commentary – Tony Ward

Fashion: The Allure of Teen Modeling

Teen model strikes a pose wearing a tight fitting black dress — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Fashion: The Allure of Teen Modeling

Potential Risks and Rewards

The world of teen modeling often shimmers with allure—fashion shows, photo shoots, and the promise of fame. For many teenagers, it’s a dream career that promises glamour and creativity. However, the path to success is far more complex than it appears, fraught with challenges and risks that accompany the potential rewards.

For aspiring teen models, the appeal is undeniable. Modeling offers opportunities for creative expression, travel, and exposure to the fashion and entertainment industries. It can also serve as a platform for building self-confidence and connecting with like-minded creatives. Success stories of young models landing major campaigns or becoming household names fuel the dream, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

The journey to becoming a successful teen model is anything but smooth. The industry is fiercely competitive, with casting calls often bringing rejection after rejection. Many teens struggle to balance school commitments with the demands of modeling, including travel, photo shoots, and fittings.

Additionally, the industry’s strict beauty standards can be mentally and physically taxing. Constant scrutiny of one’s appearance can lead to insecurity or unhealthy habits as teens try to meet expectations. The pressure to maintain a specific look while navigating the formative teenage years can take a toll on self-esteem.

Teen models are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Scams are common, with fraudulent “agencies” preying on young hopefuls. Even within legitimate spaces, teens may face inappropriate requests or unsafe working conditions. Without proper guidance, they may sign unfavorable contracts that limit their control over their careers.

Furthermore, the industry’s demand for perfection can contribute to long-term mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. Families must be vigilant, ensuring their children are supported emotionally and professionally.

Despite its challenges, modeling can offer valuable life lessons. It teaches discipline, professionalism, and resilience. For those who succeed, the rewards can be significant—financial independence, global exposure, and the chance to influence industries beyond fashion. Many models leverage their platforms to advocate for causes or launch secondary careers in acting, design, or business.

For teens considering modeling, preparation is key. Research reputable agencies, involve parents or guardians in decision-making, and set clear boundaries. Prioritize education and personal well-being, and never compromise integrity for success.

Modeling, like any career, comes with risks and rewards. For those ready to navigate its highs and lows, it can be a transformative journey—but only when approached with caution and care.

Style: Man and His Beard

Handsome black man with distinctive full beard — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Style: Man and His Beard

There’s something undeniably iconic about a man and his beard. From the rugged pioneers of history to the carefully groomed gents of today, beards have always held a place in the story of masculinity. But over the past decade, beards have gone from being a niche statement to a global phenomenon, adorning faces everywhere from hip coffee shops to corporate boardrooms. What’s behind this resurgence, and why does facial hair continue to captivate us?

Historically, beards have been loaded with meaning. In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, beards were symbols of power and status, often groomed meticulously or even adorned with gold. Greek philosophers like Socrates sported beards as badges of wisdom. In the Victorian era, industrialization gave rise to the belief that beards were a mark of health and virility, protecting men from the cold and even warding off disease.

The 20th century, however, saw the decline of the beard. Clean-shaven faces became the norm, partly due to military regulations and the rise of mass-marketed razors. Beards, once symbols of prestige, were relegated to the fringes—adopted by beatniks, hippies, and countercultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s.

Handsome black male with distinctive beard and glasses — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Fast forward to the 2010s, and the beard is back in full force. The resurgence can be credited to a mix of cultural, social, and economic factors. First, the rise of social media has turned grooming into a visual art form. Platforms like Instagram have created spaces for men to celebrate their facial hair, with countless influencers and barbers showcasing perfectly shaped beards.

Second, the modern man’s relationship with traditional masculinity has evolved. Beards have come to signify a return to authenticity and individuality in a world of digital filters and fast fashion. Growing a beard requires patience and care, qualities that stand out in an era of instant gratification.

Finally, the rise of artisanal and bespoke culture—think craft beer, bespoke tailoring, and gourmet coffee—has elevated grooming to an art form. Beard oils, balms, and grooming kits now line the shelves of department stores, turning facial hair into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Beards, in essence, have become a bridge between tradition and modernity. Whether worn as a statement of style, a nod to heritage, or simply as a personal preference, the beard is more than just facial hair—it’s a timeless icon of identity and self-expression.

Behind The Scenes: Heroines & Vixens

Behind The Scenes: Heroines & Vixens

Here is a look back at some of the behind the scenes moments of the subjects and the team that it took to produce the dramatic portraits for the Heroines & Vixens series. My apologies to any of the women that was photographed for the series but are not represented in the mosaic of these captured moments. I didn’t have the forethought when the series first began to have the sittings documented during production.

It wasn’t until creative director, KVaughn and I realized there was a thirst on social media for followers to gain insight as to the team work required to produce these portraits. As of this writing 22 women have been photographed from a variety of backgrounds and ages ranging from 21 to 75. Each woman cast writes an introductory story about themselves which is requirement to participate in the series. Some of the stories have been tragic others have been celebratory but all so very interesting.

I would like to thank the subjects that have sat for the project thus far. They are; Katie Kerl, Brittany Goldberg, Diana Desiderio, Ade Jay, Milan Burnett, Rita Olivia, Slater, Lisa Hughes, Joy Arnold, Megan Golwitzer, Amanda Stevenson, Shannell Verandez, Kathryn O’Connor, Erica Smitheman, Kitty Hailey, Ellen Tiberino, Shawna Williams, Mikala Mikrut, Savanna Hang, Tara Mordin, Scorpiana and Tracey Olkus.

Special thanks to creative director KVaughn, lighting assistant Anthony Colagreco and photographers: Brian Hunt, Steve Feldman and Al B for producing the photographs for this article.

To learn more about the series, link to gallery: https://tonyward.com/the-heroines-vixens-series/

Bob Shell: UFO Stupidity

AI generated illustration of alien spacecraft — AI generated illustration of alien aircraft

UFO Stupidity

Those of us who keep up on the news about UFOs, called AAP (Anomalous Aerial Phenomena) by the US government, are always disappointed when we’re promised revelations by the government. This was once again true of the two recent Congressional hearings on the subject.

There were no revelations in those hearings. The witnesses who were questioned by some incredibly stupid representatives and senators told is nothing we hadn’t heard before, multiple times.

Too often we heard, “I cannot answer that in an open session.” Why the hell not? Oh, they’ve signed nondisclosure agreements with the government. Doesn’t Congress have the power to lift those restrictions? Why is the subject always hidden behind closed doors? Don’t we the people have the right to know what our government knows? This is democracy?

Time after time, presidential candidates have promised disclosure if elected, and time after time they have reneged on that promise once elected.

The answer may lie in what a retired Airforce ‘bird colonel’ told me in 1996 while I was researching ‘Beyond Roswell,’ the 1997 book I coauthored. When I asked him about debris from the Roswell crash, he said, “We’ve had that goddam stuff for over fifty years and we still don’t know what the f*** it is or where it came from!” Now that might be a good reason for secrecy.

We know that the first government to have a UFO research program was Mussolini’s, instituted in 1933 after a UFO crash in northern Italy. Documents pertaining to that crash and subsequent research have recently come to light. We don’t know what became of the wreckage from that craft, but Italian researchers believe Mussolini gave it to the Germans. Some of the Nazi’s more unusual projects may have sprung from that, notably the Glock (German for bell). Much has been written about the Nazi Bell, so I won’t go into it here. I’m sure Google will bring up many stories.

My own speculation as to why the US government won’t tell us what they know is that they don’t know much. What government wants to admit that there are things using its airspace which that government does not know the origins of, and to which it has absolutely no defense.

The questions asked at those hearings showed that the congressmen and congresswomen didn’t do their homework. If they had, they’d have known that UFOs are not technology from China, Russia, Iran, or any other country. One man actually asked, “What country do they come from?” with a straight face. These things have been around for thousands of years! They are not the technology of any human country. The hearings should have interviewed someone like Jacques Vallee, someone who has researched the phenomenon for many years and knows the historical background. Instead of saying that the phenomenon has been around for decades, as they did, they need to realize it has been around for centuries, millennia.

Will our world governments ever come clean to their citizens? I wouldn’t bet money on it.

My father, Jim Shell, was a TV news reporter who took UFOs seriously and did stories about incidents. He always hoped to find out the truth. He went to his grave in 2001 without getting answers from the government he fought for in World War II. He deserved better, we all deserve better.

About The Author: Bob Shell is a professional photographer, author, former editor in chief of Shutterbug Magazine and veteran contributor to this blog. He is currently serving a 35 year sentence for involuntary manslaughter for the death of Marion Franklin, one of his former models. He is serving the 17th year of his sentence at Pocahontas State Correctional Facility, Virginia.

On September 16, 2024 Shell’s release date got moved up six years due to new “mixed charges” law to February 2, 2030. It was 2036.

To read additional articles by Bob Shell link here: https://tonyward.com/bob-shell-censorship-is-alive-and-well-in-virginia/

Trump: A Threat to Lady Liberty

Young beautiful woman dressed as lady liberty on Haloween — Lady Liberty. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

Trump: A Threat to Lady Liberty

Lady Liberty has long been a symbol of what America aspires to be. The statue was a gift from France to celebrate democracy, representing the mutual commitment of both nations to liberty and freedom. Her torch signifies enlightenment, while her crown, with seven rays, represents the seven continents, signaling an invitation to people worldwide. At her feet, a broken shackle symbolizes the breaking free from oppression and tyranny, a core principle of American ideals.

The statue has inspired Americans and immigrants alike, serving as a testament to a land built by people from all walks of life. The words inscribed on her pedestal, taken from Emma Lazarus’s poem The New Colossus, famously declare, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Her message has been one of compassion, inclusivity, and unity—a reminder of the strength that diversity brings.

As the nation approaches the upcoming election, Trump continues to spew lies, physical threats and hate speech while Lady Liberty’s ideals feel shaken. Increasing political polarization has created deep divisions on key issues like immigration, racial justice, and freedom of the press. The rise of nationalist rhetoric has challenged America’s longstanding commitment to diversity and openness, casting doubt on the country’s willingness to be a haven for those “yearning to breathe free.” Policies that restrict immigration, rhetoric that fosters division, and attacks on democratic institutions strike at the very foundation of the values she represents.

At the same time, disinformation and attacks on the integrity of elections make Lady Liberty’s torch seem dimmer. The trust in democratic processes is essential to her symbolism as a guide to freedom and justice. When voting rights are restricted or when public trust in elections is eroded, the country moves further from the democratic ideals she was built to uphold.

In this crucial moment, Lady Liberty’s symbolism serves as a call to action for Americans. Protecting her ideals means renewing commitments to fairness, inclusivity, and democracy itself. This election offers an opportunity for Americans to stand for a vision that honors diversity, reinforces freedom of expression, and reestablishes respect for human rights. It’s a chance to ensure her torch continues to shine for future generations.

Lady Liberty reminds us that freedom requires vigilance and courage. To honor her, Americans must resist apathy and remain engaged, whether through voting, standing against injustice, or promoting unity over division. She stands as a guidepost not only for a free society but for a compassionate one, welcoming those in need and providing opportunity for all.

As America stands at this crossroads, the Statue of Liberty’s message is as relevant as ever. Will the nation rise to defend the ideals she symbolizes, or will her torch flicker in the face of division and distrust? The answer lies in the hands of every American voter, each with the power to keep the light of liberty alive.