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Ho ho ho, it’s the time of year again. A special time for all the gays with daddy issues to fanticize about their very own Santa, baby. The time for big strong men with beards to come down your chimney is upon us. His sack is full and he’s thirsty for milk. So what’s it gonna be? Have you been naughty or nice?
Unless you’re lucky enough to know a real-life Santa, you’ll have to get your spicy santa fix through other means. Lucky for you we’ve got you covered. We’re not the only ones with a thing for men who shake their belly’s like a bowl full of jelly. There are several artists out there who specialize in saucy depictions of Father Christmas. We’ve handpicked some of our favorites that will give you plenty of ideas this holiday season. Will you get lucky enough to see daddy kissing Santa Claus? Keep scrolling to find out.
If there’s one thing Silverjow knows, it’s how to draw a muscle daddy. The artist has a tradition of celebrating the holiday season with a new collection of illustrations every year. Here are some of our favorites.
Perhaps you were looking for something a little more photorealistic? Your Christmas wishes have been answered with these illustrations from Barcelona-based artist Rene Farias.
Tell me you couldn’t see this art by Dante Amoretto featured on a chic Christmas card? It would look great on your mantlepiece, ready to show off to old Saint Nick.
No one does gay Christmas art like Byron Power. There’s a Santa for everyone in Bryan’s collection. There’s also a few elves and gingerbread men while you’re at it. Take a look.
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping
Honestly, the gay santa thing is a treasure trove of thirsty art so keep checking back here for even more. In the meantime we hope this is enough to get you through those long winter nights. Happy Holidays!
Exploring the unique vision and challenges of Freddy Krave, a self-taught photographer redefining the boundaries of erotic art.
Some skills aren’t easy to teach. They require years of intimate practice and dedication. Every gay on Grindr might think they know how to capture the perfect steamy photo, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. A cursory look through Freddy Krave‘s library of work makes that much clear. Freddy (Orlando Luca) is a self-thought photographer. Their taste for the titillating is unmatched and their eye for the exciting is laser-focused.
We spoke to Freddy about their work, both past, and present, as well as how it’s been perceived. Keep scrolling for a sampling of their photography and to learn more about life as the King of queer erotic photography.
Gayety: How have your friends and family responded to your line of work?
Freddy Krave: I’m very lucky cuz both my friends and family are very supportive and love my art. I was just at my mom’s for Christmas and she wanted to surprise me [by] showing me that she hung 3 of my self-portraits in her living room. That was so funny but also so cute.
Gayety: Has your relationship with photography changed since you first started? If yes, how?
Freddy Krave: I think my relationship with photography didn’t change. I have the same passion that I had when I first started and it’s really one of the few things that give me joy. What changed is definitely the quality of my work. When I look at my oldest pictures I can definitely see how much I evolved and it’s a very nice feeling.
Gayety: Who are some of your favorite erotic photographers and/or models in the game?
Freddy Krave: I have to admit that I always prefer someone from the past, Mapplethorpe will always be my biggest inspiration and his work will always be one of the best forms of art I’ve ever seen. I really like this greek photographer […] His name is Kostis Fokas and his work on the human body is pretty unique in my opinion. And about the models I really don’t know, I usually photograph people that aren’t models cuz I like to make them become models. Does this sound weird?
Gayety: What are some challenges or obstacles that come with shooting erotic photography that people may not be aware of?
Freddy Krave: Definitely one of the most important things is the model’s level of confidence. Sometimes I find people that really wanna be photographed and when they’re in front of me they just don’t know how to act or they feel a little bit embarrassed. It’s my job to help them so they can relax and have fun during the shooting process. It comes naturally now cuz I’ve been doing this for more than a decade. I really know how to work with people and get the best from them. Erotic photography will forever be charming to me cuz you really need to trust the photographer and knowing that people trust me is the best feeling.
Gayety: What do you hope for the future of your photography? Do you have any plans in the works?
Freddy Krave: When I was younger I had so many dreams. Now I’m at that point where I just do what I like and if an opportunity comes I’ll be happy to take it. I prefer to just live day by day without making big plans. Usually, these big plans never end the way you planned. But hey, if magazines want to work with me I’m here. I just want my art to reach as many people as possible.
