January, you start the year off fine.

Neil Sedaka’s song, “Calendar Girl,” has been going through my head all afternoon. Darned ear worm!…

Continuing with the calendar theme, I must pose a question: should the first person to model for a new calendar be the first image of the year in the calendar?  Ponderings welcome.

That said, meet Darrel Davenport: writer, actor, director and model. He is a delightful man and I was fortunate enough to work with him on his first trip to New York City.

So there we were, in Rockefeller Center, taking some test shots (one of which is above). All systems were “go” — then Darrel peeled off his shirt. Several people took notice, including a security guard.

The polite guard approached us, turned to Darrel and said, “I’m sorry but you can’t take your shirt off here.”

I was a bit stunned. I would have understood the guard’s request if Darrel had removed his pants. I would have understood the guard’s request if the Wicked Witch of the West had just performed a striptease for my camera. I was rendered speechless.

Darrel, on the other hand turned on his amazing charm and told the guard about how he was visiting New York for the first time and how he really wanted to take just one photo. The guard succumbed.

When you “click here to visit the gallery,” you’ll see the shot we got. Thank you, Darrel!

MORAL: Don’t take off your shirt in Rockefeller Plaza. If you must do so, consult with Darrel first.

Click here to visit the gallery.

6 images.