Ohlala Mag

OHLALA TALKS TO RONALD N. TAN

We have first featured photographer Ronald N. Tan on OhLaLa this past July. Today we have more photos to share with you and we took the opportunity to ask Ronald a few questions.

What made you become a photographer?
Ronald N. Tan: I picked photography to be my artistic outlet because it is a great combination between science and art. I was born into a family of physicians and scientists so even though I have turned my back to academia, science will always be an integral part of me even when I grow and mature as an artist.

Why do you like being on ohlala (and what did it change for you)?
For starters, it was my first feature that you boys ran that got an attention of one of the agents from a reputable and highly respected modeling agency in Los Angeles. He shot me an email and invited me to test and guess who I picked as one of the models? =)

Who is your favorite model ?
Honestly, I really don't have any favourite models because I **am** because of my models. It isn't fair to pick favourites because each model I've photographed have taught me something about myself and helped me learn and grow in creating that "vision" a reality.

Besides, without my models, I would have to practice my lights onto myself and that can be a pain in the ass--having to make sure I have stopped my lense down enough to remain in focus. Oh yeah...composition can be pain as well! Hehehe. I appreciate all my models and I always have and will respect them.

And who is your photography inspiration ?
Currently, I am deeply inspired by Mr. Jerry Avenaim and Mr. Sean Armenta, and Mr. Richard Reinsdorf. As far as the "visual style" I am influenced by Jill Greenberg.

I admire the masculinity through the lenses of Francois Rosseau, Fred Goudon, Bruce Weber, Dylan Rosser, Gaz, Karl Simone, Mark Segal, and Bell Soto.

I am also inspired by retoucher Amy Dresser whom I have had the rare privilege to exchange correspondences.

+ More Ronald N Tan on OhLaLa
+ Ronald Tan Photography Official Site

J.P. CALDERON "I want to meet someone! "OHLALA CONFESSIONS to Steph & Alek

He is even hotter in real than on the photos, and over all he is really nice. We really had a great time at this Silver Lake home where Nicolas Wagner took those photos to illustrate the interview. Do not forget to go to Second Part of the post to learn what J.P. wears when he sleeps :-)

Do you still play volleyball? Do you play at the beach?

J.P.: I do coaching for Junior Olympics, and I was really sad to have to leave last year right before the competition because of Survivor. I plan to be here for them this time around. Most of my friends are volleyball players, like Matt Prosser, who I lived with…so yes, I love playing at the beach, and you are invited to the next match :-)

You were a bar tender before Survivor. Is that right? What is your favorite cocktail?

J.P.: I've pretended that I was a straight bar tender...lol. Actually, I do have a favorite cocktail right now: Absolut Pear Vodka, with pineapple juice, and diet seven up.

[Does it have a name]?

J.P.: I do not know...JP-tini...maybe.

MUCH MORE AFTER THE JUMP

JAMES GUARDINO // OHLALA PORTFOLIO + INTERVIEW

Photos by: Nicolas Wagner, Aron Norman, and Joe Oppedisano.

In colaboration with the best model agencies worldwide, OhLaLa will be presenting from now on portfolios of the most beautiful men in the industry. Today our first feature is kind of a regular on OhLaLa. Photographed many times by Joe Oppedisano, wrestling in mud and dust became one of his specialities, see the links below ;-) James Guardino is with Major Model Management and he is curently based in New York.

He did several covers for various gay magazines in France (below) and we have for you in the second part of the post some of his latest and sexiest polaroid test shots ... enjoy ! Photos courtesy of Major Model Management for OhLaLa.

How did you get into modeling?
James: I started in modeling when I was scouted by Major Model Management in New York City, headed by Jason Kanner.

What is your secret of good looks?
James: The secret to looking good has to do with maintaining a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis, and always keeping a positive attitude. Cause we all know what stress can do on our looks!

What is your wildest dream?
James: There isn't just one, they are never-ending, dreams are what keeps me going, You always need to reach for your next dream or else you'll be stuck in neutral. Dreams are a driving force! Ultimately I'd like to be in a position where I can give back and help people less fortunate and in need.

