Prepare yourselves for a big slice of beefcake! Yum! It’s the “Men of Dad’s Garage” calendar! I’m so glad they brought me on board for this project. I did these shoots throughout July, and waiting this long to blog about it has been a special kind of torture. The fabulous folks in these pics are ridiculously talented friends of mine, and they represent the improv ensemble at Dad’s Garage Theater. The purpose for the calendar is to promote all the cool shows for their next season. That way, people can see exactly when the shows are running. Smart. Even smarter? Adding some eye candy to that info.
I can’t sufficiently describe here how much fun this was for me. However, if you shove enough good tequila in my face, I might share a few special details. Which shoot had the most giggling? Which one was surprisingly dangerous? Which one was I not wearing pants to shoot? Note to potential clients: I will definitely be wearing pants during your shoot.
So, I do a somewhat adequate job of keeping this blog at a PG-13 level. I may be pushing it a bit with this post. If your eyes, soul, or heart are of a delicate nature, I suggest that you do not scroll down. You have been warned.
JANUARY
Here’s the one from this shoot that made it to the calendar. We all agreed that the champagne missing the glass was the winner.
Here’s another shot I love from this shoot. Having just started watching “Mad Men”, I have a new appreciation for Z’s sharp, cool, rat-pack style. Nothing wrong with ringing in the new year with champagne and a handsome devil.
FEBRUARY
Anyone who knows Christian will understand that we had to involve robots. Years ago, he made the costume he’s wearing. During our shoot, he told me a great story about the first robot costume he made, and got stuck in. Awesome.
This one didn’t make the calendar, but I adore it.
MARCH
Dad’s Garage could totally be accused of false advertising, since Amber is a lovely lady in the man calendar. That’s why I thought we should play with that idea, and make her look like one of those androgynous Calvin Klein male models, or one of those Herb Ritz photos from the 80s with gals dressed as dudes. I also figured that since Amber was the only girl in the group, she should be the only one that gets to pose with a half-naked woman. By the way, a big thank you to gorgeous Alison for allowing us to completely objectify her incredible yoga bod.
Here’s the calendar shot…
…and another favorite. To all the guys who see this calendar…..you’re welcome.
APRIL
I wanted to experiment with the “April showers” concept, and Lucky has a friend with this amazing car. Win, win! I just wish we could have gotten his dog, Abe Jackson, in more of the pics.
Not in the calendar, but I love this one too….
MAY
So, what do April showers bring? May flowers, of course? Only Tommy could pull of such a smoldering look while covered with this many blooms.
Seriously Tommy, that look should require a permit. Weapon of mass seduction.
JUNE
Randy has a show coming up next summer called “Slaughter Camp”, and nothing screams summer like actual screaming when there’s a maniac loose in the woods.
I think my direction before this next image was “more blood!”. I must also thank Breckan and Rueben for playing dead so nicely.
JULY
I think Mike got the easiest, most relaxing shoot. On a hot day, he had to look hot while chilling by and in the pool. I guess it wasn’t all a walk in the park. I did make him wear that goofy headband.
God. Bless. America.
AUGUST
When planning this shoot, it didn’t seem physically impossible to fit three guys in one tub….and all my photo gear into a bathroom. Trickier than we thought. Thanks for being such sports, fellas. Turns out, the toughest part was keeping Dan from finishing that burger before I took the pics.
Dan, Ed and Chris made the cover (this next image)! We should have called them to announce it, like they do for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Thanks to Leigh Hays for letting us use her sweet purple bathroom!
SEPTEMBER
Oh, dear. This shoot with George and my hubby Matt actually ended up being more tame than I thought it would be. These guys are not known for their shyness. I had to stop between each frame because I was laughing so hard, I couldn’t hold the camera still. This calendar photo still makes me belly-laugh every time I look at it.
Nope, nothin’ crazy about this….
OCTOBER
Rene got the coveted Halloween month (also the month of his birthday). I wasn’t sure that “mummy” and “sexy” and “funny” could go together, but Rene happily proves me wrong.
Though not in the calendar, here is my favorite from this shoot. I dig the throwing action and mischievous expression.
Here’s another idea we had for October. That’s our pal Chris Brown in his oh-so-creepy Rotzo costume that he made himself. So talented. In between shots, Chris and I were hanging out in the theater, when an unsuspecting young lady walked in. She saw him, screamed, and ran out. It was swell.
Sweet dreams…….
NOVEMBER
Not only does Matt deserve bravery points for the obvious reasons, but he also deserves recognition for the most harsh modeling conditions. The AC wasn’t working (was in the high 90s outside). It was painfully hot just standing still, then we made him lounge a few feet away from a fire. I can’t confirm this, but I’d guess he had no hair left on the other side when we were done.
In case you’re not sure what to be thankful for this Thanksgiving…
DECEMBER
Kevin, I’m so sorry for the pain we caused you. I’m sure all the smooching, groping, and attention will haunt you indefinitely. Thanks to our snow wranglers and beautiful hand models Megan, Coop, and Hayley.
If you’re very, very good, maybe you’ll find this under your tree on December 25th.
Thanks so much to all my brilliant friends! Please go check out all the shows at Dad’s Garage!!! If you think these folks are hot, wait ’til you see how talented they are!
