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As Is promotes body positivity showcasing men of all sizes through photography and motivational messages. In 2013, Houston-based photographer Steven Tilotta decided to trade in his paintbrush for a camera. After being told by a professor in college that he would never be good at photography because he questioned the rules, he was undettered. "When it comes to the arts I don't believe in rules; imagine if Picasso had played by the rules." His work is heavily influenced by his idols, Annie Leibovitz and Herb Ritts, and cinematic color grading. "I love shadows. I like to show a darker side because I believe everyone has one. It is what we choose to do with it — keep it supressed or show it to the world."
"I want to start a revolution; a revolution where we can begin to heal and learn to accept ourselves. As Is took a long journey, but I hope that we can begin to love ourselves."
"I chose guys for As Is that are not the images that have been force-fed to us defining male attractiveness, beauty, and masculinity. It is a journey to accepting ourselves 'as is.'''
Throughout the book there are positive quotes from the photographer and others, alongside notes from Steven Tilotta.
Find the book at Amazon. See more about the book at Steven's website and Instagram.
"Body image and body dysmorphia are not just a problem that plagues women; it also cripples men in many ways. I have learned this firsthand over the last six years I have worked on As Is. It has been a long journey, but I am ready to share it with all of you. I have had the privilege of photographing some incredible men of all shapes and sizes. I have learned along the way that they all have hearts, feelings, and want to be loved for themselves, not by how the world may see them. That is why I started this to begin with because I had grown tired of what Hollywood and ad execs in NYC has stuffed down our throats of what is attractive or beautiful"
