Beautiful

Beautifulmag Cover Story | Jon Richards, Genie in a Bottle

THERE IS NO MYSTERY AS TO HOW JON RICHARDS ENTERED THE WORLD OF MODELING AND PHOTOGRAPHY. AS IT IS THE CASE WITH MANY, HE WAS FIRST INTRODUCED BY A FRIEND WHO HAPPENED TO FOLLOW A PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE AT UNIVERSITY. BUT THIS FIRST EXPERIENCE WAS LIKE RUBBING A MAGIC LAMP. JON’S MODELING PERSONALITY APPEARED LIKE A MAGICAL GENIE AND HAS STAYED WITH HIM EVER SINCE, TURNING EVERYTHING HE TOUCHES IN GOLD.

Only a few years ago, Jon Richards timidly placed himself in front of a friend’s camera to help visualizing a university photography project. Happy with the result of the session, he boldly decided to post the portraits on Model Mayhem hoping to receive at least some good comments.  Which is exactly what happened. And to his surprise it didn’t just ended there. It wasn’t for long that modeling job offers started to roll in.

26 years old Jon Richards lives and works in Manchester, UK. He successfully turned his initial modeling tryout into a professional career and has been published by several magazine websites already. Modeling has given him the courage to explore more directions in this territory and he came to the discovery of a hidden passion for acting. Moving into this direction, Jon can now already look back on some acting roles for both TV and theatre, and some of you might even recognize him from his performance during December 2011 in a stage production of Aladdin in which he played – yes – the Genie. Jon recalls: “I initially I felt overwhelmed and nervous for the first few shows but as I did more performances I became much more comfortable on stage and had a lot of fun.” Jon considers acting a possible career path worth pursuing and we for one wouldn’t mind seeing more of Jon on stage or even the wide screen.

But let’s go back to today. Jon Richards work out regime has resulted in a physical stage that has not gone unnoticed by talent scouts and photographers. Simon ‘Hotsnapz’ Barnes being one of them. Simon has a fine nose when it comes to discovering new hot talent so it was only a matter of time before his path would cross Jon’s. And when it did, the magic happened. “Since our initial contact I have had over 10 photo shoots with Simon alone and really enjoy working with him”, Jon says. “From the first day I met him I felt very comfortable both in front and away from the camera. I feel this relationship with him - or any other photographer for that matters - is important, as I feel more relaxed whilst posing for the camera and in turn produce better images. As a photographer Simon is extremely professional, paying attention to every detail which is shown through the quality of images he produces and I have been very happy with the results so far. I very much hope to keep working with Simon in the future as he is not only an extremely talented photographer but also a good friend.” –BM-

JON RICHARDS | BEAUTIFULMAG
HOTSNAPZ | BEAUTIFULMAG

Pierre-Yves Monnerville | Less is More

SOME PEOPLE MAKE SUCH AN IMPRESSION THAT JUST BEING WITH THEM IS REASON ENOUGH TO FEEL INSECURE AND UNCOMFORTABLE. IT CAN BE BECAUSE OF THE WAY THEY LOOK, WHAT THEY DO OR SIMPLY WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY REPRESENT. CELEBRITIES ARE A GOOD EXAMPLE OF COURSE. OR THOSE YOU HAVE LONGED TO MEET BUT NEVER DARED TO APPROACH. BUT IT IS EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE IF YOU COME TO REALIZE THAT IT IS YOU WHOM OTHERS ARE IN AWE OFF. 

When Scott Hunter unexpectedly received two most interesting job offers he didn’t have to think twice. He chose one, quit his current employment and got himself ready to start a new and exciting career path. Until, on the day he was supposed his new job, he received a letter which told him they had rescinded the job after failing vetting for something that happened 10 years before. And so, from one day to the other, Scott found himself unemployed with no idea what to do next.

