Elska Magazine, a bi-monthly gay photography and culture publication, has travelled to Perth, Australia to shoot its latest issue. Inside, readers are introduced to a diverse range of men from the local gay/queer community, each presented through individual chapters that contain an intimate photospread and a personal story. The goal is to let readers feel like they've traveled to Perth themselves, met a range of local guys, and started to really get to know them and their city.
Contributing to the mission of Elska to let readers see the men and their personalities as they truly are, the photography style is natural and un-airbrushed. They dress to their own clothes, giving a peek at their personal style and at culture through fashion; and many of the men also are shot nude, bearing all with pride. Elska isn't about 'perfect' models or celebrities -- rather it's about showcasing a sample of guys you might meet at a local bar or cafe -- though that isn't to say that a model or celebrity wouldn't be welcome.
The stories written by each of the men give additional insight into the local culture, and in Perth the texts reveal what life here is like. Whether it's Owey Y's account of a nude beach encounter, Dan G's chronology of a debauched weekend, or Martin A's ode to Aussie men entitled "Man Flesh," these stories prove that Perth is not dulls-ville. But certainly sex isn't the only thing up for discussion. Also included are Aaron A's story about moving on after suffering a stroke, Jordan G's discussion on the trials of dating as a trans man, or Par-Johan G-R's musings about differences between Australia and his native Sweden.
Elska Perth is 176 pages. It is available in a classic collectible print version or in a download e-version. A companion e-zine called Elska Ekstra Perth is also available containing outtakes and behind the scenes tales, plus images and stories from five more men not featured in the main mag. A list of stockists and details of how to order online can be found on the Elska website.