We don’t have very much in common with Brett Kavanaugh, but one thing we do have in common is a shared love of calendars. Yes, we did just insert his name into this story about gay intimacy. Just for kicks. Regardless, our love of gay-themed calendars rings true. Thankfully there are queer artists like Michael J. Breyette who specialize in capturing the male form in pastel paint. Conveniently, Breyette has an image that accurately illustrates the unique vibe of every month in the year.
Breyette’s fascination with the male physique is evident in his pastel paintings. The artist has made a name for himself with his signature style that is both erotic and dreamlike. Though the muscular men with rippling abs are a mainstay of his work, Breyette insists that they are simply vehicles for his message. They are “messengers of moments, ideas, and emotions” he wants to express. Growing up in a rural part of upstate New York, he could have never envisioned that his future would involve illustrating gay intimacy. Although we’re sure he’s thankful that he has been able to make a profession out of this, we assure you we are equally thankful for his work.
Before we walk you through the goods, take a moment to follow Michael J. Breyette on Instagram. Be sure also to check out his website where you can buy prints, pillows, gift cards, and yes, even calendars. So, let’s take this by vibes and only vibes, and explore Breyette’s work as if it were laid bare on a calendar.
January: New Year New Me
Ah yes, the month of good intentions and often poor follow-through. The month when you decide to wash away all of last year’s bad vibes for a new year of self-improvement. With any luck, these stunning paintings will inspire you to make new goals and stick to them. They’ll inspire you to do something, that’s for sure.
Instagram @artofbreyette
February: Love is in the Air
The month of love. As the chill of winter still clings on, it can sometimes help to have a warm body to hold onto. For those of us who aren’t lucky enough, perhaps these moments of intimacy will provide some comfort. For the rest of us, there’s always next month.
Instagram @artofbreyette
March: Home on the Range
What better time to celebrate the cowboys and the ranch hands? Spring is a busy season on the ranch, and we know that because we just Googled it. As the calves come in and the frost begins to thaw, the ranch comes back to life. That’s probably not the only thing coming back to life when you look at these images.
Rain, rain, go away—unless a hot guy is wearing a white t-shirt. We’ve all had our kissing in the rain fantasies, and Breyette just so happens to be an expert at painting wet men. We can’t thank him enough.
Instagram @artofbreyette
May: Wanderlust
As summer kicks off, travel season jumps into high gear. Almost every gay fancies themself a travel buff, so what better way to mark the occasion than by painting buff men traveling? Pack your bags boys, but don’t worry about your shirts. You won’t be needing those.
Instagram @artofbreyette
June: Pride
Pride would be gay Christmas if Christmas wasn’t already gay Christmas. This month is all about showing off your true colors, celebrating your individuality, and doing so while wearing as little as humanly possible.
Flags, denim, cars, dive bars, and diners. As summer rages on, these iconic images maintain their chokehold on American culture. The vibe is riding in a convertible down Route 66 with a Coke in one hand and a…something else in the other.
Instagram @artofbreyette
August: Fun in the Sun
Our thinking for August might be very familiar to some of you. Summer heats up in the city and your A/C unit is broken. You and the rest of your gay BFFs decide now is the time to pack your bags and jump on a ferry to Fire Island. This sacred land is a deeply spiritual place for the gays. By which we mean we consume a lot of spirits there. Don’t forget to pack the Tylenol.
Instagram @artofbreyette
September: Business as Usual
Summer is over and everyone is busy going back to school or commuting to work. Some people find the routine of it all to be a bit of a bore, but there are plenty of comforts to be found in it too. Particularly if you’re wearing that one pair of underwear that makes your butt look juicy.
Perhaps it’s the childhood trauma, or maybe it’s living your life in legislative fear, but no one does Halloween like the gays. Give us the opportunity to dress up in skimpy clothes with a theme and we’ll grab it eagerly with both hands. Or hooves. Or tentacles.
