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Favorite Pic of the Day for June 9th
It's Thursday and today with the launch of Marlen Boro's new project we get to know a little more about the man behind the lens!
-Read All About it below-
Happy Birthday today June 9th to:
Happy Birthday today to Jean Galfione (above), Andrew W. Walker, and Cameron Bunce, Gildas Verbist, Michael J. Fox and Johnny Depp HERE:
Marvin's Room: Behind the Curtain of Boro's Boudoir
I feel more than blessed to have found the work of photographer Marlen Boro at the beginning of the year. Each week since then, myself and the readers of FH have been granted access to Marlen's work with some of the most incredible shots of some of the hottest models. The Gentlemen of Marlen Boro has not just become a regular and popular part of FH, Marlen has become someone I have grown to truly admire and respect. There is no pretense about Marlen's work. It is, in his own words, sexy, playful, witty, sometimes intense and most of all fun.
This week Marlen shares with FH thoughts on his work, losing models to the big cities, the industry in general and his new project, Male Boudoir. In an industry often based on repetition (much in the form of flattery), finding a new way to present the male form is not an easy task. Having worked closely with Marlen on many features the past six months I am keenly aware of how much work and the immense patience that went into deciding on just the right direction to take his talents. Check out the new site for yourself and I am sure you will agree that he has found that new way!
FH: When I contact a photographer about a feature it is usually because one particular photo grabbed me. With You it was Dominic and his amazing butt standing at the bathroom sink. Curious as if you were surprised at what shot in your port stood out to me?
Of course - but I’ve come to realize and appreciate that we each respond to different images.
FH: Were you familiar with blogs/sites like FH before my email. Had you reached out to any?
Absolutely familiar - but no, I hadn’t contacted anybody yet. I remember excitedly telling Cory (my husband) about your initial email and his response: “Umm... I’ve been bugging you for how long to submit your work??”
FH: Once we began a weekly feature the first person showcased was Moretti. Moretti has such sexuality literally bursting out of the images. Is this ‘energy’ something that is present during the shooting or is it something you bring out?
Cory assures me that it’s something I help my models and clients tap into.
FH: Now when I think of the world of male models and photographers I don’t instantly think of North Dakota. In fact I think you were the first from that area whom I featured on FH. What is the scene like there, is there much competition, model selection, opportunities.
I was raised in North Dakota, but Minnesota is home - and the men here are gorgeous. I’d say there’s a friendly rivalry among the photographers who focus on men - we each have really different styles.
FH: Marlen, I know you invest in those you work with. What is the best and the worst part of being invested in those you work with?
Best #1 - becoming friends with so many interesting (and hot!) guys. Best #2 - the images - it’s not just camera settings and stock poses - my models and clients know that I care about them as people - and I think it shows in the authenticity of the images.
FH: Given you’re in North Dakota I am aware at some point the models you work with obtaining some sort of success eventually move to New York or LA. What is this like for a photographer, especially one involved in some of the crucial beginning stages?
Regardless of whether they find commercial success or not, I love seeing new models grow into their own skin and learn to work their magic with the camera.
FH: It is interesting to me that big agencies often try to erase a models local past and give them a new name and ‘act’ like they discovered them off the bus in NY or Miami. Truth be told it is the work done locally that usually gets their attention. Have you ever had an issue with an agency trying to ‘bury’ a models earlier local work with you?
Of course - but I really don’t care anymore. Modeling agencies have a job to do - and here in Minnesota that’s landing paying gigs for Target and Best Buy. So scrubbing portfolios is part of what they do.
Above: Stefan
FH: So, I know you have another job, one of those jobs which requires a suit, briefcase and tie. How, why and when does the fact you spend much of your time shooting hot guys come up in casual conversation around the photocopier?
My legal clients quickly become friends and my male boudoir work usually comes up when we talk about photography (most of my clients are other photographers). Most folks are pretty shocked - especially considering how unapologetically sexual many of the images are.
FH: Speaking of shooting hot guys, is it hard for your husband when he knows the next 4 or 5 hours of your day is going to be spent with one or even two great looking naked men?
