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Monday, January 12, 2026
Hard Knocks
''This is a true story. Although the characters are composites of real men, and time and place have been compressed, every detail of the escape is the way it really happened.'
The Great Escape
Turns out, the two images on the previous page, and the two images just below, were from a piece by writer Bruce Jackson about Prison farms. I had no idea that most prisons in the South in the 20th century were Agricultural Prisons. Prisoners, accompanied by armed guards, were taken out to the fields each day to perform hard, sweaty, and back breaking labour. All of this was usually unpaid.
Cummins Prison farm, Arkansas
Prisoners, prison life, and especially prison showers have been fetishized for decades. It began mostly with female inmates, and the many sexploitation films from the 70's and 80's. Male prisoners have been fetishized as well, especially in gay adult films, but men have been mostly spared the more mainstream sexploitation treatment that women have had to endure.
While women's prison films focused on the sex, male prison films focused more on the violence. Yes, many projects included elements of rape, or the threat of rape, but with women, it more often played as erotic. With men, it was act of violence.
Having work for social service agencies, I know there is rarely anything erotic about prison. While I know many men and women need to be there, more often that not, it was the poor who ended up behind bars, and not always the guilty. I am one of those annoying people who believes regardless of circumstance, everyone deserves to be treated with a level of human decency.
Prisons unfortunately, often focus on control over safety, meaning abuse from guards is common. It may not be sexual or physical, but careers like prison guards, (and Ice agents) often unfortunately draw in so many people, unable to control their own lives and home situations, so they seek jobs that allow them to control the fates of others. Despite methods to weed out these people, it still happens all the time.
The images above and below show prisoners returning from a day of field work in the Hughes Unit in Gainesville Texas. After a day outside the walls, all prisoners were required to have a strip search before heading back to their units.
Forced nudity and strip searches are a part of prison life, and they're certainly needed to ensure everyone's safety. Still, there is something interesting, and yes, even erotic about some of these images. Maybe it goes to the fantasy or fetish, but to me, the appeal is about the history and the stories behind them.
Getting His Kit Off: Ben by Jack Saul
'The first time I modeled nude, it felt so freeing. Now I have no problem getting my kit off haha!'
Though Ben Chidley may not have modeled for that long, it's clear he's acutely connected with his body, and knows how to both pose, and engage with the camera and the viewer. A natural performer, Ben looks like a natural, with photographer Jack Saul ensuring never to miss a moment. Ben also seems very aware of how modeling has impacted his confidence, and embraces the creative challenges modeling can provide.
How long have you been modeling now?
I have been modelling now for about a year and a half, only really taking on more opportunities in the past 9 months. I love modelling but initially I was apprehensive about it due to me completely lacking self confidence but the first photographer I worked with helped me embrace my body and learn to appreciate it. Now, I really love and can uplift myself enough to explore different themes and content within my modelling.
Was modeling nude always part of the plan?
Modelling nude was never part of the plan, but the second shoot I did the opportunity presented itself and I went out a limb to do it. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The first time I modeled nude, it felt so freeing. Now I have no problem getting my kit off haha!
Did you have to weigh any factors like family or friends?
I was scared to share my work for a long time, especially more explicit work, but I keep most of my social media PG…. well…. not really haha. But I never show full frontal nudity on my personal social media’s, I save that for the OnlyFans! My family are aware of it, they don’t judge me.
I was more concerned about what my partners family would think as I also have them on some of my social media’s but ultimately it’s not something that’s ever discussed and we have a great bond and relationship. Friends are extremely supportive as I only really surround myself with people who are open minded and encouraging. No bad vibes allowed haha!
Do you have a best experience thus far?
My best experience so far was one that I will really cherish. The photographer, Johnathan Daniel’s reached out to me and kept most of his vision a secret until actually getting “on set” for the photoshoot in a gorgeous hotel! It was something that I’ve always envisioned for a shoot, a really androgynous ensemble but still keeping the sexual vibe. A jockstrap and high heeled boots, I mean, what’s not to love??
Do you have a worst?
I’m really lucky to be able to say that I don’t have a worst experience so far! Every photographer that I have met has been extremely encouraging and fun to work with!
What do you like most about modeling nude?
I like modelling nude as it’s freeing and confidence building. I feel like once you’ve bared all in front of a camera and someone you’ve just met, there’s nothing really left to be insecure about.
Have you ever been recognized from a shot posted online?
I have on the one occasion had someone on the train say to me that they’ve follow my socials and love my work which was a really cool moment!
Do you have any 'dream' scenario's for shoots or themes you'd like to do?
I’d like to explore a range of different themes, I definitely want to incorporate even more androgyny into my shoots. Equally, I’m open minded and love being surprised and challenged by photographers.
How did you connect with Jack?
Up until this point I had only ever worked with Mark Lister. Although he is an incredible photographer, I wanted to branch out and work with some new people. So I posted a story to my Instagram to ask if any photographers would be interested in working with me and Jack responded.
Tell me about the shoot, do you have any moments that stand out?
Jack is really great at making you feel comfortable and breaking the ice.
Did Jack give much direction, or did he support you to go with the flow?
Jack established a general “routine” and plan for the shoot where we would focus on different aspects of the hotel room. With Jacks guidance on what sort of poses he thinks captured me the best, there was still room for creative freedom and being able to give my own suggestions.
What was your favorite part about working with Jack?
My favourite part about working with Jack was his relaxed and conversational style. Throughout the shoot he asked different questions to get to know me which instantly made me feel comfortable!
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