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Chad Allen Ortiz by Jeffrey Felner

by Herve on

Doing these interviews has become an extraordinary experience for mespecially when I met someone like Chad Allen Ortiz ! I will admit that in this Instagram world I am one of millions who is visually stimulated by it BUT I am also one of the few who actually reads those pesky hashtags and whatever the subject has to say. Many preach soapbox wisdom, as I call it, since they are too young to preach sage wisdom but think in terms of second hand wisdom. How can they possibly know what awaits them with age. All in all, it’s always the luck of the draw with whom I hone in on; happily I seem to find a sampling of those who actually have more to say than just with their body.

Chad Allen Ortiz is sort of a jackpot for me since I only had an inkling of who he actually is and what exactly got him to this point in his life… oh and he is a “sharer” which certainly does help me and tell you why and what you need to know about him. I’m impressed and gratified that I sensed something more from his images and even more behind the words he espouses on his Instagram account. My subjects turn out to be multifaceted personalities who actually live “beyond the image” and have actual goals that supersede perfect abs and biceps… I won’t continue the list but you get the idea.

So here is Chad in his own words telling us all about his past, present and future since he falls under the heading of being a “creative.” Hopefully, this will not be the last you hear from this multitasking goal oriented young man….

Jeffrey Felner: Can you give us a sort of brief resume as to how you arrived at your present professional situation?

Chad Allen Ortiz: I began my training as a dancer in Temecula, California. My instructor, who happens to be my brother, and he connected me to my first modeling agency at age 16. I worked multiple shows and booked many commercial and print jobs. When I was 20, I moved to Los Angeles and began as an apprentice for Nickerson – Rossi Dance under the direction of Michael Nickerson-Rossi. I was promoted to company dancer, then principal dancer, then to Educational Director of both NRD and the Palm Springs Dance Festival. Today, I am the Executive Director of NRD and of the International Dance Festival in Palm Springs.

I have taught dance at high schools, universities, worked with dance organizations such as the Princeton Ballet, New York Live Arts, Los Angeles Dance Festival, and the Cape Cod Dance Festival. In the very near future I will be working with the Delaware Dance Education Organization, New York University, and Irvine Valley College assisting Michael Nickerson-Rossi. At present, I am in the process of developing the International Dance Festival, while also building numerous collaborations with magazines, blogs, and other marketing media.

YES!!! I still dance and continue to so on a national and international level.

Simultaneously with my dance career, I started to free-lance modeling in Los Angeles booking television commercials while working for startup fashion brands.

Lastly, I run my own creative branding and social marketing company known as Transparent Compositions; I am currently the Director of Development at the Institute of Dance Artistry. All these facets and aspects of my life support and fortify one another.

JF: Let’s speak of social media: do you believe that social media is an asset and why, do you think that social media has diluted the professional aspect of creatives and redefined celebrity? Explain

CAO: Yes… The issue in the past was visibility; the issue of the moment is saturation or sometimes over saturation. Social media is an asset, but not the ultimate solution. Personal connections are a must; you must be possess the skillset to back up how you present yourself especially within my professional sphere … a hot body isn’t enough!

Social media offers a multitude of possibilities as to how one is perceived …“reality TV” or “real life.” All the lies, all the jealousy, or the slander that one might endure is a price you pay for ubiquity It is our job as artists to understand what people are actually interested in, while staying true to ourselves. It’s all a choice… a very personal one that depends on your individual goal/s.

I had to Google the word “celebrity” …which is simply defined as fame or well- known. That is exactly what people on social media are doing. Many so called “stars” of social media are becoming recognizable figures through relatable, engaging, seductive, or shocking content but to what end?

JF: If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would they be and why?

CAO: Martha Graham – Founder of Modern Dance

Marlon Teixeria – Male Model 

Steve Jobs – Apple founder

Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father

Oprah Winfrey – Media entrepreneur 

To me, these people are larger than life. Whether in the field of dance, modeling, design, branding, or management… they all have found success in their lives and achieved multiple goals. I am inspired by their pioneering. I would appreciate their insight on how they approached life and business.

by Rick Rusch

JF: Can you speak to what you do as an artist and what sets your work apart from so much of what we see on social media? Do you see a downside from “putting yourself out there” with regard to the preconceived notions that are drawn from what you present?

CAO: I am a jack of all trades and I use them to build onto one another. I model, dance, photograph, video, market, manage, direct, educate, choreograph, create, design, and so on and on. I enjoy mixing the skills creating beautiful works no matter the medium. I enjoy access to a vast assortment of creatives and search for the links between us, whether as creatives or as business colleagues. It all comes together at some point.