Cory’s my biggest fan and source of encouragement. And as much as I care about photography or any of my clients/models, none of that matters compared to him - and he knows it. Do I get sympathy from him if it’s been a long day of photographing hot guys? Never. ;)
FH: On the subject of naked men (and it is a great subject) curious as to whether there is an unplanned or embarrassing moment that stands out most to you while in the middle of a shoot?
So... when everything just magically comes together - the light, the pose, the expression - sometimes I laugh with glee. The first time I caught myself laughing, the model was buck naked - understandably, he didn’t realize that my laughter was a compliment. (so now I mention it before each shoot)
FH: Some photographers use digital magic to make pecs look harder, penis’ look longer and thighs look leaner. How do you feel about using this technology to change the appearance of a shot or a model?
I use it - but hopefully you can’t tell when/where - it’s not integral to my style, but it can be tremendously helpful to an image - especially with my boudoir clients -not everybody has a perfectly flat stomach.
FH: Speaking of other photographers, who are your inspirations and why?
Apart from the obvious (Maplethorpe, Tom Bianchi, Rick Day, [insert 30+ other amazing photographers that you frequently feature and I follow them all], it’s Anna Kuperberg - she’s an amazing wedding photographer (and adorable lesbian!) from the Bay Area - she has this rare ability to capture both architectural beauty and genuine emotion. And John Waters - he’s not really a photographer, but I love his unapologetic uniqueness and his naughty sense of humor.
FH: When I profile a shoot from Marlen Boro I usually end up with a wee crush on the model by the time the profile is ready to post. Even if the photos don’t instantly jump out at me, communicating with the model, getting to know them beyond the photos often has me looking at the shots differently. Has this happened with you?
Of course - most of the guys I work with are amazing, interesting individuals - and I always appreciate how your blog postings help introduce these guys more fully!
Above: Trench
FH: Has there ever been a model you really loved, who was very hot who was just not able to transfer that ‘in person’ heat onto film?
Thankfully no - although there are models who have a difficult time believing they are hot. Jesse, for example, still can’t accept/believe that he’s stunning.
That said, I think this goes back to your Moretti question - and it’s a function of my philosophy background. I don’t believe there’s some metaphysical, ultimate beauty that we as artists should strive to replicate. I work to find each man’s unique sexiness - the poses and facial expressions that work best for him - and help him learn how to show that to the camera (and hopefully also in life).
FH: Do you have a favorite shoot? A favorite idea that turned out better than you had envisioned?
My favorite shoot is the Swan Song - the goodbye to my old condo - an amazing day spent with two of my favorite collaborators - creating and capturing these moments of raw sexuality. Happiest surprise? It’s a tie between the pink panties that Moretti wore and the red rhinestones which crowned Max Dennis’s penis.
Above: Andy and Trench from Swan Song
FH: Most of the famous photographers of the male form make their living with books, calendars, the odd selling of a print. In NY and LA they can make money shooting headshots for agencies. How does one in ND make sure they are not going to go broke following their passion? Gentlemen of Marlen Boro was really meant to be an 18 month calendar BTW!
By practicing law part-time. In all seriousness, I love being a lawyer and I have amazing clients - so now I have the best of both worlds with my hybrid career.
Above and Below: Jack & Jesse
FH: Tell me about your new focus and your new site. Where did the idea come from?
My new site is MaleBoudoir.com and my focus is on custom “boudoir” photoshoots for men. Women have been doing these boudoir shoots for years - frequently as a wedding present for a fiance or a “I’m still sexy at 40” shoot of self-celebration. I provide these shoots for men - so whether it’s a gift for a partner/spouse, a reward to celebrate a fitness milestone, or a “I won’t be in my early-40s forever” - that’s where I come in.
My mentor, Verna, and Cory have each been bugging me for years to explore this idea more fully - but things gelled this spring when I attended a workshop by Critsey Rowe of CoutureBoudoir.com - she’s amazing - she flies around the US (and Europe!) doing these stunning boudoir photoshoots with lovely ladies.
