Covers Archives - Tony Ward Studio

The Bright Side: Vitamin D and The Sun

bathing suit model taking in some sun — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

The Bright Side: The Benefits of Taking in Some Sun and Vitamin D

In today’s increasingly indoor lifestyle, many people overlook one of the simplest yet most powerful health boosters available for free: sunlight. Taking in moderate amounts of sun not only uplifts your mood but also plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health—largely due to its relationship with vitamin D production.

Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body produces when exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun. While it can also be obtained from certain foods and supplements, natural sunlight remains the most efficient source. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which helps build and maintain strong bones. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults, making regular sun exposure an important preventive measure.

Beyond bone health, vitamin D also plays a significant role in supporting the immune system. Research has shown that adequate levels of vitamin D can help reduce the risk of infections, including respiratory illnesses. It may also modulate immune responses, potentially lowering the risk of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Sunlight exposure has mental health benefits as well. Exposure to sunlight triggers the brain to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. This helps explain why people often feel more energetic and positive on sunny days. For those affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, usually in the winter—sunlight can be a particularly powerful natural remedy.

There is also evidence suggesting that vitamin D may have protective effects against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. While more research is needed to fully understand these connections, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels remains a promising factor in long-term health.

However, balance is key. Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer, so it’s important to enjoy the sun safely. Experts generally recommend about 10 to 30 minutes of midday sun exposure several times per week, depending on skin tone, location, and time of year. Using sunscreen after this initial exposure period helps protect against harmful UV rays while still allowing for some vitamin D production.

Incorporating moderate sun exposure into your daily routine—whether through a walk, time in the garden, or outdoor exercise—can offer both physical and psychological benefits. So the next time the sun is shining, take a moment to step outside. Your body and mind will thank you.

Daniel Gwynn: Interview

DANIEL GWYNN: INTERVIEW

TW: Does the state of Pennsylvania provide reparations or any form of compensation for prisoners who were wrongfully convicted?

DG: No they don’t, not even an apology.

TW: When you were incarcerated, what was the thing you missed the most about loosing your freedom?

DG: I missed my family the most, especially when they started getting sick and dying. I couldn’t be there to hold their hands, say goodbye, or apologize for my misdeeds.

TW: What was a typical day like living on death row and in solitary confinement?

DG: Waking up every morning at 6am to stand at the door for count; catching the guard with the sign-up sheet for the yard/ shower; then the morning meal. Most of the day was spent in my 8’ x 10’ cell watching TV, painting and educating myself about fighting this injustice.

TW: You met the legendary Mumia Abu-Jamal who like you continues to profess his innocence. Why do you think the state of Pennsylvania won’t provide him with a new trial even though in 2011 he was taken off of death row and moved into the general population?

DG: In my opinion, Mumia is in a political quagmire that has spiraled out of control. His accusers forged this case against him to blame him for the death of Officer Faulkner in spite of the evidence leading to a more likely suspect. Mumia is a political activist in the wrong place whom they wanted to silence.

TW: What was that first day like when you were released from prison on February 28th, 2024.

DG: I was very disoriented and fearful, thinking that the guards were going to come after me and drag me back because I know how evil these people can be. Also, it didn’t feel real, even after I walked into my aunt’s house and saw my family standing there in front of me. Sadly, I couldn’t recognize any of them. I missed watching them grow up. I couldn’t feel the immediate connection.

TW: What was the key to surviving 30 years in prison mentally and physically?

DG: The keys to my survival were educating myself and learning to paint. Some of the other death row prisoners like Mumia taught me the importance of education and finding my strengths to make it from one day to the next. One of my strengths was painting. My paintings helped me navigate through my childhood traumas and pains. It also helped me acquire income to purchase books, commissaries and to provide charity to pay it forward.

TW: While incarcerated you started to tap your creativity as an artist by relaying on canvas the things that you went through leading up to and during your incarceration? How much did your creative pursuits assist you in enduring the daily trauma of prison life?

DG: Prison, especially death row solitary confinement is a Hell that can make you or break you. My righteous indignation over my unjustified imprisonment lit a fire in my belly to fight back. Through art, I found my voice to tell my story in a way that the public could relate and sympathize with what I was going through. I didn’t know this at the time. I was just trying to survive by putting one foot in front of the other. My art and story drew local and international attention.

