Showing posts with label Photographers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Photographers. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Who is Michael Hill? And what is Males In Motion?


Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill    Model: Mike
 
   Michael Hill is me! Lately I have been asked about who I am, what I do, and what is Males In Motion. I decided to write a blog and answer these questions for those who may not know. I am not and have never been an exotic male dancer. My approach to this industry is strictly from the side of the customer, fan and cheerleader. It is the customer who provides dollars to keep the dancers dancing, the bartenders pouring drinks, and pays the cover charge. It is the customer who supports a venue to keep the doors open. The customer is therefore, one of, if not the most important ingredient in the successful operation of a bar or club.
 
   I am a photographer, promoter, blogger and web developer. These four roles grew out of my passion for the entertainment world of exotic male dancers. For many years I worked for a corporation as a member of the IT staff. I traveled to different places in the U.S. and Mexico where the company had offices. During my travels I would always look for clubs that featured male dancers to visit during my off-work hours. I made some great discoveries along the way. Imagine the thrill of my first introduction to all-nude male dancers at Swinging Richards in Atlanta, Boxers N Briefs near St. Louis, and others.
 

Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill
 
   This was before the days of social media, yes, I'm that old. So, finding information about clubs that featured male dancers was not as easily attainable. In 2003, I was motivated to start a website, Males In Motion, where I could maintain a list of the clubs across North America. After that, any time I traveled for work or pleasure, I would have an available list online where I could check for clubs in the area and then, go have my fun. I soon discovered there were many other fans who felt the way I did, and they began to check the website during their travels as well.
 

Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill
 
   I dabbled in photography in high school and even wound up being the editor of the high school yearbook my senior year. I continued to enjoy photography in college and then after graduation as a hobby. It was often difficult to find the kind of images I wanted to use on my website so I began to go out and capture those images myself at clubs featuring male dancers. In time, I also started hiring local college students to be male models for promotional images for Males In Motion. For a couple of years, I even took promotional photos for local drag queens and entertainers. Today, I take only the photos that I want. Most of these are studio shots used on the website or blog. A few are promotional images for male dancers. When possible, I still enjoy capturing images of male dancers doing their thing in clubs or at events.
 

Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill
 
   Today I describe Males In Motion as a news and information service that promotes the world of exotic male dancers. Males In Motion is not an agency that provides male dancers for events. Nor are we a male review. Instead, we promote the exotic male dancer entertainment industry itself, male dancers and the clubs that feature them. We do this through our website Males In Motion, this Males In Motion blog, a Facebook Page, Twitter (@mimotion), Instagram (@mimotion5205) and Tumblr. I also serve as a consultant to male dancers, show directors, club managers/owners and promoters. And when the mood strikes, I hire male dancers for promotional purposes to appear at clubs and private parties.
 

Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill
 
   Males In Motion will turn 15 in September. Over these 15 years I have learned what customers are looking for in an entertainment experience with male dancers. I have learned how to convert the entertainment experiences into financial success for male dancers and the clubs where they perform. I have watched many clubs open their doors for the first time, as well as close their doors permanently. I know many of the pitfalls to avoid in this business. I try to share what I have learned with anyone in the business who will listen.
 

Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill
 
   Another question I am always asked is "where is your pic?" In this age of putting our whole world on social media for everyone to see, I am the mysterious figure who doesn't have any pics of myself online...or do I? The pics I use on the Males In Motion social media accounts, the website, in the blog, are all models I have hired or male dancers. I stay in the background so I am treated like any other customer who visits. I travel North America and visit clubs featuring male dancers and write reviews. I want to know the reality. I also consult with dancers, bartenders, club staff, managers, show directors, DJs, etc., and provide tips and information that I have gathered over the years. All is done for one purpose...to help everyone be successful. If I can do this as just another regular customer, I get the true picture and hopefully any assistance I can provide will be more effective as a result. It's kind of like being a secret shopper. I will admit that over the years I have developed friendships with many people in the industry so it is becoming more difficult to go to some locations and slip in quietly and discreetly.
 

Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill
 
   For the male dancer, I can make recommendations that encourage customers to tip you more. This can be as simple as the style of underwear that will fit your body, and the best colors to wear. For the club manager/owner, I can recommend steps toward creating an atmosphere of true customer service where everyone feels welcomed and will want to return for future visits. For the show director I can provide inspiration to create new experiences for the customers. For the DJ's, I can provide tips on what music best motivates the dancers to move seductively, and the music that specific customer target markets want to hear. There are so many simple steps that can be taken that when combined, will have a major impact on financial success and customer enjoyment.
 

Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill
 
   I am luckier than many. I combined the things I enjoy most - travel, photography, writing and exotic male dancers - and created my own career as a photographer and promoter. I chose to be a promoter because I wanted to participate in the success of my favorite form of entertainment which includes male strippers, go-go boys, pole dancers, male reviews, and nude male dancers. I promote the dancing boys because I enjoy watching, tipping and photographing them. I promote also because I want to assist clubs, venues, events and any other business that feature male dancers. It's purely selfish. I want them to be successful so that I can continue to enjoy male dancers the rest of my life. I have often joked that I'll be old, feeble and in a wheel chair and I'll still be wheeling up to the stage to tip the boys! And of course, I"ll need a male stripper for every birthday in my golden years. I'll never be too old for a lap dance.
 

Photo Source: Males In Motion     Photo by Michael Hill
 
   I hope I have answered your questions with this blog. If however, you have further questions, please feel free to add them to the comments below and I will reply. If you are interested in my services as a consultant, please let me know. I prefer to be contacted through social media. My social media accounts are listed at the bottom of this blog. Consulting for male dancers is always free. Depending on the type of request, it is usually free for clubs and their staff members as well. Until next time, don't forget to tip the boys!
 

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Photo Source: Michael Hill Digital

Sunday, October 15, 2017

His Boys Spread Across Our Coffee Table? ~ Morgan LeShade, Tampa Photographer


Photo Source: Black Rose Photography      Model: Roman
 
   Three words appeared together on a post that was scrolling down my fb wall ... 'full nude men'. They were arranged in the title Men of Tampa Bay Full Nude! An ad with amazing and hot pics was with the post. I was visually delighted and instantly wanted to know more, and of course SEE more.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography      Link to Men of Tampa Bay Full Nude
 
   This was a few months ago when I learned the ad was for a weekly event held on Sunday nights at Players Club Tampa (formerly known as Skin). What was normally a female strip club the rest of the week, was now going to be full of sexy and naked male dancers on Sunday nights! And from the pics on the ad, I could tell it was a place where I wanted to be.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography      Model: Teo
 
   The main point in the last paragraph was "from the pics on the ad, I could tell it was a place where I wanted to be." The pics in the ad were sensual, inviting and motivated me to want to see these men in person. (And yes, there was still more to be seen, because their hands covered their man parts...you know, Facebook police and all.) Black Rose Photography was shown to be the source of these great photos. As a photographer and promoter, I greatly appreciate a photo that motivates a customer to want to visit the club or bar where the dancer will be performing. It takes a great eye and attention to detail to be able to create such an image.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography      Model: Reggie
 
   A few weeks later, while preparing a blog featuring Reggie Cox (in pic above), a male dancer from the Tampa Bay area, I kept coming across the name Black Rose Photography. I also learned that Reggie was actually one of the dancers at the Men Of Tampa Bay Full Nude shows. And some of the best pics of him that I had hoped to use in the blog were taken by none other than Black Rose Photography. At this point, I had to know who was the force behind Black Rose Photography. As a result, I was introduced to the name Morgan LeShade.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography      Model: Justin
 
   Morgan LeShade started photographing male dancers and drag queens in the Tampa area in 2014. The locations where he has focused his lens include such clubs as Liquid Tampa (where he started but is now closed), Southern Nights Tampa, Wena's Night Club and Showbar, Players Club Tampa, The Flamingo Resort in St. Pete and others.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography      Model: Jose
 
   Morgan is currently working on the Men of Black Rose photo shoots that center around hand picked males. Some of the most popular men he has worked with include Teo Carter, Reggie Cox, Roman, Peter Alexander, and Jose Dones. But these are just a few. He pointed out that although they are liked for their fantastic bodies, they also have lovable personalities.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography      Model: Peter
 
   Morgan would love to publish a popular coffee table book. He says he was inspired by the work of Mark Henderson. He also hopes to see some of his work displayed in popular magazines.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography
 
   Morgan doesn't limit himself to photographing just male dancers (although we are very glad they are included). He basically photographs whatever suits his fancy whether that be drag, landscapes, men, women, animals, objects, etc. It depends on his mood.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography
 
   Check out the links above and view more of Morgan's work. You'll find some very, shall we say "appetizing" pics. You'll also get to see more pics of the dancing boys. If you happen to visit or live in the Tampa area, look for Morgan behind the camera at the clubs. Tell him Mike from Males In Motion says 'hello'. Also, please tell him THANK YOU for capturing the dancing boys in his pics and sharing them with us. We hope he publishes that book. We'd love to see his boys spread across our coffee table.
 