Critsey looked through my work and told me I was thinking too narrowly by focusing on Minnesota - that I needed to think bigger - go national.
And in reworking my site, it also led to a realization - I don’t want to be a fashion photographer - I no longer want to be “the Rick Day of the Midwest” (even though I do adore his work) - I don’t care if I ever get published in DNA magazine. My strength lies in relishing the diversity of men and tailoring each shoot to my client’s physique and his personality - and then capture images of remarkable candor and sexiness - and that’s what I intend to be known for.
I explain it more on MaleBoudoir.com - you’ve worked out for years and spent how much money and time to create this body - and then what? Hire a local photographer who usually shoots women, uses soft lighting and teasing/forced poses? Look back in 20 years at all these keen iPhone photos of you posing in front of the bathroom mirror? You deserve better.
FH: Where are you hoping the site might take you?
Frankly, everywhere across the country (and Europe!), working with men who realize that it’s time to celebrate themselves.
FH: So the phone rings and it’s an agency requesting you do some nudes of three of their hottest models. Which 3 models you have never shot would you hope they might be?
Mark Wahlberg, Francois Sagat and either Mark Salling (Puckerman) or Darren Criss (Blaine) from Glee (better yet, both of them together...)
This week Marlen shares with FH thoughts on his work, losing models to the big cities, the industry in general and his new project, Male Boudoir. In an industry often based on repetition (much in the form of flattery), finding a new way to present the male form is not an easy task. Having worked closely with Marlen on many features the past six months I am keenly aware of how much work and the immense patience that went into deciding on just the right direction to take his talents. Check out the new site for yourself and I am sure you will agree that he has found that new way!
FH: When I contact a photographer about a feature it is usually because one particular photo grabbed me. With You it was Dominic and his amazing butt standing at the bathroom sink. Curious as if you were surprised at what shot in your port stood out to me?
Of course - but I’ve come to realize and appreciate that we each respond to different images.
FH: Were you familiar with blogs/sites like FH before my email. Had you reached out to any?
Absolutely familiar - but no, I hadn’t contacted anybody yet. I remember excitedly telling Cory (my husband) about your initial email and his response: “Umm... I’ve been bugging you for how long to submit your work??”
FH: Once we began a weekly feature the first person showcased was Moretti. Moretti has such sexuality literally bursting out of the images. Is this ‘energy’ something that is present during the shooting or is it something you bring out?
Cory assures me that it’s something I help my models and clients tap into.
FH: Now when I think of the world of male models and photographers I don’t instantly think of North Dakota. In fact I think you were the first from that area whom I featured on FH. What is the scene like there, is there much competition, model selection, opportunities.
I was raised in North Dakota, but Minnesota is home - and the men here are gorgeous. I’d say there’s a friendly rivalry among the photographers who focus on men - we each have really different styles.
FH: Marlen, I know you invest in those you work with. What is the best and the worst part of being invested in those you work with?
Best #1 - becoming friends with so many interesting (and hot!) guys. Best #2 - the images - it’s not just camera settings and stock poses - my models and clients know that I care about them as people - and I think it shows in the authenticity of the images.
FH: Given you’re in North Dakota I am aware at some point the models you work with obtaining some sort of success eventually move to New York or LA. What is this like for a photographer, especially one involved in some of the crucial beginning stages?
Regardless of whether they find commercial success or not, I love seeing new models grow into their own skin and learn to work their magic with the camera.
FH: It is interesting to me that big agencies often try to erase a models local past and give them a new name and ‘act’ like they discovered them off the bus in NY or Miami. Truth be told it is the work done locally that usually gets their attention. Have you ever had an issue with an agency trying to ‘bury’ a models earlier local work with you?
Of course - but I really don’t care anymore. Modeling agencies have a job to do - and here in Minnesota that’s landing paying gigs for Target and Best Buy. So scrubbing portfolios is part of what they do.
Above: Stefan
FH: So, I know you have another job, one of those jobs which requires a suit, briefcase and tie. How, why and when does the fact you spend much of your time shooting hot guys come up in casual conversation around the photocopier?
