'Nude modeling has been something I have thought about, but prior career goals made it something I didn't let myself pursue. But life changes and with it so did some of my hang ups.'
I've been featuring the work of Columbus Oho photographer
ClearEye for over a decade, and always enjoy spotlighting his imagery. I like how ClearEye creates a specific mood with his lighting and how he 'structures' his images, especially with pose and use of space. CleareEye skillfully utilizes his past experience shooting land and cityscapes in his work with the male form.
Recently, while discussing a possible new feature, ClearEye suggested a few of his recent shoots. When he mentioned Cory, he described him as a regular guy, not an active model, who wanted give nude modeling a shot and do a shoot. ClearEye's description was enough to have me wanting to see more. I love featuring shoots spotlighting models posing nude for the very first time. I'm always intrigued by their motivations, and what leads them to make the decision to give it a shot. Already intrigued, I was fully sold after seeing the sample shots of Cory that ClearEye sent on.
Cory contacted ClearEye on Twitter in late 2022. He was local, and lived in the area and was looking to give modeling a shot. Cory had come across
ClearEye's Twitter page, and after seeing his work, reached out about a shoot. After Cory sent on a few pics of himself, ClearEye was also immediately on board. ClearEye also loved that Cory was into swimming, and thought of ideas of incorporating the theme into the shoot and some of the shots.
'We first met for the shoot in late December 2022, it turned out that we had some friends in common, because I know several of the people who are on the local gay masters swim team that he works out with. He was a lot of fun to work with — very easy going and willing to go with the flow. Even though Cory had no real modeling experience, he was very comfortable in front of the camera.'
I loved how ClearEye weaved in Cory's passion for swimming. I also loved how Cory so enthusiastically not only embraced that theme, but all of the looks and themes he and ClearEye captured. Cory has a great body, and I think you'll agree, a very photographic penis. We've all seen images of hot models whose pensées weren't exactly ready for their close-up....
Cory also has a great face, with a winning smile and beautifully expressive eyes that really add to the series ClearEye captured. I was also impressed with how Cory dove into creating visuals highlighting parts of his sensual, and sexual self. Cory not only let go of some hang-ups and slipped off his speedo, he also shared what motivated his decision to model nude, his thoughts on the process and working with ClearEye, and what it's like seeing his nudes posted on-line.
What motivated you to contact ClearEye?
I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I had followed his work for a bit and one day in a moment of boldness I decided I would reach out.
What about ClearEye's images drew you to his work?
The simplicity of the images. Overproduction can make images feel disconnected to me, unnatural. But the basic authenticity really brought me in.
Had you previously done any nude activities, posing for artist or going to nude beaches?
Probably the most consistent activity I do is enjoying weekends at some of the region's clothing optional campgrounds. Since working with ClearEye I have done one other shoot.
Did you have any concerns about modeling due to family or friends and what they might think?
It was in the back of my mind, but at least for the family part I assume this isn't something they'd likely come across. I knew friends would see it, as I saw that some others I knew had posed for him, but it wasn't something I was going to let stop me. Many times it's a friend that points out that a new image has been posted before I've seen it! It is a bit flattering.
Given this was your first nude shoot, how nervous were you? Did you offer any input?
I think these two questions go hand in hand for me. I was a bit nervous but I think bringing in my own flair to it helped me be a bit more relaxed. Running and swimming are things I do that help clear my head and make me feel good about myself. So incorporating them into my shoot made me feel more at ease.
What was your favorite part of your time with ClearEye?
We would shoot an idea for a bit and then check out the images. I think seeing things in real time made me feel good about how the session was going and ClearEye gave lots of great feedback and made me feel comfortable.
How did you feel right after?
Mostly proud of myself. Like, hey, I did that! Even as time goes on and new images are published it brings back those good feelings of positivity towards myself. I would absolutely be up for doing it again!
Tell me about your connection to swimming?
I've always been around the water. I was born in February and my parents started me in the pool that summer after with lessons at less than 6 months old. We had a small pool in our backyard as well as I got a little older. I joined my high school swim team and was part of it all 4 years. I've been a lifeguard, taught lessons and lifeguarding, and managed pools for many years. However there was about a 3 year period where I fell out of aquatics.
When I moved to Columbus and was able to join an adult team I realized how much I missed it in my life during those few years off. I now try to swim at least 2 times a week and would say it's my main fitness outlet. I'm looking forward to next year when the IGLA+ swimming championships are held in Washington DC.