Having had some photos taken by a local photographer some time ago, and with nothing else to do, Scott Hunter made the bold decision to try his luck in the adult modeling industry. Having always thought he was the kind of guy to blend in next to the other, he gave himself little hope. And so you can imagine his surprise when every single company he applied to responded positively and once again, Scott received offers and all he had to do was pick one. Working his way up in the gay adult entertainment industry, Scott started to receive assignment from renowned photographers as well, and it wasn’t for long that his name and face – among other things – became known and Scott became a celebrity.

Ever since the first time we came across his work, we have been impressed by Pierre-Yves Monnerville. The simplicity of his visual art combined with the complexity of the stories behind the scenes always impresses us. Often his men are every day guys, the men you easily can find on the street. But Pierre Yves always sees something more in them and is able to place them in a setting or against a backdrop that seemingly transforms them into something else. Something more. Pierre-Yves Monnerville never ceases to surprise us.

Pierre-Yves Monnerville and Scott Hunter met through a modeling website and after their first online contact came to the agreement to work together. Now Scott has what you might call quite a strong masculine look and his status as successful porn model has given him an impressive image. So Pierre-Yves was struck when he found out how down to earth and kind Scott is in reality and immediately saw potential in a shooting that would show Scott in his purest and most vulnerable state. This again was reason to impress Scott, who never had done a photo shoot like that. And so, a bit nervous, he stripped down in front of Pierre-Yves Monnerville’s camera, with nothing more then a backdrop and some studio lamps. But this unique less is more approach that Pierre-Yves executed offers us a Scott Hunter who is nothing more then a  attractive and handsome man, with a sexiness that is natural to him. An introduction to the man behind the porn star. –BM-

PIERRE-YVES MONNERVILLE | BEAUTIFULMAG
SCOTT HUNTER | BEAUTIFULMAG

BeautifulMag Interview | Simon Howard: Living the Dream

FOUR YEARS AGO, SIMON BARNES INTRODUCED US TO A MODEL WHO IMPRESSED US WITH BOTH PHYSIQUE AND PERSONALITY. LITTLE DID WE KNOW AT THAT TIME THAT SIMON HOWARD WOULD BE MORE THAN A ONE TIME FEATURE. EVER SINCE THAT FIRST TIME, WE HAVE FOLLOWED THIS MULTI-TALENTED MAN FROM LONDON AND HE NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE US. WHETHER IT IS MODELING, BODYBUILDING, ACTING OR PHOTOGRAPHY. SIMON HOWARD IS LIVING HIS DREAM

Simon, welcome back on BeautifulMag. Back in 2008 you were introduced to modeling by Simon ‘Hotsnapz’ Barnes. How did it come to happen?
Simon: Back in 2008 when I was dieting for a bodybuilding show my brother encouraged me to have some modeling shots done while I was in shape. As a professional model and actor himself he knew a number of photographers, who I shot with. Wanting to find some photographers with a more unique style to work with, after a search on the Internet I happened across Simon’s work (it’s not hard to find his work online ☺ its everywhere). I found his unique style, dynamic poses and dramatic lighting appealing and contacted him to arrange a shoot.

Now we have seen Simon’s studio which could be better described as Aladdin’s cave of treasures. What went through you when you first arrived there?
Simon: His studio is definitely different, and a little over whelming at first. Over the years I have shot at loads of different studios. And have really come to learn the studio does reflect the photographers work. Simon’s studio is definitely not a sterile boring place and this really reflects in his work as its exciting dynamic and dramatic. So I have to come to love the cluttered intriguing studio, you never know what you are going to find next!
 
Simon Barnes introduced you to the world as one of those rare guys with the face of a fashion model and the amazing physique of a competitive body builder. Quite a compliment of someone who has seen many male models. Did your work with Simon open doors for you?
Simon: Simon got me my first published shoot with you guys, which was a really big deal for me. He has definitely opened doors for me, having a photographer who can advise me on style approaches and help me get a real understanding of the industry. Not to mention the fantastic shots he always added to my portfolio. I am pleased to say he has helped me become a hugely published model, I have been fortunate to have had numerous magazine covers (although me and Simon are yet to land one together), features, workouts, adverts and TV shows. I would say he was definitely an important part of helping me achieve this.