My legal clients quickly become friends and my male boudoir work usually comes up when we talk about photography (most of my clients are other photographers). Most folks are pretty shocked - especially considering how unapologetically sexual many of the images are.
FH: Speaking of shooting hot guys, is it hard for your husband when he knows the next 4 or 5 hours of your day is going to be spent with one or even two great looking naked men?
Cory’s my biggest fan and source of encouragement. And as much as I care about photography or any of my clients/models, none of that matters compared to him - and he knows it. Do I get sympathy from him if it’s been a long day of photographing hot guys? Never. ;)
FH: On the subject of naked men (and it is a great subject) curious as to whether there is an unplanned or embarrassing moment that stands out most to you while in the middle of a shoot?
So... when everything just magically comes together - the light, the pose, the expression - sometimes I laugh with glee. The first time I caught myself laughing, the model was buck naked - understandably, he didn’t realize that my laughter was a compliment. (so now I mention it before each shoot)
FH: Some photographers use digital magic to make pecs look harder, penis’ look longer and thighs look leaner. How do you feel about using this technology to change the appearance of a shot or a model?
I use it - but hopefully you can’t tell when/where - it’s not integral to my style, but it can be tremendously helpful to an image - especially with my boudoir clients -not everybody has a perfectly flat stomach.
FH: Speaking of other photographers, who are your inspirations and why?
Apart from the obvious (Maplethorpe, Tom Bianchi, Rick Day, [insert 30+ other amazing photographers that you frequently feature and I follow them all], it’s Anna Kuperberg - she’s an amazing wedding photographer (and adorable lesbian!) from the Bay Area - she has this rare ability to capture both architectural beauty and genuine emotion. And John Waters - he’s not really a photographer, but I love his unapologetic uniqueness and his naughty sense of humor.
FH: When I profile a shoot from Marlen Boro I usually end up with a wee crush on the model by the time the profile is ready to post. Even if the photos don’t instantly jump out at me, communicating with the model, getting to know them beyond the photos often has me looking at the shots differently. Has this happened with you?
Of course - most of the guys I work with are amazing, interesting individuals - and I always appreciate how your blog postings help introduce these guys more fully!
Above: Trench
FH: Has there ever been a model you really loved, who was very hot who was just not able to transfer that ‘in person’ heat onto film?
Thankfully no - although there are models who have a difficult time believing they are hot. Jesse, for example, still can’t accept/believe that he’s stunning.
That said, I think this goes back to your Moretti question - and it’s a function of my philosophy background. I don’t believe there’s some metaphysical, ultimate beauty that we as artists should strive to replicate. I work to find each man’s unique sexiness - the poses and facial expressions that work best for him - and help him learn how to show that to the camera (and hopefully also in life).
FH: Do you have a favorite shoot? A favorite idea that turned out better than you had envisioned?
My favorite shoot is the Swan Song - the goodbye to my old condo - an amazing day spent with two of my favorite collaborators - creating and capturing these moments of raw sexuality. Happiest surprise? It’s a tie between the pink panties that Moretti wore and the red rhinestones which crowned Max Dennis’s penis.
Above: Andy and Trench from Swan Song
FH: Most of the famous photographers of the male form make their living with books, calendars, the odd selling of a print. In NY and LA they can make money shooting headshots for agencies. How does one in ND make sure they are not going to go broke following their passion? Gentlemen of Marlen Boro was really meant to be an 18 month calendar BTW!
By practicing law part-time. In all seriousness, I love being a lawyer and I have amazing clients - so now I have the best of both worlds with my hybrid career.
Above and Below: Jack & Jesse
FH: Tell me about your new focus and your new site. Where did the idea come from?
My new site is MaleBoudoir.com and my focus is on custom “boudoir” photoshoots for men. Women have been doing these boudoir shoots for years - frequently as a wedding present for a fiance or a “I’m still sexy at 40” shoot of self-celebration. I provide these shoots for men - so whether it’s a gift for a partner/spouse, a reward to celebrate a fitness milestone, or a “I won’t be in my early-40s forever” - that’s where I come in.
