Photography – VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak

The Remarkable Life of Roman Mokrenko

Ukrainian aerialist’s gravity-defying career path will astound you…

Sometimes the pressure of our daily routine makes us say “I just want to run away and join the circus”. But have you ever known someone who actually has? Well, meet a man who ditched his white-collar career for a chance at Sin City’s newest big tent spectacular.

Roman Mokrenko is a 29-year-old Ukrainian from the port city of Odessa. Known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea”, Odessa boasts amazing architecture and a renowned Opera and Ballet Theater. The natural beauty of the Ukraine is as much a part of Roman as his love for physical arts. A longtime athlete, he studied acrobatics before pursuing a career in law. While attending the National University Odessa Law Academy, he simultaneously became a Junior Lieutenant in Military School.

Being both a lawyer and a military officer didn’t extinguish Roman’s desire to accomplish something artistic:

One moment I just realized that this office life is not for me. I cannot live without a “scene”. Thank God I have a background in acrobatics and artistic gymnastics…I almost never stop training. There is too much energy in my head and body that I have to “splash” somewhere.

If you’re going to make a splash, what better pool than the Las Vegas entertainment scene? There are countless productions here that incorporate aerialists, gymnasts, acrobats, and contortionists. So when Roman discovered a casting call for the new circus-style show CELESTIA at The STRAT, he decided to take the plunge.

I applied for the casting without much hope. Here you can see the best artists of the world. I thought it was impossible, but now I’m here! This is my favorite part of life in Las Vegas. I have seen almost every show.

Roman arrived in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day 2018. You might say that this was the beginning of a love affair with Sin City’s desert. Although he misses life by the sea, the excitement of performing in Vegas has allowed Roman to reach new heights. He just had to learn how to deal with the scorching climate.

Air conditioning saves us from extreme heat. But sometimes when I have practice in the afternoon it just helps to warm up and train without a shirt. On stage, the artist must look divine. Not for nothing that I train every day and stay on these diets. If you have something to show off, then why not?

He may joke about flaunting his chiseled abs, but Roman’s physique has landed him several modeling gigs…some of them a bit unusual.

I was a sketch model several times in New York City when the show was being revised. People sit in circles, have drinks and make sketches while you’re almost naked. I’ve had several shoots with photographers…one was for a foot fetish site, haha!

That Ukrainian sense of humor came through in Roman’s character work for CELESTIA, but it’s his physical abilities that stand out. He hopes that audiences will be inspired by his feats and channel that into their own fitness journey.

We’re on our phones all the time, but we can do it with some “profit”. Keeping in shape is much easier than going in and out of form. For ordinary people (not performers), 30 minutes a day will be enough. Just walk on a treadmill and watch a movie or play a game.

When not entertaining crowds, Roman still finds himself in the company of fellow artists. After a massage and hearty breakfast at Omelet House, he heads to a very unique school:

I like Nevada Rhythmic Academy. It’s a place where I can train, invent new acts, meet artists from other shows and try something new together. There is a real aura of the gym in which I grew up.

Mokrenko is considering buying a home here in Las Vegas, but there are a few dreams overseas yet to realize:

One day I’d like to be live on a stage with Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds or Hans Zimmer. They are my favorites. And I want to perform with Nederlands Dans Theater. It will be an amazing mix between ballet and aerial performance…like dancing in the air!

As is quite often the case in the Vegas entertainment environment, Roman’s time at CELESTIA abruptly came to an end. Fortunately, his talents and great looks led him to other exploits, like joining the myriad of hot guys in Sahara‘s Blanc de Blanc and Atomic Saloon Show at Palazzo.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Since the pandemic’s city-wide shutdown of live performances, he’s spent much of the spring and summer focusing on photography. Not one to shy away from showing off his hot body, the former soldier is often in front of the lens as well. And he’s wisely taken advantage of the quiet streets and sidewalks to obtain some incredible shots.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Roman agrees that now is the best time to get in shape and document your results with a terrific collection of portraits and landscape shots. To see more of his gorgeous work, visit the official Instagram gallery. If you’d like to know more or to schedule a shoot, contact him directly through Facebook messenger via this link.

Photos and video: Roman Mokrenko, Sam Novak

Hot Guys of Vegas: Eye of the Beholder

Checking out the beauty of Sin City’s hunks from both sides of the lens…

For some guys, the camera is like a best friend. It can tell a story, show the world who you are…or allow you to share your vision with others. In this edition of “Hot Guys of Vegas”, I introduce you to professional models and photographers who are just as beautiful.

NICK AYLER – Deejay/model/actor

Nick Ayler

Where you’ve seen him – Bond at Cosmopolitan, Abercrombie & Fitch, GQ

Some men make the world look better just by being so handsome. Deejay/actor/model Nick Ayler makes it sound better too. This hot hunk is a nightclub favorite who brings his own take on music to dance spots in Vegas, Los Angeles and around the world.

