Stephen Fofanoff at NHM

Model: Anderson

There's something about him that will make you stop and think. His final shots have simple touches yet they convey powerful emotions. Looking through his images, you can't help but notice at how his models connects at the camera bringing life to his concepts, in his every images, he will take you closer into his mind, providing you a glimpse inside his world. Premiering in the Blogosphere's Most Admired Modeling Blogazine, Next Hottest Model, after FIVE days of successful countdown, join us in welcoming the hottest photographer in LA, Stephen Fofanoff. He's NEXT only at Next Hottest Model.

Always Exciting. Always NHM.

Model: Allen

"Such an esoteric question, like "what is existence? or what is the meaning of life?" Photography is a way for us to capture life as we see it. I think it can cause us to question what we hold to be true; it can also affirm our belief in humanity and the world around us. It can elevate us to emotional heights, and it can stir our deepest passions and face our taboos. I think all photography is valuable and should be welcomed as an expression of what makes us human--even when it sometimes makes us uncomfortable to face our honest selves."

Model: Aaron

"The final shot has a perfect combination of emotional story and connection with the viewer. When it comes down to it, it's more than just light, composition, and ISO settings... The final shot speaks to us in ways we can't entirely understand."

Model: Lee

"I'm looking for something that strikes me. I'm looking for the ability to connect; for the model to bring an honesty to the photo. In that regard, I guess I look for guys who take care of themselves, and have an openness and honesty... guys who have fewer inhibitions and are more willing to explore their own fantasies and desires and bring that to the shoot."

Model: Brandon

"Model Men was developed because of requests people made that I offer a subscription website featuring extended sets, fantasy scenes, and a little more explicit content. It's also a way for me to afford to pay models who work with me. One of the challenges in this time of fast changes in the digital world, is that art photography is becoming less and less print-oriented as more content moves to digital. I think there's a constant question that photographers and artists face in terms of how to make a living producing content while still staying true to themselves. It's a constant struggle. Ultimately, the rent has to be paid--for photographers and for models, which means producing some regular income to help make that happen. In terms of Model Men, I see the site growing with the addition of other photographers, to become a sort of digital gallery of fine art photography of men. The site is still very new and finding its legs... a lot of that comes from feedback and requests of subscribers. So, I'm not sure where the site will go, but I do enjoy reading the requests and trying to make some of that happen for members of Model Men"

Model: James

"For aspiring models, first off, be honest with yourself. What do you hope to achieve, and is modeling something that will bring joy to your life. If you're not doing it for the right reasons, don't do it. And if you do decide to pursue it, then be true to it. There are no "rules"... there's no "right way" to make it. I hear so many models trying to explain their "plan" and how they want to control every aspect of it. It doesn't really work that way. Have definite goals, and understand that for every rule someone tells you there are 15,000 exceptions. Take care of yourself... watch what you eat, work out regularly, take care of your skin and body. Don't approach life with fear--afraid of rejection or what other people think... love it, have a positive attitude, and welcome what comes to you and be thankful for it."

Model: Steve

"Oops moments? Not sure I can think of any that stick out as anything of value."

Model: Alex

"During the shoot, I try to talk with models about their own experiences, about who they are... and this help them to feel more comfortable and at ease. That way, I can capture an honest moment or two."

Model: Michael

"I recognized that rejection is not about me, and I move on to the next thing. I always believe that in this life everything happens for a reason, if it doesn't synchronize with my life, then it's either it's not meant to happen or it's not meant for me."

Model: Allen

Five things that Stephen can't live without? "My partner Chris, who happens to be an artist, my biggest supporter, and the love of my life, Great food. I admit it, I'm a "foodie"... I love really great, fresh food made with organic ingredients, Quiet time to meditate and regroup my soul every now and then, Following my passions and intuition and My family and friends and the time we share together." This year Stephen will change the life of 4 LA based model as he showcase them in a special photoshoot for the 2009 Next NY/LA Man . Through this competition, together with photographer Rob Buco, Stephen will inspire countless models and photographers as well as the site readers to believe in the power of dreams, after all the NEXT LA Man is someone that inspires, somebody who can conquer dreams and bring a strong message that anybody can be a model, anyone can catch dreams and turn it into realities.

There's more. Discover Stephen, click Stephen Fofanoff

Special thanks to Model Men

Model: Anderson

"If unmasked, you'll see an ordinary guy who's just trying to make his way in the world. Sort of like moving aside the curtain in the Emerald City and finding out the wizard is anything but." Always Exciting. Always NHM.