still in the running...

...to becoming Hong Kong's next top model; despite this, like with many industries, i'm expected to first pay my dues. in modeling, this can only mean one thing - i need to blow models. seriously. i blew a model on set yesterday. oh right, clarification - i was the fan guy for a women's apparel shoot.

let me tell you, wind engineers are a vital piece of the photoshoot landscape. if i were to describe the experience in one word: intense. i suppose you could say it's the equivalent to the mailroom boy within the white collar world, or perhaps the fluffer in the bedroom accessories world - sometimes, you need to go down to make it to the top (you see, the best angle to operate a fan is from the ground).

still crossing my fingers and burning those calories in anticipation of the big break. for the time being though, i'm appreciative of the exposure i'm receiving to the models inc. world and its beautiful people. i even think they've started to accept me as one of their own, hooking me up with a super awesome nickname....Hot Air.
time to party.

models inc

yes, it's a late post, but better late than never.
daddy's been a busy boy this eve, so apologies that you've been without the freedom.
hoping that these pics will make up for it.
no, i'm not a starlet yet, but fairly sure these will help the portfolio.
many thanks to my new bff GMac.









and yeah, i go fur, but only the fake stuff....hash tag PETA my friends.

Air traffic needs to clear the runway....

....cause Rich is about to takeoff. I've been holding off on my dream for too long, the time is now. I'm 32 years young, and it's my destiny to be a male model. Don't get me wrong, I'm not thinking supermodel kinda status...something maybe 10 badges below that. The truth is, I have no experience, but come on, it's modeling right?
Let me bring you back stage for a second and let you all experience the life of a wannabe male model.

1. First thing that's needed to be a model is a portfolio. Now some will tell you that you need professional glamor shots....to which I say, they are probably right. My approach - sort through all personal photos where I'm giving 'good face' and send those off instead. Crop out anyone that is better looking than I am....(short work).

2. Show up to the casting call about 15 minutes late (model time), and wear sunglasses inside for as long as possible. Basic form to fill out, which asks for measurements....to which I have no f'n idea...and would make fun of anyone who does.

3. Then it's time for some one-on-one with the camera. The assistant working with me may or may not have been a model type....I couldn't tell behind that sexy surgical mask she was wearing. (Side note fact: I'd say about 2% of everyone in HK wears one of these bad boys).

4. Showtime....I give my best blue steel type of look...however, this casting is looking for smiles....and not just subtle smiles, but toothy-ass grins. Not my speciality, but I do my best. "Chin down", "Shoulders straight", "Your other left"....it felt like grade 4 picture day.

And that's that....modeling casting over and done with.
Do I feel good about my chances? It's a tough one.
As much as I am somewhat unique in this market, I'm also perhaps not the right guy to be pimping skin smoothing products or something else that would be best left for someone with a lot less body hair than this guy. My only hope is that there may be something for me in the 'creepy dad/uncle' category. Time will tell.
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A final note to address all this model talk and its place in the retired man's rationale. Alas, I must admit, a wise-man told me once that you should never go full retir'd. I promise you this, either way it'll be on my terms.

Here's the obligatory Zoolander clip you've all been scrolling for>