Fotos con Salvador en Puerto Vallarta

There are days when as an artist you are proud of your ability to create or are happy with your own technique and skills -- today was one of those! Salvador was the perfect model. Puerto Vallarta was the perfect location. And I was on top of my game. How could the images be anything but breathtaking.

Photo shoot with George in Puerto Vallarta

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and hanging out with George at several of the Beefdip events in Puerto Vallarta this year -- he was here assisting the promoter in organizing the week-long series of parties. Hailing from Toronto, where he is a bartender at Woody's, George is one of the funniest guys I've met in a long, long time. And in addition to be drawn to his effervescent personality, I am not the first professional photographer that was attracted to George's handsome good looks and sexy physique. He was photographed several years back when he was living in Australia by the well known photographer Paul Freeman and it was a shot of George that was used as the cover of the first book, Bondi Classic.

Fotos con Hector en Puerto Vallarta

I was thrilled that this very sweet and sexy man from Monterrey, Mexico, agreed to pose for me. Although he was incredibly nervous to do this, his first shoot, he came through with beautifully strong images -- in addition to having a truly handsome face when he turned on that beaming smile of his the room literally lit up. In reviewing my favourite shots, I find Hector had an intriguing mix of sensuality and vulnerability and when combined with that muscular body of his made for a wonderful juxtaposition.

Photos with Peter - Puerto Vallarta 2008

Julia Richards ...................................... North American Hairstylist Association Competition

I have been working with Julia Richards, who was a student at Marvel College and is now at Aveda, who has been putting together her entry for the 19th Student competition of the North American Hairstylists Association

Julia decided on a concept of "The Dead Queens" -- she did all the styling, cuts and colors, a makeup artist did their faces, and I then photographed the three models at my studio. The final stage was a graphic artist did retouching and effects on the images with photoshop for an end result that you see here. I absolutely love the final product and think Julia has a good chance of making it as a finalist, if not the winner, of this year's competition. She's a very talented stylist and I'm hopeful we will work on more projects together in the future.

Marie Antoinette Cleopatra
Elizabeth I

David Camisa

I was happy to help out my friend and former Starbucks co-worker, David Camisa this afternoon. I did copy shots of several pieces of his artwork so that he can explore doing some limited edition prints. David is a naturally talented visual artist who is trying to find a way of making his passion for painting his way of making a living. I remember going through the same process with my photography; wondering how I could take my hobby and develop it into a career. I wish David every success and truly hopes he is as blessed as I have been. To that end, check out David's webpage at www.davidcamisa.com

In addition to doing work with David, I also had the distinct pleasure of hanging out and going for brunch with him and his sweet boyfriend, Christopher. They are so much fun and an absolute delight to be around -- it's a guarantee with David and Chris there will be laughter.

Photo Shoot with Val Brandt

I had the lovely undertaking of photographing my old pal, writer Val Brandt (formerly Val Jenkins) for her to use in the upcoming programme for an opera that she wrote the libretto for. Val joked that she was also going to use some of the shots on Lavalife -- needless to say Val looked damn good, judge for yourself. For a person who said she would rather have a root canal than do a photo shoot, I actually think I won Val over today despite a mix up with the makeup artist which meant Val had to do some extra driving to visit Mac cosmetics.

Here was Val's reply several days later:

Well, I finally settled on one of the 'from above' shots that I told you to stop taking! You were right, you ol' professional you! It's a little more dramatic than the others -- I think it looks like it belongs in an opera program.

THANKS FOR MAKIN' ME LOOK GOOD POOPSIE!

Looks like 2008 is starting off to be a good year ...

So I signed on to the Erotic Signature last night to see when artists who had submitted work would be notified. When I opened the page, the headline read that the winners had been announced. I was hugely disappointed because I didn't receive an email that I had be selected. So I starting scrolling through the list of artists that had been chosen and to my surprise I was listed there and one of my photos -- Tango d'Angelo, NYC 2003 -- will be published in the second volume of "The World's Greatest Erotic Art". I am ecstatic, and also very encouraged because the competition was international and only 200 images were selected from all the entries. I hope this heralds a really successful year for me professionally.