Instagram @artofbreyette
November: Thank You For Your Service
This is a time of year to be thankful, and we’re thankful for artistic portrayals of men in uniform. Honestly, we’d be more than happy with the suggestion of a uniform. Who knows where this obsession was born out of—it sure as heck couldn’t be born out of our fear and distrust of authority figures, am I right?
Instagram @artofbreyette
December: Winter Wonderland
Ho ho ho! Hang your baubles and step under the mistletoe because Santa Claus is coming to town. Just FYI, Michael J. Breyette’s merch makes a great stocking stuffer. Not that you needed any help in that department.
Andrew Garfield is much more than your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. He’s your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man of the Year. He’s also giving off major leather daddy vibes in this latest shoot from GQ Magazine. Garfield recently secured one of British GQ’s highly coveted Men of the Year slots, along with Jack Harlow and Heartstopper‘s Joe Locke and Kit Connor. To celebrate the announcement, British GQ made Garfield one of the issue’s cover stars. Accompanying the issue is an interview and series of stunning photographs featuring a very shirtless Andrew Garfield in leather pants by Alexander McQueen.
The photography for this cover, taken by the prolific Luke Gilford, is as sublime as Garfield. The 39-year-old is statuesque as he positions himself on the crest of a dune. His hands clasp firmly behind his back as he gazes out into the distance. According to Gilford, they shot all of these photos in an active mining quarry. The evidence of this can be seen in other, less shirtless photos of Andrew Garfield in front of a tangled structure made of twisted metal. He’s dressed in utilitarian-looking clothing like boiler suits and raincoats. The clothes are, of course, anything but. With pieces from Maison Margiela, Gucci, Prada, and Dunhill, they’re not exactly cost-efficient for your average quarry worker.
It wasn’t just his chest that Garfield bares in this issue. The tick, tick… BOOM! actor also opened up about many of the pressures and obstacles he faces as his 40th birthday looms in the distance. Garfield spoke about the loss of his mother to pancreatic cancer in 2019, calling it a very major moment for him. “That cataclysm is a forever-reverberating shift into a deeper awareness of reality,” said Garfield. He described this moment as one that led him to ponder his existence and “the shortness of this window we have.”
All of this and more continue to come into focus for Garfield as he steps into a new decade. With this comes the pressure to have kids. “I always thought I would be the first to have kids and settle down,” said Garfield. Meanwhile, Garfield’s high school friends are “all shacked up and a couple of kids deep, for the most part.” Ultimately, as Garfield notes, life is in charge. Garfield calls it a “perpetual practice of letting shit go. Letting go of an idea of how a thing should look, or be, or feel.”
No Regrets
In the end, despite not having kids, Garfield explains that he is happy to have no regrets. Particularly when it comes to his mom. “There was no stone left unturned,” said Garfield. “There was nothing left unsaid.” As many of us who are grieving will know, that is a very special thing. Regret or no regret, however, there will always be longing. “It would be so nice to be able to continue to love her in person,” Garfield continues. “The grief is never-ending. The love is never-ending […] That’s the nature of love.”
Nicky Champa is feeling lost, but maybe that’s a good thing. The social media icon recently shared a series of artistic shots that showcase both his sculptural physique and artistic talent. Champa took to Instagram to surprise his followers with photos that show a different, moodier side to the 27-year-old. It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of Champa and his husband Pierre, so of course, we had to investigate.
Who Are Nicky and Pierre?
To put it simply, Nicky Champa and Pierre Amaury Crespeau viral TikTok sensations. The couple has a combined following of almost 26 million on the platform. They post adorable and hilarious videos that range from sketches to day-in-the-life content that delights and inspires. Champa and Crespeau met as aspiring actors living in Los Angeles. While on an audition, Champa noticed Crespeau sitting across from him in the waiting room. He was immediately taken by him. So, he did what any of us would do; he took a picture of Crespeau and sent it to his manager, who, as luck would have it, also represented Crespeau.
Little did Champa know that together they would take the internet by storm. Champa also couldn’t have known that they would even tie the knot 5 years late. The couple celebrated their love for one another in an intimate and secret ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada in Oct. 2022. The very same month, Champa shared these stunning photos. We reached out to Champa to learn more about these beautiful shots and what inspired them.
