Photographing the Naked Male: Where It All Began
PHOTO STORY
Where It All Began: A Backyard in Williamsburg
by Queer Nightlife Photographer koitz
One of the first photographs I ever took of a naked man was this one, titled “Fetus.” It was shot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, probably in 1996 or 1997, although I can't be entirely sure. Back then, I was shooting black-and-white ILFORD film.
Paco was a friend, and we lived together for a while. He was full of ideas and incredibly easy to collaborate with. We made this photograph in the backyard of our apartment, and it was just the beginning. We went on to shoot many other images there, as well as in the upstairs apartment, which happened to be vacant between tenants. It was a wonderful time for experimenting, creating, and discovering what was possible with a camera and a willing collaborator.
These early photographs gave me the confidence to explore photographing the male nude. I've always believed that photographing someone naked requires a particular degree of sensitivity, care, and respect. Just because someone is willing to take their clothes off in front of a camera doesn't necessarily mean they know what to do or how to feel comfortable in that situation. That's where the photographer comes in. Part of our job is to guide the person in front of the lens, helping them feel at ease while creating an environment in which they can be themselves and feel safe.
Over the years, I've developed my own approach to this. Before a nude photo shoot, I usually spend 15 to 20 minutes talking with the person I'm photographing. I explain what we are going to do, what they can expect, and how I like to work. I make it clear that I won't ask them to do anything that makes them uncomfortable and that they can always say no. Some people feel particularly vulnerable when they're naked in front of a camera, and I think it's important to recognize that and be especially mindful of their feelings.
Since those early days with Paco, I've photographed dozens of men, mostly in the studio with my beloved flashes, but also in other settings, including my beloved Fire Island, a place that regular readers of this blog know I love.
I haven't done a nude photo shoot in quite a while. I think my photography has evolved, and lately I've felt the desire to explore something different. My interests have shifted, and I'm curious about other ways of seeing and photographing people. I still appreciate these early images, though. Looking back at them reminds me of where it all started, the excitement of experimenting, and the confidence I gained from those first collaborations.
And while my approach may have changed, I'm still drawn to the possibilities of photography and to discovering new ways of expressing myself through the camera. This photograph was taken relatively recently, are perhaps a better reflection of where I am creatively today.