For all my skill in helping others gain confidence in front of the camera, when it comes to myself, I feel like I need as much help as anyone else. Each of these photos took several outtakes, deep breaths, and giving myself permission to be seen, in a vulnerable way.
Read MoreSomething I have been thinking about lately is heterosexual male sensuality/beauty, and how it is depicted (or more accurately, excluded) in our visual culture. Certain aspects of male anatomy are commonly referenced in pop culture as a source of humor, but never depicted outside pornography (aside from a few brief glimpses in HBO’s Game of Thrones). Women’s bodies are idealized & commercialized to a far greater degree than mens’, and in turn has generated pushback in the form of body-positivity and a focus on inclusiveness. Is the same true for men? Maybe in the gay male cultural ecosystem, but not really for straight men, at least as far as I can tell.
Read MoreI have been thinking about how little men are conditioned to being seen. While our society makes young girls aware of their appearances, reinforced by “Disney Princesses” and later makeup advertisements, boys and men are very rarely expected to be actively looked at. We are given expectations of how to dress depending on our work or local culture, but that is more of a uniform. Men are very rarely ever looked at as sensual, sexual beings in a way that isn’t about some fantasy about power…
Read MoreThis is an series I shot several years ago with M, a lover who is herself an artist as well. My goal was to make a personal memento of a passionate romance, with no intention of ever sharing it beyond a few close friends who understand what I’m reaching at with my work. I have been very hesitant to share this work since it is so deeply personal and private, but the friends I have shared it with have been incredibly supportive, and M herself encouraged me to share it publicly as well. Almost a year after promising another close friend that I would post this, I’m finally ready to share it.
Read MoreIt's almost Valentine's Day, so how about a moment of self-love? Last year I made the resolution to take more self portraits because I often don't like how I look. Last summer while traveling in Europe I decided to make use of some dramatic window light and take some nude self portraits as an exercise in accepting my self/body as it is.
The experience was a nerve-wracking reminder of how difficult it is to be vulnerable in front of the camera, but eventually I found my groove and made a few soulful and erotic photographs I'm proud of. Thanks for reading, and I hope you take a moment to love yourself as well.
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