+ Mud Wrestling for DNA
+ Ave by Joe Oppedisano
+ Major Model Management BLOG

NICK BEYELER // OHLALA CONFESSIONS

Nick Beyeler can count on being a world gymnastic aerobics champion as just one of his main assets. What he can do with his bendy body leave you open-mouth-drooling-spech-less ;-) Perfect body, killer smile, talent, charisma, he has it all ...

What is your secret to having such an amazing body?
Thank you! I'm aware that I'm quite blessed with a fully functioning and healthy body, it allows me to do cool tricks with it. Being able to move is a gift that we should not take for granted. It's the moment during a performance that I feel the most alive. I'm a constant mover, so I guess I do burn quite a few calories per hour. However, in my opinion my body is far from perfect, but let's strive for excellence, not perfection.

You did a few fashion shoots lately. How do you compare that to aerobic as a job?
Those two Worlds always coexisted in my life - with one area of work complementing the other. I'm conscious of the whole irony of things in both the modeling and the fitness scene, but over the years learned to live with it. There's a lot of incredibly boring sitting around waiting involved in fashion shoots, so I always got my books to read along with me. Can't wait for the new Harry Potter Book to come out this summer!

Tell us more about your projects, and news...
The past year has been filled with fantastic projects I'm incredibly thankful for. Currently, I'm up to my neck in a wonderfully creative project with American theatre director Stafford Arima. I've never been that excited about a future mission in my whole life! I'm gonna tell you about it when the time is right.

On which side of the bed you sleep?
On the upper side.

What do you wear while sleeping ?
I'm sleeping in boxers or butt naked on a japanese futon.

The confessions continues in the second part of the post with more photos of Nick Beyeler and a couple of videos ! Nick Beyeler in DNA // Nick Beyeler Official Site // Photos courtesy of Nick Beyeler and photographer Hans Hadorn.

NICOLAS WAGNER // OHLALA CONFESSIONS

Today Nicolas Wagner has launched his new site :: NicolasWagner.com :: After featuring one of his photos last December, we had the pleasure to meet him in Paris. He took the photos of Chad White's Confessions, and today we are pleased to show you more of his work together with his Confessions to Ohlala.

Obsession NW: Most of my work is based on some kind of obsession (with a person most of the time) how can you describe in one photo the essence of who you photograph. To me, a successful photo is all about my model (who he/she is) or all about me (who I want him/her to be) the more personal, the more universal.

Honesty NW: The most basic notion to establish any kind of relationship.

Lust NW: My favorite sin

Advice NW: It can be useful depending on who gives it. it can also be a form of nostalgie.

Love NW: Ice cream, vintage high top sneakers, flat stomach,confessions, black sheets,kissing, spooning, tattooed brooklyn boys, Athens, yoga and pilate, Madonna, new-york, Paris, berlin ,endamame, sushi, hairy chest, pierced nose, tube socks, american apparel underwear, Gorillaz, bjork, biking, hiking,70' furniture, Downtown L.A hotels, armpit, muscular backs, swimmers, Flaunt, Vodka grapefruit, summer time, grace Jones, Madonna, purple leotard, disco balls, boom box, music, music makes the people come together, are you still reading? bearded boys, first date, long term relationship, break up sex, make up sex, friends and family, taking pictures, taking pictures of tattooed bearded brooklyn boys wearing tube socks and eating ice cream.

Ambition NW: It's all about thinking and dreaming BIG. Most of the time we are afraid of our limititions instead of focusing on our abilities. It's important to visualize what you want, set your intentions on your goal and channeling energy to make it happen. We create our own reality. anything is possible, just ask for it. trust me on that one.

Perseverance NW: Success, friendship , relationships don't come easy, or if they do, it's suspicious to me. you need to work at it. Perseverance means not being afraid of a challenge.......a challenge can be the best way to grow as a person, friend or a lover. we can all try a litlle harder

Attitude NW: Negativity breeds more negativity. Smile! it's not that bad.

