Thursday, June 3, 2010

A Look Back: Nicolas Smith Shoots Daniel Robinson



The Model: Daniel Robinson

I have been planning on a post on actor Daniel Robinson since seeing the youtube videos from Broadway Bares the past two years. Daniel's resume includes roles on Broadway in Hairspray as well as a National tour of Oklahoma as Will, a European tour of Grease and regional productions of The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret and The Pajama Game. Some of you might also recognize Daniel from his first starring role on film in 'The Big Gay Musical'.
Daniel is super hot with a combination of bad boy meets boy next door. Nicolas combines these two traits beautifully in his work with Daniel. I especially love the shots outside in NY. Check out more about Daniel at his website HERE:




The Photographer: Nicolas Smith

Whenever I stumble upon a photographer whose work grabs me I feel lucky. A couple of weeks ago I profiled actor and model Gerrad Bohl. When researching that post, some of my favorite shots of Gerrad were taken by San Francisco based photographer Nicolas Smith. Spending time on Nicolas's web site was a delight. Not only does Nicolas have galleries of some great looking models but as well some breathtaking landscapes and images of places I have only dreamed of traveling to.



Nicolas developed a passion for photography as a youth and improved his techniques as he got older while pursuing a journalism degree. Nicolas, who by the way could model himself, has a passion for the outdoors. His favorite activities are all connected to nature and include hiking, kayaking, skiing and biking. This passion for the outdoors is not only a theme in his work but a key ingredient in his shots as well.

One is a product of ones environment and even when photographing a model inside, you can see how surroundings play a role in Smith's work. With his shots of Daniel for example Nicolas places Daniel in an environment which is the heart and soul of all Broadway actors, Times Square, New York City. For some, one's soul might fly while on a lake or scaling a mountain. For an stage actor, the mountain which needs climbing is New York. Many start the hike, but few actually make it to the peak.



Nicolas says:

'My approach to photographing people is fun, relaxed, and casual. Typically, it's just me, the camera, natural light, and a subtle/interesting background to place them against. Next, I put them at ease by conversing throughout the shoot about their lives, loves, and goals (it distracts them from having a camera in their face--so I like to get their mind off the "shoot".) Once we're in that space, things are improvised, creative, and above all--fun!'

'Fun, relaxed and casual' certainly fit much of the work I have seen that Nicolas has done with models. I really enjoyed spending time going through his model portfolios. You can tell Nicolas takes great care and respect with the models he shoots. I can see this respect coming though in many of his shots. It is palpable.

Nicolas uses his skill to have his models look amazing, but I love that they are not all skinny 18 year old blondes. Some of my favorite shots include some older models (Check out his shots of Tim) who, like everyone he shoots, shine in front of the lens of Nicolas Smith. I get the feeling that when Nicolas is behind the camera whether he is looking at a beautiful model or the The Taj Mahal, his goal is to make you see something not only breathtaking, but to view it in a way you have not before.

Check out more of the work of Nicolas Smith at his official site HERE: His Model Mayhem Page HERE:






Below:
My favorite shot of Daniel by Nicolas.

A Look Back: Daniel Robinson in Broadway Bares

Daniel has been apart of some of the most talked about performances with Broadway Bares.

Broadway Bares 2008:
Dee Dum and then Some







Broadway Bares 2009:
Tight End











Favorite Pic of the Day for June 3rd

R.I.P Rue McClanahan



Thanks for the laughs!

Brandon Ruckdashel Update: Zach is Back!



Besides being one of my favorite actors, Brandon Ruckdashel continues to be as busy as ever. Between his acting, music and photography Brandon has had one of his busiest springs ever. Besides working with screenwriter and director Rel Dowdell's new film 'Changing The Game'(see more HERE:), Brandon is back as Zach on "Co-ed Confidential: 4play" premiering tomorrow night on Cinemax. (Check out showtimes HERE:)
Congratulations Brandon!!!



The two great shots of Brandon above by Ryan Orange from Digital Citrus.


Jamie Dominic and Motivations



I have posted several times before about one of the hottest models working today Jamie Dominic. Jamie is also and actor and musician. Jamie and his band Motivations Hail from various parts of New Hampshire. The band has existed in various forms, under different names, since the early 2000's.

'Dedicated to their craft, the members of Motivations have persevered through many personal battles finding a constant source of drive for living by and through music. Drawing from diverse influences, each member brings a unique worldview and artistic approach to the music which itself is a unique blend of jazz and soul with electric rock intensity.'



I love one of the singles on the bands myspace page, 'We Are Machines' and although I hear jazz, soul and rock the band also has a great alternative rock sound relying heavily on the members voices to create a unique sound. I encourage you to check out more at Motivations on Myspace HERE: You can also check out my previous profile on Jamie HERE:


All Photos Above from Rick Day.



Below: Jamie and MOtivations band members Steve Langone and Josh Kern.