My mentor, Verna, and Cory have each been bugging me for years to explore this idea more fully - but things gelled this spring when I attended a workshop by Critsey Rowe of CoutureBoudoir.com - she’s amazing - she flies around the US (and Europe!) doing these stunning boudoir photoshoots with lovely ladies.
Critsey looked through my work and told me I was thinking too narrowly by focusing on Minnesota - that I needed to think bigger - go national.
And in reworking my site, it also led to a realization - I don’t want to be a fashion photographer - I no longer want to be “the Rick Day of the Midwest” (even though I do adore his work) - I don’t care if I ever get published in DNA magazine. My strength lies in relishing the diversity of men and tailoring each shoot to my client’s physique and his personality - and then capture images of remarkable candor and sexiness - and that’s what I intend to be known for.
I explain it more on MaleBoudoir.com - you’ve worked out for years and spent how much money and time to create this body - and then what? Hire a local photographer who usually shoots women, uses soft lighting and teasing/forced poses? Look back in 20 years at all these keen iPhone photos of you posing in front of the bathroom mirror? You deserve better.
FH: Where are you hoping the site might take you?
Frankly, everywhere across the country (and Europe!), working with men who realize that it’s time to celebrate themselves.
FH: So the phone rings and it’s an agency requesting you do some nudes of three of their hottest models. Which 3 models you have never shot would you hope they might be?
Mark Wahlberg, Francois Sagat and either Mark Salling (Puckerman) or Darren Criss (Blaine) from Glee (better yet, both of them together...)
Favorites: Aaron Lee Smith
I have this little rule I try to follow that when I profile a model, a photographer an artist, I try to limit the shots I use to about 10 or 12. Often I will push it to 15 but it is rare I go much beyond that. I do this as I try to make FH more than just a 'picture posting' blog so try to ensure I maintain somewhat of a balance between photos and text. When putting together my profile today of model Aaron Lee Smith that was pretty much impossible. My 34 initial shots became 30, then 25 then I thought screw it. I figured since Aaron was nice enough to take my favorites questionnaire I could simply cheat and separate the post into two parts. The shots in this first section are my favorites of Aaron by Chris Gosses from Gosses Photography.
Favorites:
Aaron Lee Smith:
Nickname: Big A
Pet as a kid: German shepherd named Poochie
TV Show: I don't watch television
Favorite movie: 9 to 5
Favorite Actress: Reese Witherspoon
Cartoon character: Tom & Jerry
Halloween Costume:Punk rocker
Singer: Madonna
Food: Pizza!
Restaurant: Little mom & pop place called, Lola's Pizza in Charleston, WV
Drink: I love beer but also a weakness for dirty martini's
Subject in school: show choir under the direction of David Legg
Celebrity twin: That guy from the biggest loser, the trainer, so I am told.
Celebrity crush: Linda Carter
Moment in High School: When I realized that not being popular really wasn't so bad...
The Shirt Off His Back..... Aaron Lee Smith
Besides incredible mountains (it is the Mountain State), the coal industry and white water rafting, West Virginia has a rich political history. On June 20th, 1863 Abraham Lincoln declared the northwestern portion of Virginia to be returned to the Union, and West Virginia became the 35th state. I think at some point in the future West Virginia might also be known as the home of Aaron Lee Smith.
On the surface 34 year old Aaron Lee Smith fits the country boy stereotype to a T. This first series of shots (from Hunter Shelton) showcases more than just Aaron's amazing chest. Fields, hay, ripped jeans, t-shirt, no shirt at all, in this series of shots, Hunter captures the 'country boy' look to perfection. But like with most stereotypes, there is much more to Aaron Lee Smith.
Aaron keeps in shape by lifting weights and usually keeps working out until they kick him out of the gym. Aaron always tries his best and says he would give almost anybody in need the shirt off his back. Although he loves his home State, Aaron is looking to view new horizons beyond those West Virginia mountains, This creative soul says a future move might be coming down the road.
'I love music, writing and learning something new. I practice positive affirmations and maintain an open mind and keep an open heart.'
Aaron Lee Smith
Aaron is a person who believes that anything is possible. This positive attitude has served Aaron well. While some modelling agencies seem for some reason to have an affinity for 16 year olds with mannequin type bodies, Aaron, at 33 recently signed his first 2 year contract with a Modeling Agency. (Directions USA). I am not sure what took so long as Aaron's great face, amazing body and attitude certainly command attention. I respect Aaron sticking with it and am sure positive things will follow with the right exposure.
'This experience came to fruition through the power of positive thinking and the separation from a negative past. If you believe in yourself....so will everyone else.'
You can check out more of Aaron's work on ModelMayhem HERE:
Each of the incredible shots above by Hunter Shelton
Below: Aaron by C.S King.
Below: Aaron by Julian Vankim
Check out my profile last month on FH of Julian's work HERE:
Remaining images from Robert Mercer of Fashion Enterprises 3
-Aaron was a part of Robert's Ripped Genes calendar which you can find more about at the link above.
Asterion: Matt Shawshank by JC Norton
Sometimes what draws me to a model, to a photo, to an artist can be as just one split second. I was flicking quickly through the pages of a site a couple of weeks ago when an image got stuck in my mind. I did not smartly stop and take note of the shot right away. Instead I continued to flick through more pages before realizing it was inevitable that I would go back and take a closer look. As usual though, (I know you have been there too) the image,that just a few minutes ago leaped directly onto my radar...now seemed to be hiding...
The image (seen further below) was of an adorable guy, laying on his stomach, naked. Arms over a pillow, glasses in hand, one arm of the glasses gently sitting between his lips. There was something about the shot, his looking to the side, the light on his skin, and especially those glasses that had me wanting to see more.
The model turned out to be 28 year old science student Matt Shawshank (and yes FH readers, I did attempt to weave Matt's name into a clever title for the post, The Shawshank Extension came to mind but. decided I would be going for the easy joke).
'I hopes to display my thoughts and feelings through outward expression, and to help others do the same through their photos of me.'
Matt Shawshank
I can think of no one better collaborator of outward expression than Kentucky photographer JC Norton. JC Norton specializes in portfolio development for fitness models and bodybuilders. You can see some of the models, and more of his work, at his website, Musclehead Graphics. He does fairly frequent shoots at competitions and competition shots are posted on his Facebook page as well as on competition websites. JC also produces limited edition fine art prints and has had work in exhibitions. His prints are in collections throughout the US and overseas and many can be found on his page at My Art Space found Here:
Directly below:
That one split second shot that initially captured my eye:
'I worked with Matt Shawshank quite a while ago, in 2006, in fact. He is a wonderful model -- takes direction well and brings ideas to the shoot, something I like quite a lot, as I really enjoy working with models who have ideas they want to explore visually. For this shoot, we did a bit of edgy fashion and some fitness work, but focused primarily on the fine art side of things. We got some wonderful figure studies, but spent most of the time, working on two conceptual projects. The first was a group of images depicting the Seven Deadly Sins. It's an idea I'd done before with other models and one to which I will return, but the group done with Matt is a favorite. The second was a concept piece I'd been thinking about for quite a while, a group of images based on the myth of the Minotaur. For this, I needed two adventurous and very patient models as the process was protracted, both in the shoot itself and in the post production. The result was a limited edition portfolio, several pieces of which are presented here. One image from the group was exhibited at the Nude International in 2007. I hope to work with him again sometime.'
The Legend of the Minotaur
Photography by JC Norton (2006)
Models:
Shrad
Matt Shawshank
THE MINOTAUROS (or Minotaur) was a bull-headed monster born to Queen Pasiphae of Krete after she had coupled with a bull. The creature resided in the twisting maze of the labyrinth, where he was offfered a regular sacrifice of youths and maids to satisfy his cannibalistic hunger. He was eventually destroyed by the hero Theseus.
The Minotauros' proper name Asterion, "the starry one,"
Minotaur information Source:
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