TW: You have a perspective on life like most folks if fortunate never will have. What would say to those who have never been imprisoned that take their freedom for granted?

DG: I would say that it’s a shame that they are taking their precious freedoms for granted: the right to vote; the freedom to choose how you live; the freedom to have a family and raise them; and the freedom to make this world a better place. I was trapped in a box where the walls closed in on me day after day, and I was suffocated by the onslaught of corruption, biases and injustices with my hands tied. Out here, I see people walking around with their hands tied and taking for granted those precious freedoms; a self-inflicted debilitation that’s leaving people angry and feeling hopeless.

TW: Why do you think there is such a high recidivism rate amongst black men in America?

DG: I believe it’s due to the intentional systemic miseducation and socio-economic attack on the black community. The game is rigged, and with boots on our neck we can’t breathe. When I got out, I had to sign up for welfare benefits to help get me started. A couple of weeks later I found a part- time job and a place to live. Seeking to follow the rules, I reported this to the welfare office. Would you believe that they immediately cut my benefits.

TW: What is a typical day like for Daniel Gwynn these days?

DG: Most of my time is spent alone studying, working and exploring. I’m trying to learn about the world out here and how to be a good steward. Tackling technology and social scenes has been my greatest challenges. I’m also battling the mental imprint left on me by prison. I’m making progress though while advocating for the next wrongful conviction to be overturned.

To access the artwork of Daniel Gwynn, the 197th person to be exonerated from Death Row in America, link here: https://www.danielgwynn197.com

Behind The Scenes: Heroine’s & Vixens Series

Gina Iannece

Gina would become the 23rd woman to be cast for the Heroine’s & Vixens series. Casting subjects for the series over the past few years has been decidedly organic. One subject generally leads to the next when more of the work has gotten published on social media and the web. Gina initially contacted me via Instagram. At first, I thought the message she sent was spam so I didn’t respond to her request to model for me. As time went on I noticed her IG handle liking various photographs that I posted on my feed which moved me to take a second look at her earlier message. There were also some photos that accompanied the original message so I looked at them a little more carefully as well. I observed that one of the photos that she sent was a picture of herself looking through Best of Erotica, a book I had published in Germany back in 2003, so I followed up knowing she was for real and immediately started a dialogue. Oddly, when I initially responded to her message, she didn’t believe it was me. Friends of hers suggested that it probably wasn’t me and that somehow she was being duped. Gina went as far as to check my authenticity sending a friend request on my LinkedIn account. I obliged while being quite amused at the same time.

Now that we both knew we were being sincere I contacted KVaughn, my creative director so that he could begin styling the shoot scheduled for a February 1, 2025 release date. In the weeks leading up to the shoot, Gina was very attentive and professional in her response times to all requests and worked collaboratively with the entire team during her shoot. Michael Connor did a fantastic job on hair & makeup. Tony C. was on point with keeping the light on set just right and KVaughn was as magical as always in creating different looks to accommodate the complexity of the scenes we produced in studio.

Thanks as always to an amazing crew and Gina Iannece.

Great Locations: History of Fonthill Castle

STYLISH woman seated in the yard at Font Hill Castle in Doylestown Pa. — Glamour at Fonthill. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

History of Fonthill Castle

Model: Gina Iannece

Photo: Tony Ward

Stylist: KVaughn

Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco

Nestled in the heart of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Fonthill Castle stands as a testament to the creativity and vision of one of America’s most eccentric and influential figures, Henry Chapman Mercer. Built between 1908 and 1912, this unique structure is not a traditional castle in the medieval sense but rather a sprawling, concrete mansion that reflects Mercer’s passion for history, art, and innovation.

Henry Chapman Mercer (1856–1930) was an archaeologist, anthropologist, and tile-maker who sought to preserve the craftsmanship of the pre-industrial era. Disillusioned by the rapid industrialization of the late 19th century, Mercer dedicated his life to creating works that celebrated handmade artistry. Fonthill Castle was his personal residence and a canvas for his artistic expression. The castle’s design is a whimsical blend of Gothic, Medieval, and Byzantine architectural styles, featuring 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, and over 200 windows, each uniquely shaped and placed.

