Wednesday, January 19, 2011

ISSUE #12 - LANDON TAYLOR

Landon Taylor photographed by Ivan Avila

(DREAM) BOY NEXT DOOR - LANDON TAYLOR

We’ve all heard the expression and it seems to conjure up a standard vision of all American beauty: light hair, blue eyes, warm smile, collegiate physique and appearance. Landon has all that and more. What separates him from the pack in terms of expectations is the bold, uninhibited way in which he expresses and exposes himself for the camera. He can slip into the Abercrombie role with ease, but he would be equally impressive on the cover of a porn video. The bright smile and innocent face seems even more alluring when the lower half is exposed in full arousal, and it is the idea of these two supposed polar opposites coming together that makes him so compelling.

I first featured a few images of Landon on the rSEANd PoP blog in a model spotlight feature over a year ago, and he has since racked up the most views of any post featuring a single model. It would seem that his appeal is exceptionally broad based which made him the perfect candidate for a full feature in BLISS so the audience could get to know a little more about the man behind the photos.


In addition to modeling, he has stepped behind the camera and become a budding talent in his own right. His work shows that his work in front of the lens has translated into a good eye for talent, angles and composition.






His photography work can be viewed at www.modelmayhem.com/1771164

©2011 - Sean Dibble

LANDON TAYLOR Talks with BLISS



BLISS: You were featured in my rSEANd PoP blog last year because I have always loved your look. What you don’t know is that you hold the distinction of the highest number of views of a post for a single model. How do you react to that kind of popularity?

LANDON TAYLOR: Really? WOW! That’s amazing! I feel honored! I kind of can’t believe that because you have some other gorgeous guys on here…. But that’s awesome! 

B: Are you aware of the appeal that you have for people who view you images, and if so, what do you think it is that everyone is responding to?

LT: I don’t really know what it is. I know some people love my images because I have such a baby face and look innocent. But yet others love how daring and fearless I am when it comes to modeling.



B: Do you identify as str8, gay or bisexual?

LT: Gay 

B: What about your personal life – are you single?

LT: Im taken

B: When did you first start modeling and what about the industry attracted you?

LT: I modeled right when I turned 18. I had a friend who shot with this one guy in my area and he said he would like me as well.  It wasn’t really the industry that I liked. I mainly got into it because I wanted pictures of myself. Haha

B: Do you remember what your first photo shoot was like? Who was the photographer? 

LT: I do remember my first photo shoot. I was awkward through the whole thing. Haha I’ve always been photogenic but I had no idea what to do. But the photographer was great and I got some great pictures.

B: At what point did you decide that you wanted to pose nude and what brought on this decision?

LT: I posed my first photo shoot. I wasn’t really planning on shooting nude but I get caught up in the moment. And there I am pulling my underwear lower and lower. haha




B: Can you describe what it was like to pose nude for the first time? Were you nervous or did you find it liberating?

LT: I found it very liberating. I’m an exhibitionist so I loved it. The rush of just getting naked in front of someone was awesome.

B: Does being a nude and sometimes erotic male model make it difficult to date because of the other person’s insecurities?

LT: YES! ALL THE TIME! haha

B: In addition to your artistic nude images, you’ve also done erotic work, including erections and even ejaculations. Did you have to work your way up to this or were you always comfortable with the idea?

LT: Well knowing that I get a rush being naked, things are bound to “pop up”. So in my first photo shoot I basically was turned on and hard in underwear. He said to just start playing with them pulling on them etc. So I was pulling up and down, I started pulling them down till you saw my pubes then he said ok keep going. So I kept pulling down just a little more and my cock was hard to the side. Kind of peaked out a bit and he just kept saying “keep pulling down, let the head come out a bit” well by then my underwear was off and my cock was hard.







B: Most people have their own ideas about what happens during an erotic shoot, and much of it involves our own dirty fantasies. What is the real process like in terms of getting aroused and getting to the “money shot”?

LT: It’s very professional and if I’m doing erotic shots I’m basically jerking off throughout the shoot and when it’s time to finish they usually ask if I want to “finish”. So I decide by how turned on I am.

B: There is also an assumption that models who pose for these types of erotic photos are prone to indulging in hanky panky with the photographers. Is this an accurate summation or are the sessions purely professional?

LT: I’m always professional but in the early years there was that occasional hot photographer. That’s all I’ll say… haha

B: I know as well as you do that there are photographers who expect that they will get an added bonus of fooling around with the model. Have you ever been put in this position? If so, how do you handle the situation?

LT: I have been put in that position and I’ve left a photo shoot because of it.

B: I feel confident in saying that you have probably been approached on multiple occasions to veer off into the porn industry. Is this something that you would consider?

LT: I could possibly consider it but I’m in a relationship and he doesn’t like it and I love him more then the industry. :)






B: You are currently based in Las Vegas. Were are you from originally, and how did you end up in Vegas?

LT: I am originally from Texas. And because I got a gig dancing in a Vegas show.

B: What were you like as a kid?

LT: I was a shy kid who only opened up to my mother. Haha sad I know.

B: So many of the nude models I’ve interviewed say that they were somewhat shy an introverted as teens. What were yo like in high school? Were you a popular guy, or more of the shy type?

