Manny Lopes is the December NEXT NY Man

Photo: Rob Buco

He's the hottest guy this December. From Rob Buco Photography, we proudly welcome our Finale Feature for the 2009 NEXT NY/LA Man competition, Manny Lopes is our December NEXT NY Man and that's Premiering exclusively at NEXT! Now that's Hot! That's Exciting!

The 2009 NEXT NY/LA Man is presented by Stephen Fofanoff Photography and Rob Buco Photography with the premier Modeling Blogazines of NEXT Blogazine MEDIA.

Manny Lopes goes NEXT after the jump!

Always Exciting. Always NEXT.

Photo: Rob Buco  Underwear by Geordi

Five things you can't live without?

"Country music, Family, Chinese Food, Love/hope & Faith and my jeep"

 

Photo: Rob Buco  Underwear by Geordi

Is Modeling something that you've always wanted to pursue?

"Throughout my childhood it has always been my dream, but I never had the confidence. I stayed focused on sports because I felt that was my strength. As I got older I gained more and more confidence in myself. Now I finally have the courage to follow my secret dream and make this a reality."

 

Photo: Rob Buco

Most Funny Moments during the NEXT NY Man shoot?

"When Rob simply said- "Ok, strip down and lets get the money shots" he said it like he was asking for a piece of gum. I know that Rob has done a lot of shoots so when he replied "Oh don't be shy, its like an elbow to me at this point" I only could laugh and feel at ease with him. Trusting your photographer is key to getting the right shots."



Photo: Rob Buco

Aside from Modeling, are you also interested in pursuing other fields in this industry?

"I have done some acting, and feel it is best to branch out. I think that sometimes you can constrict yourself by not trying different things. I feel if it is meant to be; it's meant to be. I enjoy modeling, but I also want to see where this industry can take me. The sky is the limit for this guy!"



Photo: Rob Buco

How do you deal with rejections?

"When I was younger rejections were hard. I use to take them personally, and thought it was something I was doing wrong. Now I look at rejections as stepping stones. I use them as learning platforms showing ways on how I can improve myself as a model and person. Sometimes I also view these experiences as chances to change my strategies"



Photo: Rob Buco   Swimwear by IQONIQ

Manny, what's sexy for you, and how do you bring this element out during a shoot?

"I think that sexy is about perception and leaving the audience guessing and wondering. I think that it's about confidence and feeling secure. I think it's also about loving what your doing or hating it, but being able to express yourself in the finished product. Everyone is sexy to me. I think if you feel sexy; YOU'RE SEXY!"



Photo: Rob Buco Underwear by Vizeau

Manny, what's your strength as a brand ambassador?

"I think that I have a unique look that will appeal on both markets, local and international. I am a good mix of nationalities and have a strong sense of heritage. I also think my tattoos makes me edgy and easy to relate to. My plusses and strengths are that I am easy going and laid back. I feel like I am easy to work with. I am willing to do whatever it takes to strengthen my brand. I am a very focused to whatever I put my mind to, and I never settle when it comes to reaching my goals."



Photo: Rob Buco

Your advise for new models or persons who are thinking of pursuing modeling?

"I want to tell that man considering modeling that anything's possible. There are thousands of looks for models you just have to be confident in yourself. You can accomplish anything you want by you saying so. Always pursue your dreams; No matter how big. Never limit yourself, and let anyone tell you; you can't do it."



Photo: Rob Buco

Tell us more about the boxing theme behind your NEXT NY Man photo shoot?

"I've been training at boxing since I was 8 year's old. Rob is a super nice guy. He made me really comfortable in that scene. He basically had me act natural, and made it easy. He had me relax and I was able to do it for him. I feel it was effortless to get the pictures he wanted because he put me so much at ease. He wanted to capture my personality and the real Manny... and I know he accomplished more than just skin."



Photo: Rob Buco

What do you think are the elements that propels a model towards success?

"Some of the elements I believe that are needed to succeed are Confidence, Drive, Heart, Positive Outlook, and a Willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done. I attribute my success so far to my family and friends for motivating and inspiring me to accomplish my goals."



Photo: Rob Buco  Underwear by Vizeau

How was the experience with Rob for the NEXT NY Man shoot?

"To be quite honest Rob and the NEXT NY Man was the first professional photo shoot for me. I have taken promotional shots for boxing and some newspaper interviews, but this was my first modeling experience. I really enjoyed working with Rob and the NEXT NY Man and felt I learned a great deal from him. He spent alot of time coaching and supporting me, and I feel that not only was he a great photographer, but I made a great friend. I look forward to not only working for more photographers but building more friendships in this industry"



Photo: Rob Buco

What do you usually do for fun?

