Beautiful

Mitya Nevsky's Dreams

MITYA NEVSKY HAS A TWO-FOLD DREAM. FIRST IT IS HIS DREAM TO REACH THE HIGHEST LEVEL IN PHOTOGRAPHY. TO CREATE WORK THAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE ART. SECOND HE DREAMS ABOUT SEEING HIS NAME APPEAR ALONGSIDE THOSE HE ADMIRES AND WHO INSPIRE HIM. HOW WONDERFUL IT WOULD BE FOR HIM TO SE HIS DREAMS COME TRUE. AND HOW WONDERFUL IT WOULD BE FOR US IF WE COULD HAVE A HAND IN THAT.

One part of Mitya Nevsky’s dream seems easy to fulfill. Placing his name alongside those of who he admires so much. So here we go. Mitya Nevsky, Justin Monroe, Annie Leibowitz, Herb Ritz, David Vance, Thomas Synnamon. This probably doesn’t quite realize that pat of Mitya’s dream, but one has to start somewhere, and this place is as good as any other. Mitya Nevsky once to find recognition for his work and it is our job, or better said our privilege, to give him a boost.

Oh how we love our men from Russia. There is something about them we do not find in any other man. It’s not just that they are handsome and well built. We can find that anywhere else.  No, it’s something else. Something more primitive that lies hidden in their expression. Or maybe it is the fact that their expression is often so stoical. Yes, almost detached. It is hard to read their faces, to see what’s going on in their mind and it is that what makes them so attractive. We have had the opportunity to present you several photographers from Russia already, with their portfolio’s full of these special men, and today it is Mitya Nevsky’s turn.

Mitya Nevsky is 35 years old and lives and works in Moscow. He has built a rich portfolio with his models, but it is not all he does. Mitya also photographs landscapes and architecture and claims he does that better than his models. Which is a very promising aspect, considering his model photography is already of outstanding quality. Russia is a country with very strong believes and values and we always wonder how difficult it must be for photographers to find models. Especially male models. But Mitya guarantees us that, though more difficult outside the city, in Moscow he has no issue finding what he is looking for. Of course his works is his best advertising. Knowing what Mitya can do with his camera obviously is enough comfort for the Moscovian men to undress without hesitation.

It is hard to believe that Mitya Nesky discovered the pleasures of creating photographic art only 3 years ago. It was then when he received his first camera which opened ways to experience a creative ecstasy unknown to Mitya until that moment. Mitya is a happy man and has been so for those last 3 years. He is living in a world filled with light and bright colors. A world seen from a different angle that has unfolded itself to Mitya through the lens of his camera in all its extraordinary beauty. The photos he shares with us today are showing his ability to subtly convey the true beauty of the male form, emerging not only from steel muscles but also from a glimpse of a playful smile, piercing the daily hustle and bustle of life in the metropolis. Mitya Nevsky’s portraits represent an breath of fresh air of freedom and ease. Mitya’s dream doesn’t seem to be a very complicated one. It definitely is a deserved one to be realized. –BM-

MITYA NEVSKY | BEAUTIFULMAG
MITYA NEVSKY FACEBOOK | BEAUTIFULMAG

BeautifulMag #138 Week 21-22 | We Are One

EDITORS LETTER

The 1950’s were a time of rebuild in Europe. War-torn countries and their people were desperate for a future in which there would be no tension, no fighting, no wars. The European Broadcasting Union, based in Switzerland, decided to look for ways in the form of an entertainment program that could bring some unity and feelings of friendship. This concept eventually became a contest of songs, held for the first time on May 24 1956 under the name Eurovision Grand Prix, and broadcasted live and simultaneously in several European countries which, in this pre-satellite era, was quite an achievement already.

Yesterday evening a rough 125 million of people, not only in Europe but even far beyond its borders, enjoyed the 58th edition of the ambitious event. Obviously lots have changed since the beginning. After the political opening of the East, it has been decided that all countries located on the European continent are allowed to participate, not only those who are a member of the European Union. Where there were first 7 countries to participate, yesterday the contest event welcomes 39 countries in its competition. Which is still a few compared to the total of 51 countries that have at least participated once. Since the beginning the festival has been criticized for both musical content and political or geographic voting. And its true that sometimes the level of performance isn’t as high as one would expect, and that for years, and especially after the entry of many eastern European countries, there seems to be a very predictable voting system that includes friendly wink to neighboring countries. But at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter. The Eurovison provides every year for an evening of entertainment and an innocent platform where countries can vent their disagreements in song and music instead of political threats. Yesterday Swedish Malmö had the honor to host the event, after the country won the contest last year. Sweden is the festivals most successful participant with many top ten finalists and 5 victories, Abba’s Waterloo being the first on in 1974. This year it was Denmark who left eh contest a victor, bringing home the trophy for the 3rd time in the history of Denmark’s participation.