LT: I was shy as well. I wasn’t popular but I wasn’t at the bottom either.

B: How old were you when you discovered sex? Do you remember the first time you masturbated?

LT: I was 15 when I discovered sex. It was actually with a 24 year old that I met online :/ Scary… But it was fun. haha

B: When did you lose your virginity? Can you remember anything specific about the experience?

LT: I lost my virginity at 15 years old. I dated a guy in high school and I wasn’t out to parents so he got to spend the night A LOT! haha

B: Did you parents discuss sex and sexuality in the home? If so, how did they approach it?

LT: Not really. Just the basics






B: Is your family aware of the type of modeling that you do? If so, are they supportive?

LT: They don’t know and I hope to not let them find out.

B: Our friends can either be our biggest supporters or the ones who are constantly trying to talk us out of certain decisions. Are you friends supportive of the various types of modeling that you do?

LT: They are supportive I think. Most don’t really care. Some love that I do it mainly ‘cause they want to see the pictures.

B: What is the most important lesson you have learned up to this point in regards to your modeling?

LT: Don’t get taken advantage of.

B: What, if anything, is the one decision you regret the most in terms of modeling?

LT: Doing so many photo shoots for free… haha I don’t really regret anything. It’s made me who I am.

B: Do you have a favorite photographer that you’ve worked with or a favorite photo shoot that you done? What made these things stand out?

LT: Mine would be Eric Scot and because he is an amazing guy. And I love his work and love a person that can make me laugh all day.

B: Without naming names, are there any photographers that you’ve worked with that you would never work with again? If so, what made it such a negative experience?

LT: Yes! And basically the ones that thought they could get with me.

B: Anyone seeking advice on the dos and don’ts of this industry in terms of posing naked should seek out someone who has been through the experience. What advice would you give to a young guy who is just starting out in regards to posing nude?

LT: I personally wouldn’t change my decision but I would have waited till I was 21. At 18 you don’t know what you want and think you want to do nude modeling but it’s a big decision that can change your life.

B: If I asked you to pick one image that you’ve done that you feel is the best representation of who you are and what you are capable of as a model, which one would it be?

LT: It would the Eric Scot one in the desert of me laying down with my ass in the air. Haha


B: Now that the New Year has begun, can you tell me five things that were big highlights in 2010 for you?

LT: Um… My 2010 was actually really boring so I don’t think I could. Haha

B: What can we expect from you in 2011 in terms of modeling?

LT: I plan to do some amazing shoots in the future. And I plan on moving to NYC so I’ll be shooting a lot. Also I’ve gotten into photography so maybe you’ll see my work in future as well.

B: What would you consider your ultimate goal within this industry?

LT: I mainly model for myself so I just want to make amazing photo’s.






B: If you could change three things about yourself or your appearance, what would they be?

LT: 1.My nose – it’s too round I want a thinner pointier nose.
2. My love handles – people say their muscles but I say otherwise.
3. My hair – I wish it was thicker

B: What are the things that you value most in your life?

LT: My family, friends and being alive. :)

B: What are you most proud of?

LT: My partner. I love him so much and he loves me too. He is amazing and I don’t know what I would do without him.


B: What message do you have for all your fans who will be reading this?

LT: Wow! Um. I hope to make some more amazing shots that you can view and would love to hear what you all would love me to do in the future!

©2011 – Sean Dibble

Landon B Taylor
Paul Boulon Photo
Featured Photographers
Eric Scot
Ivan Avila
Model for Paul Boulon Photo
CJ

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

JOE LAZARA on the JOSHUA PAUL SHOW

Photographer Joe Lazara who was featured here in BLISS is interviewed on the Joshua Paul uncensored radio show where he talks about his art and BLISS Male Mag.


Listen to internet radio with The Joshua Paul Show on Blog Talk Radio

ISSUE #12 - PHOTOFREEDOM

REALITY by PHOTOFREEDOM

In this age of Photoshop we have grown accustomed to images that hint at perfection in the models. Smooth bodies without any scars, faces without blemishes...or pores in many cases. Ab definition can be highlighted, eye color enhanced, endowment increased, skin tone adjusted, weight reduced, height increased, shape redefined and locations manipulated or added. Our eye is no longer a reliable source of information because what we see may not be rooted in reality.


There are many debates on the subject of photoshopping, both pro and con, but the answer should be rooted in what the viewer finds appealing. After all, art is subjective and is not always meant to document a specific truth. But putting that truth on display is what makes the images by Photofreedom so interesting to look at.






In the current age of digital possibility, it is bold to present models in a natural state, imperfections and all. Photofreedom revels in this type of boldness and the men he shoots are on display as is, even if that means a few pimples. This approach is refreshing and somewhat voyeuristic, as if we are catching a glimpse of these men in a moment that may or may not have been meant for sharing. This adds to the erotic appeal and builds on the sense of intimacy in his work.








Included here is a selection of his images. I hope to see much more in the future.




















©2011 - Sean Dibble

Photofreedom
www.modelmayhem.com/603065
www.2Kmodels.com/photofreedom

Manifest Men

David Costa

COUTUREBOY

BeautifulMag