Beautiful

Paul & Drew & Josh

THE DIGITAL CAMERA HAS BECOME FOR MANY COUPLES A TOOL THAT BRINGS EXTRA EXCITEMENT IN THEIR SEX LIFE. THE RESULT IS THAT EVERY DAY THOUSANDS OF INTIMATE SHOTS ARE TAKEN, MOST OF THEM NOT AT ALL SUITABLE FOR ANY KIND OF PUBLICATION. PAUL AND DREW ARE ONE OF THESE COUPLES THAT HAVE NO PROBLEM SHARING THEIR PRIVATE SECRETS. BUT WHEN THEY DO IT, THEY DO IT IN A VERY TASTEFUL AND PROFESSIONAL WAY. IN THIS CASE WITH THE HELP OF JOSH THOMPSON.

Paul Boulon was born in the state of Texas, only 21 years ago. Ever since he was in the 3th grade he wanted to become a dancer, and he is one of the few lucky guys who has been able to realize his dream and passion into a very successful career. Currently Paul lives and works in Las Vegas. Here he can be seen and admired at the Jubilee Theater at Bally’s Hotel, where he shines in a rhinestone overloaded Vegas show. If this is not of your liking and you still are interested in seeing Paul in action, you might want to try one of the clubs where he occasionally performs as a go-go dancer. His next step in his dancing carer is to move to Los Angeles in order to find work dancing in music videos and concert tours.

About 3 years ago Paul started modeling and has been doing a lot of session ever since then, building up an impressive portfolio. Paul’s modeling interest involves pretty much the whole scala of work, including erotic and nude, although he does draw the line with video. He doesn’t work with an agency as for now, but tries to work with as many photographers as possible to include in his portfolio.

Like Paul, his boyfriend Drew Cheldelin originates from Texas. Drew is 28 years old and thanks his well defined body to an impressive soccer career at college, something he had to give up after a serious knee injury. Since then he is trying to make a career in the fashion industry. Modeling is but one of the paths he follows, but like Paul, he is open both fashion and artistic nude modeling.

The photos shown here, presenting Paul and Drew, were taken by Josh Thompson. Josh is a talented photographer with a specialism in the erotic field. Hence these stunning images of the lucky couple. Although the question is, was it Paul and Drew to be lucky to be shot by Josh, or Josh to get the opportunity to shoot Paul and Drew? –B-

Paul Boulon and Drew Cheldelin can be contacted throught the following profiles: Paul Boulon ModelMayhem | Drew Cheldelin ModelMayhem | Paul and Drew ModelMayhem | Paul Boulon MySpace | Drew Cheldelin MySpace.

JOSH THOMPSON | BEAUTIFUL
PAUL BOULON | BEAUTIFUL
DREW CHELDELIN | BEAUTIFUL

Pas de Deux

THE CONCEPT OF ART HAS ONCE BEEN DESCRIBED AS BEING “ONE OF THE MOST ELUSIVE OF THE TRADITIONAL PROBLEMS OF HUMAN CULTURE.” WE INVENTED ART. WE STARTED TO CREATE THINGS THAT, BECAUSE OF ITS UNIQUENESS, MASTERY OR BEAUTY, WE CALLED ART. FACT IS THAT ART IS QUITE SUBJECTIVE. WE BELIEVE THAT ART IS SOMETHING THAT TRULY TOUCHES YOUR EMOTIONS. DANCE CAN BE ART. PHOTOGRAPHY CAN BE ART.

Thomas Synnamon is one of the most exciting photographers we met on our way. His work is a broad variety of themes, using strong contrasts in light and hues of different colors. While exploring the areas of fashion and artistic nude photography, Thomas, who is completely self taught – guides our curious and hungry eyes towards the objects of his preference, the male physiques. But he does it in the most creative and unusual ways.

Already we have had the pleasure to get a little taste of Thomas Synnamon’s exceptional talent, with the series he did with multi-cultural couple Max Rhyser and Paolo Pascaol, and the impressive dancer Sidney Wilson. Today he presents us his most recent work, in which he actually combines the two themes mentioned above, two men and dance. When Thomas did his very first shoot he admits he was quite nervous. But having been a model himself, he is able to perfectly understand and feel what a model needs to do to participate in creating stunning images, and that has helped him doing his art.

With precision and the experience of someone who understands what art is all about, Thomas Synnamon has once again created a universe in his photography that stands out by composition and simplicity, while creating a sensational tension between the two models in an atmosphere of theater and dance. Thomas has successfully brought these two art forms together and presents us with a true pas de deux.

Even though created as an essay it isn’t difficult to see a dramatic story in this new series by Thomas Synnamon. But, as it is with every piece of art, the interpretation is purely subjective. Are they  just two man, both alone, meeting each other, trying each other, and slowly getting to know each other. Ending the solitude of that lonely existence, by joining together and becoming one. Or is it the opposite, two lovers, ending their shared life together, but unable to let each other go?  –B-

BeautifulMag Archive for Thomas Synnamon: BeautifulMag Cover Story: Thomas Synnamon's True Love | Strike A Pose.

THOMAS SYNNAMON | BEAUTIFUL

BeautifulMag Exclusive | Michael Biserta

NightVisions

IT IS PROBABLY NO SURPRISE IF WE TELL YOU THE NIGHT IS THE TIME MOST ASSOCIATED WITH ROMANCE, SEX, ADVENTURE AND EXCITEMENT. IT IS THIS PERIOD IN THE 24-HOURS CYCLE IN WHICH OUR DARKEST DREAMS AND MOST INTIMATE SECRETS BECOME REALITY. SO IT IS PROBABLY ALSO NO SURPRISE THAT FOR MANY PHOTOGRAPHERS THE NIGHT IS THE TIME IN WHICH THEY CREATES SOME OF THEIR MOST BEAUTIFUL WORK.

