Another Normal Day: Billy by Bodytorium

'Considering Billy had never posed nude before, he was very comfortable during the photoshoot. It was though it was just another normal day on the job for him.'

Phil, Bodytorium 

I think one of the reasons many come to FH is to get a bit of a virtual escape from their day to day lives.  No matter what we do for a living, there's a natural monotony of work, and a routine we develop to maneuver through the structure of our days.  I know when my alarm goes off, at the same time very morning, I sometimes feel this monotony as I head towards the kitchen to turn on the coffee machine for the umpteenth time.

I have a stressful day job, one that often doesn't always have predictability or even set schedule all of the time.  I'm often required to work nights and weekends and to do on-call duties, which could mean leaving my home and my bed at anytime of the day or night.  Even this unpredictability however, becomes routine over time.

Many may remember that FH actually started from the stress and unstructured nature of my job.  My job requires skill and critical thinking, but it doesn't provide many opportunities for spontaneity, or to be creative.  I delt with this stress by seeking out art and beauty, all of which eventually led me to begin the site.  Since then, it's provided a balancing force to both the stress, and the routine of my typical normal days.

I can't imagine it feeling normal to get up in the morning, head to a studio, then strip naked for someone I only recently met.  I work out, and think I have an ok body, but a nude photo shoot would certainly throw some stress and anxiety into my enjoyment of that morning coffee.  There'd also however, be an element of anticipation and excitement, addition feeling not often associated with my day to day routines.  

I think for Billy, feeling comfortable stripping down to shoot for Bodytorium stems from a number of reasons.  At 21 years old, the former soccer and futsal  player clearly is fit with a great body.  Billy is just beginning his life as an adult and right now, is just trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life, and 'trying out everything' to see what fits and find out what he enjoys. 

Photographer Phil Diab describes Billy has humble, down-to-earth, and completely unpretentious. Billy doesn't have, nor want an OnlyFans page, and avoids social media or anything that draws attention to himself.  I think it helps take the pressure off whatever you're doing, including modeling nude, when you're focused on the process, having fun, and not really worrying as much about how others will perceive the outcome.

I think Billy also felt at ease because of how Phil works and interacts with the men he shoots.  Phil meets many of his models through friends, and Billy was referred to Phil by his best friend.  When you're best friends suggests something, and vouches for the person involved, there is a level of trust immedeately established, something you can't get if the suggestion came from a stranger.

Phil also has a body of work, portfolios and published books to illustrate to new models how he works, and what they can expect from the shoot and resulting images.  If you watch any of the videos on Bodytorium, you know the atmosphere is relaxed and easy going.  

Phil also attempts to replicate a models regular routine, whether that be through exercising and working out, or going on a hike or walk in the woods, if they're shooting outside.  Phil also chooses his models carefully, meeting, and getting to know them prior to scheduling a shoot. Phil chooses men that not only wants to shoot and work with, but who also fit with personality and style.

When we met in person, and we sat across from each other at a café, it gradually dawned on me that I was witnessing a real treasure. He had the most charming presence and adorable, seductive glances. On our way out, I asked Billy if people mention that he looks like someone famous. And with a very sweet and slightly embarrassed smile, he said yes.'

There are two videos of Billy on Bodytorium which feature Billy's shoot plus him taking a shower and bath. I really liked the segment with Billy and his friend tidying up after the shoot.  There are also hundreds of images in three separate galleries.  Check out them all on Bodytorium HERE: