Beautiful

BeautifulMag Interview | Chris Teel 'n Other Stuff

CHANGE IS GOOD. CHRIS TEEL KNOWS ALL ABOUT THAT. AFTER A CORPORATE CAREER OF 17 YEARS, CHRIS BOLDLY DECIDED TO CHOOSE A MORE CREATIVE PATH IN HIS LIFE. FOLLOWING HIS DREAM HE BOLDLY GAVE IT ALL UP, MOVED ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND STARTED A NEW LIFE. CHRIS HAS NOW BECOME AN IDOL HIMSELF FOR MANY OTHER YOUNG ARTISTS. HATING TO BE SPOKEN ABOUT IN THE 3RD PERSON, WE BELIEVED IT WAS TIME TO LET CHRIS SPEAK FOR HIMSELF.

Chris Teel is are fairly new in the business of photography. In fact not too long ago he was still working as a senior manager at a telecommunication company. How does one decide to leave such a relatively safe position in order to pursue a much more adventurous dream?
Chris: It was a decision I’d been considering for a while actually. I was feeling an urge to make a few changes in my life - it had become a little too predictable, a bit routine. I enjoyed career success and had no complaints but I was beginning to wonder if I could see myself working in a corporate environment for another 20 years. I was feeling the need to ‘create’ but I wasn’t sure what that looked like. I can’t sculpt, I can’t draw and I don’t paint but I always had a talent for photography, having dabbled in it over the years. 

I decided I needed to shake things up and, since I had already decided I was leaving a company I’d worked for 17 years, I also decided I needed to pack up, sell my condo and move clear across the country to a city I’d only visited once before. Sometimes I tend to leap rather than take small steps.

Which brings us directly to the next question… After having worked one good year as professional photographer, you decided to focus on male physique. Can you explain how you came to this decision?
Chris: I knew from the beginning that I was going to focus on physique photography. I discovered I was inspired by the male form when I stumbled across a couple of old Playgirl magazines as a teenager and I remember thinking, at that point, that being a Playgirl photographer would be a dream job. Personally, I believe you should shoot what moves you. I could take pretty pictures of vases, or shoot weddings but if I am not personally inspired by the subject matter I believe that’s going to show in the final result.

How is Toronto as a hunting ground for male models?
Chris: A bit more challenging than I thought it was going to be, especially at the beginning.  Models obviously want to know that your images are going to benefit their portfolios. At the beginning, I’d get maybe one response out of 20 inquiries. Now that the quality of my portfolio has improved over time, I am having much greater success and I am now getting to the point where models are approaching me. Other than Toronto, I regularly work with models in Montreal and New York where I find the models tend to understand my aesthetic a bit more. Toronto models, in general, are focused on more commercial projects.

What does the perfect man look like according to Chris Teel?
Chris: What I thought the ‘perfect man’ was when I started shooting models is a lot different than what I think he is now. I’ve shot over 120 guys in the last two years, working with guys with different body types and dramatically different personalities. With the exception of one model who will remain unnamed, not one of these guys held himself out there as an example of Mr. Perfect though some came very close. Every guy I’ve shot had at least one physical imperfection he wanted to improve upon, whether I noticed it or not. The perfect man, in my opinion, projects the confidence he feels whether he has an 8-pack body or not. He’s able to project a certain cockiness, without being arrogant. He has opinions and is able to articulate his thoughts. Most importantly, he is easy going and good natured.
 
Is that a strictly professional opinion or influenced by personal wishes?
Chris: It’s a combination of both! Personally I am not attracted to a one ‘type’ of guy. Sure, first impressions are influenced by the physical but if the personality’s not there I lose interest very quickly.  Professionally, I also shoot a diverse group of guys. However, I do have to keep my audience in mind – they certainly respond to some guys more than others and that’s the way it is.

Chris, you once mentioned you like to treat your photo shoots as an equal partnership with the model. We are curious how you get to work with a model. So imagine, we I knock on your door to pose for you but have little experience and am obviously quite nervous. What will you do?
Chris: I am often one of the first photographers a lot of these guys have posed for and one of my goals is to ensure they have a good experience, especially as a lot of them are also posing nude for their first time. I will often meet the model in advance to discuss various concepts, as well as to get a sense of their personality and an idea of their ability to deliver on a particular concept. We negotiate everything up front, before the shoot, to avoid any surprises at the shoot itself. Where it makes sense, we’ll incorporate their specific interests or ideas - it’s a great way of getting them engaged in the process and often, the final result tends to better than the original idea.