It’s the setting: sometimes urban and outside, sometimes more intimate, like a hotel room, or even in the studio. It is the contrast of light and dark, bright colors and deep shadows, and it certainly is also the choice of men: sometimes shy and romantic, sometimes inviting and sensual, and sometimes rough and provocative.

Today we present you a first preview of the latest Bruno Gmünder publication NIGHTVISIONS, a selection of over 60 photographers in a night-themed anthology, representing all these mixed emotions, sensations and images that each one of us have, when it comes to night time and night time activities. It is a journey through the forbidden land, where sincere love and pure lust go hand in hand, joined in a darkness where anything is possible. And is because of this that NIGHTVISIONS presents a variety of photographers that you probably would not associate with each other at first glance.

NIGHTVISIONS is a true vision that we from BeautifulMag share with Bruno Gmünder and all the featured talented artists. A true vision that just can not be missed on your nightstand. -B-

Photography from top to bottom, left to right: Bam | Olivier Savart | Jonno London | Perry Sénécal | David Vance | Roberto Chiovitti | Troy Phillips.
 
NIGHTVISIONS | BEAUTIFUL

Job Hunting with James Franklin

JAMES FRANKLIN INTRODUCED HIMSELF TO US WITH HIS SERIES OF 2008 COWBOYS. WHICH WE DIDN’T MIND AT ALL. ON THE CONTRARY. IT MADE US CURIOUS LEARNING MORE ABOUT JAMES. AND GUESS WHAT. IT SEEMS LIKE JAMES IS RUNNING A PHOTOGRAPHIC EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WHERE YOU CAN FIND A LOT MORE THEN ONLY COWBOYS. WE HAPPILY WENT THROUGH THE LIST OF JOBS, AND AT THE SAME TIME TOOK THE TIME TO GET TO KNOW JAMES.

Of course James Franklin does not really own an employment agency. But looking at this exciting series of photos, this talented photographer does know what makes us tick. Men in uniform. And we aren’t limited to the usual fire fighter, soldier and police officer.

James, welcome to Beautiful Magazine! Tell us about yourself, hometown and heritage.
James: Wow there is a lot to cover in the 1st question. If you take pieces of my life and put them together it sounds exciting, but on the whole I'm actually pretty boring. Right now I'm really focused on creating quality work and growing as an artist.

My social life consists of the rare date and small dinner parties with friends (I love cooking). We all hang out in the kitchen eat & talk about everything.

My family traveled all around the world so I really don't have a hometown. I think I've lived in both Northern & Southern California (9 years) & Dallas/Forth Worth Texas (22 years) the most. I now currently live in Los Angeles. I miss Dallas, but LA has its moments where it can be fun and even charming.

How do you define your style and how did you become interested in a career as a photographer?
James: My style is always evolving & changing. Most categorize my work as commercial. The Cowboy images especially have gotten so much attention over the last few years. They came about from a need to evolve and do something different. I love the rustic, rugged feel I get from the images.

My interest in photography came from an interest in art. I studied everything I could (art history, design, sculpture, architecture), but I didn't fully explore the art of photography until I got into college. I wanted a creative career and photography gave me the most options with the greatest freedom. I was very lucky to have some great instructors who allowed me to really explore photography and push my personal limits as an artist.

Do you think that digital era really helped the photographers concerning aspects like quality and technology?
James: I think it allows more people to explore the field of photography. I am grateful I learned about photography using film. When I shot using film I had to work hard to perfect the images sight unseen until processing. Photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Herb Ritts, Robert Maplethorpe, Helmut Newton, Ellen Von Unwerth all Icons in the industry all shot film & all created iconic images using film and their camera.

What is the best / worst that has been said about your work?
James: Worst: "your work is not very clever and your subjects are boring" (everyone is entitled to their opinion). Best: "Sometimes, when we see great things... we can't describe the exactness of the quality that makes them so. That is the case with James outstanding images. His shots are 110%. His composition, clarity, contrast and lightness are flawless. Perfection would be a step down."  JP Valdez, NYC Art critic (this one made my year).

How are you to work with?
James: I have my thoughts and can be opinionated, but most will say I am one of the easiest to work with. I'm like a kid when I am shooting and totally love what I do with all my heart. I demand a lot from myself and can sometimes get pissed at myself for not doing my best.

I’m sure you might have some unusual/funny backstage stories. Can you share some of them with us.
James: There are plenty. Just about every shoot I do has some small element of fun. I think the funniest behind the scenes story has to be when I was shooting singer Paul Lekakis. One of the shots he's using was photographed in a port-a-potty. Man did it stink, but the image is beautiful and works well for the CD cover.

What are some of your current/future projects?
James: After taking a two-year break from beefcake calendars I have the new 2008 Cowboys calendar that did very well. I also do a lot of family portrait work and private contract work for designers. I also have a small celebrity client list that I love working with. I am working with a local clothing manufacture shooting images for there catalog. I'm also I'm working with a production company on a major film project.

If a model wants to work with you, how do they get in touch?
James: Smoke signals wouldn't be practical so sending me an e-mail I think works best: james@jamesfranklin.net This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it. -B-

JAMES FRANKLIN | BEAUTIFUL