Though the shows are getting bigger every year, the Eurovision Song Contest really isn’t such a big deal. The ambition of a simultaneous live broadcasting has moved far to the background thanks to satellite connections, and with a few exceptions here and there, there really aren’t any political issues that need to be ironed out by a show of entertainment. But still the festival has a strong symbolic meaning, with the host country giving it a different theme each year. Much in the tradition of the Olympics, the Eurovision always stand in the light of unity and friendship, and for that reason alone it is still a wonderful initiative. This years theme was We Are One, visualized by colorful butterflies that introduced each country in its own colors but all came together in one united image. And even though the current song contest knows many adversaries, I believe that it still serves its purpose. One can only hope that it will continue doing what it does so well, and possibly grow into a world festival in which all nations can sing and dance and forget their differences. Even if it is only one time by year. –BM-

BEAUTIFULMAG | Everything That Is

BeautifulMag Interview: Alex Minksy, Optimist

HOW EASY IT IS TO JUST GIVE IN TO WHAT LIFE THROWS AT YOU. TO THINK WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THAT MAYBE NEXT TIME IT WILL BE BETTER. TO FORGET OR SIMPLY DENY THAT THERE ISN’T GOING TO BE A NEXT TIME. THAT THIS IS IT AND YOU BETTER MAKE THE BEST OF IT. IT IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO BE OPTIMISTIC. TO FIND SOMETHING GOOD IN THE BAD THINGS THAT HAPPEN AROUND US OR WITH US. SO DIFFICULT THAT NOT EVERYBODY CAN DO IT.

We knew about Alex Minsky. I mean, we had seen his photos and heard about his story. But when we received not one but two series of photos from him at the same time, shot by two different renowned photographers – Justin Monroe and Eric Schwabel – we decided to dig a bit deeper in Alex’ background. And we learned there was a story to tell here. And instead of doing it ourselves, we asked Alex to do it for us. And even though the questions we presented to Alex are not so new, the answers he gave and mostly how he gave them are the sparkle that shows the true character of this inspiring man.

Alex, welcome to BeautifulMag. In contrary to many other models, your journey has been quite exceptional. Let’s look a few years back. What made you decide to join the Marines?
Alex: Hey :) thanks for having me here and thanks for sharing my story in your magazine.
It really was not even a choice for me my mind was made up. When I was 18 years old I decided I wanted to join the military, and to me, the only choice was to join the Marine Corps.
 
Do you remember what went through your head when you were told you were going to be stationed in Afghanistan?
Alex: It was my job man. I knew I'd be going over seas when I joined, that never scared me or held me back at all.

When living your life in a warzone, probably taking every day as it came, did you have dreams of your future? Did you have a idea for yourself where you wanted to go in your life?
Alex: I was where I wanted to be. With my marines doing Marine Corps things.

Then one day disaster struck. Your truck hit an IED and you got injured. Severely. Can you tell us about this time in your life?
Alex: Crazy time in my life, and understandably so. But no man I'm sorry. I got hit in the head so hard that my body kind of went into "save me" mode and shut down. I was in a coma for 47 days. But I don't really have any memory at all of about 4 months.
 
Having seen pictures of you when you just joined the Marines, you have made quite a metamorphose. We are not just talking about the effect of the accident. You obviously embraced a passion for tattoos. What’s the story behind that?
Alex: Well I have had the passion to get covered in tattoos since I started getting them when I was 17. I had just been to busy with Marines stuff to get more than 4 or 5. But I always had that idea, to get completely blasted head to toe - ha ha. After I got out the chance came up to get a new one every single freaking week, so that's what I did. Every Tuesday. Bam bam getting’ tattooed.



Alex, you were scouted at a local gym. What went through your head when you were approached to model for Rufskin?
Alex: "What is this guy talking about?" And "this could be fun to try" – ha ha. That's it. Serious.
 
Since that first photography job you have become quite the icon and muse. How do you explain that?
Alex: I just share my story. Share what's going through my fxxked up head most days. And much to my amazement people like it. I think people like the fact that I'm just me being me most days. I have nothing to hide and hold nothing back. No shame.

In addition of being an inspiration for people with disabilities, you have also gathered a large gay fan base. How does that make you feel?
Alex: Love it. Love me some gay dudes.

You have worked with many photographers now, that all have very specific styles and that all must have offered specific experiences. One of them is Eric Schwabel, who has made name for himself as a celebrity and became quite a celebrity himself because of that. How did you experience your collaboration with him?
Alex: Yeah man, Eric is the bees knees :) <3 (He likes it when I do that, hearts and smiley faces - ha ha ha). I work with Eric often. We go well together I think. I've shot with him at least 6 or 7 times. All of which were very productive had good shots come out of it. I think so anyway.

We have seen you in many editorials and photographic series that vary from integer and classy to sexy and provocative. Is there anything you wouldn’t do?
Alex: That's kind of a personal question, don't you think? ☺ But no. Ha. There's nothing I wouldn't do. Keeping an open mind is very important to me.
 
What is next for Alex Minsky?
Alex: I'm going to Disneyland!! Just kidding I was just there like a month ago. Honestly, I don't know man. I'm keeping life simple at the moment. I'm taking each day as it comes. Really just trying not be to much of a knucklehead. –BM-

Optimist, Steampunk Cupid, Series of 3, Side A and Side B as well as Eric Schwabel’s portraits of Alex Minsky in the frame are available for purchase, with or without a personal signature from Alex Minsky. These prints alongside many other work from Eric Schwabel can be ordered at shop.schwabelstudio.com.