You have shot quite a variety of male models in the short time you are active in this field. Do you have a favorite model? Any special memories you can share with us?
Chris: I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of great guys and many of them inspire me in different ways. Some become personal muses, usually because they have a unique beauty, combined with a phenomenal personality. Shariq Salam (recently featured by BeautifulMag) is one of those guys. Sam Boux is another – his phenomenal looks are matched by his peaceful inner nature and wisdom. He’s an acoustic guitar player and you just feel his soul in his music. Corey Kirk is my current favorite. He approaches modeling as a business. He knows his market, he has a plan for success and we are supporting each other to achieve our mutual goals. His dedication is unparalleled in my experience. He’s one of those guys you can call up with an idea and he’ll be up to shooting it that day! He has what it takes to succeed in this industry, and I predict he’ll be a ‘name’ relatively quickly.

Who do you dream of having in front of your camera one day in the future (and why of course)?
Chris: I actually have a lengthy wish list and would love to work with models like Levi Poulter, Joseph Sayers, Phil Fusco, and David Costa. Obviously, these guys have great physiques and project a lot of their personality into their work. Trevor Wayne is also in my top 10 – I love his look and am a fan of his artwork. Andy Hill may be less well known but he makes me smile every time I see his new work – he’s creative and his personality just grabs you. He’s bigger than life! I’m a fan of Nico Archambault, the winner of Season 1 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Google him, he’s phenomenal! To do a dance-inspired shoot with him would be a dream come true!

Is there anything in terms of requests from your models that you would never do?
Chris: I did have a request by one model to get into the shot with him. I declined that request – I’m no model and my audience doesn’t want or need to see that! Other than that I’m pretty open-minded. Just keep it legal boys!
And – logically – is their anything you wish one of your models would ask you to do in terms of shooting because it really is what you are dreaming of shooting?
Chris: I have a long list of concepts I’m planning to shoot and I basically match each model to the idea – based on his look and ability to deliver on the theme, of course. I’m a patient person and will wait for the right guy to come along for as long as it takes. So, to answer the question I’ve shot what I’ve wanted to shoot so far and there’s a lot more exciting stuff coming down the road.

From business manager to professional photographer to professional male physique photographer in two years time. What is next for Chris Teel?
Chris: I launched my website a few months ago and I’m getting great feedback on that. I’ve worked with a number of my models on promotional opportunities and am going to continue to do that going forward – it sets me apart from a number of photographers. I’m also looking at a couple of other projects I won’t get into now – I’m a little superstitious that way! – but they will certainly help me to continue to raise my profile! Finally, I’m also looking at expanding my portfolio and focusing on fashion work as well. My first love is, and always will be, physique photography but it pays to be versatile! –B-

CHRIS TEEL | BEAUTIFUL

Ronald N. Tan’s Personal Project Muse: Sukh and I (Conclusion)

EVEN IN 2010, THE CURRENT MAINSTREAM POP CULTURE IN BURMA IS STILL FASHIONABLY CONSERVATIVE FROM THE WESTERN PERSPECTIVE. TOPICS OF SEX IN MOVIES ARE STILL "TABOO," AND KEPT AT A BARE MINIMUM OR CENSORED BY THE BURMESE FILM BOARD. THIS GIVEN INSPIRED RONALD N. TAN TO EXPRESS HIS DEFIANCE TOWARDS HIS BURMESE UPBRINGING BY CAPTURING WHAT HE FINDS BEAUTIFUL -THE ELUSIVE MALE BEAUTY - IN PROVOCATIVE AND HIGHLY SEXUALIZED IMAGES OF MEN. THIS WAS THE BASE FOR A DEDICATION, WHAT HE SIMPLY CALLS PERSONAL PROJECT.

"One of my greatest joys overs the years since I started chasing my dreams of being a photographer was meeting the shy and self-confidence lacking East Indian named, Sukhdeep Maan in 2008. I was living in Los Angeles and visited home in Sacramento. I was the person whom help rebuild his self-confidence. Once I headed back south for Los Angeles, I have not seen Sukh until February 2010 when him and I conceived Personal Project." – Ronald N. Tan, August 2010.

Originally, Ronald N. Tan’s Personal Project was going to be all East Indian/Middle Eastern/Persian male subjects. But he came to realize that had he continued with that goal, he was setting Personal Project up for failure. Sukh was a special and rare find! Ronald’s Burmese culture and the greater East Indian culture is very hush-hush on these type of images. As he evolved in photographic craftsmanship and no longer afraid to sexually explore these blunt and provocative images of men, Personal Project evolved to welcomed men of differing ethnic backgrounds with a caveat that volunteers must be new to the nude modeling genre so that both volunteer and him would mature into the project together.

