Michael Au Naturel: A Private Form in a Public Forum

'Although I’d experimented with nude self-portraits many times over the years I never went so far as to share them with anyone.'

Michael Au Naturel

Last December, I was drawn to an image of a beautiful man.  The images was a simple shirtless shot, but I was struck by his handsome face, facial hair and structure, and his beautiful blue eyes. Given I create and write FH, I know that being drawn to an image of hot guy, isn't exactly a shock. There was something different however, and something special about about the image, and as I later learned, also about the man.  

I quickly got in touch with the model Michael Au Naturel, but my timing wasn't great. It was the week before Christmas and although Michael welcomed my reaching out, he was just heading out to visit family for the holidays. We agreed to reconnect in the New Year.  When I got in touch again in the New Year, Michael was juggling several new projects, including getting his new website and Patreon up and running.

I used to be surprised when models shared how shy and private they were.  There is still the notion that anyone posting nudes must be an extravert, confident and self-assured.  I've learned over the years this is often not the case.  Modeling, especially nude modeling, and often be a powerful impetus to a person's senses of self.  The concept of privacy is also radically changing with our on-lines lives often magnifying pieces of ourselves, we once kept hidden. 

As you're scrolling through the first few images, and hopefully reading my ramblings, I'm guessing like myself, many of you have been drawn to these images of Michael's handsome face and beautiful body.  Keeping scrolling down and I'm confident that Michael will hold your attention, with both this series of self-portraits, and also his story.

'I’ve been interested in the male form as well as nude photography and erotic art for as long as I can remember. I experimented with nude self-portraits for many years before I began sharing my work with an audience or modeling for photographers. 

Looking back, I think the passion was always present but I was apprehensive about putting myself out there in the way a nude model is required to. It wasn’t until more recently that I started considering heading down this path and considering modeling as anything more than a fantasy. At 37, I’m definitely a late bloomer but I think the comfort in your own skin that comes with age has definitely been a benefit in my modeling experiences so far! '

You're also a photographer, which came first, modeling or shooting?

I’m sometimes a little hesitant to call myself a “photographer” (and “model” half the time if we’re being honest) because I don’t own any professional equipment, but I do feel as though I have a natural eye for composition. I shot all of the outdoor photos shared here.

 I’ve always been fascinated with the outdoors in general and found the visual of the nude male form among nature especially intriguing in terms of a photography subject. Even before I began taking my own self-portraits, I was always drawn to this type of imagery. I think the male form is beautiful on its own, but there is something magical about seeing it juxtaposed against a natural backdrop. 

What has been your favorite modeling experience thus far? 

I think my favorite modeling experience so far was the chance to shoot with Eric G. Brown in December last year. He’s a photographer who specializes in shooting the male form in urban decay environments, which is a concept I’ve always been intrigued by and wanted to explore. The day we shot was absolutely freezing, and even more so when you’re completely nude in an abandoned warehouse, but the photos blew my mind when I saw them. Eric is a true professional and works magic with the camera! 

Is the “Au Naturel” in your credit a nod to shooting nudes, shooting in nature, or about your style in front of the camera? 

'When I was trying to decide on a name I remember wanting something that, given the intimacy of my work, had a personal meaning and was fun without being too corny. I was lying in bed one night when “Michael Au Naturel” popped into my head and I knew it was the one. The name, which is also kind of my modeling persona, actually has four levels of depth. The first two have to do with shooting nude and shooting in nature, as suggested. The third is a nod to my family’s French heritage, and the fourth is that the initials are “M.A.N.” I’m a perfectionist at heart and spend a lot of time thinking about (and overthinking) everything I do, so you can be sure there’s always intent behind even the smallest of details!' 

Why do you think you like modeling? 

It might sound strange, but I have a hard time trying to visualize how I look to the outside world, if that makes sense. For example, I’m almost a 38-year-old man, but for some reason, I still don’t picture myself as an adult, even though I’m mature and have my life together. I feel like I look different in every mirror and half the time when I see myself in photos, I’m surprised at how I look. It’s almost a “wow, that’s me?” moment each time. I think modeling helps me firm up a mental image of myself and acts as a sort of reassurance that I, at least physically, embody the kind of male image I find appealing.

What factors did you weigh before deciding to take it all off? 

I’m a pretty private person in “real life” and don’t take many risks or step out of my comfort zone, as hard as that might be to believe. Although I’d experimented with nude self-portraits many times over the years I never went so far as to share them with anyone. I think what stopped me from considering nude modeling as anything other than a fantasy was fear of the unknown. Would I regret these photos years down the road? Would it turn my life upside down if I shared them with an audience? What would happen if a family member, friend, or coworker found them? These were all questions I asked myself many times and to be honest, still do. I don’t know what the future holds and how this or any other part of my life will pan out, but I’m trying to be true to myself and accept that I’m a multi-faced person. Nude modeling just happens to be one of those facets. 

Has modeling nude been an issue with a significant other?

I’ve been single for the last couple of years and don’t date much, so I haven’t had a need yet to discuss nude modeling with a potential partner. I’ve definitely thought about how I would bring the subject up and it would have to be at a point where we trusted one another and felt the other was open to and accepting of one another’s differences. I would totally understand if dating a nude model wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I would hope that, with honesty and open communication, it wouldn’t be an issue with someone who truly loved me for me. In an ideal world, I would love to be with someone who not only accepts my ambitions but supports and encourages them no matter what they are. Tell me about your first nude shoot. 

This self-portrait series was all shot outside, how private was the location, any worries about people passing by? 

'Even though I’ve made nature a main theme of my work, I actually live in a major city with very little privacy or remote areas. After doing a little exploring around some of the parks on the edges of the city, I did manage to find a few somewhat secluded areas where I can set up and shoot my self-portraits, but unfortunately, I’m always on high alert because other people are usually never too far off. I’ve had a few close calls where hikers or cyclists have shown up unexpectedly on a nearby trail, but as far as I know, no one has seen me. 

I’ll usually set up the intended shot and get everything ready to go before I get in place and undress, leaving my clothes within arm’s reach in case I need to duck out of view quickly. I’d love to be able to shoot in a remote location where I could have the freedom to be more creative while nude, but I’ve been able to work with what I have for now.'

With so many models starting OnlyFans, what made you head to Patreon? 

'As a creator, I wanted to be able to share my work in many different formats and after doing a little research, I found Patreon to be the better fit for the kind of content I wanted to create. Besides posting photos, I’d always wanted to publish a digital book or magazine in PDF form and found that Patreon supported more file formats than OnlyFans. After launching my Patreon, I achieved my goal and was able to offer subscribers my first “Photo Collection” digital book, a 32-page collection of more than 60 photos with an introduction written by me. This book serves as the first chapter of my chronicles in nude modeling and I have plans for additional volumes and other similar exclusive content in the future! 

After getting my start on Flickr and developing a following, the goal for Patreon was to create a place to offer my higher quality, premium content to individuals interested in subscribing. This includes exclusive photo sets not available anywhere else, downloads like my digital book, and a more personalized experience through written posts accompanying all media. I appreciate my audience and really enjoy interacting. I’m also looking to add video content in the very near future that will give subscribers a behind-the-scenes look at my process and bring them into the world of Michael Au Naturel in a more dynamic and intimate way. I shot some footage last fall that I’ll be editing together to share shortly, so now is the time to subscribe!'

Michael Au Naturel

Michael Au Naturel on Patreon