Model: Manny Lopes, 2009 NEXT Man of the Year.
As a Visual Artist, he's very successful in highlighting that exciting factor behind an ordinary image. "I would like to believe my images bring out different emotions to different people while still giving off a sensual feel. A "Voyeuristic" feel is what I am after mostly while maintaining the honesty and integrity of the model." He's NEXT. Next Hottest Model proudly welcomes, 2009 NEXT Man Photographer of the Year, Rob Buco.
This Halloween, Ready to go NEXT with Rob?
"There are so many pros and cons in anything that you do in life that I take it all in stride. I never set out to be the most technical photographer and certainly not the most popular; I set out to create photos that spoke to people. In my mind I want everything to be happy and somewhat whimsical. Creating an image and having another ‘photographer’ comment that its exposure is incorrect is similar to someone telling me that I use too much Parmesan cheese on my pasta. It’s just how I like it."
"Having to follow the industry standards behind the lens and shooting a generic muscle boy that you have no creative flow with. Where there are a million photographers, there seems to be a million and two models. All have something to show and all think they are the best. Sticking with it and staying creative and true will move you ahead of the line. Variety in the portfolio will open more doors and not limiting yourself to opportunity. Staying visible while remaining consistent will keep your options open for more markets."
Model: Manny Lopes, 2009 NEXT Man of the Year Photo: Rob Buco
"I feel Manny has grown as a person since his exposure on the modeling field. From my first meeting Manny over a year ago we both realized that anything can happen to anybody as long as you are persistent and believe it can happen. Confidence went up and the desire to succeed became stronger from this experience that NEXT has provided. This definitely has been milestones in our lives."
Rob Buco for Black Out, short film by John Joseph Gomes
"Latest film, I saw? Paranormal Activity… by the time this goes to print I assume that it will get a larger release. It is a low budget film that cost just under $7000 and has gone on to earn over $7 Million now (still in limited released cities). The concept is quite basic, young pretty couple are being tormented by something at night so they video tape while they sleep with night vision. IT IS HORRIFYING. It may be on the Blair Witch hand held camera idea but there is something that sticks with you after you leave the theater. I love horror movies and it takes a lot to get me freaked and this one does it to me."
"My thoughts on equality and health care? I think everyone has the right to be married if they choose to be. I do not think that it is the right choice for everyone but I would no doubt vote YES on a ballot. Speaking as someone that is self employed and does not have the privilege of having any Health Care coverage, I think a “universal” Health Care package is needed. How, when and how much is something that I would never try to figure out. I will sum it up this way: if I were to become ill, I would put off going to the hospital as long as I physically could with the fear that my fees would be astronomical. Obama are you reading this?"
Rob Buco with Manny Lopes, 2009 NEXT Man
"Who's the NEXT Man of the Year? Originality, originality, originality. Shoot what has not been shot before. Shoot what you know your competitors won't. Get to know your model so well that when he/she smiles...you know why they are smiling."
Rob Buco for Black Out, a short film by John Joseph Gomes
"I like to get to know my models on a mental level before I start the process. I also always talk about my intentions and what I hope for in a shoot. I never had anyone else on the shoot with me besides the model. I work the lighting, the set, the props, and scene. It is an intimate experience to work with the model that closely."
Couple of months ago, Rob Buco and 2009 NEXT Man of the Year, Manny Lopes did a Charity Fashion Show at Stanford University, so how was the experience for Rob? "It was an incredible experience for both of us. I never dreamed that I would watch Manny walk in such a show for those designers. I was like a proud Papi watching him live that out. I give runway photographers props because it is a crazy scene to be involved with for a career." As we move on to the new set of models and photographers for the NEXT Man search, Rob shares some advise and tips for the Photographers vying for the competition's title, "Be different, be creative and self promote. Promoting your work and involvement in the competition was a big factor of me being a contender in the contest (i.e.: facebook, myspace etc). Create images that have a timeless feel and are not over trendy." So how does it feel to win the 2009 NEXT Man of the Year? "Breathless."
Rob Buco, 2009 NEXT Man Photographer of the Year
Rob Buco and Manny Lopes, would like to greet everyone a Happy and Fun Halloween!!
Follow Rob's latest shots, click Rob Buco.
Always Exciting. Always NEXT.
