Beautiful

An Englishman in... Vinkeveen...

BEFORE READING ANY FURTHER, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THE FACT THAT WE WANT TO APOLOGIZE UPFRONT FOR ANY MIX UP AND CONFUSION WE MIGHT CAUSE WITH FEATURING JASON TODAY. WE REALLY DIDN’T DO IT DELIBERATELY. THE MAN. THE COLORS. THE SURROUNDINGS… IT IS ALL JUST SO CONFUSING…

The Netherlands is known for many things. A great climate is unfortunately for the Dutch not one of them. Still, and here is someone speaking from experience, Dutch summers can heat up pretty strong. What The Netherlands is known for is the fact it is wet. Not so much due to heavy rainfall, but simply because the whole country is under sea level. What The Netherlands is also known for is its almost unusual flat landscape. This with the many ponds and little streams, and the often heavy clouded skies, can create some astonishing views. Put against this backdrop a pale skin red haired model and you have a stunning portrait.

Gert Kist, photographer and owner of the Dutch website Malemodel.nl is known for his talent to pick out the most remarkable Dutch models. Today he brings us Jason. Unfortunately for the Dutch, and in contradiction to Gert’s usual choice, Jason is British and actually lives in Derby.  Gert discovered him though the popular model scout website ModelMayhem and invited him to cross the North Sea for a shoot. Jason did, and when he did he picked the worst day in the year to do so: Queen’s Day. No, this day has nothing to do with us. It is in fact the national holiday on which the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their Queen. The real one. And why is that bad? Because it is a day of party and festivities, and thus hardly a day to organize a nice photo shoot.

As said before, The Netherlands do not have a lack of water and water ways. And thus many of the Dutch own a boat, including Gert Kist. His boat can be found in a small town called Vinkeveen, known for its water-rich nature Vinkeveense Plassen, the lake area just east of the town. And this is where Gert decided to bring his model for a relaxed photoshoot. Something we are particularly grateful for (we have experienced what the cities can look like during the Queens Day and it isn’t always pretty). It seems like 21-year old Jason, who is a factory worker in daily life, has a great time. We particularly like the tranquility of these photos, the ease and relaxed atmosphere and intimacy created by the high green water plants that seem to shelter the privacy of model and photographer from unwanted spectators.

The only thing that we just can not get out of our head is the following. The underwear that Jason is wearing – and may we say he wears it well – in combination with the bright green socks and his read hair, gives us a very strong Irish feeling. It almost looks like a Saint Patrick’s Day photo shoot, but with an English model on a boat in a Dutch lake area and in the early summer instead of half March. And what's with the stars & stripes pillow? Now do you understand our confusion? –B-

MALEMODEL.NL | BEAUTIFUL

Eric Schwabel, Shooting Male - Second Shot

WE ONCE INTRODUCED HIM AS A FORCE OF NATURE, UNSTOPPABLE AND WORLD SHAKING. AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE TURNED OUT TO BE. ERIC SCHWABEL. YOUNG, TALENTED, REBELLIOUS AND OUTSPOKEN. A MAN WITH AN OPINION AND A VISION. A MAN WITH THE GIFT TO ENTERTAIN BOTH IN WORD AND IMAGE, WITH HUMOR AND WITH GREAT SENSIBILITY. A MAN WHO KNOWS HOW TO SHOOT MALE.

Eric Schwabel is one of these artists that have a way of being there without being there. What we mean is, Eric is a man who likes to live simple and almost seems to be unaware of the effect his work has on others. He had his first break when notorious magazine Blue picked up on a provocative student project he did while he was still at school. Ever since his work has been published and exhibited all over the world, but somehow all that success doesn’t seem to effect Eric that much. Living at the Californian beach Eric Schwabel doesn’t care much for big cities and bright lights. And it is exactly that simplicity that characterizes the work of The Schwabel, as many refer to him.