"August 27, 2010 was the day both Sukh and I decided it would be his last official contribution towards PP; however I told him he’s welcome to contribute unofficially with the only rule that each subsequent contribution is to get more deeper into exploring blurring of lines and comfort zones. We’ll see how those future explorations between my PP muse and I will develop." – Ronald N. Tan, August 2010.

These photographs are amongst Ronald N. Tan’s favorites during the voyeuristic shower fantasy he shared with Sukh. He wanted to pay a slight homage to the shower images of the once famous male super model, Mr. Marcus Schenkenberg’s famous shower photograph captured by one of Ronald’s own idols, Mr. Bruce Weber. This is Sukh’s final performance of his curtain call… for now. Ronald's Personal Project is available for viewing on his website and blog, and another proof of this young photographers integrity and great sense for class and style and his sensitivity of the things that matter. –B-

Read also: BeautifulMag Interview | Ronald N. Tan, Personal Project.

RONALD N. TAN | BEAUTIFULMAG

Cazwell's Ice Cream Truck

WHEN ASKED ABOUT HIS MUSIC STYLE HE ANSWERS IT IS AS IF BIGGIE SMALLS JUST ATE DONNA SUMMER FOR BREAKFAST. AND THAT PRETTY MUCH SAYS IT ALL. HE IS EXPLICIT. HE IS FIERCE. HE IS SPIRITED AND FUNNY. BUT DON’T LET HIS EXTREME IMAGE FOOL YOU. HE IS ALSO TALENTED AND ABOVE ALL, HE IS GAY.

Lucas Caswell was born in Massachusetts in 1972. Ever since he was young, he knew all he wanted to do was perform. Realizing he didn’t really had what it takes to become a great actor or singer, he counted his blessings and started rap. First in Massachusetts and later, as a solo artist, in New York. And it was in the Big Apple that Cazwell, as he came to be known, became recognized as an anomaly: a gay rapper. Being annoyed by it at first, Cazwell soon enough realized that it was just a matter of time before people would see him less as a gay rapper, and more as a rapper who is gay. But this doesn’t necessary means he makes music only for gays. Cazwell’s work is inclusive.

A lot of his explicit texts are inspired by the gay surroundings, but Cazwell finds inspiration in everything life throws at him. It is probably that unique perspective that has broaden his audience, including members of all races, sexes and layers of our society. Basically what it comes down to, is that Cazwell just want to make music that creates a scene in which people can be colorful and themselves. In other words: have a good time. And that is exactly what he does.

In 2006 Cazwell released his first – short - album, Get Into It, which carried the hit All Over Your Face. 2009 saw the release of his first full-length album. 20 Tracks, including 8 bonus tracks and the hits Watch My Mouth, I Seen Beyonce and Tonight, has definitely put Cazwell on the international list of Rap, Dance, Electronica and Homopop music. While recording Watch My Mouth, Cazwell has also worked hard on public appearances, showing up at major events. He performed with Amanda Lepore, who’s debut album he produced, at Radio City Music Hall as an opening act for Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Tour. He also starred at Dior’s Homme 2008 after-party in Paris. Not to mention he performd as Kady Ga ga’s opening act and featured on her number 1 hit Just Dance. Now with his new video and single released this summer, Ice Cream Truck, it seems clear, Cazwell is a forced to be reckoned with. -B-

Click here to watch Cazwell's Ice Cream Truck video.

CAZWELL | BEAUTIFULMAG

Sergei Yahchybekov's Memoirs of A Boy

IF WE HAD CHILDREN OURSELVES, I THINK ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS I WOULD GIVE THEM IS TO TRY TO UNDERSTAND THAT WHATEVER YOU DO, YOUR ACTIONS AND DECISIONS WILL COLOUR YOUR ADULT LIFE. YOU DON’T ALWAYS HAVE THINGS IN YOUR OWN HAND AS A CHILD, BUT SOMEHOW IT WOULD BE GOOD TO KNOW  AND ANTICIPATE THAT EVERYTHING LEADS TO WHAT YOU TURN OUT TO BE.

With a name such as Sergei Yahchybekov, you probably won’t immediately think about someone who lives and Works in Toronto, Canada. Still that is exactly where Sergei does his magic. But you were right with your first thoughts. Sergei Yahchybekov was born on August 24 (happy birthday Sergei) in 1986 in a beautiful old town called Lviv, located in western Ukraine. He thanks his features to a combination of Ukrainian and Russian blood with a bit of Armenian in the mix. Spending his childhood years in picturesque Lviv, Sergei got inspired at Young age by the art, architecture and culture that shaped his every day life. Until he moved to Canada at age 10.

