Stefan Dietz: Intuitive Approach

Centre piece... is the phrase New Zealand artist Stefan Dietz used to caption the photo above.  Perfect words for the beautiful image that had me searching out more of Stefan's work.  The sunlight though the window, the furniture, dishes and knick-knacks that surround him, begin to tell the story of Stefan, the man in the photo as well as the man who shot it.

'My IPhone is used for my photography rather then something very technical, so my images may not be as glossy or edited as some. I prefer a more natural look anyway as in my opinion, it makes the picture and model a bit more accessible to the viewer.'

Almost all of the images included here were taken by Stefan, although he occasionally enlists the help from a friend or two, especially for location shoots when Stefan decides to scale some rocks.  At 56, I was surprised that Stefan only began shooting a few years ago.  I struck how beautifully Stefan poses and the incredibly beautiful and sexy curves and lines he creates.

It is especially impressive, given that Stefan is taking the images himself.  Stefan's grace and beauty speaks to not only a confidence, but a powerful knowing and connection with his body, and his soul. Stefan is exposing much more than skin, but a piece of himself, that he beautifully expresses through body and pose.

'My aim with any photos is always to present pictures on two levels: the aesthetics and the artistry. To me a picture becomes art when an idea is expressed and no photograph is made without some meaning for me. We are bombarded with images these days but my hope is that the viewer will look beyond three seconds and maybe appreciate the pictures beyond the obvious.'

'I'd been working out more seriously for a few years and I suppose my exhibitionist side wanted to show off my hard work and Instagram seemed a logical choice. I quickly found myself enjoying the creative element of a photograph so I went went beyond gym fit pics to using my often nude body as a canvas to showcase ideas, themes, emotions and sexuality in all sorts of ways, often drawing on inspiration from classical poses.'

'There was no formal training - just an intuitive approach.. My photographs have since become more sophisticated. I often use outdoor locations or dark backdrops these days for contrast. I don't over-filter and prefer images that are not too glossed over or unrealistic but still sexual and enticing.'

'It's been overwhelming and humbling and also a full time job! I have a very loyal international following on Facebook and Instagram who love to comment on my pics! My butt, I've been told, should have its own Instagram account which is funny to me as I never saw it properly until I photographed it!' 

'When I first went on FB and Instagram I was completely unprepared for receiving so many personal messages from followers introducing themselves by way of cock pic. It's like a new version of a handshake. Am I complaining? No - though sometimes I'm not sure how to respond but it's flattering that guys feel comfortable enough to do that with me.'

'I am a muse to a poet, a photographer and a painter in three different countries! have had offers to do shoots with photographers in Toronto, Manchester, Brighton, San Francisco and Lyon in France. I collaborated with a digital art photographer in the UK on a series of edgy art photographs via the web. Being a late starter in all this, it is very cool to get acknowledged.'

'I am an older guy and been told I'm inspirational or motivational for others which makes me feel quite humble actually considering I was quite judgmental about my physical appearance when I was younger. Of course It's hard to see myself objectively at times but some followers view me as a kind of "Daddy" and that's OK with me. Whatever works: as long as my pictures create some reaction (hopefully a good one) then I'm happy.'

'Shooting photographs and getting it right is not easy. Most of them are taken by myself; some by a friend. I rely on natural light which can change and the set up can take time. Being a perfectionist may not help! There is a nude beach near me with some excellent natural backdrops so I shoot there a bit. It's winter at the moment yet it doesn't stop me shivering and clambering over wet slimy rocks in the nude to get to my next photo destination!'

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