Gymn0s: Preternatural

"I grew up with art. Both of my parents were artists. We often visited museums in New York City when I was a child, so for me seeing nude figures in art is quite natural."

Gymn0s

Next 2 images bystevenrs17

People's perceptions about nude modeling, especially for men, have certainly changed over the years.  Slowly for some, but motivated out of necessity..  One of the main factors in recent years has of course been the Internet.  With everyone now having the ability to take and post selfies, society has been forced to deal with nude selfies, sometimes of their friends, their neighbours, even their teachers, and clergy.

I didn't get my own cell phone until I was in my twenties, and distinctly remember taking my first nude selfie with a polaroid instant camera.   I remember taking it, and I remember stressing over where I hid it in my bedroom.  There was only person I wanted to show it to, and it wasn't my mother or my younger brother who I then shared a room with. 

Next 2 images from Gordon Nebeker

I always like to ask models what led them to pose nude.  Not only their motivation, but the factors they weighed before making the decision.  Working on FH over the years, that although there are still common factors, the stigma, especially work with has started to change.  Like many of you I'm sure, I first saw images of model Gymn0s over a decade ago. The first shots of Gymn I remember seeing were from photographer Julian Vankim who I was interviewing at the time for tMf magazine.  

I loved Gymn's  look, his incredibly fit and sculped body and his strong handsome face. He reminded me a bit of Clark Kent and Superman, only hotter, and minus the suit and blue tights. Soon after, I got in touch with Gymn about a possible feature on FH. Gymn was very gracious, but de declined the offer.  He was aware of the site, and was fully aware that his nude images were on-line., Gymn had began modeling however, but the Internet really took off, and wasn't really prepared at the time for such a high degree of public exposure.  

Next 2 shots by Implicit Ditto

Art shows and photographer's portfolios were one thing, but too much promotion could lead to  possible repercussions, especially for for employment. Although he loved modeling, Gymn was trying to be careful and keep a relatively low public profile.  I don't give up subjects whose work I'm drawn to easily.  Over the years, when I'd see one of his images, I'd ask again.  This year, after a move and some life changes, Gymn was on board!

Gymn has worked with so many great artists, and has so many incredible shots, some that I know many of you have seen.  Getting the yes for a feature was just the beginning, narrowing down images, was going to be even harder.  Thankfully, Gymn was up for spotlighting some of his favorite shots, many from his recent creative collaborations.   The images included here are some of Gymn's favorites, with a few of my favorites weaved in as well. 

Gymn0s by jonridinger

How or what initially brought you to modeling? 

In 1993 I was living and working in Japan, I often swam at a public outdoor pool. A Canadian photographer approached me and asked if I would be willing to pose nude for him. At first I said no. But I thought about it and then I changed my mind. We traveled to a beautiful waterfall in a secluded forest. That was my first nude photo shoot. You can see those photos in my Instagram feed. 

Next 2 images by jasonmicklephoto

Was it difficult to make the decision to shoot fully nude? 

I began posing nude before the Internet. So for me it was not difficult.  I’m primarily a figure model for art groups and art classes, so the decision to shoot fully nude was not a difficult decision. Also I don’t see the human body as inherently sexual. I’ve lived in Sweden, Germany and Japan. My experiences in those countries taught me that nudity is not sexual; it’s natural. 

Who was your first nude shoot with?

With my Canadian friend. We are still friends today and stay in contact. He now lives in France. 

Do you know how many photographers you've worked with over the span of your career? 

No, unfortunately I don’t have a count. But I have worked with quite a few photographers. Part of the enjoyment for me is meeting these amazing and creative artists. 

Gymn0s by marcantoniophotografien

I know you've had many shoots, can you share any favorite moments? 

It’s an unfair question. I have favorite moments from all of my photo shoots. But some Highlights include a photo shoot in an abandoned factory in eastern Germany, a shoot in Sicily, and a shoot on a rooftop in NYC. 

Gymn0s by Arteo Photo

Do you have any boundaries for shooting? 

Before a shoot I ask what it is they want to capture eg classic poses or beefcake poses or a certain narrative etc. I tell the photographer what I can do to reach their goal. Discussing the shoot ahead of time clarifies for both parties our “north” or our objective. The fun is getting into a creative flow with the artist.

Last 3 images from mytruetemptation

Do you have any 'rules' for who you'll choose to work with? 

When I see an artist’s work and I’m in awe of what they create, I will reach out to them. Sometimes they don’t respond to me. But if they do, I get very excited about the prospect of working with such talent. It’s hard for me to explain what it is that draws me to certain artists and not to others. 

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