I am trying to level the playing field.' There is a pause, a nod, a momentary sign showing agreement, which quickly turns into a slightly skeptical expression. So, I specialize in male nudes.' As we pass a bikini ad on a billboard, I continue to say 'The world does not need any more convincing that women are beautiful. It would be really hard to stand out and to make a living that way. There are already so many guys who photograph female nudes. After all, I live in somewhat traditional Slovakia, and not in liberal 'anything goes, be who you want to be' New York. Reading between the lines, there appears to be an assumption that as a man I should partake in photographing female nudes. 'Do you also photograph female nudes?' is a common follow-up question.

I feel 'in my skin,' liberated, as though I finally have the upper hand over the proverbial cookie cutter. I also don't mingle with other photographers or live in the 'Male Nude Photographer Village.' But now, more than ever, I feel content with my place in the world.

After all, up until recently, I was known as a 'consultant' or a 'project manager.' These are more common and socially accepted identities or titles. To this answer I usually get - at least for an instant - a surprised look, followed by 'So, you're a photographer?' 'Well, yes, among other things.' It took me a long time to embrace my 'male nude photographer' identity. And I can now answer without hesitation, with a proud and sincere face, that I photograph male nudes. Nothing to Hide by Phil Dlab has been released and is available now.Įvery now and then, I am asked what I do for a living.

Sexy teenage model