Gayety: Who is the photographer for this incredible series?
Champa: Usually Pierre is the one that takes all of my solo photos and visa versa although for these it was actually a photographer we worked with a few years back, Luke Fontana.
Photo by Luke Fontana via @nickchampa
Gayety: What inspired these incredible shots?
Champa: I tend to do things creatively that sometimes don’t make sense until a little bit later on in my life. For these, they were shot as I was still figuring myself out and how I wanted to express myself. Now as we (Pierre and I) both sort of find our individuality within ourselves and our relationship, I feel these represent me now much more accurately in this stage of my life. More than ever comfortable in my skin and less afraid.
Gayety: Can we expect to see more artistry like this from you?
Champa: Yes without a doubt. I have so many unshared photos and also have plans to make so many more. Making art in either photographs or videos has always been a creative release for me and will continue to be how I show myself artistically. This conflicting idea that just because I am known for being a certain way on TikTok doesn’t mean I have to restrict the other parts of me, and that stood In the way for quite some time. But now with finding more security in myself, I realized how unnecessary that was and how I want to celebrate who I am now and who I want to be.
This is not your grandma’s fine china. Kris and Andrew from Pansy Ass Ceramics have mastered the subtle art of making smutty ceramics. Unlike most fine china, these creations are gay, and they stay dirty no matter how many times you wash them. According to their website, the duo explores “gay male identity and culture” through the medium of porcelain. Fine porcelain often conjures up images of floral vases crammed into heavy cabinets. They are almost a hallmark of traditional domesticity. This contrast makes for compelling artwork that will certainly serve as a conversation starter in your home. They’re also titillating good fun.
In an interview with Pink Planet TV, they described the process as “reverse objectification.” This is in response to the overrepresentation of the female form in art. Although Kris and Andrew have made waves in LGBTQ+ spaces, the appeal goes beyond the gay community. Andrew explains that they’ve even been approached by straight women at some of their art shows, excited to see the medium focus on the male figure.
Keep scrolling for a sampling of some of our favorite pieces that range from planters to functional pieces like lamps and wearables. Don’t worry, you can turn on incognito mode. We won’t tell.
Prurient Planters
Pansy Ass Ceramics has perfected the art of translating the male body into a sexy planter. Stopping to smell the roses has never been so…arousing.
Dirty Dishes
Picture this. You have your chosen family over for a Friendsgiving celebration. As a hungry guest grabs the last turkey leg off the platter, they reveal a little gay inside joke. Cute, naughty, and pretty, all in one.
Filthy Functionals
Pansy Ass Ceramics has been exploring functional gay fine china more and more. With pieces like lamps, teapots, and fruit bowls; suddenly the practical is profane. We love to see it. There are also mustachioed mugs that really remind us of Tom of Finland. Bottoms up!
Obscene Ornaments
Sometimes you just want to cram your entire home with as many ornamental euphemisms as humanly possible. These stunning pieces, some of which are XXXmas themed, make great stocking stuffers.
Wanton Wearables
Who doesn’t love a leather daddy on a t-shirt? Pansy Ass Ceramics knows its audience because they also offer wearables that would make your aunt blush. If you’d like something a little more subtle, there’s no shame in that. Try one of their profane pins or pendants on for size!
Fine China, But Make It Gay
This is queer artistry as we love to see it. Unabashedly queer and totally over the top. In a world where gay culture is becoming increasingly sterilized and commodified, this gives us hope. The pieces in their store are even more NSFW than we included here. Pansy Ass Ceramics has something for everyone, so head on over to their store and treat yourself, or indeed someone else. Probably not grandma, unless that’s something she’s into.
Red Hot is back for a 2023 edition and this time they’ve gone global. Fans of the Red Hot may remember their other calendars including European Boys in 2020 and American Boys in 2019. This year they extended the project globally, working with photographers and the hottest men with red hair all over the world. As Red Hot’s photographer and creative director, Thomas Knights is joined by reputable names from Paris to Tel Aviv. They include Raphaël Chatelain, Lior Horesh, Zachary Kendrick, and Sequoyah.
