At The Barre by Michael PuffI know that January's end is a bit late for a Year In Review, but as I head out on my blog break I wanted to look back on some of highlights of 2011 on FH. Although many were pic of the days and birthdays, 2011 brought a total of 1165 individual posts. It would be impossible to list all of my favorites so this look back will focus, not so much on individual features, but a general overview of some of the themes and highlights.
Sedani By Ev Dylan
Favorites:
Just like when people say; 'It was a thrill just to be nominated', I am sure some will groan when I say, all my subjects are truly favorites. It is however, annoyingly true. Although I frequently wish I had not put the word Hunks in the title of this blog, I have never regretted using the word Favorite. I have a fairly demanding and highly stressful job, own my own home and have a fairly busy (though annoyingly inconsistent) social life. I don't have the time or the energy to invest in putting together a story or feature on anything I don't really love. I don't get paid a cent for FH, so I have to be passionate about what I choose to post about. Sometimes, depending on the amount of a research and writing involved, posts can take hours and even days to bring together. The hope is if I love it, some who stop by will love it as well.
Bank Job by Robert Colgan
Photographers:
When I first began FH I knew I wanted it to be patterned after a magazine. A great cover (pic of the day), familiar beginning (birthdays) and structured regular features (Blast From the Past, Import of the Day, favorite Links). Although all of these features remain, the main focus has become first and foremost a photographer's showcase. I cannot thank enough each and every photographer who has contributed to the site. It continues to remain exciting to discover new work that not only inspires but moves me in some way. Equally as exciting to me is to read and share the stories the artists send along with their shots.
Culmination by Chris Teel
It is fairly common for photographers to tell me about bad experiences they have had with blogs and sites in the past. There is not an artist out there that has not had their work slapped across some one's site with no credit and no respect for the work, passion, money and detail that went into the image. It is my goal to ensure these are all taken into account with each image that I upload onto FH.
If anyone was to ask me to show them the best of FH I would tell them to simply click on the Photographers tab to see what the blog is all about.
Man Of The Moment: Seth Kuhlmann
Models:
Whenever I profile a photographer it is always a joy to have the model involved in the creative process of putting together the story. In some cases I use a selection of work from different artists to profile a specific model. Models, especially male models don't always get a lot of respect, even from within the industry. They struggle for work, often under paid when they find it, and are looked at by both many in the industry and many who view their work as just a body to be enjoyed. No matter how great they look, no matter how hard they work on their body and appearance, when they have their images posted on sites or blogs there is usually some a-hole making negative comments about their face, hair or body or penis size. It takes courage to expose, even just your face, let alone your body for public scrutinization.
Against The Odds: Phillip Smith
Over the past 12 months there are hundreds of models who have given their support to me to share their images and their stories. Well known models such as Seth Kuhlmann, Max Emerson, Benjamin Godfre as well as models just beginning to make it in the business such as Quinn Danger.
Felix by Doug Vetter
I know that models starting out are given conflicting advice with regards to appearing on certain sites and blogs. Although I try to make FH as family friendly (given the theme) as I can, I really thank the models who have put their trust in FH for their first taste of blog exposure. I love when I am contacted to preview a new model due to the respectful way I present my subjects and I work hard to maintain that trust.
Boys At The Lumina by Angus Malcolm
Story:
Although images are the core of FH, the surrounding words are what I hope sets the blog apart. Although I know sometimes less is more it is important to me to convey exactly why I chose to feature an artist and their work. It was story that led me to becoming Features Editor for Dylan Rosser's tMf this past year. We are currently putting together issue #4 for a March release!
Andrew by Mark Grantham
Contributors:
There are so many photographers, models, writers and actors who have contributed to FH to fill the pages with the most incredible and talented men. While the list at the bottom of today's postings covers the photographers I want to give a special thank to those who share on a regular basis. Some days when I am lacking inspiration or stumped for a subject matter it is always a welcomed pleasure to open up my e-mail to see the names of those who so generously share on a regular basis.
Tim By Mike Tossy
Visual Stimulation by Carl Proctor
Playgirl:
When I was a kid, Playgirl Magazine played a large role in my sexual awakening. From the early stages of the blog I have incorporated classic Playgirl pictorials. Last year, former Playgirl model Gene Carter shot me a quick e-mail thanking me for featuring his shots. This began one of my favorite features, talking in depth looks at some former Playgirl models. Thus far I have only done a couple, Dirk Shafer followed Gene along with an interview with Playgirl's most famous photographer Greg Weiner. Given the level of research they require they take a bit of time to pull together, but several more are in the works for 2012.
Dirk Shafer
Theme Days:
I have always done the odd theme day but last year I loved my homage to Hawaii and followed that up in December showcasing musician Russell Patrick Brown and his modeling work with three different photographers. Each artist (Gordon Nebeker, MStyes and Richard Rothstein) provided such beautifully , different images along with similarly beautiful stories of their work with Russell.
Hawaii Adjacent by Ron Reyes
Marlen Boro
It was one year ago when I first profiled the work of Marlen Boro with his shots of Dominic (below). Marlen's images quickly became the focal point of a regular weekly feature, Thursday's Gentlemen Of Marlen Boro. Throughout 2011 Marlen introduced us all to Quinn & Joey & Darius & Tyrel & Ocho & Tek & Moretti & Sean & Jesse and dozens of other incredible men who have stepped before in front of his incredible lens and magical window.
Dominic By Marlen Boro
Marlen's images are always a hit and many of his features (including Sean below) have created tidal waves of furious right click and saving, bursting across other blogs and sites net. It is impossible to pick a favorite feature of Marlen's to highlight but one model who made an impact on me was Kyle who I featured last February. Marlen will tell you I was a bit of nag about getting more shots of Kyle back on the blog. There was something about Marlen's work with Kyle I just loved. Might have been the tease factor (which drives me crazy), or the red lace undies Kyle sported in some of the shots, but Kyle certainly made an impact. I cannot thank Marlen enough for, in the middle of his crazy weekend, editing 35 (who can narrow?) of my favorite Kyle shots to go with today's Year in Review!
Trial By Fire & The Window by Marlen Boro
Below, without my usual ramblings, is post 50 featuring the Gentlemen of Marlen Boro in 2012. 15 of my favorite shots of Kyle. (more to come later).
Here's to in 2012!
