Just to be clear here, we like all kinds of guys. Basically, we just like guys. What we do have a special fondness for is great-looking guys who are photographed to perfection by someone who can handle a camera, some light, and chiseled cheekbones. That's why we like Ivan Avila's work.
We asked Ivan to tell us about his work and how he got started:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a really small town in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, in the '80s. Remembering back, ever since I was a kid, I was always interested in the creative and visual field. After high school I studied architecture, and at one point I even owned a small business designing and producing unique handmade event invitations. It seems I always naturally gravitated toward anything that required composition, color, and form.
Do you recall what first inspired you to take photographs?
The first time I became intrigued by photography was when I published a magazine together with a friend back in Mexico, and I got involved with the photography for every article in the magazine. A few years after that I got my first digital camera as a Christmas present from my sister. I've been taking pictures consistently since that day and trying to get better.
Were there other photographers whose work inspired you?
I find Vivian Maier's street photography especially inspirational. Mario Testino has been one my favorite photographers since the first time I saw his work in a fashion magazine. I also get a lot of inspiration from musicians and art; I'm a regular visitor to museums and photographic exhibitions of all genres. I'm incredibly curious! I'm constantly looking for visual input.
What do you like the best about photographing men today?
I enjoy photographing everything that inspires me; that can be people, landscape, food, architecture, etc. Photographing people is the most compelling because the subject can add their personal dimension to the results -- which can sometimes be magical. Further still, I find photographing men the most interesting because they're more open to try new ideas and they let you guide them more throughout the photo shoot.
Find out more about Ivan on his website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