Respect NW: Respect yourself.

Intuition NW: Pay attention to the signs!

Sex NW: Yes please!

Nicolas recently flew to London to take a couple of pictures of Madonna. You can see one picture HERE. Thank you Nicolas for taking some time for OhLaLa and we can't wait to share more of you work :-)

Nicolas Wagner Official Site // Nicolas Wagner on OhLaLa // OhLaLa Presents Nicolas Wagner // Chad White OhLaLa Confessions

More photos by Nicolas Wagner of this very hot Matador HERE. Photos courtesy of NicolasWagner.com not to be republished without previous authorization.

BOOKS ARE SUPER SEXY WITH DERRICK L. BRIGGS

Rated the Top 25 Men of 2006 by Instinct Magazine. Television, music, performance art, and marketing are just the few of the ingredients that embodies this young man Born & Raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn NYC. Derrick L. Briggs is a determined individual that exemplifies Leadership & Creativity.

Since 2003, DLB currently serves as the Facilitator & Founder for the Derrick L. Briggs Book Club and Currently Mr. Briggs is brewing up some new projects and Discussions for his 2007 DLB Book Club Experience. He's also the Creator of "BLUEBLACK Thursdays (An after work Bar/Lounge Experience in Harlem) And serves as the Co-Founder of "The Attaché Alliance" for Professional Leadership & Development And he's in the beginning stages with his very own company "DirtyTwist Media" ® Launching in 2008...So be sure you watch out for this guy as he takes over the world one BOOK at a time ... "Make a decision and watch your life move forward" is his motto.

"The purpose of the Books Are Sexy Campaign is to promote reading along with The Derrick L. Briggs Book Club and to let readers know that "Books Are Really Sexy"... "Reading a Book is Attractive" and once you add a sexy model to it...It will definitely get the point across! And each year I'm getting better and better at it...Enjoy the Interview!" DLB.
To read our interview with Derrick L. Briggs :: Click Here ::

CHAD WHITE // OHLALA CONFESSIONS

^{Exclusive photos by Nicolas Wagner not to be republished without permission}

Chad White had his first OhLaLa entry back in May 2006, for the bebe ad campaign photographed by Steven Klein. The same month he collaborated a second time with him for a fantastic spread in L'Uomo Vogue. More recently he was window cruising for Dolce & Gabbana, became the body for D&G jewels, and right now Chad is in Milan where he took part in the winter 2008 global warming ... and took some time to answer to our questions. Photos courtesy of Nicolas Wagner.

What do you do to stay in shape?
CW: I for one am not like one of those guys who can eat whatever they want and doesn't have to workout and stays cut up. I work hard . My biggest and best exercise is running and situps, spinning classes kick ass too. They are not easy though depending on how hard you push yourself its a self honesty system. I set my goals high so high that rarely am I ever satisfied, which some say that's a bad thing but it makes sure that I'll always keep motivated and push myself to the limits.

What initially drew you to modeling?
CW: My best friend Emily drew me to modeling. She wanted to do it so we went in together.

You have a huge gay fan base. Do you embrace becoming a gay icon?
CW: Of course ! I'm so honored.

Tell us more about your "first love" baseball, and the transition to modeling?
CW: Baseball is a hard subject for me to discuss. I miss it, since I was young enough to remember I'd always been dreaming of being a baseball player. As I was going through high school I was a standout. Have you ever felt that you were meant to do something... Baseball was that feeling for me. Turns out different but I felt that there was no stopping me to become pro. I had some really influential ex pros behind me believing in me also. So my dream to play in yankee stadium seemed just fingertips away. Then one game I was pitching and I overthrew a pitch and tore something in my ELBOW. I balled my eyes out for days. My dream was gone.

Who are your favorite photographers?
CW: There are so many great photographers, everybody whom I've worked with are incredible: Steven Klein and Steven Miesel, Joe Lolly, Bruce Webber ,Terry Richardson, Nicolas Wagner, and my good friend Arnoldo. These guys are just amazing to see work. You see a pro ball player play with such ease, these guys take incredible and beautiful pictures.