Downside to “putting yourself out there.” … I wouldn’t exactly say there’s a downside. What one needs to expect is that people are going to perceive you in their own personal way. You may have specific intent, but what really matters is what others get out of the experience. We are complicated creatures with different emotional responses to all situations. I suppose the “downside” would be that there are those who are vindictive, malicious players who want to tear you down. No one can control how they perceive you. All I can do is show my best self, all I can do is know who I am and what my goal is … and focus on that. Listen, apply, test, review and move on in that pattern to see what works and what doesn’t. 

JF: Lastly, let’s speak of Chad Allen Ortiz 5 years from now; major projects or if you could choose anyone as a collaborator, who what would it be and why?

CAO: 5 years from now I will be have had more world traveling done professionally or leisurely. All I really want is to see the world. I have surrounded myself in career choices that will help make this possible. I see the International Dance Festival in Palm Springs as a vehicle towards that ultimate goal.

I have big visions and I am on the road to get there. It isn’t easy, but it will be rewarding.

Chad Allen Ortiz on Instagram – @chadallenortiz …. SPECIAL THANKS TO Frank Louis, Arhscana Images, Den Sweeney, Transparent Compositions, Andy Grant, Tommy Wu, Alex Budin Photography, Caff Photo, Brian Mengini, Naoyasu Mera Photography

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PAUL REITZ by Jeffrey Felner

by Herve on

As is my wont in many cases, I am always on the lookout for multitalented creatives who juggle more than one occupation while employing a varied skilled set. As you will read Paul Reitz takes multi-tasking to a whole other level aside from being a lensman. Paul Reitz graciously carved out some precious time from his busy schedule to enlighten us, yes me too, about his everyday life and what that might encompass which could be anything from flowers to venues, to speeches to photography to napkins.

He is also a consistent presence and voice on social media which may or may not be confined to his creative strengths but also as a critic concerning the politics of our nation.

So, rather than me trying to offer any more of an introduction about this man’s creative endeavors, here he is in his own words and he can tell you himself…

Jeffrey Felner: Can you sort of give us a brief resume as to how you arrived to “where you are” at present?

Paul Reitz: Having moved to New York 30 years ago, following a few years in Tulsa as a DJ at alternative clubs but while in college my interest in photography was amplified studying the craft. I started shooting friends, mostly men, and made a conscious decision that whatever else I did; I wanted to be project a my singular vision of male beauty.  As soon as I got to NYC, I started shooting frequently, mostly actors, models, club kids that I would meet and in the post 9/11 NYC. I really put my heart and soul into photography as a way to express beauty and to make my way through what was a rather long emotional and mental recovery.  I was so fortunate that in 2010 German publisher Bruno Gmunder approached me to assemble my first book; that experience really just made everything explode for me and I’ve been fortunate to be very busy ever since.

JF: You juggle 2 very different careers…  but are they as different as they appear on the face? Explain please.

PR: Simultaneously working as a photographer and producing charity events for nonprofits (which might include fundraising to planning the theme, design concept, evening program, flowers, menu, the overall guest experience, and writing most of the speeches).  My touch is in every detail.  

Both careers, offer a similarity in that you’re telling a story. I studied journalism for radio/tv/film in college, and saved my money for three years after graduation to move to NYC since it would afford me considerably more opportunities than my native Oklahoma. I don’t work in TV, or at a news organization, but I work with many of those creatives and journalists on a daily basis. I use storytelling in events, in translating a mission of an organization or its culture to donors. As a photographer, I’m trying to tell a story in most images, albeit far more subtly. as event planner I am part of a collaborative effort while as photographer it’s usually just me on the photo side…my vision, my style choices, location — everything.

JF: If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would they be and why?

PR; Debby Harry has always been one of my favorite people, as has Siouxsie Sioux, Vivienne Westwood…and a couple of male sports crushes would delight me to no end, but I think I’d instead opt, in the current atmosphere in our country, for five advocates for positive change, and leadership.  I’m thinking of Presidents Obama and Carter, both of whom I’ve long admired and who made a tremendous impact on me.  Jimmy Carter is a saint…out building homes for the poor at his fragile age.   I could learn from him and from President Obama.  I’ve been fascinated by the young survivors of the Parkland School shooting, and what they are doing to create change. Like David Hogg.  I’d love to hear how he connects the dots and how he motivates young people and people of all ages to take action, and how he has turned a horrific event into action.  That inspires me tremendously, Christiane Amanpour who is radiant and fiercely intelligent as well as being a superlative interviewer. the last guest, the « just because » factor would be Cher who is Still out there and standing up for what is right in this country  The common theme with this lot, I suppose, is perseverance, humor, thoughtful advocacy.  

