of FH are familiar with my past features on Samuel and his work as a model, writer and artist. It was Samuel who began this particular story, by introducing me to David and his work.   Some of you many already know David's work as a model, others might recognize him from his many film and television appearances.

What many of you may not know is that David started as a songwriter, writing lyrics and music for the musical Naked boys Singing.  David's current project, pulls together many of his talents in a new CD featuring what David calls 'mostly gay, dirty comedy songs.  The CD is full of surprises, including cameos from Jim J. Bullock and Maxwell Caulfied.

'It’s all cheeky, filthy, fun, clever, risqué, offensive, sweet…it hits all of it.' 

Most Versatile is available right now just for digital downloads…physical CDs will be available eventually. You can download it at CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, or... you can check out more about it on David's site HERE:

             Samuel Lora:           

SILV

SILV on Facebook

David Pevsner

Shameless

David on ModelMayhem

YogaBear Studio

Restraint: SILV Modeling by YogaBear Studio

'I am constantly seeking out and practicing new ties and try to have at least one new tie for each model. We establish with the model what they want to portray. Be that submission, resistance, power, fear.'

ExplorerFrank

I have been fortunate to have been able to feature the work of model, writer and photographer Samuel Lora (SILV Modeling) multiple times over the last few years.   One of my favorite pieces featuring Samuel's images was his collaboration a few years ago with one of my favorite photographers, David from YogaBear Studio. (Snake On A Train)  After Samuel recently got in touch about his a recent return to San Diego to shoot with David, I headed over to David's site to check out the results from their most recent collaboration.

The two artists covered a number of themes in their work together, one of my favorites being the images from David's Unbounded series. Unbounded combines the talents of photographer, model along with the rope artistry of ExplorerFrank.  I especially loved that David titled the the theme and series Unbounded.

I am fascinated by contrasting themes, and for many, being tied up or restrained is connected with risk and the loss of freedom. For some however, the results are just the opposite.  I my area of study, I have learned that freedom is only truly appreciated and safe when it's preceded by strict boundaries and sometimes even restraint.  Studies have shown that many out of control children feel most safe when that control is actually take away.  This phenomenon is also true for many adults.  Bondage for many is more comforting than scary.  A pressured hug that allows their body, followed more importantly by their mind, to temporarily get a rest.

There is a beautiful intricacy and elegance to ExporerFrank's work with Samuel, stunningly captured by David.  David captures the artistry and grace of the rope work in addition, through light and shadow, pulls in the vulnerability, edge and sensuality of the theme.  Samuel perfectly pulls it all together with his ability to use both his body and his eyes.  When you look at Samuel's eyes, you know instinctively that although he has put his will and his body in the hands of another, he is in total control.

'The three of us create very comfortably, together, thus I felt at ease, and held with utmost care and professionalism.'

Samuel

That comfortably, described by Samuel, grew from process, and the experience of each of the three artists. ExplorerFrank and his rope work was first introduced to David by a model who knew his work and wanted to include it in a shoot.  ExplorerFrank calls it their work together an amazing journey with so many men with the desire to be photographed in the theme.  After David and Samuel discussed the subject matter and were on the same page, David introduced Samuel to Frank's work and they corresponded briefly before the shoot.

'When I work with David and his models I apply rope for the esthetics, to enhance the male physique. However, I am keenly aware that this low level bondage may trigger emotional and/or physical responses. The BDSM community tenant is that participants are Safe, Sane, Consensual and Risk Aware. In this regard I always interview our models and confirm our understanding of this.'

ExplorerFrank

'During the session, the three of us conversed, and as David set up, Frank and I became acquainted in person for the first time. He walked me through the poses, the knots, and the available ropes. Once we began, each pattern probably took ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the level of intricacy. The ropes we picked for this particular session were strong, yet not rough. And although most of the poses were self-sustained, some of them were made possible by the magic of everyone involved.'

Samuel

'Trust is an important component of rope bondage. The model must trust I will not attempt any tie beyond my skill I will be attentive to any indication, verbal or non-verbal, by them to alter or undo/stop any tie. Conversely, I trust they will be unrestricted and honest about what is going on with them prior to and during the tie. The application of rope may require some intimate touch. Limitations and expectations in this regard are discussed. This includes limitations due to injury and health issues as well as sexual arousal. David’s ability to direct a model and light the pose, coupled with my evolving rope skill has allowed us to create some beautiful images'.

