The Male Body

rexbobcat

I know this isn't typically what is posted here, but I thought I'd post it anyways. Heh. This also isn't really a figure study, so it didn't feel right calling it "The Male Form."

Now, this doesn't have to do with anything at all, really, but I'm just curious...

Has anyone else kind of noticed that the male form, more often than not, is seen as pornographic even when it's not being portrayed as such. Is it possibly because the female body is viewed as more sensual, while the male body is viewed as more sexual? I don't know...This is my first time attempting something like this.

It's not a very glamorous, beautified set. It's not as pleasing on the eyes as a svelte, perfectly proportioned woman.

I'd also like to note that yes, these don't have a lot of direct, contrasty lighting to help chisel the male figure. I did that on purpose just to see how they would turn out. lol
But here they are anyways:

1.


2.


3.


4.


5.


6.


7.


8.


9.


10.


11.


And just a spontaneous shot of the model. I have no idea why I took this shot, but I really like it anyways. Ha.

12.

Demian

I could probably speculate for hours, but... I think it's partly due to the ubiquity of images of nude (or nearly nude) women AND partly due to men being the biggest consumers of nude photos (who overwhelmingly prefer women). When straight men see an image of a nude woman, they're lulled because it's expected and pleasing. When they see an image of a nude man, the unexpectedness (and opposition to their sexual preference) reminds them how sexual it is.


Anyways, regarding the photos. It was interesting to see something different here. I had to think about it for a bit:

1-2 The poses are what I'm used to seeing from female models. I think if they guy had been more androgynous or more muscular I think it would have been more interesting.


4-5 I didn't think about it at first, but now these pictures remind me of prison. Not that the pictures indicate that in any way... just cultural bias. Regardless, #4 is probably my favorite picture of the set.

6. This is a cool shot, I like the idea. Although, I think the curve is a little distracting... I would have maybe used a higher focal length or had him suck in his stomach.


Anyway, pretty cool set

rexbobcat

I re-processed some of the photos and added others so I'm not quite sure your critique falls exactly in line with the photos as they are now, but I understand which ones you are referring to.

I do wish that my first model was a little more androgynous. It's funny because his body structure is a bit androgynous but his face isn't. It's kind of a strange disconnect when photographing.

Thanks for the comments, though! This is my first time to delve into something like this so it was more experimental than anything.

sweet caroline

Very interesting set. There is something very real about them, and it's a style I would like to see more. I don't like 2, 3, and 9 as much, but the rest really draw me in.