Can you tell us about your experience with Steven Klein?
CW: Steven Klein is an amazing photographer. Really cool guy. He captures pictures that are just unbelievable. I am so honored to have worked with Steven. It really is an art to see him work.

Your best friend (between models) is ...
CW: Back home before I started traveling all the time I made myself a local best friend Thomas Brown. He was modeling with me in portland Oregon. He is a great looking guy but he is one of the most genuinely nice people I ever met. I used to say if I don't go anywhere with modeling his friendship was the reason I was supposed to go this route.

What do you wear while sleeping?
CW: Ha, my sleeping wear all depends on the circumstance. If there is a special somebody in my bed butt nukked yes nukked is my attire. Most of the time just boxers to sleep . I don't like to wear little underwear to sleep its to...cramped.

Do you spend much time on the internet ?
CW: I don't have much time to spend freely but keeping in contact myspace and facebook are really good when traveling so much.

What is the most interesting or surprising person in your cell phone?
CW: At the moment I don't have a number in my cellphone. It got stolen so if you find it gimme a call ;-)

Tell us more about your coming photo shoots and projects...
CW: Right now I am very busy in Milan for the runway shows then I am off to Paris and then back to NYC. Photo shoots coming up, I'm not really all that sure. I know there are some things stirring up but you would have to ask my agency's...

GETTING PERSONAL WITH MATHIEU CHANTELOIS

You were many to ask for more info about Mathieu Chantelois, host of the Cover Guy 2 show on OutTV Canada, and we were happy to ask him a few questions:

What is your job?
I’m a journalist, TV host and part-time poodle walker. I’m just joking about the poodle walking part.

Do you have a boyfriend and if yes, how did you meet him?
I’ve been with my man for 8 years. His name is Marcelo and he’s terrific. We got married 3 years ago. He’s definitely the one. We met in a nightclub, but only exchanged a kiss and phone numbers. Things went a lot quicker from there: we moved in together on our second date! I know, it was very lesbian of us.

How did you do these pictures with Tom Bianchi?
Tom was a guest on one of my shows, a TV series called Read OUT! We had an instant connection. At the end of the show, he asked if Marcelo and I would like to do some pictures with him. We agreed, not thinking too much about it.

Was it hard? I mean difficult?
LOL. Everything went really quickly. My pants were off before I could blink. Seriously, we were in and out of the studio in less than an hour.

What did you study in college?
I did a Masters Degree in Broadcast Journalism. I also completed two years of my Ph.D., probing the roots of circuit parties and tackling the evolution of gay body culture. Going to tons of circuit parties for research purposes was very hard work.

And now about projects, every cute guy has a project, name one ongoing project in your life?
I’m writing a feature film. I’m not in a rush. I’ve been working on this for years. I’m not planning to let anybody read it until I’m very proud of it.

Tell me who's programmed in your cell that you thought you'd never have in there?
I have the cell number of a guy who was a Playgirl Centerfold once. He’s a good guy, but I never really called him. I just can’t delete it. After all, you never know when you'll need a Playgirl model.

What are your three must-haves?
A Mercedes, a traveling masseuse and private jet club membership. Of course, I own none of them.

Think about something that you would like to do, what it would be?
Mmm…I don’t know. Maybe to have a go in a vat of Jell-O with Richard Simmons, Divine and Mini-Me - but not all at the same time.

What are you most proud of?
My big fat wedding ring - for what it means, of course.

Let's talk about romance, describe a incredible date.
Many years ago, I worked on a movie set. We had to shoot a scene in a n amusement park. The night before the shoot, the director asked me to go check a few details on the set. I could ask the security guard for anything. I had the Ferris wheel lit up and I brought my boyfriend on it. I couldn’t make the wheel turn, but the wine and the lights made up for it.

