Masculinity by Michael Stokes

DOES A PHOTO BOOK NEED A CONCEPT? WE BELIEVE IT SHOULD. WE BELIEVE THAT IF YOU PUT TOGETHER A BOOK IT SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST A RED THREAD THAT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. HOWEVER, HAVING CONCLUDED THAT, WE ALSO BELIEVE A BOOK CONCEPT REALLY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TOO COMPLICATED. AFTER ALL, A COLLECTION OF BEAUTIFUL SEXY MEN IS ENOUGH OF A THEME TO FILL AN ENCYCLOPEDIA.

Michael Stokes has seen his work being published in various anthology books, but never had the opportunity to release a volume of his own. Up till now that is. Over the past 2 years, Michael has been planning the publication of his first photo book together with publisher Bruno Gmünder. It wasn’t easy at first, but he made it happen. Fortunately as Michael’s work definitely deserves to be printed and bind together.

The reason why the cooperation went a bit difficult in the beginning lies in the fact of the book theme. Where Bruno Gmünder believed the book needed a theme, Michael Stokes himself was convinced his work would speak for itself. It didn’t take them much time though to realize that they both wanted the same thing. Michael’s men are the example of pure masculinity and male sexiness and that is all the theme you need to put together an amazing photo book.

Masculinity sums up everything that makes Michael Stoke’s work so special. There is strength, there is sex appeal and there is the perfection of the male physique. Depending on whether you are gay or straight, man or woman, the meaning of masculinity can differ. For women masculinity is associated with virility. For straight men it stands for comradery, integrity and strength. And for gay men, masculinity is often the word that stirs desire and excitement. For Michael Stokes, a passionate swimmer himself, it is all that, combined with a good healthy dose of sportiveness and athleticism. And so that is exactly how he portrays his men. Masculinity is a wonderful collection of the best of Michael’s work from the past 2 years, shot in the most exciting cities in America and Europe. At the end of the day, isn’t that all the concept you need? –BM-

Masculinity by Michael Stokes is a 128-page photo book at size 26 x 34 cm / 10.25 x 13.5 inch. Printed in full color it comes with hardcover with dust jacket and is available since November 5.

MICHAEL STOKES | BEAUTIFULMAG
MASCULINITY | BEAUTIFULMAG

Comments

[Dieter Reimers, Toronto (Canada)]

Fantastic......!! Those photo's take my breath away..........

[iamagaytekeeper]

Such beauty!

[Mr.2liver]

The article was really nicely written, it showee me into the world of zmicheals' his thought process behind his work and the detail that goes in. Keep up the good work.