ExplorerFrank

SILV Modeling on ModelMayhem

YogaBear Studio

YogaBear Studio: The Fourth Story

The best stories are ones that speak to people individually.   We can all read, or see, the same story and take away something different.  I was surprised that neither YogaBear Studio, nor David or Samuel mentioned a piece of the story that stood out to me most... that closet.

The closet not only framed both men so beautifully, it also formed the foundation on how I viewed the images.  I kept thinking one of the men, must still be in one.  I was not sure exactly who, nor that it mattered, but in some ways, made their encounter a little more intense.   It could have been a married David, taking a risk on a business trip, after being drawn to Samuel sitting on the beach. It may have been a closeted Samuel, propositioning David, after checking him out drying off in a locker room.

We call come out at different times, when we're ready, when we feel safe.  I think when and how plays a role in how we view the world, and progress through relationships. I was in the closet to my family until my mid-twenties.  Although there certainly weren't many positive things about that time in my life, there was one thing.... something although I don't necessarily miss, but something pretty powerful none the less.

Sexual encounters were incredibly intense.  Trying to keep them hidden, and knowing they had limits in both time, and expression, made them incredibly powerful and painful, in both the physical, and the emotional.  I wouldn't go back there for anything, but I remember a few incredibly hot weekends, away from home, diving into a world I usually kept at such a distance.  I see this world so clearly in YogaBear's images.  From the initial attraction, meeting on-line, and finally finding a time to finally come together.  It may not have been the intent, but sexual intensity between David and Samuel is clear no matter how you interpret the story.

The words above are my response and interpretation of the story.  I thought it would be interesting to contrast that with those of the artist and models involved.  The images, are the end result of the collaboration, but since all stories start with a beginning, that's where I asked David and Samuel to start.  Not with their beginning with YogaBear, but there own introduction to nude modeling.  From there will progress to how this shoot came together, and their interpretations of story.

 ~Beginnings~

Samuel Lora
'My first nude session was not as fun as some of my experiences. The short story is that I was nervous, the photographer could smell it a mile away, and he decided to cross a line with me. The nude part felt liberating, as I hoped it would. However, the tinge of disgust took work for it to dissipate.'

David Pevsner
'My first time was with Tom Bianchi back in 1990, I believe. I was on tour with a show in LA in 1989, and he approached me at the gym, said he liked my look, and wanted to shoot me. I didn't know what to make of it, but someone told me his work was amazing and kind of groundbreaking. I went to his apartment and he showed me his stuff and I was blown away. I told him I was only in LA for a brief time and that frankly, I wasn't ready to shoot nude. He said to keep in touch in case I got back to LA. He was very sweet and respectful. About a year later, I was walking on the beach at Fire Island and ran into a friend of mine from the city...he was with Tom, and we looked at each other like "I know you!!". Tom had a house in Fire Island and he said that he'd still love to shoot me, and my friend said, "David. If you were ever going to do nudes, HE's the guy to do them." So...the next day, I went to the house and though I was nervous, I was excited to do it and it felt really freeing. When he finally asked about using the shot, I kind of chickened out a bit and asked that my head not be shown. It turned out to be a great shot and it's the last nude image in his first book, "Out of the Studio". I believe that image is also in the Tom of Finland Archives, which is kinda cool.'

-The Middle~

Coming Together

Samuel
'Working together was a blast. Yogabear and I were eager to collaborate again, and after seeing his latest work, I was excited to create beyond our previous experiences. When Pevsner became involved, he and I connected, discussed our ideas, then presented those to YB. The three of us merged our ideas, with ways to conceptually create them.'