JF:As part of the maturation process, did you have any mentors or icons that you either tried to emulate or idolize …? Who and why?

PR: Growing up in Oklahoma, I saw these rich black & white photos of the Dust Bowl era and the Great Depression that were part of our history.th eimages documented as well as cinematically transporting the viewer into the grit of the dust and the simple beauty of the faces of the men and women who retained dignity despite the despair of those times.  Photographers like Dorothea Lange, in whose work you could feel the wool and cotton garments, the grit and dust, and the bare human emotion.  Works like that told a story. In college, studying photographers like Duane Michals who married imagery with the written word, creating a dual impact.  Then the rich deep black and white landscapes of Ansel Adams in the American West embodied a majesty, and a stillness that was formative for me.  The black and white made it even more timeless.  For male beauty, there was the 1970s porn look, more than anything I suppose … Shirtless, barefoot men in jeans, with naturally toned physiques and an easy, open expression, or invitation, punk and rock star swagger…. unfiltered sex appeal. Then there were the old copies of Physique Pictorial that I’d come across from time to time.  I love that the magazine is back, and in such a special way, honoring the past and keeping current in male erotica.  Herb Ritts and Bruce Weber were becoming popular when I was in college, and I certainly admired their work.

JF: Could you give us your opinions about the influence of social media on the world of fashion? Photography? Models?

PR: I suppose I’m one of those people that feels that so much of our current technology…smartphones etc., isn’t necessarily making our lives more efficient, but really busier, more distracted and I’d argue more anxious.  It’s certainly thrown fashion into a tailspin, with many brands rushing to keep up with those outlets and retailers who are savvy in their use of the medium to push fast-fashion.  Social media amplifies all of it.  As for photography, I think the old rules apply: the image must be multi-dimensional, it must grab you, it must evoke something, and if possible, touch you in some way, especially sensually.  

And as for models, I’ve garnered a considerable amount of work and individual clients… a distinction other than agency contact, editorial work … through Instagram in particular.  But how long will that model be viable, or « hot? »  In a few years, there will be another platform, another way of communicating … the censorship there is infuriating.  

Models? Please don’t call yourself a model unless you have an agency behind you; Otherwise, you are a social media « celebrity,” and that can be very empty and rather dull and soulless.  These Instagram « models » for example are rarely groomed, rarely do their homework and almost always have an inflated sense of their value.  It’s a popularity contest but there’s no single panel of judges.  The Kardashian mentality sickens me; they contributed heavily to the downfall of American culture.  Kanye and Kim on the cover of Vogue was an absolute travesty, as It endorsed this mindless ridiculousness.  

A plus for the social media platforms however is their delivery of fashion; it’s been exciting to be able to watch things that interest me like a Vivienne Westwood show live in Paris via Instagram.   So much of what interests me in photography is the use of my imagery to seek a product, or a concept.  I love seeing my work focused through someone else’s lens, and have found a new audience in the modern romance novel.  I’ve sold numerous covers for both gay and straight romance novels, and have loved learning about and being in that community.

IN the end the old rules must apply.  Less is more, for me. That’s my mantra and to present the image as a high point.  The current social media platforms will evolve, and change. I’m looking forward to the next one…one that allows my vision to be presented even more in tandem with what I see in my head.  I want a new big black and white book in everyone’s hands 🙂

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David Vance by Jeffrey Felner

by Herve on

Photographers, like artists/painters, share many characteristics that some might find more just plainly obvious. Most artists or creatives are known to develop a particular style in the representation of their chosen subject matter on which they focus on but the common thread that truly connects these creatives even closer is the process in which they can be equated as being curators of their singular “museum.”

It’s true that lensmen, like painters, have worked to support themselves in trying times with less than ideal commissions but these are rarely the works that are ever remembered. The most distinguished and memorable images are those that represent a personal or particular affinity for the artist which has been infused into the finished work. Vance is not always easy to pin down in terms of style but there exists a commonality, for the most part, which is that he offers you the opportunity to visually explore some incredible examples of beautiful men who have worked hard to create their own body of work … pun intended.

This series of interviews opens the door for photographers to speak about what and why they do what they do or in other words… their modus operandi. As you will find out it’s not all about beefcake and muscle as Vance speaks openly about his profession and his choices.

I must thank Hervé Godard for the introduction to these talented photographers and look forward to shedding some light on the art of photography and not just the “photographers of Instagram” …. Or as I call then … snap shot photographers.

Here in his own words is David Vance.

How would you say the internet and social media, especially Instagram, have affected the way you go about setting up a shoot in terms of “subject,” location or boundaries

Instagram has afforded me an additional platform by which I can reach more prospective talent. I have an additional place to display my work. I like to say; there are models willing to cross the ocean to shoot with me, and some who wouldn’t cross the street. It keeps me humble. You’d be amazed by the number of people I contact who never even respond. As far as location, these days I tend to prefer my own studio and locations with which I’m familiar. Boundaries… what are those?

Much has been written about creatives who have a signature look; would you say you have one?

I think so, although it seems to be more apparent to others than it is to me.

Want one? And why?

I think my work is primarily romantic, impressionistic and sensual… maybe a bit dramatic at times. My images seem to convey a sense of motion even when the subject is still.

My main influence is my Italian heritage. I was raised on religious art and Opera.

A friend who worked as my assistant years ago wrote this: “The photography of David Vance conveys a sense of beauty that is immortal and innocent. One senses that the soul of David Vance is more important to the photography than the camera. A quiet strength is interwoven with even the softest of his studies of the female form. A certain delicacy is sensed in his powerful portfolio of the male nude.” Bernard Lynch

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would they be and why?

The expected answer to this question is 5 famous people living or dead… but I don’t put much value in fame. The people I would choose are my parents who are deceased and also friends that have left this earth too soon. I have unanswered questions and unspoken conversations. Oh, and of course a really great chef.

What would you say has been your most rewarding or fulfilling assignment to date and why?

That would have to be the work I was fortunate to do with HARPERS BAZAAR ITALIA and UOMO BAZAAR. I worked with a great fashion editor, Stephanie Richardson, and many talented models, stylists and hair and makeup professionals. The locations, the clothes, everything was provided. We worked in Rome and Milan, in studio and on location around Italy. It spoiled me for the current editorial platform. Everything is different now.

These days I concentrate on making beautiful photos that hopefully will end up in a coffee table book. I am currently entertaining the possibility of doing a KICKSTARTER campaign for my next book, MENANDWATER.

You have said that you prefer to photograph models who are involved in fitness; why that preference and do you find that they make good subjects and why or why not?

Since I like photographing bodies it makes sense to find the best bodies. Fitness models by nature of the title are the ones that have the best bodies. They are dedicated to being in the best shape possible and they are generally at least a bit exhibitionistic. They like to show it. I like to shoot it. Makes sense to me. With all that being said, I’m really a sucker for a beautiful face. I always have been. I started making portraits of my family when I was just 14. If I have someone with a great body and an O.K. face, I always struggle to make sure the face is photographed to match the beauty of the body.

I also really love photographing athletes, dancers and acrobats. I admire grace, agility and strength. When I am inspired it’s far easier to create magic.

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Rick Day castings by Jeffrey Felner

by Herve on

Rick Day Inhabits a rather rarefied world of photography when you consider it an art form. It might be safe to say that any male model who has come along within the last couple of decades considers it a badge of honor as well as a rite of passage to be lensed by this man. He has surely achieved an undeniably palpable international status for those within the sphere of models. An image lensed by him might even be considered the gold standard or possibly a silent signal of having “arrived” at a particularly elevated position within the hierarchy of the modeling profession, both male and female.

For those who wish to take it a step further one might even say that there is some sort of fetishistic quality to the finished image and by that I mean a sort of hyper glorification or possibly objectification of the subject that stands before him.

In these times of what is considered to be politically correct or acceptable for publication on social media platforms it is indeed perplexing and frustrating a best; think “free the nipple” or male sex organs as being verboten but not someone’s bare ass or a or 2 totally nude bodies lying on top of each other. We live in times of double standards for just about anything and everything from world politics to simple images on Facebook or Instagram. In my opinion we have culturally lost or stifled some of your greatest visual artists with these blatantly selective/erratic and hyper vigilant rules of so called decorum.

It is no wonder than someone who glorifies the human form must turn to self-publishing in order to “expose and express” their work in its unaltered state; which is brings up to the topic at hand and that is Castings, a photographic chronicle or essay of Rick Day’s oeuvre.