MARC SAVOIA // OHLALA INTERVIEW

Based in Melbourne but travelling the world on assignment, Marc’s passion for self-expression and his deep curiosity for other people’s lives have driven him to explore a number of avenues in entertainment and the arts. His career path is uniquely diverse as a result.

Marc is good-looking, inteligent, funny, sexy, ... and we had a great time asking him a few questions just for you guys:

Obsession
My obsessions extend into many areas, first and foremost my hair. If I have a bad hair day, I cancel all appointments and my day is ruined. But my real obsession is art. When I paint I develop a relationship with the work and we grow together. It has all the dynamics of a love story. I love that feeling of uncontrollable passion; it's scary yet beautiful and overwhelming.

Honesty
Honesty to me is a fundamental part of my relationships as well as my career. I've been fortunate enough to do a job which allows me to get a candid insight into other people's lives, and their stories have been very inspirational. Personally, being involved in an industry which can pigeonhole people on the basis of sexuality can suppress honesty, but having been inspired by so many people all over the world, I am more determined now to be true to myself.

Latitude
I think I pulled that muscle at the gym last night... I've structured my life to ensure maximum freedom in my career and personal life. It's sometimes a challenge to live without conforming to how society normally operates, as most gay men would understand. But even the fact that so many people around me have regular, 9-to-5 jobs, unlike me, can make me feel inadequate at times.

Advice
When you work in the entertainment industry, or the arts in general, you get a lot of advice from other people, both professional and personal. I am bombarded by other people's suggestions - everybody has an opinion. They are constantly telling me what I need to do to take my career to the next level. You can only take so much on board. So at the end of day being true to myself has gotten me where I am now, but I am also open to the advice of people I know I can trust.

Love
Love is the one thing in life I crave but fear at the same time.

Ambition
I have always been an ambitious and determined person with a strong desire to achieve. I am the son of Italian immigrants who came to Australia looking for a better life. They wanted me to have the opportunities they never had, and as a result I feel like I should never give up. There have also been people in my life who didn't believe in me and I've always been determined to prove them wrong.

Perseverance
I've had great things happen to me in my career and bad things as well, so as a result I have developed a thick skin and a fairly low tolerance for bullshit. My determination to succeed comes from years of being victimised when I was in school. Being different became normal for me so I had no real reason to conform. When you feel isolated or like you've hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. Life has changed a lot for me since school and I'm so grateful for the education in life I have received.

Attitude
I find a good attitude in others very attractive. It's a turn-on when somebody is confident but humble at the same time.

Respect
R-E-S-P-E-C-T....Let me think what it means to me... Reporting on a gay travel show ( Round Trip Ticket) has been an amazing experience. I have had the good fortune to interview people all over the world who are doing and achieving wonderful things with their lives. Some have risen above great adversity. I take my hat off to these people. I am overwhelmed by their stories and have huge respect for them. I respect people who have good morals and values. People who also choose to be original and not succumb to social pressures to conform.

Intelligence
Being like totally vacuous myself - LOL - I challenge the fact that scholastic intelligence is the only real intelligence. There are so many types, like emotional and creative intelligence, which are just as important. I really respect people who use their intelligence to help others. I dislike it when people are self-righteous and think they know everything. They are in fact the most stupid as they are not open to learning more.

Sex
I've evolved beyond the need for sex now that I've been visiting OhlalaBlog.com regularly! LOL. Sex is hot! I love it. Who doesn't?

RELATED :: MARC SAVOIA :: MARC SAVOIA - BLUE MAGAZINE

JONATHAN JESENSKY // OHLALA INTERVIEW

Photo by Steve Henry

We have met Jonathan in April while we were in San Diego and did an amazing photo shoot (with rufskin clothes) that will be published soon :-) He is an amazing guy. Extremely intelligent, dangerously handsome, and a very nice person. Had a great time asking him a few questions, and picking the photos to illustrate the interview.