The photographers captured each model in stunning quality, surrounded by nature. From verdant grasslands to desolate salt lakes, they look ethereal in spreads reminiscent of sophisticated editorial photography. These photos are a feast for the eyes, in more ways than one. We’re sure you’re hungry, so let’s not keep you any longer. Follow us now on a trip around the world.
Red Hot has a history of showcasing ginger excellence while also raising over £70,000 for various charities. They include Movember, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Athlete Ally, The Anti-Bullying Alliance, and The Diana Award. With this calendar, Red Hot is raising money and awareness for the Testicular Cancer charity, It’s In The Bag. Not that you needed an excuse to ogle handsome redheads, but it helps.
This year Red Hot 2023 comes to us alongside Own It 2023, a calendar designed to showcase and celebrate the beauty in what sets us apart. Pick up a copy of Red Hot 2023 today for the uncropped, untouched photos and take a trip around the world for yourself.
The new year is fast approaching and you have the decision to make. No, it’s not what gift to get your mother-in-law. No, it’s not some grandiose New Year’s resolution. It’s much more important than that. You have to decide what calendar to hang on your wall. All joking aside, there is quite a selection of calendars right now. To make matters worse, yearly frontrunners Red Hot have two calendars to choose from. Of course, there is everybody’s favorite Red Hot 2023, but this year they also did something a little different. Own It 2023 is a calendar for the risk-takers and trailblazers.
Internationally acclaimed photographer Thomas Knights captured redheads from all over the world, each of them the main characters of their own success stories. Dancers, singers, models, and athletes, these redheads are showcased in a calendar that celebrates what makes them unique. More than that, it asks them to own it.
Own It For A Cause
Red Hot has a history of showcasing ginger excellence while also raising over £70,000 for various charities. They include Movember, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Athlete Ally, The Anti-Bullying Alliance, and The Diana Award. This year Red Hot is supporting the Terrence Higgins Trust, which is working to end HIV transmission in the UK.
What Does 2023 Look Like?
Join us as we travel forward through time on a walk through 2023. There we can get to know the stories featured in the Own It 2023 calendar, and see what lessons we can learn.
We start the year strong with a professional figure skater, Joe Johnson. For Joe, doing what you love is what counts and success often follows. “Every time something is enjoyable it is worth it,” says Joe. “As long as you’re being kind and gentle and not hurting anybody.”
Owning who he is did not come automatically to Joe. Joe says he was originally convinced to dye his hair brown when competing. Thanks to guidance from an Olympic coach, Joe eventually stopped. She told him his red hair would be “his signature,” and help him stand out.
Next up is Daniel James Greenway, a freelance dancer who took this opportunity to share his HIV-positive status with the world. “This campaign is the first time that I’m going public with my status,” says Daniel. “My journey took time, but I can now say that I’m HIV positive and undetectable.”
Daniel says that since his diagnosis he has grown to be a more compassionate, understanding person. “I genuinely believe that it’s one of the best things that ever happened to me,” says Daniel. “That journey took time, but I’m so glad that I’ve come out the other side.”
Our March model is TikTok star, Jay Beech. Jay is known for his dance, lip sync, and vintage fashion content. “Being on TikTok, the main turning point in my confidence was that I finally felt seen,” says Jay. “It completely changed my mindset: don’t sit behind the screen admiring them, become them.”
Jay also opened up about his journey with ADHD, something he once thought was his biggest weakness. Now Jay is owning it, saying he now views it as his biggest strength.
As we enter into April we meet Jamie Boy King, a tattoo artist based in London. Jamie says he started tattooing himself around the time that he came out. “It was a way of me creatively guiding myself through that phase,” says Jamie. The art form unlocked a new world for Jamie, one that gave them autonomy over their body.
It is this kind of bodily autonomy that empowers Jamie to live more fluidly, just as he is. “Fluidity to me is the freedom to be who you are and to change.”
As may flowers, we are introduced to 30-year-old British actor and model Max Parker. His story as a gay, ginger actor may surprise some. Redheaded male leads aren’t exactly common, much less gay ones. Max says he’s been very lucky with his experience and credits his success with embracing who he is.