I was first introduced to Nick when he was heating up the crowd at Bally’s Liaison Nightclub, a unique experiment in Strip-side gay nightlife by legendary club purveyor Victor Drai. Handsome, chiseled and flashing a boyish smile that kept his simmering sex appeal in balance, the stud from Buffalo NY instantly won me over.

Ayler’s talents have been a favorite at LGBTQ spots like Piranha and the former Share. As you might imagine, having a shirtless, muscular hunk at the turntables tends to draw that type of crowd. But as you can see below, it takes all kinds of revelers to fill Nick’s dance floor.

In a culture where being a multi-hyphenate is a requirement, Ayler has been racking up stacks of additions to his resume. Actor, model, humanitarian, philosopher, music producer, percussionist and fitness guru are all ingredients in the Nick Ayler cocktail. But even a muscle hunk needs a little junk food sometimes.

Noteworthy traits – smoldering gaze, electric charisma

Preston Thompson – model/dancer/fitness competitor

Preston Thompson

Where you’ve seen him – romance novel covers, private gigs, photo ops on the Strip

If you’re a regular reader, you know that I cover the Mr. Olympia Fitness Expo every year. It’s hard to stand out in that type of crowd, but Preston Thompson makes it look easy. He’s earned the right to lift up his shirt in front of that “Muscle and Fitness” banner.

Preston came to Sin City two years ago by way of Atlanta. He grew up in a log house on a farm in Knoxville, TN then moved through five different states before heading for the bright lights of the Strip.

When he arrived, the twenty-six-year-old hunk was determined to take Las Vegas by storm: “Every move I make is calculated” he says. “This isn’t a guessing game”.

Now that he’s here, Preston juggles many different hats…and shirts, costumes and gear. You’ll find him on the cover of romance novels by Vegas-based Wander Aguiar Photography. And he shakes up parties and private events by performing as “Bradley” for Wild Entertainment, the Steve Kim entertainment agency I told you all about right here.

Like Thompson, gal pal Natasha Kirby is a fitness enthusiast. She recently competed in the Salt Lake City Showdown, and the couple hopes to do fitness competitions together soon.

In their spare time, Natasha and Preston like to visit shelters just to spend quality time with the animals. Preston is especially fond of felines. Although having pets isn’t currently permitted where he lives, adopting cats is high on the list of Preston’s goals.

Despite his brawny frame and steely gaze, Preston is a philosopher at heart:

When you figure out in life that everything’s made to be broken….then you’ll truly understand how fragile life is. Just make me a Believer and I’ll follow… no matter the path.

All that introspection might be a little heavy at times, so he likes to lighten things up with a little outward inspection. By that I mean lots of selfies through the years…to chart his progress, of course:

On some evenings, you might spot Preston and his beefy friends (they call themselves G.I. Hoes) posing for photographs in front of Planet Hollywood or at the Linq Promenade. While other characters might hide behind padded suits or just stand there for a tip, Preston struts his stuff…and sometimes defies the laws of gravity.

Noteworthy traits – deep blue eyes, action-movie physique

Noel Dahl – photographer/humanitarian

Noel Dahl

Where you’ve seen him – charity events, cover of Las Vegas Night Beat

Most photographers like to let their pictures do the talking while they remain in the background. For Noel Dahl, those photos recently put him in the center of a controversy that played out on a Las Vegas television station.

You might remember Dahl from an expose I penned earlier this year. In it, I described how the highly-respected photographer was having his tasteful work slammed by ABC affiliate KTNV-TV as “lewdness”.

As always, this man with a generous and forgiving soul moved forward and continued to support the community as he has done for years. From raising fund for AIDS programs to providing food for the needy, Dahl approaches life with dignity and respect for all.

Noel Dahl and friends serving food to the homeless…

Last year Noel created a pin-up calendar featuring all-male subjects and donated 100 percent of the proceeds to charity:

Throughout my years as a photographer, I have had the privilege of shooting countless men for my own portfolio, but I have always striven to find a way of utilizing my photography skills to give back to the Las Vegas community. I hope to bring together local talent, the photographer community, and with the help of a few graciously supportive company sponsorships, I hope to rally support for the HIV/AIDS community and unite the LGBT community in Las Vegas.

Noel’s work for traditional family-style landmarks like weddings, engagements and portraits are stunning pieces of art. And his sexy fitness/physique photography draws performers from numerous Las Vegas productions like Aussie Heat, Zumanity, WOW – World of Wonder and Men of Sapphire.

“I love my job but what I love more is working with beautiful souls” said Noel. Those souls include gorgeous animals like his cat Jelly, who recently crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.

