The Hottest Nude Male Model You’ve Never Heard Of

Last month, I successfully launched a personal project called Male Muse Magazine on Kickstarter. The purpose of the Magazine is two-fold: First, to showcase fan-favorite models in longer pictorials with more images to enjoy. Think of it as the Director's Cut of a blockbuster movie, but with the complete set of images as envisioned by the photographer, without page limitations set by commercial publications. Second, to encourage models to develop repeat, long-term collaborations with photographers whose work they really admire, instead of shooting so many one-time projects just to fill up your IG page, or for the short-term benefit of quick cash.

Our Magazine celebrates Muses, who are held in much higher regard than models because they provide the inspiration for artists and photographers to expand their creativity through familiarity and understanding their role in the artist's vision. Great artwork have been borne from the relationship between muse and artist.

Most people would hesitate if asked about their favorite image of all time. Not me. The first time I saw this image, I was smitten by both the model and the photographer for creating such an iconic, powerful, memorable work of art and depicting such a gorgeous model in full frontal nudity. Tim is the ultimate male muse who went on to inspire some of the sexiest cowboy images ever captured. Tim and other favorite muses inspired the first four books that captivated the world of nude male photography. Paul became a powerhouse photographer with his own style of photography that defied categories that did not fit.

Morgan was as knowledgeable about lighting as the photographer setting up the shoot. This chiaroscuro portrait with a single overhead source of lighting severely limits the model's movements lest he should get swallowed up by the surrounding darkness. The way he angles his shoulders allows the viewer to see the back of his neck, and the variation in the black gradient creates a depth of field that is not visible on screen. But in print, the top of the image looks almost sculptural or three-dimensional. His cheekbones are angled perfectly to be contoured by the shadows. He keeps his head in the foreground and leans slightly backward to allow the overhead light source to reach all the way to the bottom of the image. It is such a beautiful composition created by an instinctual pose. I could not give instructions to the model, no more than Paul directed Tim on how to flex every muscle in his body.

This is the first time ever that I am releasing this image along with 40 other fine art images created by the talented male muse who worked with me exclusively on this project and became a private entity afterwards.

I used to think that for an image to be considered Fine Art, it had to combine so many elements together from sets, to props, to lighting, wardrobe, and accessories, difficult lighting, and elaborate depictions of symbolism and thematic as well as visual elements, all in perfect balance. I don't have the imagination or ability to use color and design like Mike Hendeerson, whose images require months of planning and preparation since he creates the outfits for each model himself.

This image, devoid of color and context of setting and location, unless you look closely and see the streams of water from the shower, is the opposite of a Mark Henderson image. Some photographers use AI to add wings and locker rooms to an image. I used AI to remove everything except the model and his shadow. With all the background tiles gone, you appreciate the beauty of stillness and composition created by the model just by shifting his weight, angling his shoulders back to create depth of field.

I invite you to see more of Morgan's stunning nude portraits on Blurb where I have opened the first 15 pages of this collection for complimentary preview.

https://www.blurb.com/b/12912436-morgan-ward-unreleased-nude-portraits

I hope you like what you see and support my work.

Roger Nguyen

Photogapher