Photo Source: Black Rose Photography
   If you see the words 'full nude men' send me a message. And if it involves male dancers, send me a link. Until next time, don't forget to tip the boys...whether they are half-nude or full nude!
 

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Five Photo Tips For Exotic Male Dancers
It's All About Getting Attention!


Photo Source: Michael Hill Digital for Males In Motion
Exposing The Male Dancer ~ Guidelines For Social Media Promotion Part Two: Five Photo Tips
   If you are planning for a short career as an exotic male dancer, then this blog will not be of much value to you. I'd stop here and not read any further. However, if you are wanting to dance to supplement your income for several years, or help pay your way through college, or you are wanting to buy a new car, or other item on your wish list, keep reading. And if you are a customer or fan of male dancers, well, I've thrown in some eye candy to keep you interested.
   I have been a photographer for fifteen plus years. I have a marketing background and Bachelor's in business. For the past few years, all my work has been focused on entertainment and promotion. And as you might guess, the majority of this has been working with exotic male dancers and male models, all for the purpose of promoting the exotic male dancer entertainment industry. I say this simply to provide some background as to why I feel I might have some insight into successful photos for exotic male dancers to use in social media. I have five tips that I want to share with exotic male dancers about using photos for promotion.
   Let's put it out there right from the beginning. The purpose of photos in social media for the exotic male dancer is to draw attention to yourself. The type of attention that entices the customers to attend your performances. And once there, they are motivated to tip you. And that leads to you making cash to pay the bills, travel or purchase those items that have been on your wish list! That is a lot for a promotional pic to live up to. These photos can not be just another 'nice pic'!
 

Photo Source: Michael Hill Digital for Males In Motion
TIP ONE: RARELY OR NEVER PUT IT ALL OUT THERE!!!!!
   Part of being a successful exotic male dancer is the tease. If you post a pic of your junk boldly displayed for all to see, you've shot the proverbial wad and everyone has seen it. You've just lost one of your most valuable tools in enticing the customers to attend your performances. You want to remain a mystery. That doesn't mean that you can't take pics wearing a pair of underwear that leaves very little to the imagination. Or even a sneak peek when pulling down your underwear and showing just a bit. There is only one exception to this that I can think of. If you have been blessed and are a true King Kong. Well, then just to see if it is real or not, some customers will show up. But you can make a hell of a bulge or imprint in underwear that will do the same thing. This has nothing to do with being modest, this is just good business sense. Curiosity and mystery are two very powerful drawing cards when working to bring customers through the door.
 

Photo Source: Michael Hill Digital for Males In Motion
TIP TWO: NEVER TAKE GROUP PICS WITH SOMEONE WHO MAY HAVE AN ADVANTAGE
   Every day I see a post on Facebook where the reader is asked which one 1-5?, or some other number depending on how many hot guys are in the pic. Of course, they are basically asking "which one would you do?" If you are the hottest, most well-endowed, best body, most handsome, etc., etc., then great! But if you are not, then you have just devalued your visual attraction power. A customer who before thought you were the hottest dancer at the club may see this and now think, well, he isn't as hot as that other guy in the pic. He was motivated to seek you out and place dollar bills in your waistband, but now he probably still has you on his list, but he'll be looking for that other guy first. Be careful who you are in pics with. Make sure either you are alone, or you have an advantage over any others. Play it smart.
 

Photo Source: Michael Hill Digital for Males In Motion
TIP THREE: MAKE SURE YOUR BEST ASSETS ARE SHOWN
   When you have the say-so over what pics are used, make sure your best assets are in the pic. If you have a flat ass but a big bulge, then you of course want to make sure that bulge is the feature attraction. If on the other hand, you are of average size like most of us, but have that amazing bubble butt, then yes, turn around or at an angle where the globes are presented in all their glory. I see a lot of pics of guys with great butts who do just this. They know where their money maker is located.
 