The construction of Fonthill Castle was groundbreaking for its time. Mercer insisted on using reinforced concrete, a relatively new material in the early 20th century, to create a durable and fireproof structure. The castle’s interior is adorned with Mercer’s handmade tiles, which depict historical scenes, literary quotes, and personal motifs. Every corner of the castle tells a story, from the intricate tilework to the hand-carved wooden furniture.

Fonthill Castle was more than just a home; it was a living museum. Mercer filled the space with his vast collection of artifacts, including prints, books, and tiles, which he used to educate visitors about history and craftsmanship. He often hosted guests, offering them tours of his eclectic creation and sharing his passion for preserving the past.

After Mercer’s death in 1930, Fonthill Castle was bequeathed to the Bucks County Historical Society, which continues to maintain and operate the site as a museum. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s labyrinthine halls, marvel at its artistic details, and gain insight into Mercer’s remarkable life and legacy.

Fonthill Castle remains a beloved landmark in Doylestown, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It stands as a symbol of Mercer’s dedication to art, history, and innovation, offering a glimpse into the mind of a man who dared to dream differently. The castle’s enduring charm and historical significance ensure that Mercer’s vision will continue to inspire future generations.

Glamorous woman on the grounds of Fonthill Castle — Gina at Fonthill. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

The Allure of Latex: Transforming Contemporary Fashion and Markets

Beautiful asian woman modeling for Tony Ward wearing latex corset — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

The Allure of Latex

Transforming Contemporary Fashion and Markets

Latex, once confined to niche subcultures and avant-garde fashion, has emerged as a material of choice for contemporary designers and luxury brands. Its distinctive sheen, sculptural properties, and undeniable sensual appeal have propelled it from fetish wear to the forefront of mainstream fashion. This evolution has significantly impacted fashion markets, carving out a unique space for latex in the broader industry.

In recent years, fashion icons and celebrities, such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Lady Gaga, have embraced latex garments on red carpets and in music videos. High-end designers like Atsuko Kudo, known for her intricate latex couture, and Richard Quinn, who incorporates latex into his experimental designs, have further legitimized the material. Their work demonstrates latex’s versatility, from body-hugging dresses to bold outerwear.

Latex’s appeal lies in its ability to combine structure with fluidity, offering a second-skin aesthetic that emphasizes the human form. Unlike traditional textiles, it provides a glossy, futuristic look that aligns with contemporary tastes for bold and innovative fashion statements. Designers often pair latex with contrasting materials, such as silk or leather, to create dynamic visual effects.

As latex gains prominence, the market has expanded to accommodate a broader audience. Traditionally associated with custom designs, latex clothing is now more accessible through ready-to-wear collections. Fast fashion brands have begun experimenting with latex-inspired fabrics, providing a more affordable alternative for consumers who want the look without the hefty price tag.

The material’s popularity has also spurred advancements in production techniques, making latex garments more comfortable and durable. Innovations like chlorination—a chemical process that smooths the surface—have addressed issues of stickiness and difficulty in wearing. These developments have made latex more appealing to a wider demographic, from trend-conscious millennials to eco-aware Gen Z shoppers.

Despite its allure, latex poses challenges for designers and brands. Its production is labor-intensive, and natural latex, derived from rubber trees, raises concerns about sustainability and ethical sourcing. However, many brands are responding by adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using FSC-certified rubber and minimizing waste during production.

Latex’s association with body positivity and inclusivity has also contributed to its cultural relevance. By celebrating diverse body types and emphasizing the beauty of the human form, latex fashion resonates with contemporary values.

As fashion continues to evolve, latex is likely to remain a symbol of boundary-pushing creativity. Its impact extends beyond aesthetics, influencing market trends, consumer expectations, and even material science. With designers continually reimagining its potential, latex stands as a testament to fashion’s ability to transform the unconventional into the iconic.

In the modern era, where individuality and innovation are prized, latex serves as both a material and a metaphor for contemporary fashion’s bold, experimental spirit. Its rise from underground culture to mainstream acclaim underscores the dynamic interplay between design, technology, and cultural shifts, shaping the future of style.

Beautiful asian woman wearing full length latex cat suit — Photo: TonyWard, Copyright 2024