Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Finally In Print!!! (part 2 - Finally Here!!!)

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Monday, November 20, 2006

New Kid in the Hall


This summer I had the opportunity to help a young guy out with his modeling portfolio. Unlike most guys who want to be a model, Andre Hall came across as someone who just didn't say the words, it was easy to see he would do anything it took to do it. We met for a shoot that took all afternoon and resulted in a good start on a portfolio which he parlayed into an interview with a Toronto agency... and as it turns out the job! If you get the chance to meet this guy you can't help but get caught up with his enthusiasm... a quality that will serve him well on the road to his future, in his words "to be America's next top male model!"





I Recently caught up with him:

Epiphany: So Andre, thanks for coming on...What made you want to be a model

Andre: Well...as soon as a turned in to an adolescent at the age of 14. I decided that I wanted to be one of the guys in the magazines. Then I learned it wasn’t that easy but I decided I would go through the struggles to get there.

Epiphany: What was the hardest part in that process?

Andre: Basically, the hardest process was to have enough confidence to actually go to an open call for an interview at an agency… from research and sources I was told that agencies could sometimes be very harsh when it comes to taking on a model...because they pick at all your flaws and miss nothing!

Epiphany: Is there a model that has inspired you?

Andre: Well yes my major influence is Tyson Beckford... to see a fellow African American make it so far in such a dog eat dog industry... It just fueled the fire inside of me to want it even more.

Epiphany: Wow that’s a great inspiration.... I know that you signed to an agency... who signed you and how did you feel that day?

Andre: Well I’m currently signed with Velocci models. They are one of the most renowned agencies in Toronto. The day I got signed I was so excited… Once I had the contract and was on my way out the door I screamed with joy!

Epiphany: I bet that was a great moment for you.... are there other moments along the way that made it all worth the effort?

Andre: Yes… well I met a photographer (you), who helped me to get started by helping to boost my self-esteem and also by doing a creative shoot with me to get my portfolio started

Epiphany: Awww you’re too kind.... (I’ll make sure your check is in the mail for that shameless plug;-) LOL

Andre: Ha-ha it’s the truth!

Epiphany: I heard you worked fall fashion week what was that like?

Andre: It was exhilarating ... Once I went out for the first time... I felt fierce!

Epiphany: Who did you walk for?

Andre: FCUK, French Connection UK

Epiphany: Wow nice start! I remember asking you to take pictures... as I thought you had the look, but you already knew you wanted to be a model, what was it, in yourself that you saw that made you do it… to make that leap of faith?

Andre: I felt as if my journey was just beginning and it felt great knowing that I was going to have my own photo shoot, it felt pretty sweet but I had to tame my happiness and focus on the camera while at the shoot.



Epiphany: I saw the comp card from the shoot, you tamed it pretty well! I know you are just finishing High School, most models start at your age... where do you see yourself in 3 years?

Andre: I can see my self doing big things in the next three years… I feel three years from now I will be strutting a runway in Milan.

Epiphany: Wow! You think big, but hey that’s what’s gotten you this far, so who could argue? If you wanted to give advice to someone your age what would it be?

Andre: Once you devote yourself and focus anything is possible, there is nothing that you can’t do with hard work

Epiphany: Great advise... well Thanks for talking tonight!

Andre: Thanks… It was a pleasure!

Here are some pics from this summers shoot! To see more you can check him out at: http://www.modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=192755








Note: All images and text (not specified) is copyrighted by Christopher Cushman. This site does not specify or denote the sexual orientation of any model and as such please post your comments accordingly. All models are above the age of consent and have a signed photo release on record.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

EPIPHANYNoir Studios, Open For Business!

Well I've been on such a roll with my photography this summer I didn't want to lose any momentum, so I finally caved into my biggest outstanding challenge, Indoor photography. So after throwing out nearly every magazine I have bought during the past nine years and a total rearrangement of my living room furniture, I carved out a little indoor studio space for myself. I purchased several large swaths of cloth and some new lighting to complete the set up! My girl Lasaunji was first to inaugurate the studio, soon followed by my friends Prince and Cesar who posed separately and together.
Needless to say the setup worked out pretty well and I am looking forward to finishing the larger back drop area in the next couple months and purchasing some flash umbrellas. I still prefer natural lighting to shoot with and I still get a fair amount coming from my souther facing windows. Well enjoy the next four posts...


Note: All images and text (not specified) is copyrighted by Christopher Cushman. This site does not specify or denote the sexual orientation of any model and as such please post your comments accordingly. All models are above the age of consent and have a signed photo release on record.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Sunny, thank you for the gleam that shows its grace...

Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain.
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain.
The dark days are gone, and the bright days are here,
My Sunny one shines so sincere.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Sunny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet.
Sunny, thank you for the love you brought my way.
You gave to me your all and all.
Now I feel ten feet tall.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Sunny, thank you for the truth you let me see.
Sunny, thank you for the facts from A to C.
My life was torn like a wind-blown sand,
And the rock was formed when you held my hand.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Sunny, thank you for the smile upon your face.
Sunny, thank you for the gleam that shows its grace.
You're my spark of nature's fire,
You're my sweet complete desire.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Bobby Hebb

The Lyrics couldn't be more appropriate .... My best friend and Judy came up from Detroit this weekend with one goal in mind... Her first photo-shoot with me! Something we have been talking about over the past 20 years and never got around too. Well I was quite nervous, not because she was a woman, but because she was my friend and I didn't want to disappoint her... Well I think we succeeded.... let me know what you think!












Note: All images and text (not specified) is copyrighted by Christopher Cushman. This site does not specify or denote the sexual orientation of any model and as such please post your comments accordingly.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Church Street Halloween Costume Party 2006


You and I, were never meant to fly! whew!!!! Celine where were you last night!!!

Condy, our gay superhero... passing out condoms all night dressed in a tube requires super powers!!!!

Well I guess we have seen his cookies! I love goth girl milk costums!

Hail Ceaser!

No costume? its ok! but damn it was chilly out last night...

Brian Singer.... dont go here!! please!

Ate Husband at the alter.... Voted most tasteless costume of the night!!!

Great hair!

I thought these guys costumes were berry nice!!!!

Whew!!!! Tranny Santa!!!! here to remind us that Christmas is a meer 55 days away!!!

Note: All images and text (not specified) is copyrighted by Christopher Cushman. This site does not specify or denote the sexual orientation of any model and as such please post your comments accordingly.