David
'I'd worked with David (YogaBear) a couple of times and we got some really wonderful images, definitely some of the most popular on my blog. He emailed me about doing a duo shoot with Samuel because he thought we'd be a good combo. I've done some duos before that were either faceless or masked, but the ones that were not didn't see the light of day...one the other model didn't sign the release due to an angry boyfriend (!) and the other was just not a good match physically...he was way more muscular than me and it didn't seem right. When David put me with Sam, I thought that as long as the age thing wasn't an issue (it's not to me and I didn't think it would be for the guys who follow my blog), it was a good match. Plus, Sam is an artist and juggles a lot of projects as I do, so we have a lot in common. I was looking forward to working with him. He's such a sweet, smart, sexy guy, and it went great. I think we got some fantastic playful provocative images.'

YogaBear Studio
'Both Samuel and David are a dream to work with—they both love being in front of the camera, and they bring a lot of creativity to the shoot. They had been chatting for weeks and came to the shoot with a lot of great ideas. I particularly like the whole daddy/son vibe they brought to it—they both embodied their roles perfectly. Another in a long line of shoots with them, I hope!'

~Conclusions~

Samuel
'YogaBear and I have co-created many-a time in the course of almost four years. By now, beyond our friendship, our photography is really playful, thoughtful, and ever-flowing. We push ourselves; together. In fact, during this visit, he and I just held space for thinking outside of the box, and allowing ideas to be uttered without shame, until we sparked on some of the ideas together.

'Obviously you can plan as much as you desire, then during the session things may change, energies differ, and time lasts only thus long. For us three, it was an exciting thrill to be together and finally be as creative as we wanted. YB and I worked on solo pieces. Then Pevsner joined, and we went from idea to idea. Pevsner and I found a helpful language through which we communicated in front of the lens. It was fun, creative and rather fluent through poses, ideas, and even in the midst of waiting for a prop, light switch, or technical pause. It was easy to be intimate, for the two had great chemistry, and we joked often in between sets.'

David
'I don't think we really had a story going as we were shooting, we just rolled with what the moment was bringing us. However, one thing I love to do on my blog is "curate" the photo sets so that they do tell a story. I choose photos that seem to have a narrative or a specific relationship and post them together with a title that puts them in a context...I think that makes them more erotic and accessible. I put together 4 sets as if they were various elements of this very quickie relationship...connecting and beginning to explore our bodies in "The Strip", a Daddy businessman and his boy in "Role Play", an iPad tryst in "Threesome", and a bittersweet ending in "Morning, A Final Farewell". I think they take on a story when I put them together like that, and it's something I try to do with all my photo shoots when I can, even ones that are straight portraits. Tumblr allows up to ten photos per post, so sometimes I'll use all of them to tell the story, and if there are really diverse shots, I'll expand into more posts as I did with Sam and the beach shoot I did with David. It's fun and a challenge to create something beyond the photos.'

David
'The main challenge I guess is setting boundaries. I think we were all more interested in doing something erotic than outright sexual/porn. That ended up guiding us through the shoot and I think it worked. Because the three of us are artists, there was a lot of give and take in terms of what to shoot. David certainly knew what he wanted, but Sam and I chimed in with ideas and it was fun. I don't really get too nervous shooting any more which helps to get right down to the work, and we all had that similar mindset. And there was no sexual weirdness because we knew what we were looking for...having said that, it was great being naked and hard with Sam because he's a lovely man and very playful and really good at connecting.'

             Samuel Lora:           

SILV

SILV on Facebook

David Pevsner

Shameless

David on ModelMayhem

YogaBear Studio

Favorite Clicks of the Week:

FLYFOTO: Images to Inspire

Over at Flyfoto's blog, Joey presents images from his new book White Shorts. White Shorts is a photographic study which spanned over a 5 year period, shooting multiple male models in the exact same simple pair of white mesh shorts. After seeing the image above you might want to head over to FLYFOTO to see more!

Examiner:

One of the highlights on FH in 2013 was showcasing the work of Samuel Lora by YogaBear Studio. Over at the DC GLBT Arts Examiner model and artist Samuel interviews David and over at YogaBear Studio, David presents all new work from an early December shoot with Samuel!

Towleroad

The most interesting aspect of Tom Daley's recent coming out and announcement of Dustin Lance Black as his boyfriend, was not the story itself. The comments and response from many in the gay community have been far more fascinating to me to read. Tom is without a doubt adorable, but Dustin Lance Black has been a leader and champion of gay rights for many years. Some of the comments depicting Black as a predator are repulsive and ironic as it the most predatory thing about the story is the creepy ownership that some commenters seem to have over Tom's sexuality and virginity. Makes interesting reading though...