Jeffrey Felner: Can you tell us the how and the why this book came about?

Rick Day: Castings is a project that I had in the back of my mind for many years. I published my first book Players Bruno Gmünder 8 years ago. I was always fascinated by an athlete’s physique and wanted to capture them in their most intimate moments. The result was a series of highly intimate erotic images of athletes. As hard as it was to find models to pose for my first book, the next books, thanks largely to the success of Players and the explosion of social media, finding models became much easier. I ended up doing 4 more books with my publisher. The last book, BelAmi, was shot over three years in three continents and captured the beauty of the BelAmi models, giving the viewer a behind the scene look at the BelAmi world. Not the on camera sex but the youthfulness, playfulness and charm of these models. This behind the scene is really the idea for this new book Castings. It’s like a journal of my daily life; everything from models coming by for a go/see, outtakes from various jobs, or models just fooling around on set. It’s a fun, cheeky, very sexy collection of images featuring top agency models and Instagram “celebrities” in ways that might be considered uninhibited, daring, fun and definitely not always Instagram friendly.  

JF: Can you explain the criteria you used to determine who would or would not appear in the book?

RD: As with any book I am putting together … There are always too many images and not enough pages.  All of my past books have been erotic nudes … It doesn’t really encompass all of the things I shoot.  This book is a departure from my past books as I want it to feel like a behind the scenes and out take diary of many varying and assorted shoots … often times my favorite images never make it to publication.  Deciding on who makes the cut for the book and who doesn’t is always a hard decision.  This time it’s not really about the « model” but about the feel/message of the book.  I always hate this question because I would love to put everyone in every book. 

JF: This is your first self-published book; can you tell us why you chose this avenue of publication as well as the pros and cons of doing this?

RD: The reason I decided to self-publish was the creative aspect of this book so that it was not limited to just nudes … or bodies.  It was a chance to really have fun putting a book together without the pressure from a publishing house about exactly what images I need to include.  The publishing house I was with in the past was amazing and I really appreciated their input however this type of book would not have really fit into their catalogue and I have never had a limited edition book published prior to this one.  I am an avid collector of books and I really love having many many books that are hard to find after they have sold out.

It’s exciting and nerve wracking this self-publishing; so I hope that if you like what I shoot… you will not miss out on the chance to own and contribute to this book in some way.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/1447188594/castings-by-rick-day

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Tim Christian by Jeffrey Felner

by Herve on

In today’s world of fashion, especially when it comes to runway, advertising and editorial, there seems to be this ageism that surely comes off as being rather discriminatory and ill-conceived as well as self-defeating. In the men’s area, apparently stylists, editors, photographers, casting directors and even designers flaunt these cookie cutter boys, not men, BOYS, as the ideal customer or image for so many coveted and ubiquitous prestige brands. Someone needs to explain to me how a 20 something who looks like he hasn’t had his first shave yet can afford $3,000 bomber jackets or $1500 shoes. Granted, so much of the clothing is geared to these absurdly young fashion victims but the schism between the reality and fiction broadens every season. Enter Tim Christian! He is here to signal a change in the winds.

Tim possesses this sort of “bucking the trend” rocker image that might be the antidote to what ails the industry. He is youthful without looking foolish, he is debonair, when called upon to be, in this sort of Delon Euro way and he is slim enough to carry off almost any look. Those in the seats of power need to take note and not summarily dismiss the possibility that they are sending out the wrong message to well-heeled consumers who can easily afford what they sell. Do you think that a hedgie, a CEO or any man past his 20s relates to prepubescent looking muscle boys with bow legs and greasy hair? Think about who can afford and who can only aspire. Tim is of indeterminate age like somewhere between 35 and death whereas the stepford boys can’t be more than 25 and it doesn’t take a genius to see it; marinate that in your mind for a bit.

So, I took it upon myself to speak to Tim Christian and listen to what he has to tell us about today’s world of being a male model and not being in the 18 to 25 age bracket. You’ll find it interesting that he has something or maybe even a lot to say about being Tim Christian.

Jeffrey Felner: Can you tell us some history about you and how you got to this “destination?”