We have seen through the past few years, many series with you and an ability to adjust yourself to different themes and concepts. Your latest adjustment is to the role of photographer yourself. How is that working out for you?
Simon: Photography has been a brilliant evolution for me, I have a creative background having studied design and art at University, I actually hold Bachelors Degree with Honours in product design. Photography really has given me the opportunity to expand my creativity beyond just modeling. I do everything for my shoots, from concept to art direction, shooting and editing, so I have complete creative control, which I absolutely love. Photography also gives me the chance to explore areas that I couldn’t as a model.

How much influence was Simon Barnes on your decision to pick up the camera yourself?
Simon: Simon was the reason I picked up a camera, I still have at home the basics he wrote on a scrap of the paper for me at my first lesson. He has definitely been a mentor to me, always there for help and advice whenever I need it. A lot of people are selfish and secretive with their techniques and methods, Simon was nothing like that and always happy to answer any questions I had. I can’t thank him enough for his unselfish help.

Now, being active as photographer, looking back on your earlier days as model, would you change anything if you could turn back the clock? Would you have done things differently?
Simon: I’m not a massive fan of worrying about the past. We would all do things differently but the choices we make have helped us to get where we are today. In retrospect I would’ve pushed myself harder and done my best to maximize any opportunities I had. At 31 and still in great shape I still have opportunities within modeling so don’t think you have seen the last of me in front of the lens yet.
 
Last year we talked to you about your blooming career paths. Not only in modeling and photography, but also on TV and in the area of personal training. You were in process of launching two e-books. One on modeling and one on nutrition. How did that all work you for you?
Simon: A lot of time within anything in life we are the victim of our own success, I have been hugely fortunate to have enjoyed success in so many areas, but it also means I struggle to achieve everything I want. I am definitely a dreamer and have huge plans for future plans. This last year the photography has really taken off for me and I am shooting so much it has really taken over. I am also training an actor for an upcoming project. This is a big project with massive anticipation (unfortunately I can’t go into details at this stage), but a lot of my time is spent in the gym with him. As always watch this space. Loads to come guys.

Finally Simon, what would be your dream assignment as a photographer?
Simon: I want to shoot abroad this year. I want golden sands and blue seas in my portfolio. So would love to shoot on a tropical beach somewhere. Also want to do some shots in BeautifulMag’s home city Paris. Again watch this space. All my latest photography work goes onto my Facebook page SNHFOTO make sure you go and click if you like to keep up to date with what I’m doing. 

And as a model?
Simon: I need more magazine covers, and I have never seen myself on a billboard or a London bus yet. So I guess I would love a big campaign. –BM-

Photography by Simon ‘Hotsnapz’ Barnes.

SIMON HOWARD | BEAUTIFULMAG

   

BeautifulMag #104 Week 05-06 | The Small Things in Life

We are located at a large historical square in the center of Paris. A few years back the city decided the square needed a big revamp. News that we received with mixed emotions. However, knowing it wouldn’t happen anytime soon, we thought about taking some nice photos to remember what it looked like. Of course we didn’t, thinking there was still time. Until one morning we woke up to find the monumental fountains destroyed and century old trees cut. For sure the new place will be nice, but will it be able to replace the old one?