Make Believe with Gustave by Mikel Marton

Mikel Marton's tumblr is always a regular stopping place for me and I love this recent set, Make Believe featuring Gustave. Check out more on Mikel's blog HERE: and consider one of his incredible limited-edition prints for under the tree of someone special to you!

Brown Paper Packages tied up with Strings...

Every year at this time, I do a Christmas favorite list featuring the work of some of the many artists I have featured over the last year. The list isn't necessarily what I am asking Santa for, many of the products below, I have already gifted myself with... But with Christmas a mere few weeks away, I thought I would offer some suggestions for that hard to purchase person on your list. All of the items below should arrive before Christmas, some in fact are downloads that are available instantly after purchase. I hope you find something of interest in this small list of some of my favorite things!

Prairie Visions Photography has a variety of gifts available on their site, art prints, coffee mugs, T-shirts and more! There is also a great selection of holiday greeting cards featuring a very festive, and very naked Chris Rockway. (below)

~Photos~

Most of the photographers that I feature on FH sell prints and posters of their work if you reach out to them on their sites. Who wouldn't want Warren by studioAtruong (above) hung above their bed...

Above: Image from Stephen Kahrs

Below (l-r) Image from Carl Proctor and Martin Visser. 

~Music~

One of the most popular posts this past summer, featured YogaBear Studio's images of Samuel Lora and David Pevsner. David started as a songwriter, writing lyrics and music for the musical Naked boys Singing.  David's current project, pulls together many of his talents in a new CD featuring what David calls 'mostly gay, dirty comedy songs.  The CD is full of surprises, including cameos from Jim J. Bullock and Maxwell Caulfied.

'It’s all cheeky, filthy, fun, clever, risqué, offensive, sweet…it hits all of it.' 

Most Versatile is available right now just for digital downloads…physical CDs will be available eventually. You can download it at CD Baby, Amazon, iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, or... you can check out more about it on David's site HERE:

~Magazines~

Every year when I was a kid, there would be an issue of my favorite magazine rolled up in my stocking! One of my favorite magazines, with a focus on the male form, is New Manhattan Studio's Captured Shadows. There are currently 4 issues of Captured Shadows available, with more on the way. Although each issue has one model as the main focus (including FH favorites Bond and Alex Corso) There are also other models and shoots featured in each issue. You can get Captured Shadows as a download, or in the traditional glossy magazine form HERE:

~Books~

Kelly by Gordon Nebeker

FH readers recently enjoyed my 5 part Utah feature from the annual shoot this past August. Photographer Gordon Nebeker has been heading to Utah for years, and chronicled some of his early journey's in his 2010 book, Men To Match My Mountains. Check it out, and Gordon's other book, A Piece of Cloth on Blurb HERE:

Photographer Mark Grantham has ten incredible books available on his blurb page, and several of the models I have been lucky to feature on FH. Greg, Tyer and Cason all appeared in previous stories, and Mark's work with Andrew and Bond was featured earlier this year. Andrew and Bond are Mark's two most recent books and both are available in both hard and soft cover editions as well as instant downloadable editions!

-Calendars~

Calendar's are always a favorite gift, and this year the selections are better than every. Photographer Mark Leighton has a variety of photos and products available HERE: including his 2017 The Original Athletes calendar. Mark gave FH a preview in a previous post HERE:

Max Woltman's Men of New Mexico calendar is guaranteed to warm up any night, of any month of the year. It may also have you googling prices for flights to New Mexico!

Richard Rothstein's work has hung in my kitchen in calendar form each of the last 3 years. Richard has a variety of calendars available this year, including several dedicated to the male form including 12 months of Tarzan, Lord of the Crete Jungle. (above). I think this year, my order is going to include City Lights (below) with each image taken from a Hell's Kitchen rooftop in Manhattan.

If you're still scratching your head about that perfect gift (for another, or yourself...) you can never go wrong with the Warwick Rower calendar, and the Making of Video which is a highlight for me each December!