ERIC SCHWABEL | BEAUTIFULMAG
SHOP ERIC SCHWABEL | BEAUTIFULMAG
ALEX MINSKY | BEAUTIFULMAG

Beefcakes & Glamour Boys

A LOT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT MODERN MALE PHOTOGRAPHY BUT IF WE ARE HONEST WE HAVE TO ADMIT, THE ART IS NOT THAT NEW. IN FACT ALREADY IN THE 1920’S FAMOUS ACTORS SUCH AS RUDOLPH VALENTINO AND RAMÓN NOVARRO WERE KNOWN TO USE PHOTOGRAPHY TO HIGHLIGHT THEIR PHYSICAL ENDOWMENTS. THOUGH FAR LESS FREQUENT AS THE CHEESECAKE LAYOUTS OF ACTRESSES, SOME MEN WERE BRAVE ENOUGH TO SHOW THEIR BEST ASSETS AND HAVE BEEN DOING SO ALL THROUGH THE 20TH CENTURY.

Over the last hundred years it has become more acceptable to see nude and semi-nude photos of men. Especially the past 20 years, male physique and fitness photography has become a real industry. Asides from that, men have become more aware of their own physical attraction and sex appeal and are no longer shy to show what they’ve got. Golden Czermak decided in 2011 that he wanted to explore more this fitness area of photography and has since then created a finger-licking portfolio of male model portraits.

Golden Czermak was born and raised in North Alabama and this is where he currently resides as well, after having lived a brief period in the United Kingdom. Golden’s passion for photography was born out of dire need for stock imagery while working as a graphic designer. Everyone active in that profession knows how many times one needs to fall back on image bank photographs and how difficult it is to find exactly what you need. Instead of spending hours in searching and a fortune in royalties, Golden decided to take things in his own hands and started to shoot his own images. Much cheaper that way and a guarantee you get exactly what you need.

After picking up the art, it became soon evident to Golden Czermak that there was more to photography than just shooting the imagery he needed for his graphic designs. So after he first concentrated on landscapes, plants and animals, Golden boldly took the next step and started shooting humans. Initially family and friends and eventually models. As mentioned earlier, in 2011 Golden decided to concentrate more on the fitness part of photography, which ultimately landed him a huge billboard assignment. Golden Czermak now knew he had made the right decision and opened in August 2012 his FuriousFotog in Athens, Alabama, concentrating on standard portraiture, event and wedding photography, but with a focus on fashion and fitness work.

Last month we introduced you to Golden Czermak’s work in a feature called Cowboys and Angels. Today we are happy to bring you some more of this very talented photographer from Athens, Alabama. The portraits need very little explanation. It is clear that Golden has embraced fitness photography and vice versa. With style and flair he presents us the crème de la crème of local and international fitness boys, and gives a new meaning to definitions such as beefcakes and glamour boys. If there would be one way to describe Golden Czermak’s men, we would simply call them golden boys. –BM-

GOLDEN CZERMAK | BEAUTIFULMAG

Stansted Boys Part 3 | George

UNTIL RECENTLY STANSTED WAS MOSTLY KNOWN FOR STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET. AN AIRPORT LOCATED IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT DISTRICT OF UTTLESFORD IN ESSEX, 48KM NORTH EAST OF CENTRAL LONDON. WHILE INTRODUCING YOU TO STANSTED WE PREDICTED THAT IT WOULDN’T BE BEFORE LONG THAT THIS NAME WOULD BECOME INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN. AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED.

Sometimes you read stories in the news that for one reason or the other put a thus far anonymous town on the world map. Often this happens due to dramatic events, but sometimes it is because of something nice and cheerful. As it is the case with Stansted today. Because this is the hometown of real life couple Charley and George.

We introduced you to Charley and George early March through a series of photos shot by Malemodel.nl photographer Gert Kist. At that time we predicted that these two handsome lads would put Stansted on the world map and that is exactly what they did. Enough so to follow up with a solo feature for Charley half April and now again an editorial dedicated to his second half George.

Now it wasn’t in Stansted that Gert Kist met Charley and George, but that is just a detail, isn’t it. In fact, the two Brits met the Dutch photographer earlier this year when they made their first visit to Dutch capital city Amsterdam. Amazingly so as both Charley and George travel quite a lot through Europe. Where Charley fills his days mostly being a financial advisor, George is a personal trainer and a well sought after model that brings him, and Charley, on regular trips to European destinations. Alas, Amsterdam was never part of their itinerary until recently. As mentioned before, George has quite some modeling experience under the belt, even though he is only 18 years old. And that experience shows in these sensual portraits shot by Gert Kist. George poses like a natural, turning and twisting in front of Gert’s camera to show off his best assets. With this solo set of George we close the Stansted series but we can not guarantee we will never feature the couple again. Let’s face it, they are just too yummy to ignore. –BM-

MALEMODEL.NL | BEAUTIFULMAG