Waist Not Want Not: Lyle by Marlen Boro

Lyle: A Penetrating Portrait by Marlen Boro


Fans of Marlen Boro, and FH's Gentlemen of Marlen Boro know the Minneapolis based photographer is a master at capturing the male body. Torsos, arms, legs and bums, not to mention a plethora of penises are all captured with a deliberation of intent to tantalize and excite the viewers senses and desires. Marlen Boro is not generally subtle... he knows what he wants, and he knows what you want and serves to meet the needs of both his models and the many admirers of his work.



With so much explicit sexuality exuding from his massive...ummm...portfolio, it is easy to overlook Marlen's skill and talent as a photographer. His proficiency at creating powerful images is not only focused on male sexuality but as importantly, the complexity of character that makes up being a man in 2012. One of Marlen's greatest gifts is his ability to bring out a subjects sexuality with models of all ages, walks of life and most importantly, in men with all levels of comfortably and confidence. This week Marlen, just temporarily I promise, lifts his lens above the waist to focus on his portrait work.



'I’m not sure if it’s the cooling August weather – the approaching Minnesota State Fair (the bittersweet end of summer) – the latest retooling of my website. Who knows – but it’s a time of reflection. Thinking about my work and my focus, I still feel like my photography is grounded in portraiture. So it’s time for portraits. All above-the-waist action starting with the irresistible Lyle.'
Marlen Boro



I have featured Marlen's work with Lyle numerous time on FH and he is without a doubt, one my favorite models shot by Marlen. In their most recent collaboration from last month, Lyle puts his glasses on, looking more GQ than frat boy, older, a little wiser with a sexy confidence more keenly present than ever before. Although there are many more incredible images from this shoot, Marlen is going for the slow release, but I will try my best to quicken the process!



If you can't wait, head on over to Marlen's newly revamped site and easily navigate your way to more Lyle and hundreds of the other Gentlemen of Marlen Boro. Be sure to sign up for Marlen's newsletter to get TGOMB delivered directly to your in box! You can also join TEAM BORO to get exclusive access to many more exclusive images from Marlen's archives! Guys who haven’t been showcased yet on the Marlen's blog – images too graphic to share on an artistic site – and photoshoots where you’ve seen 2 or 3 images, but there are so more to be shared...

Watched!: Alexar by Marlen Boro

'Marlen’s photography reflects his lifelong quirky sense of humor and impossible-to-squelch delight in the world. He is masterful at bringing out not only sultry shadows and the astonishing beauty of the male body, but also genuine smiles, infectious smirks, spontaneous grins, and other moments of unguarded authenticity.'
MarlonBoro.com



'Be prepared to feel sexy'
Marlen Boro

This is the vow Marlen Boro makes to those who step in front of his camera. I have yet to see a shoot from Marlen where he does not deliver on this promise in spades. One might argue that with the ultra hot Alexar the task would be easy, but being comfortable in front of the camera does not always come as naturally to everyone as it does with Alexar.



Whenever I see a Marlen Boro shoot I usually see a fair amount of 'genuine smiles, infectious smirks, spontaneous grins, and other moments of unguarded authenticity', and can see no greater example than Marlen's work with Alexar.

Alexar says that his experience with Marlen was great, 'Super friendly guy, he made me laugh a lot'. Alexar reports it was very relaxed and full of conversation. Alexar also adds that he extremely comfortable being naked anyway, loves attention and loves being watched. Alexar's love of being watched will be taken full advantage of by Marlen who has some big plans. Marlen says can't wait to work with Alexar again and promises to show much more! Alexar's love of being watched, his comfortability in front of the camera, his contagious grin (and come on, phenomenal butt) make that a promise I am going to hold Marlen to!



In working on numerous profiles featuring Marlen's work, his skill and ability at putting models at ease, at feeling relaxed and confident is consistently mentioned. All the models I have communicated with speak highly of their experience, both with the resulting photos and with the overall experience of shooting with Marlen itself.

This is a big reason I so love showcasing Marlen's work. Besides of course producing great shots, Marlen makes the feelings of his models not just a part of the process but a core and essential part of his photography. Marlen tries not just to capture, but to bring out something, possibly something hidden, buried, maybe even something about the model they themselves had not yet discovered.

Be sure to check out:

Marlen Boro Official site:

Gentlemen of Marlen Boro on Facebook:

John by Marlen Boro

In White:
John by Marlen Boro



This week's Gentlemen of Marlen Boro is heavy on hot shots and light on text. These incredible shots are from a couple of years ago (back in the magical setting that first drew me to Marlen's work). I love this set of shots, especially Marlen's use of light along with the hardwood. Lately I find myself drawn more to darker shots. Unfortunately John wasn't interested in seriously pursuing modeling, but thanks to Marlen Boro, these moments with John have been beautifully captured in time.