Making photos really isn’t that easy. In fact, if you want to do it good, it is quite a complicated thing, especially if you do not want to fall back on post production tricks. The complexity of simplicity is what makes Eric Schwabel’s work stand out. It is also what makes the man, because simple as he seems to be, there is a lot more to Eric than what you would think at first glance. Over the years his work has evolved quite a bit, but what holds it all together is his ability to stay away from any retouching. His creative mind is on a constant quest for new subjects and techniques. His series of self portraits, taking at different moments, even while being asleep, remind of an Andy Warhol-like way of working. His style is unique, self inducted and not influenced by anything or anyone. And that is how he likes it.

Last month Eric Schwabel’s first well-deserved photo book has been released. Shooting Male is a beautiful collection of portraits Eric took over the years. These photographs, the easy to read introductions and anecdotes by Matt York, Ian Roberts and the afterword by the man himself truly defines what Eric Schwabel is all about: an artist with the gift to look at things in a different light and by doing so influence the world around him. –B-

Eric Schwabel’s Shooting Male is a Bruno Gmünder publication. The book can be ordered on the specially created website Shooting Male.

Read also Eric Schwabel, Shooting Male - First Shot.

ERIC SCHWABEL | BEAUTIFUL
SHOOTING MALE | BEAUTIFUL

BeautifulMag Cover Story | I am... Rick Kun

WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR MIND SET ON REACHING A CERTAIN GOAL, IT SOMETIMES TURNS OUT TO BE QUITE DIFFICULT TO REACH IT. AT LEAST IF YOU HAVE TO DO IT ALL BY YOURSELF. HAVING A GOOD SOURCE OF INSPIRATION HELPS. PEOPLE FIND INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE. IT CAN BE ANYTHING. A PAINTING, A PICTURE, A BOOK, A PIECE OF MUSIC. YOU NAME IT. AND NOT SELDOM INSPIRATION CAN COME FROM LOOKING AT SOMEONE ELSE AND REFLECTING YOURSELF ON THAT PERSON.

Beyonce would like to be known as Sasha Fierce. An identity crisis? Hardly. Like many others, Beyonce has found a source of inspiration. In her case, that inspiration is Sasha Fierce, who in fact is Beyonce. Complicated? Not really. Sasha Fierce is Beyonce’s alter ego, a make-believe person who takes over when she is on stage. It is the performer we have come to known as the mega-star Beyonce is, but at the same time a fake character who protects the real person Beyonce from the influences of her star status. The alter-ego that safes her true personality and helps her to keep going.

28-Years old Rick Vini Kun lives in Cleveland, Ohio and is a dentist. Now here is one dentist we don't mind opening our mouth for. Rick stands out thanks to his remarkable looks that he got from his parents who are both of Hungarian origin. Besides being a practicing general dentist he also does modeling on the side -  a combination that you don’t often see – and modeling is something he would love to pursue a bit more. Therefore, his goal is to eventually move to New York City, the place where it all happens. Not an easy undertaking though. The step from Cleveland to New York is – well – big. But Rick doesn’t stand alone, because he has Beyonce to help him. Not literally of course, but Beyonce is a great source of inspiration for Rick. Rick explains: "I love her as a person and as a singer. I am inspired to work hard, to choose good versus evil, and just to keep pushing forward in life. Her songs have gotten me through dental school, relationships, and now help me on the modeling front."

Like Beyonce, Rick Kun lives a double life. During the day he is Rick, the serious hard-working dentist, diligently and treating patients. On a relaxed week night he can be found running and weight lifting, or spending quality time with family and friends. But when the weekend arrives his own Sasha Fierce takes over, transforming Rick into a hot sexy clubber. "Give me a hot chic club, dance floor, and just the right song and atmosphere and I'm "in the zone" working it out and backing it up! I love to move to the rhythm and feel the music and just break it down."