"For fun I like to do outdoor activity like white water rafting or canoeing. Just being outside enjoying the outdoors. I love hanging with friends and family and having a good time. Living in New England has so much to offer- the snowy winters to the hot summer and everything in between."



Photo: Rob Buco

What's the best thing about being a model?

"I see these pictures of myself and I think back to being a kid, and feel really good about how far I've come. I realize now that Dreams can come true."



What an awesome editorial shoot! Congratulations to Rob Buco, our 2009 NEXT NY Man Photographer and Producer. Check out Rob's complete NEXY NY Man models, links are found on the left field of the site!

Special thanks to IQONIQ, Geordi and Vizeau.

ONE Question left. Is Manny the ONE?  Find out. January ONE.

The 2009 NEXT NY/LA Man. ONE Model. January ONE.




Photo: Rob Buco  Underwear by Geordi

"What makes me the NEXT NY Man? I believe that my passion for life shows in my photos. The riskier you get with the images, the more you open yourself up to new experiences. I totally agree with Rob that less is more with images. Why do a run of the mill image that has been done before. I want to show the real guy that I am, not a glammed up kid."

Always Exciting. Always NEXT.

Don't forget to leave your Fabulous comment and let Manny know how he did during the NEXT NY Man shoot!

Comments

[jeff]

Man, this guy is hot!

[Richard]

Enjoyed looking at those gloves! Is he a boxer for real?? mmmmm....'mazing hunk!

Rich---

[Richard]

A beautiful model perfectly captured by Mr. Buco!

[Carlos]

Does anyone know if Manny is Cuban, Mexican or Colombian?

[Em34]

Seems more of a Mexican race. his eyes is hot though, nice lips as well. i am sure he will be a perfect new yorker man!

[Joe]

Awesome December by the photographer- where did this guy Manny come from-what a find! he should get a contract with American Eagle or something- kudos to Buco for finding such a fresh face

[Josh]

He got these eyes thats really romantic. good model..

[Josh]

@carlos comment, my guess he could be mexican!

[Martin]

Mr. R.B. did it again, exceptional photographic skills. Manny was displayed in different looks. Nice job! My personal favorite are the boxing shots.

[Patric]

Hi everyone!! Thank you so much for all the love and support on our December model! Thank you also for all your support in our year long competition, NEXT NY.LA Man, the competition is just getting started! Lots of excitements are up as we named our Newest site Title holder...will he come from NY or LA....Find out on January ONE!

[Tom]

tarot cards shots rocks!!!!! manny is the winner!!!!-----Tom

[Tom]

me again forgot to say.....Manny you are hottttt!!!!!! -------Tom

[Gio]

Just noticed that this guy is pretty smart...

[Rick R Reed]

A nice combination of very hot and very sweet. Great eyes. The photographer captured him well in a variety of guises.

[jose]

ny man hot!

[AJR]

I am glad Manny had the chance to work with Rob. The results speak for itself. Rob has that amazing personality and leadership; friendly enough to make you feel comfortable at all times and tough enough to take every minute seriously and in depth. Congrats to Manny and Rob for such great collaboration. Manny, may Success always be with you

[Rob]

Thanks for all the great comments. Manny is an awesome guy- I am glad I was able to show his personality through this photo series. In my opinion he created a career for himself by opening himself to the NEXT sites and one of January's featured models for Refresh Magazine. He truely has the persona to be successful in this industry. Keep the comments coming- He loves them --sidebar, Manny is mixed- Italian, Portug and... I will ask him again...

thnx again, ROB B

[u kno who it is]

mannys fuckin portuguese haha not mexican or cuban

[jeremy]

I still don't agree with the last post above...Manny I guess would be Mexican or Dominican...Just my vibes! Nice post and oh yeahh He's my Man!!! Best of luck Manny!

[Rob]

Please use class when posting on this site, your ISN# is tracked so you are not Anonoynous to us. Using foul language will be tolerated.

[Rob]

will NOT be tolerated, thank you

[Josh]

wow thankx Rob 4 the info...he seems to be a mix of Italian and other races, out of the other models here, he stands out! Josh xoxo

[thank all u guys for the support and rob thank u for all of this ur a great guy. hope i do well than]

thank all u guys for the support and rob thank u for all of this ur a great guy. hope i do well thanks again guys.
manny lopes

[Timothy]

the december model is a hot guy and he justified his photogs awesome skills. nice camera contact. when will we know the winner? thx.

Hey Mr. Buco...Excellent photos...Definitely a great model which I'm sure made your job all the more easier.