“Just being yourself opens so many more doors than you would think,” says Max. “The world is better in technicolor, and red definitely deserves to be on the big screen.”
We are now firmly in summer, and as you may know, June is the month for Pride. But Pride isn’t so easily won. Oftentimes you have to fight for it. Personal trainer and gymnast Sam Okojie is intimately familiar with this fight. Sam says his experience growing up ginger as a Black man was disbelief.
“People didn’t really believe it,” says Sam. “The average white person doesn’t have to prove they are ginger. I constantly have to prove who I am.” Although he shouldn’t have to, Sam is not one to back away from a challenge. “I think being vulnerable is one of the best things you can do,” says Sam. “You get to know people for who they are.”
As the summer continues to heat up we meet burlesque performer and choreographer, Dale K. Also known by their stage name, Ego Valentino, Dale has been on quite the journey with their gender identity. “For a long time I would say I was toxic masculine actually,” says Dale. “I was really trying to overcompensate for myself.”
Dale says that things changed when they started working with drag queens and meeting people with different gender identities. Although they say they had a lot of unpacking to do, they eventually arrived at a place of owning their femininity. “Once you’ve identified what’s special about you, take it from there, and own that sh*t,” says Dale.
Photographer of this series and Red Hot’s very own Thomas Knights is here to greet us for August. Thomas recounts a time when he dyed his hair blond, ashamed of being a redhead. Thomas says that shaving off his badly dyed hair and embracing who he is, took over 10 years.
“I would love this Own It campaign to inspire young people and anyone struggling with being different,” says Thomas. He hopes it can help empower them to “celebrate the things that make them unique.”
Autumn has arrived and with it, actor, model, and gogo dancer, Chris O’Mara. It’s very appropriate then that Chris’ rise is made more poignant because of his fall. Chris talks about an injury that he refused to allow power over his future.
“I can do a hell of a lot and I have worked incredibly hard to be able to do these things now,” says Chris. “I own what I can do and am proud of where I got to.”
Fall is in full swing when we are introduced to Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn. Nathan says he uses art to express the things he may not be able to confidently say out loud. “When I decided to really own it and to create the work I want to create […] a fire ignited inside me,” says Nathan. Whether it’s through art or any other medium, being authentic is the key to building confidence.
“The things I was bullied for in school, both being ginger and gay, have actually given me the confidence to be myself.” It may sound cliché, but this Nathan can confirm that this confidence is key to success.
As fall comes to an end we meet Red Hot veteran Gwilym Pugh. Gwilym went viral back in 2018 when Wales Online printed a story about his journey from businessman to model. Part of that involved quitting his desk job and losing almost 100lbs. Now, over a decade later, Gwilym says his relationship with his body image has ended.
Gwilym says he is now less focused on what his body looks like. “I’m far more interested and focused on what my body is capable of doing.”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Steven McRae is here to usher in the holidays. As a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet in London, Stephen has passion in spades. “You have to love every ounce of dance,” he says. “It’s impossible to do it without that.” Without an unquenchable love for dance, it’s possible Steven would have let his injury overcome him.
“My Achilles snapped live on stage,” says Seven. “It took two years almost to the day to get back onto that stage.” Steven credits his passion and his inability to accept no for an answer. “We made the impossible possible.”
Consider it a New Year’s bonus, and Irish-born rugby union player and gridiron football placekicker is here to ring it in. Tadhg says there weren’t a lot of redheaded athletes growing up. Not even in Ireland. He hopes that with his appearance he can shine a bit of a spotlight on that today.
Ginger is Beautiful
We’ve come to the end of our journey. Hopefully, by now you see the photographer, Thomas Knight’s vision. What sets you apart is your advantage, not your shortcoming. If something is holding you back, ask yourself if it’s simply trying to guide you in another direction. Pause, take note, redirect, and own every single inch of yourself. We’ll leave you with some powerful words from photographer Thomas Knights.
As a child, anything that sets you apart from everyone else feels uncomfortable. When you grow up, it’s the very same things that end up being your calling card. Suddenly, being different feels amazing. Being unique is an asset. It’s a journey of self acceptance.
– Thomas Knights, photographer & creative director of Red Hot
It was love at first click. That’s how Chris Klein describes his most recent passion project, Tasty Smut. Klein made a career out of his artistry long before working on this project. When he started Wantermore Creative, Klein didn’t know it would grow into the semi-lucrative business it is today.
What started as an outlet for his creativity, shooting weddings and portraits of all kinds started putting food on the table. As is often the case, when he started to earn money, the whole process began to feel like “work.” Rather than lose interest, or push through it begrudgingly, Klein decided to find a new outlet. That outlet was Tasty Smut and the male form.
Photo by Chris Klein/Tasty Smut
A Love of The Male Form
The concept for Tasty Smut started as pure intrigue. Klein says that the male form has “always been this sexy alluring thing” that he had to pretend not to like.
“This project was a liberation of sorts, in that sense, when I asked my husband what he thought, his support prompted that very first shoot. It was love at first click!”
We recently spoke to Chris Klein about this project and the highly sought-after coffee table book it inspired. Keep scrolling for an insider’s look at these gorgeous images and Klein’s thoughts about sex positivity and the many dualities contained within the male form.
Gayety: What differences are there shooting, say an engagement shoot, versus the photos for this series? What stays the same?
Chris Klein: Most of my photography career was aimed at high-stress moments in people’s lives, there is a lot of pressure to deliver something that the client will love, I actually enjoy that pressure to an extent. There is far more preparation and staging that goes into a wedding, engagement, or even just a family shoot. There is a degree of structure that the Tasty Smut shoots do not have, or need. The similarities lie in my relationship with the model, whoever they are, I strive for authenticity. I want them to feel special because they are. This never changes, no matter what I shoot.
Gayety: The photo series is currently hosted on social media. What has people’s reaction to the series been? Positive and/or negative?
Chris Klein: People’s reactions have been overwhelmingly positive! I have the odd mouthy troll who spews some quick hate, but this is life. People from all walks of life complement the shoots, and I do try to be as inclusive and diverse as I can with my imagery, I think people appreciate this.
Gayety: What sort of conversations do you hope your coffee table book will inspire?
Chris Klein: Hopefully smutty ones! I want people to flip through this thing and talk about being naked in nature, maybe a wild experience they had themselves. I think it sparks a sex-positive dialogue, and I hope it helps normalize the naked body. It’s like a tiny tool or weapon that’s meant to push the comfort zone conversationally. Also, the idea of male beauty has historically been rooted in the idea that a man’s desirability comes from society’s perception of his strength and power. We are told that a man cannot be both powerful and vulnerable for these are contradictory elements. However, man can be both soft and strong and it is this duality that is most captivating.
Gayety: How do you set your work apart from other people who capture the male form?
Chris Klein: I think (and hope) my work feels organic. I strive to strip away the singular perception of power by portraying the male form in a state of vulnerability. Exposed it to the force and beauty of nature without his protective armor. To be naked and alone in nature is sacred and disconcerting; it has been my privilege to stand behind the camera while men undress, both their clothes and their masks.
This forced vulnerability allows the model to expose his unguarded self and the moment captured is of sensual authenticity I only use natural light and I would never alter a body, there will never be spray painting abs in photoshop for me. I think a lot of what we see in our feeds is very tailored and “perfect” Nobody is perfect and there is beauty in absolutely everything, I don’t see this with everyone who does what I do, a few, but not all. I like my shoots to flow like a conversation, I talk to the models and dig for whatever makes them tick, I think this translates well on camera.
Gayety: What photo books are currently sitting on your coffee table?
Chris Klein:Beneath The Surface – Lucas Murnaghan: His work transcends everyday shoots, his whole book is shot underwater and although I didn’t know him personally, he was so nice to me when we messaged. Unfortunately, he passed away and we lost a really special and talented person. This Is Nowhere – Jeremy Koreski: A local BC guy, he captures a very special place to me in this book, it’s a town called Tofino and the surrounding area is so incredibly awe-inspiring. His work is so good. Wet Men – Fracois Rousseau: Wow, just wow. The very first, sexy photobook I owned. Check it out!