Dylan Rosser started his career as a hard working graphic artist, dreaming of his passion photography. Even though both in the creative corner, the disciplines are completely different from each other. When Dylan picks up his camera, he becomes his own Sasha Fierce, full of energy and dynamism, creative and driven. Always on his quest to find the perfect male form to add to his ever growing web portfolio, or to publish in a quality book, like his upcoming new book RED. Like Rick Kun, who he shot during his recent stay in the Meatpacking District in New York.  –B-

Read also: Dylan Rosser's Meatpacking Adventure.

DYLAN ROSSER | BEAUTIFUL

BeautifulMag Week 31 - 32 | Reflections

What do you see when you look into a mirror. Sure, yourself. But what do you really see? Do you see yourself as everyone else sees you? Do you see yourself in a much more critical light, focusing on your flaws and imperfections? Or do you have dreams about what life could be or could have been if things would have turned out different, and does your mirror show you what you could look like as that other you?

For many people life is like a stage, and you put on a different hat and a different mask depending on your performance. In fact, if you think about it, we all do it more or less unconsciously, but for some it is a real choice. It can help going through a difficult period or a certain confrontation. It is also a way of self protection. Because if you really see yourself in that mirror, a person with a perfect harmony in flaws and perfection, strengths and weaknesses, that is the person you want to preserve. That is the one that needs to stay who it is, and should be protected at any time.

Life presents you with different situations, different scenarios. And for each stage you climb there is another role to play. But never forget that face that stares back at you when you are alone and you find yourself in front of a mirror, looking at the person who knows you best of all… yourself.  –B-

BEAUTIFUL | EVERYTHING THAT IS

The Face of Menatplay.com

WHAT ONCE STARTED AS A HOBBY, HAS BECOME A SERIOUS BUSINESS AND PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR MALE ADULT WEBSITES AVAILABLE FOR OUR HUNGRY EYES: MENATPLAY.COM. UNDER THE CONCEPT OF WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER, THE TEAM AT MEN AT PLAY SHOWCASES THE HOTTEST MEN WITH AND WITHOUT SUIT, AND EVERY STAGE OF DRESSING OR UNDRESSING IN BETWEEN. AND NOW THEY HAVE CONTRACTED A REAL FACE TO THEIR PORTAL WITH THE PERSON OF LEVI POULTER.

When Menatplay did their casting call for the Face of Menatplay contest, they probably in their wildest dreams could not have imagined the success this competition would drive. Now, after what probably must have been an unbearable task to do, they have selected a winner. Menatplay is thrilled to announce Miami based model Levi Poulter to be the very first Menatplay Exclusive. Levi is known for many years already as a successful model. His face and remarkable looks have graced many magazine covers. The 34 year old Levi has fronted campaigns for Abercrombie & Fitch and Ralph Lauren among others. For the many Levi Poulter fans out there who always wondered what more he could give, it must be exciting news Levi has decided to enrich his career with accepting work in the gay adult business.

"We cannot begin to express how excited we are that Levi has decided to work with us for his big leap into professional Adult Entertainment. With his modeling background Levi will be the ultimate addition to Menatplay and the perfect way to launch this new era for us. We are eager to see the reaction of our members to the new website which will premiere with Levi's first Menatplay production. This is a very exciting collaboration for both parties and we have no doubt that it will blow everyone away" - Adrian, Menatplay.

The new Menatplay website will be launched in August and will feature high resolution streaming and DRM-free downloads and an expanded community section which includes member video sharing. Besides that, BeautifulMag will bring you a lot more Levi Poulter in the near future as well. –B-

More Menatplay on BeautifulMag: Business Affairs | Menatplay, Executive Pleasure Part 1 | Menatplay, Executive Pleasure Part 2.

