A bellhop (North America), or hotel porter (international), is a hotel employee who helps patrons with their luggage while checking in or out. Bellhops often wear a uniform, like certain other page boys or doormen. This occupation is also known as a bellman and bellboy.
The name bellhop is derived from a hotel's front-desk clerk ringing a bell to summon a porter, who would hop (jump) to attention at the desk to receive instructions. It is short for bell-hopper, and the first known use of the word was in 1897.
The bellhop traditionally is a boy or adolescent male, hence the term bellboy. Bellhops interact with a variety of people each day and duties often include opening the front door, moving luggage, valeting cars, calling cabs, transporting guests, advising directions, performing basic concierge work, and responding to guests' needs. While carrying luggage, they escort guests to their rooms.
In most countries, it is customary to tip a bellhop for his service.
This is one of my most classic shoots, done way back in 2017, inspired by the 1960 American comedy film of the same name, written, produced, directed by and starring Jerry Lewis.
In a prologue sequence, fictitious executive producer of Paramount Pictures Jack E. Mulcher introduces the film, explaining that it has no story and no plot. The film simply shows a few weeks in the life of a person Mulcher calls "a real nut." Mulcher breaks into hysterical laughter as the story begins.
Stanley the hotel bellhop finds himself in one ridiculous situation after another (by a series of blackout gags) while working at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. Stanley does not speak until the last scene of the film, as he is always interrupted or silenced by another character.
The photo series was done at the Mystery Hotel, the same hotel I stay whenever I am in Venice over the past 7 years. This is a place where my costumed friends like to visit me.
We cherish our photo sessions very much in Venice. During Carnevale, it is common knowledge that all outdoor photo gatherings get cancelled whenever there is rainy weather or acqua alta. But so many of us have come from so far away and only have a maximum of 2 weeks at the Venice Carnevale. The Mystery Hotel is actually immune to bad weather and it is conveniently located close to where most of us stay during the Venice Carnevale.
The model is French fashion designer, Maxime Blotin, who does Corsetier Haute couture. Strikingly handsome, he is an exact replica of Leonardo Di Carprio. Maxime enjoys coming to Venice during Carnevale for all its costumed parties. Sometimes, when he has time before the parties, he comes looking for me at the Mystery Hotel. I enjoy these photo shoots with Maxime very much. This is one of my favourite models at the Venice Carnevale.
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