Photo by Steve Henry

Obsession
JJ: When thinking of obsession, I would most likely compare this to passion and drive, I am obsessed to succeed. Everyone has different types of obsessions in their everyday life whether it may be ice cream or kool-aid, for me perfection and hard work. Depending if I am doing my day job of carpentry or making drinks at the bar at night, I have no problem with getting dirty, I am obsessed to do a good job, and make the person requesting the task to be happy.

When it comes to materialistic things, I have no obsessions at all, I just to make due with what I have. But if I was to have to pick something it would have to be FOOD, there is nothing better than a good meal, no matter what the culture or the place were you are at. A good meal can change your whole mood along with your whole outlook on things to come. I don’t care so much to cook although I am so inclined to know how, but to cook for myself seems to be more work than I care to deal with at the end of the day.

Holidays
JJ: Initially, from being in the marine corp, when I hear the word holiday I think of being with my family and spending time together. However, on that same note, from being in the military and traveling all the time, up to the my life now, of working seven days a week and two jobs a day sometimes, holidays have not had the same impact on me as they might on others. True I will be able to call and speak with family and friends and smile, but for me to hear the word holiday now a days, I think of relaxation and maybe a little time to myself to not only relax but get caught up on the chores that I have been neglecting. Holiday for me presently means a day off, no work, time to for alittle me time.

Los Angeles
JJ: Believe it or not, the first thing that pops in my head when I hear some one mention LA, is the san Fernando valley… and how disgustingly hot it is there, with no wind. So initially I become alittle distraught when I here Los Angeles. Then soon after the memories of the blazing heat fades I think of opportunity, there is nothing but endless amounts of opportunity in LA, I really do believe that you can dream as big as the sky and if you work hard enough you can make those dreams come true, and LA is one of those city that it could all happen in… Now do not misunderstand, I am not really such a big fan of LA, I would much rather live many other places in the USA not to mention the world, being from Kentucky I appreciate home country living so LA is not something that excites me. However the amount of chance, hope and opportunity that LA provides is hard to compare to any other city in the country.

Ambition
JJ: For me ambition is the drive, the force within that keeps me going. It is the face of every person who ever mocked me, it is the voice of every person that has ever doubted me, it is the look and feeling received from my family when I succeed and they see that I am happy. Ambition is the fuel for the fire that sparks the everyday journey of everyone’s life. Ambition is the fact that I am able to do something else beside labor jobs, to be able to prove to everyone, not just those in my life, but everyone, that anything is possible, that me a poor little down home country boy from Kentucky, going from wasted juvenile youth to marine corp, to being able to be paid to try on clothes, or sometimes, the lack there of “stef, alec, fred, in doug and hurbert kitchen…;)” can stand up fight and struggle for what he wants and look back and say “I did it” and no one can take that away from me. Its true that the profession of modeling can at times pay rather well, I have yet to see that, but it truly isn’t about the money, it isn’t about your sexuality or preference. It is about doing something you want to do, setting your mind to it, and following through.

Photo by Steve Henry

Love
JJ: What a powerful word. Love is… This is not something that I just through around, yet the people that I do love, I can not tell them enough… I have learned in life that if you love someone you should tell them as often and as much as you are able even if they grow tired of hearing it…. My oldest brother who died when I was a teenager, I did not tell him enough how I felt and now I regret not sharing with him my true emotions. I truly believe that I have experienced love in a relationship, and with that I have also experienced the hurt that comes with when that love is lost and your heart is broken,,, I like to think that the harder your life is, and the more difficult experiences that you go through the overall better person you become, learning from everything that happens along the way… love is a true teacher in this aspect of life…

Advice
JJ: Always needed, this is the first thing that comes to mind. No one is perfect nor could they ever be if they tried. Advice from people, whether it may be in the form of a story, or constructive criticism should always be welcomed with open arms… this is only going to make you that much of a better person, not having to experience something but yet live it through another persons eyes, can only help to prepare you for things to come. To receive and give advice, is one of the oldest ways of passing knowledge through communication and virtues. Without advice, everyone would have to learn on their own making the twisted, confused, modern world of society that much harder to expect and get through to find your happiness.

Photo by Eric Lacour