Gayety: What would you say to someone considering being photographed in a series like this?
Chris Klein: I shoot a lot of first-timers, they are nervous, in fact, a lot of people are nervous in front of a camera. I would tell them that my bad jokes will keep the mood light and authentic, that this isn’t a big scary thing, we aren’t aiming for perfection or anything other than authenticity. Shoots with me flow like conversations and it’s important that the model knows this. It takes the pressure off.
Gayety: Do you have any advice for men trying to get over hangups about their bodies?
Chris Klein: I think it’s really easy for people to get caught up in what our bodies or general image “should” be. Our own mental health gets shelved while we strive for the “perfect body.” As long as you are happy, healthy, and confident, you’ll see the sexiness in everyone and they will see it in you. Confidence is sexy. own it.
Gayety: What’s next for the series? Can we expect more from Tasty Smut?
Chris Klein: More books! More shoots! maybe even a magazine or prints! I’m not too sure yet, but I continue to shoot because this has become such a special outlet for me.
Gayety: What’s your personal favorite shot, and why?
Chris Klein: It was from my second Tasty Smut shoot, the model is on one knee and one arm is down on the ground and the other is on his upright knee. […] It’s super dualistic and captures both masculine and fragile masculine energy in such a moody way. I just love the shot, to this day.
Photo by Chris Klein/Tasty Smut
Make sure to follow Tasty Smut on Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit. After selling out its first print round, Tasty Smut Volume 1 is available for pre-sale. The book will come to print in early December, making it the perfect stocking stuffer.
It might be related to the upcoming release of The Little Mermaid‘s live-action adaptation, but we have gone mer-crazy. This merperson obsession has manifested itself on our Instagram feed. Especially in the form of finned muscled men under the sea. Join us now as we dive into the depths of Instagram’s thirstiest art accounts in search of gay mermen.
Fab’s art is equal parts dreamy and ethereal, with a touch of realism. They play with using various different sea creatures as inspiration for the tail. Their art style isn’t the only dreamy thing about these pieces either.
If bulging pecs and rippling abs are more of your style then Blueboy is the artist for you. His merman pieces all take inspiration from The Little Mermaid too. If you ever sat 6 inches from the TV wishing to be part of that world, then come on in. The water’s fine!
Carlos’ pieces are so real that you could almost reach out and touch them. His depiction of Tharion from House of Sky and Breath is a feast for the eyes. He also created a piece of Shawn Mendes as Prince Eric that is also easy on the eyes.
Pierre’s artwork has evolved to almost become more Disney than Disney, although very x-rated. Their gay mermen are a bit more blend fantasy with reality. Plenty more abs to go around too!
Speaking of Disney-style art, Jack of Hearts has that down. The U.K.-based illustrator has a particular proclivity for depicting Disney Princes in bondage situations. When they’re not doing that, they can be found creating stunning art. Take their illustrations of mer-Lil Nas X and other very attractive men. We threw in a bonus King Triton and mer-Price Eric.
J Giampietro’s work is at once romantic and fantastic. The New York-based artist has a gift for creating scenes that you wish you could step into. We’re sure the mermen would make great companions too.
Luis’ art is perhaps more cute and playful than the others. Still, we couldn’t do a piece on merman’s art without sharing this stunning artwork. This one feels like it came from the storybook of our dreams.
Let’s get back to bulging muscles and realism, shall we? If you were ever going to develop confusing feelings for part human, part fish then now is the time. We’re sorry, and you’re welcome.
If you prefer living in Ariel’s world then buckle up buttercup. Suyohara is the closest we’ve come to watching a gay Ariel merman story play out. Their comic-style art is enough to make even the biggest ichthyophobe swoon.
Last, but not least, there is Zach Brunner. The LA-based artist is famous for his gay homelife series, as well as his proclivity for butts and monsters. All of these things, and more, come together when he creates his merman pieces. Lucky for us he seems to love gay mermen as much as we do.
