“Etude” mean “Study” in French, which is foundational to the Art of the Solo. The idea is to capture the pure essence of a subject – paring away ornamentation or superfluous “production value” – to reveal the raw truth.
The model is meant to be a mere canvas for expression, leaving a mark on the viewer’s imagination – showcasing a pure singular presence – immortalized in a moment frozen in time. Stripped bare of distractions, the Etude offers a glimpse into the soul of the individual, allowing his essence to shine through with clarity.
Victor – a Venezuelan/American model whom I and my camera assistant filmed in Dubai – has bulked up considerably since our shoot and taken on a “gangsta” look (in pursuit of a career in straight porn, having actually become quite successful at that). But still, I prefer this leaner, more innocent — albeit smoldering — look from the time we did our shoot.
