Based in Moscow, Stas Vokman is a photographer who specialises in stunning images of stunning men.
The signature style of Stas features a strategic use of light – highlighting the masculinity of a man’s body, and concealing any flaws.
It’s the body of his models that dominate the frame – enhanced in saturated colour.
While his focus is on men, the range of images explored always makes the work of Stas worth following – featuring everything from fitness, to fetish, to erotica, and artistic nudes.
Stas grew up in Siberia, moving to Moscow at the age of 25. It was in Moscow that he discovered his passion for photography.
With a global reputation for creating compelling images of men, Stas is the official photographer of clothing brands such as Cellblock13LA (USA) , Marcuse ( Australia), and Maskulo (Russia).
I caught up with Stas for a behind-the-scenes look at his work.
The origin story
“Taking photos of men was a form of sexual sublimation…” explains Stas, when I ask what led him to focus his camera on naked men.
“At that time, I was in a serious relationship. I couldn’t even imagine cheating on my partner. Taking photos of naked men was a legitimate way to mingle with other guys while remaining loyal to my boyfriend.”
”Later, we embraced an open relationship. But, even then, if I had to choose between having sex with a goodlooking guy or taking photos of him, I’d go for the latter one.”
“Sex is fleeting – a good photo will stay with you.”
Heroes and inspirations
“I’m mostly inspired by Renaissance sculpture and art…” says Stas.
“What I find amazing about that period is the reverence with which people treated human nudity – how sensually they conveyed the scene, and the way they used light. I will never get tired of it.”
“Among photographers, I’d single out Herb Ritts and Annie Leibovitz.”
Finding the men
“It’s never been difficult to find men to photograph…” says Stas, when I ask him whether there’s any challenges in sourcing models for his work.
“Moscow is a huge metropolis – handsome men from other cities of Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union fly here every day.”
“Recently, I took photos of a straight guy. Before the shoot, he showed my Instagram to his girlfriend. She said – ‘Even a loving woman could never photograph a man as well as he does.’ Perhaps this is the highest praise.”
Being gay in Russia
“I don’t want to disappoint you, but I’ve never encountered censorship…” says Stas, when I ask whether his work puts him at risk of getting in trouble with Russian authorities.
“That’s mainly because the gay community in Moscow is like a state within a country. Another possible reason is that the strictness of Russian laws is compensated by the non-binding nature of their implementation.”
The future
“I dream that the problem with the coronavirus will end and I can fly to Madrid…” says Stas, when I ask what’s on his agenda for the months ahead.
“I also hope that this year I’ll be able to hold an exhibition of my works in Berlin.”