“It’s hard to be alone in my house/studio and not have him. He was always next to me, following me around. I have over thirty-one thousand pics, and almost half of them are of Jelly”.

Hubby Justin Dahl, who’s an events services manager for MGM Resorts, shares Noel’s grief over their lost fellow. But they have several other cats in the family to keep the couple’s hearts warm. As Justin told me “What can I say? I’m a sucker for a cute face”.

That would explain why he and Noel make for such a photogenic couple. Good thing they’re both as great in front of the camera as Noel is behind it.

Noteworthy traits – love for all creatures, unbeatable personal style

Ryan Worley – dancer/model/NPC competitor

Ryan Worley

Where you’ve seen him – Chippendales, charity events, NeuroLYFT fitness training

Sometimes it’s rough to be the new guy on a team. Not so for Ryan Worley. This twenty-seven year old hunk joined Chippendales last summer and hit the ground running. Ryan immediately became an audience favorite, attracting a legion of fans with his winning smile, shredded physique and fun-loving spirit.

Ryan’s colleagues at Chippendales tell me that they’re smitten by his infectious spirit and outrageous sense of humor. They say he’s unpredictable, spontaneous and wonderfully good-natured. I hear he’s a pretty good guitar player, too.

Those fun-loving qualities undoubtedly help Worley and his cast-mates get through arduous rehearsals, numerous public appearances and a wide variety of charity events.

It was only last July that the Danville, California native auditioned for Chippendales. Excitedly posting the news on his Facebook page that he was joining the world-famous revue, Ryan packed up and headed for Sin City. He quickly adjusted to a new life of celebrity encounters, calendar shoots and a real highlight: sharing the stage with reknowned dancer/choreographer/philanthropist Tony Dovolani.

While all of this sudden fame might to go the heads of lesser men, Ryan has remained humble and somewhat awestruck by the experience. He’s earned his place in the spotlight by remaining true to his goals and pushing towards success:

Never stop working toward your dreams regardless of what people think!! People will always try to push their insecurities and fears on you!

Having been raised in the Mormon religion, it must have raised a few eyebrows when Ryan announced he was about to become a sexy performer in Sin City. “It was a crazy transition”, he laughed. Ryan promises to tell me about that journey and lots more for an upcoming profile article. Stay tuned.

This summer, the fitness enthusiast and NPC competitor will be working even harder to prepare for his next bodybuilding show. Worley will be squaring off against other hard-bodied athletes in the “classic physique” category for the NPC Las Vegas Classic at UNLV‘s campus on November third.

I competed in bodybuilding in the NPC (National Physique Committee) back in 2014. Fitness is a huge passion of mine. It’s been the only constant in my life.

If that wasn’t already enough to fill Ryan’s slate, he’s teamed up with fellow Chippendale star Matthew Marshall to launch a new fitness brand called NeuroLYFT. The site and service promise an innovative approach to wellness:

Matt and I teach all the hacks to fitness. In addition, we focus on getting your mindset right for you to continue a healthy lifestyle. Meditation, nutrition and training are what we focus on…and in that order.

Most personal trainers only take you through workouts and then you are left on your own with the most important aspects of fitness. That’s why people fail.

At NeuroLYFT, we make the protocol to wellness easier. From life to the kitchen to the gym. We take your goals and reformat your life to show you the easiest, most effective way to transcend you past your fitness goals.

Staying in shape is not only a passion of mine but my career as well. It’s what I love to do. I want to share my passion with others and help them achieve their ideal physique…whatever that may be.

One look at the above photo proves that Ryan Worley knows how to inspire others. Where do we sign up?

Noteworthy traits – minimal body-fat level, maximum heartthrob appeal

Patrick Rivera – photographer/model/musician

Patrick Rivera

Where you’ve seen him – wherever gorgeous people are to be found

Apparently it’s not that unusual for professional photographers to look fantastic in front the lens, too. Such is the case for Patrick Rivera, a highly-respected camera-jockey whose services are sought after by many of the movers and shakers of Sin City.

Patrick’s gorgeous wife Mariah Nieslanik Rivera, dance captain and performer in FANTASY at Luxor, was behind the camera for this portrait shot above. But as she joked later, “He did the settings and everything… I just clicked the button”.

Having covered lots of red carpet events, I know that lugging camera equipment around can be quite a workout. In Patrick’s case, those efforts have paid off in spades. This mountain of imposing muscle looks fierce, especially when he’s relieved of his shirt. Whatever is in that camera case is working.

Patrick’s work is everywhere in Sin City….on billboards, in nightclubs, on magazine covers and in performer portfolios. His commercial clients cover the gamut from Chippendales to skin care lines and fitness services.