MENATPLAY | BEAUTIFUL

Farmboy Phil

EVEN THOUGH BOTH FROM THE BIG CITY, THERE COULDN’T HAVE BEEN A BIGGER DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICHAEL THOMAS AND PHIL FUSCO. WITH HIS STRONG NEW YORK ACCENT PHIL SEEMS TO BE THE KIND OF MAN WHO WOULD NEVER EVEN CONSIDER LEAVING THE URBAN SURROUNDINGS OF THE BIG APPLE. STILL FOR MICHAEL HE DECIDED TO MOVE TO THE COUNTRY SIDE, EVEN ONLY FOR THREE DAYS. AND HE LOVED EVERY BIT OF IT.

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Michael Thomas comes from a family of artists. So when growing up in a surrounding that encourages creativity, it seems logical that when Michael picked up his passion for photography at early age, this ambition was nurtured by his parents. The result is that Michael became quite familiar with the art of photography when he was young, but it would still take some years before he actually realized his talent was good enough to make a carer out of his hobby. In fact, it was the mother of a totally unaware model that encouraged Michael to evolve his photography to a more professional level. But that is a story for another time.

Philip Fusco is 21 years old and a real New York City boy. Having started working out only 6 years ago, he has been able with good discipline to build his body into a shape good enough for a successful career as freelance model. Recently he joined Michael Thomas in New Hampshire, which is where Michael currently resides. Coming from the city wasn’t an easy task, but Phil managed and stayed three days with Michael to start and finish a shoot of which the photos here are only a small selection. Both gentlemen loved every moment of their cooperation. Michael recalls: "Working with Phil was amazing! He was here in New Hampshire for three days and was eager to do great work every minute. Even when I tossed him into a mountain brook to do some photos he only mildly protested at the temperature of the water. He loved the countryside where I live except for the mosquitoes."

Both Michael Thomas and Phil Fusco are newby’s here on BeautifulMag and we are happy to have them joining our ever growing family, being confident that we will be able to share much more about both men in short time. –B-

MICHAEL THOMAS | BEAUTIFUL
PHIL FUSCO | BEAUTIFUL

Furjell's Future

EVEN THOUGH AT FIRST GLANCE IT WOULDN’T SEEM SO, SOMETIMES WE HAVE THE FEELING THE GAP BETWEEN GENERATIONS STARTS EARLIER AND GETS BIGGER THAN IT WAS WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER. MEANING, THE THINGS PEOPLE DO AT A CERTAIN AGE WEREN’T EVEN IN OUR MIND WHEN WERE THAT AGE. SOMETIMES IT SEEMS A LOSS, BUT THEN AGAIN, IT IS GREAT TO SEE HOW THE NEW GENERATION DEVELOPS ITSELF.

When we were teenagers, we were still living at home, studying to get a diploma for something that now, while looking back, seems like a total waste of time, and idealizing a future that in some cases also turned out to be a useless time consuming activity. If only we would have been more aware of what this future would really have looked like, we probably would not have to work so hard in the gym right now ☺.

The generation gap between Furjell and us really isn’t that big. He is 20 years old, but already his life seems to have turned a very different direction than ours at that age. Furjell, who lives in Rotterdam, that big port in The Netherlands, is, what they now call, in between studies. While being in between studies, he is taking care of his sisters baby and has started to work on a very serious modeling career. In order to do so he his working out about 6 times a week. Not only is Furjell one of the more recent addition to Dutch photographer Gert Kist’s impressive website Malemodel.nl, he is also becoming rapidly a much asked for catwalk model.

Things have changed. When I was 20 I just finished military service, something that isn’t even in young men's mind anymore. My biggest dream was to go back to school, get my diploma and start a career. Looking back we are proud on what we have done with our time. Had we known were we might end up, would we have done something different? Maybe. Maybe not. We have accomplished things, even though they might not have been the things we dreamed of. Furjell still has a long way to go, but already he has something good in his pocket. A dream and a determination, and that is all it takes to help you to move forward, no matter where you end up. And if Furjell will look back on his achievements in a few years time, for sure he will feel proud of his cooperation with Malemodel.nl. For sure Furjell has a great future in front of him. –B-

MALEMODEL.NL | BEAUTIFUL