'My favorite part of working with Joe is that it doesn’t feel like work. Sure, we’re creating and producing content, but at the heart of it, it’s just two friends hanging out and making something we both believe in.'
Two weeks ago, I introduced FH readers to model and sex performer Ryan Centofanti and his work with photographer Joe Mazza from The Male Form. (HERE:) I started with Joe and Ryan's second shoot together at Point Reyes, a scenic tourist destination along the Northern California Pacific coast. I saved this series of images, from their first shoot together, for this weekend. As I shared in the first post, Ryan is a avid cyclist, and health advocate.
Ryan's combining his two passions this weekend by participating in AIDS/LifeCyle. The 7 day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles kicked off in 1994 and has raised close to 300 million dollars for HIV and AIDS-related services. If you want to donate to Ryan's ride, and help him meet his goal, you can donate any amount on his donation page HERE:
This first outdoor shoot to place in the Marin Headlands, a scenic, but hilly peninsula at the southernmost end of Marin County, California. They got there very early on a weekday morning in order to get some shots of Ryan riding naked on an empty road. Best laid plans however, as Joe shares the road wasn't always empty. They still got some incredible shots, even it meant dancing around more than a few visiting tourists.
'I can be pretty focused on the technical part of capturing motion and Ryan never complained about how many times he had to ride up and down that road. In fact, he came in with some great suggestions of his own. In the end, he was able to use those shots to direct supporters to his Aids Life Cycle Page.'
If you're regular reader of FH, you know I love shots of the male nude outdoors. It's one of the reasons one of the fixtures of the site is 'seasonal sightings'. I especially love photographers and models who capture movement, with the model interacting with their environment. So many of my favorite shoots incorporate movement, which can be a challenge for the artist, following their subject, not just capturing a body, but the spirit and energy as well. As you can see, Joe beautifully captured Ryan both in motion, and in pose.
Despite his busy training schedule, Ryan took the time last week to share a few comments about his modeling, and his creative collaborations with Joe. In addition to his many other talents, I was impressed with Ryan's writing, and really enjoyed reading his responses and stories. The remainder of this narrative comes directly from Ryan, sharing his own experiences and adventures working with Joe.
How did You first get into modeling?
Modeling naturally grew out of my work in sex work and performance. It started with a playful shoot with a friend, and once I saw the images, I was hooked. I loved exploring different sides of myself through the lens. Boudoir-style shoots helped build my confidence and reminded me how fun and creative this could be. Soon I was modeling for brands like Mr. S Leather and The Dead Boys. While I enjoy being hired as a model, I especially love collaborative shoots where I can bring something personal and imaginative to the table.
How did you connect with Joe?
Joe and I talked on-line, but didn’t meet in person until a Mr. S Leather product shoot. He was the photographer, and we clicked instantly—creatively, personally, and even spiritually. That shoot marked the beginning of a great friendship and a strong creative rhythm.
Since then, we’ve collaborated on everything from leather shoots in abandoned military forts to a penthouse shoot in SoMa, a bike-themed set for AIDS/LifeCycle, and even a day trip to Point Reyes that started with oysters in Tomales Bay—how could we resist? From the start, I knew Joe wasn’t just a photographer; he was someone I could trust, laugh with, and genuinely enjoy creating alongside. That kind of connection means everything, especially when you’re shooting nude or working in risqué locations.
Joe has a great eye—not just technically, but in how he captures energy. Whether I’m leaning into my dominant leather side, tapping into my old country boy logging roots, showing off my athleticism on the bike, or simply baring it all, he knows how to frame each version of me with intention and depth. He creates space for exploration—nothing feels forced.
Joe’s ability to play with natural light, composition, and even spontaneous ideas (whether they land or not) adds to the fun and creativity of every shoot. He’s not just a phenomenal photographer; he’s my right-hand man when it comes to visual storytelling. That level of trust makes every shoot feel less like work—and more like creativity in motion.
What were your favorite parts about your work with Joe
Our camaraderie. Joe’s become more than just a photographer—I trust him with editing our spicier videos, troubleshooting tech issues, and even offering feedback on our socials when we need a second opinion. There’s a mutual respect that makes collaborating easy and inspiring. He’s also one of the few people who truly understands the intersection of kink, art, and performance in our work—and that insight brings out the best in both of us.
I guess my favorite part of working with Joe would be that it doesn’t feel like work. Sure, we’re creating and producing content, but at the heart of it, it’s just two friends hanging out and making something we both believe in. With how hectic life can get, I genuinely look forward to that time—it’s creative, grounding, and full of laughter. That’s what makes it special.
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