I wanted to photograph five very different men, from different backgrounds and upbringings. They have all experienced life very differently, yet have one crucial element in common: their masculinity. I grew to view these men as strong, confident, creative, smart and sensitive people. I really want to focus on one key word here: CONFIDENT. The idea of a “confident man” is changing in today’s society. Traditional confidence in masculinity was once defined as a chest-beating, hulk smashing, no-bullshit dominant warrior hunter-gatherer beast who didn’t care about who or what they damaged in the wake of their war path. Although this concept, as outdated as it is, unfortunately, still exists, modern masculinity is still evolving. It’s evolving the same way feminism is evolving, and is finding it’s balance amongst our world today.
That evolution is constantly shifting, and here is my my creative interpretation on the subject: It is a harmony between the feminine and masculine. It’s being able to identify as a man, either straight, trans, gay or other, and recognize that expressing femininity isn’t shameful. It’s being able to embrace emotional intelligence and not discounting these feelings as seeming weak. It’s also about not feeling threatened by the success and importance of women, and empowering their female counterparts as opposed to suppressing them. And fuck it, it’s being able to wear a full face of beautiful, glamorous makeup and false nails and turning it out in front of a camera! These five men represent an incredibly powerful shift in today’s perception of masculinity, and I want to celebrate it.
I want to thank everyone who was involved in this project:
MY BEAUTIFUL FUCKING MODELS. Ben, John, Chris, Emmet and Matt. This would not have even been possible without your participation. Thank you for helping me make this idea a reality and for believing in my crazy whims. Each of you have contributed to something wildly important to me and thus own a small piece of my heart and all of my respect.
Pina Cava - My rockstar makeup artist mother who made these men truly beautiful. Check her out on Instagram @pinacavamakeup
Luigi Cava - My brother who sat in for light tests and barbered our subjects. Find him on Instagram @primbarbershop
David and Cal - Thank you all for being there and documenting this wild experience.
Brian - Thank you for being the bearer of coffee and comedic timing.
All of the girlfriends who showed up to support your men! I could very clearly see this was empowering for you ladies as well. Your support for them meant so much to me.
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