Distinguished: Successful, and commanding great respect. Showing dignity or authority in one's appearance or manner.
While working on FH over the years, I've used countless adjectives to describe images of the nude male form. I try to push beyond using just using words like 'sexy' and 'hot' and attempt to find words that uniquely express what I both see and feel when viewing a particular model or series of images.
When photographer Bob Burkhardt sent on this series featuring his work with Mustafa, the first thing I saw, and the word that came to mind, was distinguished . People use the word often to describe a man who carries himself well, is smartly dressed and elegant. Those particular qualities often lesson as the clothes come off, but with Mustafa, those uniquely distinguishing qualities, actually seem to increase as his robe slides down.
Now all of those adjectives I normally use certainly still fit, Mustafa is incredibly hot and incredibly fit. There's something further though, something district and apparent about Mustafa's presence in front of Bob's lens. It in his stance, his poses and most powerfully for me, it's in his face and in his eyes. Mustafa isn't just looking at the camera, he looking straight through it, grabbing the viewers attention with a seductive confidence and respect.
What I love so much about Bob's work is the consistency within his imagery, regardless of who's in front of his camera. Whether it's a brand new model, or an experienced model or porn star, Bob always manages to capture a classic elegance and such powerful dignity in each of the men he shoots. This is particularly notable in his work with Mustafa.
Bob has respect for both the work, and the men he works with and it's evident in the images he creates. This respect appeared to be mutual, and from Bob's comments, was reciprocated by Mustafa during their time working together.
'Mustafa and I met on Instagram and I appreciated the joy I saw in his photos. He was immediately open to working together. I have been recovering from a back injury and he was easy and patient with me. He took an active role in the shoot, effortlessly posing and moving about the room. I was pleased to find he was also very comfortable with his body and I didn’t have to be concerned with nudity. We ran out of time and me steam but agreed to work together soon. '
Mustafa
Q & A
What first motivated you to start modeling?
I've always wanted to model, it runway, editorial, commercial, etc. since I was young. I've always had an outgoing and confident personality, so it comes naturally to me.
Was modeling naked always part of the plan?
Modeling nude is not at all an obstacle for me. I've found myself to be completely comfortable with my body and I am a discreet exhibitionist, so....
Were you nervous before your first nude shoot?
Nerves are not a problem..
Any bad experiences during your time modeling?
I've never really had problems shooting when done with a Pro Photographer, and most of my pictures I have taken myself
How do you prepare for a shoot?
When prepping for a shoot I always workout the day before or of the shoot. I take a nice shower beforehand, cant be smelly, and I bring some clothes or underwear if requested for variety. I do research the photographers and their work before hand to see if they fit my aesthetic, and I am always glad if they ask for my creative input.
Check out more of Bob's work with Mustafa, and learn more about their work together on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
Mustafa on Instagram
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