OPEN CALL: Contribute to a Cover Shoot for DNA Magazine

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I have but one priority goal to complete as soon as possible in 2025: I hope to submit a fashion and fitness pictorial that is both stunningly beautiful and original that it merits the cover of DNA Magazine. For 25 years, this global print and online publication has been the voice of gay culture, arts and politics and the ultimate authority on the only niche in fashion that is designed to reveal instead of to cover the male physique. The magazine's focus on swimwear, underwear and active gear year-round makes it the largest archive of the most handsome and fit male models in the world. Of course, the monthly visual feast of abs, asses and thighs are made possible through the regular contributions of legendary photographers lending additional prestige to magazine's reputation for being provocative, artistic and pushing boundaries.

DNA Magazine owes its creative and financial success to artistic genius and business acumen of Founder and Publisher, Andrew Creagh. Based in Australia, DNA is one of the very few monthly publications that has continued uninterrupted in print form and online thanks to a loyal readership comprised of a prized demographic of gay consumers with disposable income. I credit the ongoing appeal and consistent quality of DNA to Andrew Creagh's keen eye for photography and his tireless devotion to finding new talent and keeping up with social media. He actually responds to reader feedback and individual inquiries and emails.

I had been away from photography for 15 years and had no online presence or any new work. I reached out to Andrew in an email with images I took 20 years ago accompanied by an article called "The Last Centerfold." The pictorial was intended for publication in Playgirl but the Magazine had ceased its print operations before I had the chance to introduce the world to a very classically handsome young man with an impressive sculpted physique. Chris Mercer was not a model but a professional in PR and Marketing whom I met while working for the same client. There was no other platform for the elegant nude pictorial so I kept them hidden away in my personal portfolio for the next 20 years. DNA was able to publish some images in print and the nude images online in their Subscriber Zone. The timeless appeal of gorgeous model Chris was one of the most highly trafficked features of the year.

I contributed to five different issues of DNA Magazine during 2024 using images captured prior to 2005. I also contributed to other publications such as Moevir, Selin, Style Cruze Men, Eroticco, Malvie, Boylicious and Quadro using old work that had now been elevated to the status of Fine Art. Some of my lighting techniques were ahead of their time, and my submissions were published by seven of the most prestigious men's and women's fashion magazines during the remainder of 2024.

In order for a submission to be a contender for the coveted Cover Feature, there are several prerequisites.

1. Caliber of the model. Models must have well-defined muscular physique, especially abs, V-shaped torso, prominent backsides and tree-trunk thighs which are ideal for modeling underwear and swimwear. They must be experienced and uninhibited as they communicate sex appeal through suggestive poses showing off their bodies wearing very little fabric. The model should appeal to a broad spectrum of demographics overcoming any bias based on age and race. The model cannot have large tattoos on their torso or backs with very rare exceptions.

I have located a potential candidate for the Cover Model. He has never been featured in DNA Magazine before which is a plus. His name is Logan Drake and he checks all of the requirements above and more. Logan has a very busy professional schedule and also family life and his popularity makes him in high demand currently. He did express initial interest in the project, but we have not been able to confirm.

If you know of other prospects who may be a good fit for this shoot, please contribute to this project with your suggestions and introductions.

2. Popular international brands or well-designed local brands featured in the pictorial. Does the product fit the model's image and physique. Is the photographer's style consistent with the overall message and branding historically used in advertising campaigns.

From my intensive research, the following brands are at the top of my list in terms of styles that visually augment the male body's appeal without excessively removing fabric with deep cuts and revealing designs.

  • Emporio Armani
  • Dolce & Gabbana
  • Charlie
  • Hugo Boss
  • Dsquared2

If you would like to introduce additional brands for consideration, please contribute your expertise. I prefer to support smaller brands that have a creative direction or local to New York or another state such as Skull & Bones that have a compelling origin story.

3. Photography style and shoot concept. The images collected below use high contrast or backlighting techniques for their campaign images which are timeless, elegant, and part of my repertoire. The major adjustment to whatever style is used for the pictorial would be a different approach to the Cover Image which has separate requirements. It is usually set against a light or colorful backdrop and uses high contrast, suggestively appealing poses that show off the model's muscle groups to their best advantage. Lastly, eye contact and an inviting facial expression help to establish a connection with the viewer.

Will try to keep you updated on my progress and I also look forward to your feedback.



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