“The Birthday Suit” Model Don Hood by Matt Licari

A PnV Exclusive

One of our favorite male models, the legendary Don Hood graces Fashionably Male with another exclusive photo shoot.

Don, with Wilhelmina Agency in NYC, has been modeling since he was 15 years old; he turns 34 on November 20. Don is still charging hard in modeling; clients light up with his comical personality and smoldering hotness.

“The Birthday Suit” Model Don Hood by Matt Licari - PnV Network

Don works hard on his body, and while he enjoys and prefers the fashion aspects of modeling, he says sometimes the exhibitionist component of his personality steps forward, and he likes to show off his efforts in the gym. That was the case in the latest shoot by fashion photographer Matt Licari.

Licari’s girlfriend, Rosa Barney, who is a plus-sized model and body empowerment activist, connected Don to Matt. Don explained, “I met Rosa while shooting a few times in Arkansas together for Dillard’s. She mentioned that her boyfriend, Matt, was a photographer and he was looking to shoot more men since his book was female dominant at the moment.”

Don says that he was blown away by Matt’s images on social media. After months of trying to match schedules, the two finally had a shoot date.

“When I showed up, I was surprised to see he had an assistant and a hair and makeup artists ready to go.”

“His studio was huge and his team was busy setting up mood lighting. I was impressed at his lighting set up and how friendly and in synch he was with his team.”

Matt showed Don his inspiration for the shoot…some photos by legendary Herb Ritts. “I was happy,” Don stated, “to see a photographer draw inspiration from an artistic photographer versus the typical point and click raw-image point of view.”

After a few test shoots, Don says he was “eventually down to my birthday suit and oiled up to pose.” He explained, “Matt would slow shutter and move his camera around me to naturally capture my movement effects versus his own movement.

Matt is a NYC born and raised fashion photographer

His unique upbringing, extended travels, and energetic personality inform his explorative style of image-making.

Matt has been published in countess magazines including W, Vogue, Muscle & Fitness, Moda Operandi, the New York Post, and more. Among his numerous clients are Macy’s, Lord & Taylor’s, Universal Studios, Samsung, and Gilt.

Matt’s career transitioned around 2012 to fashion photography. He obtained a BFA in photography from School of Art + Design at SUNY Purchase in New York.

Don says he was thrilled with the final images, and that he was in good hands on the shoot, including stylist Chris Newburg.

While Matt’s prior work has mostly featured female models, he found Don a perfect male subject. At 6’1” with hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair, Don’s looks are undeniable, and he knows how to strike every pose.