Life is hectic and busy. It seems like the more technology we get to make our lives easier, the more stressful and fast everything becomes and there is never enough time to do everything you should or want to do. Not enough time to appreciate the things around us. Not everyone experiences this at the same level, but we all have our cross to bear. The life we are living sometimes makes us forget the small things that makes life special. Friendship. Gentleness. The beauty that surrounds us. And so we decided to not wait any longer. To look around and focus on the things that matter. To highlight what we love and share it with those we have come to appreciate. Simon Barnes aka Hotsnapz is a great photographer with the unique talent to turn an imaginable concept into a real image with the usage of a minimum of material. Above all he is a gentle, modest person and great friend. An artist to respect and a person to cherish. And a man who deserves his place in the spotlight. Having featured him many time on BeautifulMag already we have now decided to dedicate some special articles to this wonderful man. Because he is one of those things that makes life worth living for. –BM-

BEAUTIFULMAG | Everything That Is

Ronald Nyein Zaw Tan | DEFIANCE

DEFIANCE IS A DUET, EXPLORING HOMO-EROTICIZED DISPLAY OF THE ELUSIVE AND SEXUALIZED BEAUTY OF THE MALE FORM. IT IS RONALD NYEIN ZAW TAN’S PERSONAL SOJOURN ON BLURRED BOUNDARIES, CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO IMAGES OF THE FINE-ART MALE NUDES. BY EARNING TRUST AND CONFIDENCE FROM HIS SUBJECTS, HE GAIN ACCESS TO THEIR PRIVATE SANCTUM, WHERE THEY PERMIT HIM TO PHOTOGRAPH THEIR SEXUAL-SELF, LEAVING NOTHING TO HIS IMAGINATION.

To understand DEFIANCE one need to understand the artist. Ronald Nyein Zaw Tan, also credited as Ronald N. Tan, grew up in a conservative Burmese culture where topics of sexuality were taboo. He grew up feeling remorse, embarrassed and ashamed of how he felt towards men. When Ronald started photography and especially when he became more and more comfortable in the discipline, he discovered this could be a medium that would help him to express his inner feelings. In February 2010 he started a project which was then called Personal Project and which has now evolved in DEFIANCE.

Not only did Ronald Nyein Zaw Tan want to confront his Burmese upbringing and culture, he also wanted to challenge what the LGBT community considers the beauty standard: status-quo images of fine-art male nudes that mostly comprise of Caucasian male models. So, even though he did also include Caucasian models, his album is a colorful collection of mostly Black/African-American, Latino/Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander male volunteers. Most of them never modeled nude before but were curious, just like the artist himself, in exploring their abilities and to see how far they could go. For Ronald himself DEFIANCE also became a revelation. It opened his eyes and heart to people whom otherwise he probably never would have associated with. Professionally and personally. That and the level of sexuality he was able to achieve: “It was kind of shocking to me that I was capable to thinking and actually earning the trust from my models to capture them in their heightened sexual display.”

Yes the images contain penises, but be not mistaken. Both photographer and model have something to say and some point to prove to themselves. And the rest of the world. It is beautiful to see how much appreciation Ronald Nyein Zaw Tan received with his DEFIANCE as it is shocking that there are still people who are judgmental and voice negativity towards male nudity. Even in the professional environment. Ronald has summoned up courage and backbone to openly announce and reveal his personal project and worked strictly with volunteers who did exactly the same. Which is something to be rejoiced and respected. And so, even though some suggested to tone it down a little bit, Ronald Nyein Zaw Tan has no intention to do so. There is no prize for “I wanted to do something but didn’t because some people might no like it.”

DEFIANCE has come to a conclusion in a fantastic photo book. More then just another book showing nudity, DEFIANCE is first of all a statement. “Part of DEFIANCE's multifaceted goals is trying to change minds and hearts about the subject matter. Some of the subjects (volunteers) have been changed since they contributed to my project. This is based on their direct feedback which I provided as captions on the image.” Bold, raw and daring, with beautiful photography set against different cultural backgrounds, DEFIANCE is a rewarding journey for Ronald Nyein Zaw Tan that, even though the book is about to arrive, has most likely (and hopefully) not come to an end yet. –BM-

For more information on Ronald Nyein Zaw Tan’s DEFIANCE we recommend to visit the dedicated area on the artist’s webpage, as well as the special thread on his Model Mayhem profile which shows an interesting discussion on the subject.

RONALD NYEIN ZAW TAN | BEAUTIFULMAG