Not being able to communicate in English, Sergei Yahchybekov experienced his first years in Canada as harsh. It was a rough time for him as a Small boy, feeling like an outsider and not being able to make friends because he was so different from everyone else. It seemed inevitable Sergei became depressed and had serious doubts about his life in Canada. These strong emotions that he experienced as a young boy still linger in his soul and these feelings of loneliness make way in his photography. Especially his self portraits.

Growing up as a loner, Sergei wasn’t the coolest kid at high school. Still this was where he first gained more self confidence, simply due to the fact he discovered he was smart and earned respect for that from his classmates. "I started embracing and accepting myself during this time and started expressing myself with photography," Sergei comments while explaining how he first got introduced to photography. "Up until this day, photography has given me an output and a connection to many people that I don't think I would've had otherwise. I like giving people a look inside of me and hope that they get to know some part of me through my photos."

Sergei Yahchybekov is a romantic at heart and that is often where his inspiration comes from. Seeing beauty in everything around him, he started out shooting urban landscapes. But soon he evolved into portraiture and editorial fashion. His self portraits are exceptional. Inspired by strong emotions, such as love, relationships and life itself, Sergei has captured himself in ways no one else probably could. He obviously puts a lot of thought in every photograph. Life taught Sergei to be self-sufficient which has lead to a very independent style in his work, with little to no influence from other famous artists in his universe. It also made him decide to self-publish his first photo book called Noir, a dedication to the mysterious yet raw, stark and timeless quality of black & white photography. Sergei Yahchybekov life hasn’t been an easy one, but it did bring him onto a path of creating strong, independent and beautiful art. –B-

Besides admiring his work on his professional website Sergei Yahchybekov can also be found on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. His personal work can be found on his Flickr account.

SERGEI YAHCHYBEKOV | BEAUTIFULMAG

Tucker Kicks Ass

IN THE PAST WE HAVE FEATURED MANY SETS BY THE HAND OF JEFFREY BREWSTER. BUT LATELY THE STREAM OF WORK THAT ARRIVED FROM THE TEXAN PHOTOGRAPHER SLOWED DOWN. THE REASON FOR THAT LIES IN THE FACT JEFF HAD TO FOCUS SO MUCH ON HIS PRIMARY JOB THAT HE HAD NO TIME TO SPEND ON HIS PHOTOGRAPHY. AND SINCE JEFFREY IS NOT A MAN WHO LIKES TO DO THINGS HALF, HE DECIDED TO GIVE IT A LITTLE REST. UNTIL NOW THAT IS. BECAUSE JEFFREY BREWSTER IS BACK.

Alberto, Kyle, Aaron, Alexander, Scott… Just a few names of the many models Jeff Brewster introduced to us over the past years. Local guys who became small celebrities through Jeffrey’s work, and who in their turn made Jeffrey’s photography known all over the world. Like many other photographers, Jeff does his art as an expression of his passion. Besides photography he also works a regular job. Everybody who works more than one job knows this is time consuming and specially in the area of creativity it can be devastating. And so Jeff took the wise decision to take things a bit slower, until he felt comfortable enough to make his return with work as powerful – if not more powerful – as his previous series. Meet Tucker.

Tommy Tucker isn’t what we would call a green leaf when it comes to modeling. Tucker is 36 years old, but man, what a beautiful portrait he makes. In fact, Tucker’s great physique and flexibility when it comes to posing in front of the camera, leaves many young professional model far behind. Why? Because Tommy Tucker is a man who has lived his life following principles that made him who he is today. Strong, disciplined and motivated, Tucker is the kind of man who does things because he wants to, not because he has to.

So who is Tommy Tucker? Tucker was born in a small town in upstate New York called Ticonderoga. At age 14 he started to play football and the intensive training to develop his muscles that comes with the sport, made him develop a passion for weight training. His hard work  paid off as Tucker became an all-star in High School. After he played one year at college level before moving to Finland where he played semi-pro ball for 4 years. Now living in Florida, Tucker just finished up playing for an indoor pro team out of Sarasota.

Tommy Tucker also served honorably in the US Marine Corps for the duration of 6 years. This period in his life helped him to develop the warrior mentality that continues to drive him to succeed in his strength training and life endeavors. Tucker now runs a fitness coaching business and also started a blog dedicated to the same cause, striving to inspire and educate people on how to develop stronger, healthy bodies and minds through proper training and nutrition.

Recently Tucker found another way to inspire and that is through physique modeling. He believes that through inspirational photography, such as he did with his friend Jeffrey Brewster, he can reach more people and proves that age is just a number and the only true fountain of youth is proper exercise and nutrition. That and having a warrior mindset such as himself. Yes, Tucker truly kicks ass. –B-

JEFFREY BREWSTER | BEAUTIFULMAG
TOMMY TUCKER | BEAUTIFULMAG