And a few days later the following arrived in my inbox:

CONGRATULATIONS!
2008 ES Art Competition Winner

Dear Artist,

EROTIC SIGNATURE is proud to announce that you have been selected as a winner of "The World's Greatest Erotic Art of Today" 2007-08 Competition. Your winning artwork has guaranteed you a place in the Erotic Signature book titled “The World’s Greatest Erotic Art of Today, Volume 2”, which is expected to be released on May 3rd, 2008 during the 'ARTundressed' Erotic Art Festival Weekend in Miami, Florida, USA. All of the winners have been posted on the Erotic Signature website. We will include all of the winning artist's websites adjacent to their names in the next couple of days.

Thank you very much for your participation and support of the 2007-08 ES Art Competition, and we wish you and your talents much success in the future.

Best Wishes,
The Erotic Signature Staff.

My Erotic Signature

I submitted two of my works; kissed by an angel and Tango d'Angelo in the Erotic Signature's 2007 contest. The top 200 images will be published in a prestigious coffee table book entitled "The World's Greatest Erotic Art of Today - Volume 2". There are also cash prizes that will be awarded on December 29th but I'd be happy just being chosen for the book.

Since both my images have been selected by jury in other competitions, I'm hoping they will do equally as well this time. Here's the link to my page on the Erotic Signature's website:
jackson photografix

as your last breath begins contently take it in

Did a photoshoot with my friend, Steven, who recently got this impressive tattoo down his spine. The characters translated are "As Your Last Breath Begins Contently Take It In" which I thought was as beautiful as the ink itself.

Photo Shoot with Britton #2

This one green-eyed, one blue-eyed beauty is equally comfortable in front of a crowd or in front of the lens and in return, the camera loves him. This was our second session -- this time in the shower -- and like his first shoot, realized countless stunning images such as these. Britton, who confessed he was a child model for Sears and The Bay, has an intuitive sense of what a photographer wants and delivers it repeatedly. I hope to do many more shoots with this very handsome and personable young man.

The Exposure Festival Exhibit . . . . November 23 & 24, 2007

The following slide show consists of the 15 pieces I showed at the TransAlta Arts Barn as part of the inaugural Exposure Festival. The reaction to my work was overwhelmingly positive and I was very touched by my friends who made it out to see my photography and show their support. I'd also like to thank Keith Andony who first brought the festival to my attention, and Heather Zwicker, who chaired the organizing committee of the festival and made it possible for me to be included. Also a big thanx to Anthony Easton for curating and hanging my show.

All photos are available for sale.
Framed or unframed, open edition, signed.
If you are interested in purchasing a print,
please contact me:
jackson@jacksonphotografix.com

The Starbucks 2007 Show

This is a collection of images that I will be showing and selling at Starbucks cafe on Jasper Avenue and 109 Street throughout November and December. For more information on other exhibitions, click here. If you are interested in purchasing a print, please feel free to contact me: jackson@jacksonphotografix.com

Exhibits in Edmonton

For all my friends in Edmonton, just wanted to invite you all to view and possibly purchase some of my work over the next few weeks.

I will be exhibiting several photos in the group show XXXposed Erotic Art XXXhibit at the Taboo Sex Show this weekend (November 16 -18) at the Agricom.

Then next weekend I will be doing a solo exhibit of my work as part of the Exposure Festival. You can view 15 of my male nudes in the lobby of the TransAlta Arts Barn (10330 84 Avenue) during the Loud & Queer Cabaret (Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24). Doors open at 7:30pm, admission is free for the exhibit.

And finally, starting next week (November 19 until mid-December) I will be showing a selection of my non-erotic work (read: no naked people) at Starbucks cafe (Jasper Avenue & 109 Street).

Quo - Mexico

Happy to report, that my model and good friend, Rodrigo was successful in getting payment from Quo Magazine in Mexico City, that ran the above photo without my permission.

The magazine came into having my photo from when Rodrigo gave them a CD of images I had shot of and for him and his company Service 69 to interest the publication in making doing an article on him. Several months later he picked up the magazine to see one of the photos printed in the magazine.

We approached the publisher to come up with some sort of payment or we would be forced to pursue legal channels - which obviously the magazine did not want.

After a fair bit of dragging their heels Quo Magazine finally paid both Rodrigo and myself for using the photo -- a happy ending.

I think next time I'm in Mexico City, I will make an appointment to go in and see the Art Director at the magazine to see if there is any possible opportunities to have more of my images published since I already know they must like my work. (insert sound effect of light chuckling here)

Are you left or right?

Loved this test, which indicates which side of your brain you think on.

Click on the image and then watch which direction the dancer turns; clockwise or counterclockwise.

If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

When I first looked at the dancer I thought she was turning counterclockwise but then when I looked at the image again it was most definitely turning clockwise and no matter how hard I tried to get her to reverse direction, it just wouldn't happen. So I am decidely right brain functioning - which seems pretty in keeping with how I view myself.

AIDS Walk 2007 Update

Happy to hear that the 2007 AIDS Walk here in Edmonton has generated $75,000 for HIV Edmonton.

On a personal note: I was thrilled to received several complimentary meal certificates, a family pass to the Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall, and an entire gift basket to, none other than, Starbucks (yes it is laughably ironic) for being the third highest individual fundraiser for this year's Walk.

AIDS Walk 2007

For the second year, I participated in HIV Edmonton's AIDS Walk. Last year, between Dustin and I, we managed to raise $1000. This year, because Dustin was working, I decided to go it alone. Thanks to the very generous sponsorships and pledges of family, friends, and co-workers, I personally managed to raise $1244.00 for this very worthwhile cause. I was also encouraged by the turnout (even though the weather wasn't as nice) which surpassed last year's attendance. And ... it appeared that, indeed, there was greater representation from the local gay community which I felt was sadly absent in 2006. Don't get me wrong, although it was better there is still a lot of room for improvement. I was very gratified to see that Starbucks (the company I work for when not doing photography) was also heavily involved in the event from a team that walked, to the District Manager, my Store Manager, and several of my co-workers. It is a good and conscientious company and I'm proud of them.

Needless to say, I'll be at it all again next year.

Special thanx are in order for the following who helped me surpass my $1000 goal:
Jennifer Katz
James Hood
Val Brandt
Douglas Wasserman
Daryn Grassick
Bryen & Donna at The Roost
Shelley Chebry
Amanda Clements-Harvey
Matt Hall
David Low
Jessica Cross
Stephanie Hample
Jenny Ling
Cijay Morgan
David Billingsley
Wayne Chow
Cody Michie
Annie Haugen
John Hewett Hallum
Barb Lopeter
Ryan Mayer
Linda Jackson
Bradley Seewalt-Boman
Katie & Cynthia Cheung
Toan Huynh
Frank & Mary Jackson
Shane Bodie
Jon Reardon
Chantelle Lee
Jordan Dannish
Chris Garvey
Matt Chegus
Kevin Hay

Cover of Vendor Magazine

This is the current cover of Vendor Magazine that I shot for Gate Communications the end of June. I was very amused (and pleased) to see what designer, Zane Kroll, had done with the shots of the three writers.

Photo Shoot with Sammy

Thanx to Blue, he set up a session with a handsome, young, Nuyorican named Sammy and brought him up to the studio tonight. Sammy has a very defined physique (he works at 24/7 -- a gym in Chelsea), and has a face the camera loves - part sexually-charged papichulo and part innocent homeboy. With the professionalism and focus he showed in our first shoot, I'm very interested in doing a subsequent shoot with Sammy the next time I'm in NYC.

One more photo shoot with Blue

Tonight's shoot with Blue marked our sixth together but our first in two years. In the past I've shot Blue in my studio, in my kitchen, in my bathtub, in St. Nicholas Terrace Park, and out on Coney Island. Blue never disappoints, he always gives you that little added something that takes the creativity and subsequent photos to a new place. Tonight he brought candles and a deck of tarot cards - which made me want to shoot him strictly by candlelight - this made things more complex and difficult, but ultimately it made for some very interesting images.

Photo Shoot with Josh

detail (cropped and desaturated color)


full frame

Photo Shoot with Dominic San Juan

Several years ago, Dominic and I met online. After several lengthy instant messenger conversations, I convinced him to do a photo shoot with me and so we trekked off to Central Park one beautiful afternoon to do the shoot. The shots came out wonderfully, both of us posted them our respective sites, and best of all, we became pals. Since then, Dominic has become (much) more comfortable in front of the camera so ... finally the day has arrived for us to shoot his first nudes.