While Patrick enjoys the lighthearted aspects of his career, he’s quick to point out the seriousness of a picture’s lasting impression. He believes that one photograph has the ability to shape the way you feel and bring you into the moment with just one look.

To fully capture the spirit of an artistic subject, it is essential that the photographer embodies the lived experiences of many…having to dwell in darkness to dance in the light.

Art captures the intersection and interpretation of life’s saints and serpents, life’s triumphs and tragedies…reflecting the close calls, the soulful escapes, the beauty and raw emotion of our kindred spirit.

Patrick and Mariah share an entertaining and heartwarming view of Las Vegas. They’ve even hosted their own show on WCOBM.TV called “All About It! with Pat & Mariah“.

The fun-loving couple are currently enjoying some well-deserved sunshine on the sands of Hawaii. While they’re relaxing, Patrick’s latest project has been stirring up some excitement in the media. It’s a session with gifted singer/actress Ruby Lewis, who’s about to light up the Strip in her forthcoming production MARILYN – The New Musical. Enjoy!

Patrick with MARILYN star Ruby Lewis

Noteworthy traits – muscles and tattoos, ability to make stars shine brighter

Photos: Nick Ayler/Preston Thompson/Noel Dahl/Justin Dahl/Patrick Rivera/Ryan Worley via Facebook, Gelena Vainblat, Wander Aguir Photography, Noel Dahl Photo Studio, Patrick Rivera Studio. Cover photo by Jean N. Young

Hiding In Plain Sight: Gabe Ginsberg, The Invisible Man

Sin City’s own BMOC (Big Man of Cameras) is everywhere…but he doesn’t want you to see him…

There are certain people that we tend to bump into a lot, no matter what we’re doing or where we are. Sometimes we don’t even know those folks, but after several run-ins, there comes a point of “Hey, how are ya?”. Then friendship quite often ensues.

Gabe Ginsberg is one of those guys. While covering events for VegasChatter (and that other site), I’d frequently see him on the media scaffolds, snapping red-carpet shots for Getty Images. Clad in black from head to toe and carrying large amounts of gear on his imposing frame, Gabe still managed to blend into the background. He is quiet, efficient, completely inconspicuous…and delightfully intriguing.

There seems to be a certain culture among show-business photographers. Simultaneously friends and competitors, these guys kid around, gossip about happenings in the city and sometimes talk shit about one another. But not Gabe Ginsberg…he loves everyone and they all love him.

Hanging with The Man at the annual Mike Hammer Celeb Go-Kart fundraiser…

After rubbing shoulders a time or two, Gabe and I started chatting online and in person. His self-deprecating humor was infectious. He’d also tease me for being a “celebrity” while calling himself a “poor working schmuck”. You see, I’ve been in the unique situation of standing next to him with my camera AND being a guest at events he was covering. Funny how my face never made it to People Magazine.

Yes, Gabe Ginsberg’s photos make it to People. And Billboard, MSN, CBS All Access, Us Weekly, Forbes, USA Today, Men’s Health, Huffington Post and many other print and online outlets. His lenses have captured the likenesses of Miley Cyrus, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Drake, the Kardashian beasts (bills won’t pay themselves), Ben Affleck, John Cena, Ricky Martin, Floyd Mayweather and countless others.

Gabe (left) in action at John Carpenter’s Halloween concert at Hard Rock Hotel…

Always respectful of celebrities and their space, Gabe is anything but an aggressive paparazzi type. This family man is an avid lover of nature, animals and glorious landscapes. His compassion for Las Vegas came through gorgeously in his coverage of the recent shooting tragedy. But let’s stick to things of beauty.

Despite his worldwide coverage, Ginsberg is a favorite at local events and charity functions. He covers movie premieres, fundraisers, show openings, concerts and sporting events, too.

Earlier this year, Gabe kept busy by shooting menu items for restaurants hopping aboard the UberEATS delivery service. And on the personal side, his skills guarantee you’ll get amazing portraits, family photos and Christmas Cards (now is the time to schedule your session, folks).

What I love most about Gabe, aside from his cuddly demeanor, is his twisted sense of humor. Scouring every corner of Las Vegas during a typical day, Ginsberg encounters a wide array of bizarre situations…and he writes about them regularly on his Facebook page.

His “Dumbass of the Day” series never fails to crack me up. It’s biting, hysterical and brutally honest – even when he points the finger towards himself:

So wherever you may be in Las Vegas, keep on the lookout for the amazing Man In Black, Gabe Ginsberg. Despite his efforts to remain anonymous, he’ll be easy to spot. Just look for the crowd of celebrities clamoring to get their photos taken with HIM!

Gabe Ginsberg is available for many types of freelance work. You can learn more or contact him by clicking here.

Photos: Gabe Ginsberg via Facebook, Sammasseur