I am so bummed that I am going to miss the book launch party at Bergdorf's for my friend Matt Albiani's new book Lifeguard on Duty. It would have been nice to congratulate him in person but more importantly, I will be missing seeing all the hot lifeguards off duty! I might have to figure out what beaches they work at so I can fake drowning just so they can give me mouth to mouth. (Did I just say that out loud?!) You know you were thinking it too! I have a feeling Matt's book is going to be very popular this summer. When you buy one for yourself, make sure you pick up one for you beach house host/hostess. If you do, they might ignore the fact that you left your towels on the floor. Heck, they probably won't even notice you're there at all since they will be too busy looking at the photos!
Oh, Matt was kind enough to answer some questions about the book. Make sure you go back and read them after you stop drooling!
HC: I know you've had a love affair with the beach for years but how did the idea for the book about lifeguards come about?MA: I was a lifeguard for five years in college, and have always been inspired by the spirit and culture of an ocean guard.
HC: You traveled to beaches across the US for four years to get the shots. Was it more fun to shoot photos for your own project?MB: This is definitely more satisfying because it is such a personal project, and one that comes completely inspired from my experiences.
HC: Is there one US beach that has the hottest lifeguards?MA: All of them are such terrific guys. The girls though all seem to go crazy for guys from the jersey shore, though.
HC: Do you have a favorite photo in the book? MA: I shot for a few days under a pier at a lifeguard competition, where all the guards were hiding from the august heat, and those images under the pier are some of my favorite, because at that time, they were the ones being protected.
HC: How excited are you to see the final product of all your hard work?MA: It is very very satisfying to see my work come to fruition.
HC: Any plans for another book? What are you working on now?MA: I just shot the cover of the Jonas Brothers new album, which was a crazy departure for me, and have begun work on my next book, on college rowers. I can't wait!
Photos by Matt Albiani