That was Dominic then... this is Dominic now (hotter than ever)!

Grey Gardens

I was fortunate enough to get a sixth row centre seat to see Grey Gardens for the matinee performance this afternoon (it helps when you're only looking for a single ticket.) This was the one show that I felt I just had to see since I saw a screening of the original documentary of the same name several years ago at the Edmonton International Film Festival with one of the Maysles brothers (the filmmakers) actually in attendance for a question and answer period afterwards.

The star of the Broadway production, Christine Ebersole, was beyond description playing the mother, Edith Bouvier Beale in the first act and then the daughter, Little Edie, in the second act. It was spooky watching two live actresses re-create the true-life characters to the point where you weren't quite sure that they were not, in fact, the real thing! And there was the musical number where Little Edie was doing her American flag number that was probably even better than in the movie because they were able to add the ghosts of the other members of the entire dance troupe behind/with her that she quite certainly imagined herself part of in the documentary. Also the muscial number, The Revolutionary Costume for Today, which Ms. Eversole did for the Tony Awards was phenomenal. It is so sad that this show is closing Sunday - it was jawdroppingly amazing and very touching - the final scene had lots of people dabbing their eyes during the standing ovation. This is a musical I won't likely forget ... ever. Da-da da dah dum.

Photo Shoot with Miguel (Mike)

Due to another last-minute cancellation for a shoot that I had scheduled for the early afternoon, I was able to invite Mike to the studio to do a quick session. Not only was he available and willing to have me photograph his tattoo, but he confided that this was something he had always wanted to do. Mike had a very cute demon baby on his shoulder that I wanted to capture but moments after meeting him, I quickly realized that the ink wasn't the only thing that was cute -- this boy had a million dollar smile.

Photo Shoot with Doug

Doug is an old friend and former model of mine that I first met in the 90s back at The Tunnel. He's no longer working as a gogo boy in the clubs but is still modelling when he can with the hopes of landing some work as an underwear model. We did this shoot so that he could add some images to his portfolio.

Second Shoot with Tony, Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Did a follow up photo shoot with Tony, who I shot a couple days ago up in the studio. This time we shot in the basement of his apartment in Hell's Kitchen, New York City. The space was ideal. And for the most part, I used all available light and got some exquisite results. Tony was phenomonal today as well. He applied everything he had learned in the first shoot we did and demonstrated superb concentration and discipline. Modelling is seldom easy work and down in that basement it was sweltering. However, it was all worth it when you get images like this. I'll add more photos here at a later time as there are countless images to select from - this was the sort of shoot that I absolutely love.




Update:
I don't usually post replies from people but Tony (the model in this shoot) sent me such a sweet message that I wanted to keep it.

OK I am almost embarrassed to say this but I wasn't quite sure what a blog really was, and then BBAAAAMMM right in the head like an arrow it / you hit me. Thank you for saying such nice things about me, I am overwhelmed with what you wrote and thrilled that you enjoyed the shoot as much as I.

I know it is sounding redundant , but honestly, I don't think you realize what you have done for me, and keeping it simple, you have helped me beyond what I thought was possible for the fixing of my head........lol. I got so much enjoyment from the shoots, both learning experiences about modeling, as well as myself , and yup even about you.

I preach the word passion, when one does something for work or even play, without it - it's not even worth talking about, let alone doing. You, my friend, reak of passion for what you do, it's your work, it's your play ..........it's you. I am very happy for you that you have been blessed and are able to live your passion.

Just know one thing, I am a real man, with real thoughts, both are honest and heartfelt entities in their own right, and when I compliment you, please know I am not blowing smoke, I truly mean what I say with great feeling.

And now enough.

Photo Shoot with Tony, NYC

After being back in NYC for a few days, and finally cleaning out the studio of all the junk that accumulated there while I away, I started shooting again today. My model was Tony (Antonio) Leonardo, who at 43, is a sexy, masculine, and very sweet Italian-American living in Hell's Kitchen.