Check out more Marlen Boro:
Marlen Boro Official site:
Gentlemen of Marlen Boro on Facebook:

Goat Boy: by Marlen Boro

There are many animals which have taken on sexy or erotic persona's, one of the most famous examples being The Playboy Bunny. Horses, and riding them have played a role in many sexual fantasies. Words that describe animal behavior are often connected to sex, words like wild, ferocious and beast to name just a few.

Then of course there are goats. Goats, like most animals from the farm are usually more associated with Disney Land than fantasy land. That is of course before they get in front of Marlen Boro's lens.



'Checking out Marlen's site Gentlemen Photography, is like being in the middle of an erotic theme park with light and colors and an intensity which make it difficult to know where to look first. Like being at Disney your surrounded by excitement where deciding where to start is hard choice. Marlen's work is erotic, sensual with a sense of fun made up of conceptual shoots where guys are not just posing, but playing strip twister, wearing hello kitty underwear and covered in glitter.'

I wrote the statement above in one of my first profiles of Marlen's work. This erotic theme park Marlen has created is full of many themes and many symbols usually only associated with attractions traditionally more family friendly.



Doing a little research on the 'the goat' I was a bit surprised to find out there are indeed some erotic theme's associated with the long horned mammal. In addition to being extremely curious and intelligent they are intensely inquisitive and with their upper lip and tongue will explore anything new or unfamiliar. Intact males are also known as as bucks or billies. Bucks are willing and capable of breeding at all times of the year. Bucks also are likely to charge or butt at humans out of fear or sometimes for no particular reason at all.



There is another goatboy besides the one grazing in front of Marlen Boro's window. In Greek mythology there is Pan. Pan is the God of shepherds and flocks, of mountain wilds, hunting and rustic music. Pan is famous for his sexual powers, and is often depicted with a phallus. Diogenes of Sinope, speaking in jest, related a myth of Pan learning masturbation from his father, Hermes, and teaching the habit to shepherds.

Pan has also been featured twice before on FH portrayed on stage by two of my favorite actors, Nick Adams & Jonathan D. Lovitiz.



Marlen said he was inspired to work with a mask by Sylvain Norget's Naked Rabbit Project. Marlen chatted with Jesse, one of his favorite collaborators, and it all began to come together. Jesse went to work and made the mask by hand himself.

'Its plaster gauze over a cardboard base. I'm not sure its what Marlen envisioned but I think we both agree it turned out well. Its always fun to imagine projects with Marlen and even more satisfying when they take shape. You have to be careful what you say though; any idea is fair game and Marlen has a habit of grabbing the silliest sounding ideas and holding you to them... Twister, 2 dollar pink bunny ears...'



I wondered how the mask turned into that of a goat. Jesse says he and Marlen thought of several animals for the shoot before deciding on a goat.

'Eagle was a strong candidate (I saw a Halloween costume in San Francisco that was hilarious and thought would mesh with Marlen's great sense of humor). Ultimately, we settled on a goat because of that animal's licentious reputation and the erotic overtones of Marlen's work. And...because horns look cool lol!'

Be sure to check out:
Marlen Boro Official site:
Gentlemen of Marlen Boro on Facebook:

& check back next week to find out more about Jesse, the man behind the mask!

TOTALLY ENGAGED: Gage Kemp by Marlen Boro

The Gentlemen of Maren Boro
Gage Kemp:


'I'm willing to try anything once, maybe twice depending on what it is, and how fun and exciting it is.'




20 year old Gage Kemp is new to modeling but his adventurous attitude towards life and his work makes him a perfect fit for the talent of Marlen Boro. Marlen says that although Gage is new to modeling he was so enthusiastic and game to try anything. Gage has an energy that lights up in front of the camera. Totally unique, totally hot, confident but with a hint of shyness peeking through his eyes and captivating smile.



Gage has been working hard the past month putting together his portfolio and beginning a website. Marlen and Gage have worked together three times and as always the results are incredible. I am partial to the shoot in front of 'the window', my favorite of the sets Marlen uses. Marlen has also done some incredible work with Gage and his fiance. Gage's shots were an instant hit with Marlen Boro fans and I knew I knew right away I wanted Gage on FH.





'Something clicked when I was building his slideshows - the wolf - Gage's hair, his intensity - it just works.'
Marlen Boro

It worked so well that Marlen has not released just one, but two slide shows featuring the hottest shots from his work with Gage! One was released yesterday, the second,which Marlen describes as an 'explosive exploration of horniness' was just posted today. As usual, the shots posted here on FH look tame compared to the shots that literally combust off the screen on Marlen's site. Check both shows out HERE:
You can also follow all of Marlen's new work on Facebook HERE:



'Working with Marlen Boro was a great experience, the best part is how fun and laid back the shoots are. Cant wait to do it again.'

Get to know a bit more about Gage and check out much more of his work:
On ModelMayhem HERE:
On Facebook HERE:
On Twitter HERE:
& his official Website HERE: