STRIPPED
The sexual appeal of the athlete, says photographer Blake Yelavich, is what’s not revealed.
The sexual appeal of the athlete is what’s not revealed, says Blake Yelavich.
DNA: Many gay men fetishize sportswear: the jockstrap, the wrestle suit, boots… do you have a theory about why?
Blake Yelavich: It’s the seduction of what lies beneath; of what causes the bulges. It’s sensuality without being overt. Sportswear reveals the finer details – perhaps a surprise vein here or some fine, soft hairs there. It’s simply hot.
Is that what makes sportsmen sexier than professional models?
Except in Las Vegas, where I shoot professional performers, I don’t generally shoot “models”. I shoot guys from the gym who I have already established a gym-bro bond with. The West Coast photographers have sun-glossed adult stars, Manhattan photographers have the stark fashion models, but my talent pool is the gyms. The guys are real men, already athletic and interested in their physique. >>
>> Your model in this portfolio, Aaron Kuttler, is super sexy. Where did you find him?
After living and shooting in Las Vegas for several years, I bought a house in Salt Lake City. I put out feelers for guys interested in physique modelling. Two of my first clients were Aaron Kuttler and now adult-performer Alex Mecum. With both, I bonded instantly and we are still great friends today.
What’s Aaron like to shoot?
We laugh continuously. We’re both perfectionists and serious about our careers but we’re also goofy gym bros so taking ourselves too seriously doesn’t happen for long. He’s a willing model. He’ll try anything for the shot, so it’s a completely silly, sexy blast. >>
>> Of wrestling, football and baseball, which is your favourite?
I’m 6’4”, 250 pounds of muscle [193cm and 113kg], so I definitely relate to the football players or the bodybuilders. As a photographer, the “gear” for the football players is more interesting to shoot, but it all comes down to jockstraps in each of the sports.
For those unfamiliar with American football, can you explain the glove Aaron is wearing in these shots – is that part of the uniform? Football is played during our winter with the Super Bowl culminating in late January. The guys are often playing in weather conditions that would tear up hands and knuckles and wrists. The gloves help combat this.
Your Men Of Utah book is out now. Is Utah really bursting with hunky guys?
I have quite a reputation of finding them! I look like them and have the physique and portfolio to prove myself as legitimate. Guys are more willing to shoot with me as gym bro and peer. I’ve had models arrive at the studio and ask. “Wait! You’re the photographer?” A lot of defences drop away then and they become more comfortable. Most of my guys are straight, but they find it comfortable to shoot with a peer. After the shoots they become very casual and instantly want to schedule the next shoot. I’m very fortunate to have the guys I do.