Photo Source: Michael Hill Digital for Males In Motion
TIP FOUR: GIVE YOURSELF THE EDGE, PLAY INTO THE FANTASIES
   I like looking at pics of hot men in their underwear as much as the next gay guy or straight woman. But what really captures my attention is when that underwear is accompanied by costume accessories that play into one of my fantasies. Everyone who follows my blogs know that one of my favorite costumes is the cowboy. Put on cowboy boots and a hat and hot underwear, and you've captured my attention, and the dollars in my pocket will soon find their way into your nether regions. Behind the cowboy, there are other looks that I enjoy as well. I like the look and smell of leather so if you are wearing a harness, chaps, leather thong, motorcycle jacket, leather shorts, black boots, etc., I'm going to look your direction. Some fans are motivated by sports...a jockstrap, baseball pants and cap, sweatpants or shirts, team jerseys, etc. I also like superheroes on guys who have amazing chests and abs. There are many, many more. I could write several blogs just on costumes. Find one that fits your body type, and that sparks an interest in the customers. Use it in photos. One word of advice that I want to make is that make sure it doesn't hide your body. Lift it up, move it around, cut it off, etc., whatever you need to do to make sure that the sexy body is the star.
 

Photo Source: Michael Hill Digital for Males In Motion
TIP FIVE: POST ONLY PICS THAT GRAB ATTENTION
   It is difficult to make a list of poses, costumes, lighting, etc., that will grab attention but if you want your pics to be successful and work toward your benefit, that is what you have to do. I scroll through many pics each day. There are pics that I see and I keep scrolling on down the page. There are pics that I see and I stop and click 'like' or 'love' on them. Then there are pics that I like so much that I think others will like them so I 'share' them. The last category is the best category and those are the pics that I do all of the above and then I download and save them to my hard drive because I think they are so damn hot, or unique, or eye catching, etc. In order to reach this status on a pic, you are going to have to do some thinking and planning with your photographer. Work together and come up with some ideas. In a single photo shoot, you may only come up with one shot that you feel this way about, but that one shot will bring a lot of attention your way when posted, and eventually it is hoped, will lead to more tips.
   I have added a few pics below that have caused me to 'like' or 'love', 'share', and download to keep. Do they affect you the same way? They may or may not. We all have different likes, tastes and preferences. What I consider attractive or interesting may be completely different than what you think. If you know your audience or customer base, you know what will push their buttons.
 
   Until next time, make and posts some great pics! Be sure and tag me so I can enjoy them too! (And for the customers who have read this, don't forget to tip the boys!) Feel free to add a comment below about this blog. Or, if you want, send me an email.
 
NOTE: Read part one of this series ~ Exposing The Male Dancer
Guidelines For Social Media Promotion

Part One: Make Two Separate Accounts

 

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Saturday, July 16, 2016

The Creative World Of Rick Craig
A Bag Full Of Gems


Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK
   Rick Craig is not a diamond in the rough. It only takes one look at his body of photography work to see that he has emerged from extremes of heat and pressure to become a gem, valued for it's clarity. In other words, he has successfully navigated life experiences that have influenced the creative talent he is today.

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK
   Rick Craig has the photographer's eye, seeing things that others will miss. He knows how to focus on movement and form in a way that captures our attention, and still provides a glimpse of the person inside.

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK
   I have been following Rick Craig's work for several years, and look forward to each of his posts on social media. He often photographs the male dancers at Area 18 in Tulsa, OK. All of the images from this blog are of current or former dancers at the club. Many of them I have had the pleasure of tipping, and from whom I have enjoyed a lap dance or two.

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK
   I appreciate the variety in his images both color and black and white. It is impossible to simply glance and move on. Each image has details that cause one to pause. Yes, the sexual markers for exotic male dancers are all there...the full lips, the ample baskets, the bubble butts, the concrete wall chests...we the fans, are always grateful.

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography
   Although it is only a small part of his creative talent, I have come to love and respect his gems, or images of the exotic male dancer. His work has a purity. It emphasizes the characteristics of the person, rather than some glorified representation. The images are true, sexy and real.

Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK

   Check out Rick Craig Photography on Facebook. I recommend his photography services for all exotic male dancers and entertainers.


Photo Source: Rick Craig Photography :    Location: Area 18 ~ Tulsa, OK
A diamond is created from almost pure carbon that has been crystallized under extremes of heat and pressure.
   Until next time, always let the photographers and videographers know that you appreciate their work! Tell them. "Like" their post! And don't forget to tip the boys!
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