Tim Christian: The trajectory of my professional life has been something of an odyssey. As a young man I never developed any particular vocational aspirations; I always thought there was plenty of time for that. One thing led to another, one career (more-or-less) lead to another. I had a few chapters and then it stopped. Planning, learning, volunteering, networking and two college degrees came up short a couple years ago. I woke up one morning and thought, “there must be something more about me, and less about the work.” Not that I didn’t want to work, I’d worked since I was 16, through high school and then it stopped. A rude sort of awakening to getting out there and making something OF myself. So I did my homework about head shots, posted one on a casting website, and in 48 hours had been contacted by three theatrical/commercial agents in Los Angeles. Model managers and agents in the EU, UK, USA and Latin America came calling very soon thereafter. Eight professional relationships developed between September 2015 and June 2016.

JF: What made you focus on being a model and wanting to buck the current trend of the ubiquitous cookie cutter boys?

TC: Acting is incredibly tough and requires an abundance of skills and training, none of which I had when I started. The way I LOOK is with me every day so it is a biological accident, but one that makes me extraordinarily lucky. I can have LOTS of model agents (and functionally only one theatrical agent); so the more people asked – serious, professional people (I did my due diligence), the more opportunities I had to build a team of experts who are on my side. Try to find that in the “regular job” world!

As for breaking some mold well, that’s partly circumstances and partly design. I look the way I look, mostly and one thing I know well is that I can’t make it work if I look like someone else. Most of the guys my age, and lots of young guys, have classic good looks. In cities like LA, truly beautiful faces (and physiques) are running wild on the streets so I tried to find my own niche; which includes a full head of long hair. I’m naturally lean so I take care to eat well (no point in eating bad food), and to exercise (another story entirely). I’ve never been tattooed or pierced, despite four years of college in the Eighties! I’m not a trend because I’ve not marked myself in any way that is permanent and at a typical casting, I’m the guy who can show SKIN, not ink. The day I change that is the day I blend in!

JF: If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would they be and why?

TC: I have always adored creative people. My mother has long held the belief that I am a frustrated artist in search of a medium. Perhaps my medium is me. She’s always the first on my list because she knows me far better than I can ever hope to know myself. And after two glasses of wine, she can chat with ANYONE. A close friend is a scientist and an artist and he has a wonderfully creative mind which is always full of questions and opinions that cannot be found in the proverbial box. People who work with their hands inspire serious admiration especially finish carpenters … maybe it’s biblical. I’ve worked with a guy here in LA who builds decks, fences and gates. He used to be a chef. And he’s Italian. Good with his hands . . . My oldest friend lives here in LA; we finished college a year apart, and both migrated into civilization at about the same time. We’re both married now, working and life gets busy and so I’d love to have him to dinner more often. Finally, there’s someone on my family tree I would love to meet, assuming all the rules of physics can be broken for an evening. The first woman in my family known to have been born in California, around 1880, was a Native American. She fell in love with a less than loyal Caucasian man, and got pregnant. He could ill afford to marry a Native American, let alone support a mixed-race child but she fought for herself and her child, and went down a rabbit hole in the courts to prove his paternity. There were death threats, armed guards, a Winchester rifle remains, this woman must have been somebody special and had she failed I wouldn’t be here. I’m betting she’d be a fantastic dinner companion.

JF: Do you have a constant inspiration, inner voice or mentor that drives you to achieving your goals and who or what might they be?

TC: Lots of folks have said that if you’re going to be something, whatever it is, be the best. Performing just because someone wants me to has never been my style and having had all kinds of jobs in this life, I know the value of WORK. It’s more and more at the center of life for most adults. Even if it isn’t curing cancer or sending a rocket to the moon, most people really strive to be GOOD at what they do. Slow days, crazy days, tedium, thrills . . . Whatever life throws at me, if I’m gonna do it, my aim is to do it well. I have lots of dull days, slow days and times when I’m not being asked to do a lot. So it’s all the more important, when I’ve succeeded in beating out countless other guys (most of whom look or sound just like me on camera) to be the absolute best I can be and not just because it’s expected, but because there’s no other point to it at the end of the day.

JF: If you could rewrite the path of your life, what would you change or wouldn’t change and why?

TC: I’m suspicious of “shoulda/coulda/woulda”. For me it’s too close to regret… or shame. I don’t always know why things happen, but I’m pretty confident that things happen for a reason. The smallest changes in the past would have had unimaginable effects on my life today. I like my life today. I have goals, and opportunities, and support and love and family and friends … none of which I’d care to lose. Whatever might have been doesn’t really matter, because it’s not real. This adventure I’m living is as real as it gets!

*** Special thanks to Dietmar Kohl, Mark Bruce, Joey Carman & Tate Tullier for their expert lensing of Tim!

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