Artist Spotlight: Paul Reitz

We were very happy to run a portfolio of Paul Reitz's work in 2010. We came across the original images on the hard drive and suddenly had the urge to see more. Paul quickly responded with these new images and a few words to fill us in on what has been happening for him (and his models) in the last few years. You can see the original images we ran further along in this collection.

Paul tells us, "I've been very active with Axiom for Men, which has received some outstanding press for its focus on LGBT charities. Axiomformen.com is the website, and you'll see some shots of Stu Reardon -- by me -- there.

"Don Hood, Levi Jackson, and Stu Reardon are my muses and good friends in various aspects of the fashion and male beauty worlds. Stu and I are working on a calendar for the coming year, and I'm catching up on editing some special projects in advance of the fashion week madness which is coming up in early September. I'll be shooting some editorial fashion work in the coming month and focusing on some fitness and body/beauty shoots as well.

"Matthew Zink of Charlie by Matthew Z was kind enough to supply swimwear for the shoot with Bobby Sullivan on a blazing hot summer day in Tulsa, my hometown."

For more of Paul's work check out his sites --
Website: PaulReitzPhoto.com
Tumblr: PaulReitzPhoto.tumblr.com
Instagram: PaulReitzPhoto

Bobby Sullivan

Bobby Sullivan

Don Hood

Don Hood

Levi Jackson

Stu Reardon

Stu Reardon

Below are the original images from our portfolio with Paul Reitz from 2010.

Paul Reitz has lived and worked in New York City for 23 years, and he has 25 years of professional experience in shooting dramatic images of men, with an emphasis on body and an editorial style. He is sought by the leading male model agencies and new faces alike, to provide his own vision of contemporary male beauty.

Interested in photography from a very early age, he honed his skills while studying the medium in college, both from journalistic and artistic approaches. A common thread throughout his work is the simple elegance that emanates from his relaxed shooting atmosphere, allowing an uncanny connection with his subjects.

The Advocate: Why are you a photographer?
Paul Reitz: I have to shoot. If I haven't in several days, it starts gnawing at me, and I have to get those creative juices flowing. I'll take a break for a week or so sometimes and am always excited to start shooting again. On a more philosophical level, I want to show the world that men are beautiful. I wasn't taught that, and most of us aren't.

What catches your eye?
A true beauty. Men who have a confident, easy sensual appeal. Often there can be one signature thing that sets them apart, takes your breath away when you pass them on the street, whether it's the eyes, the body, exotic features.

How do you choose your subjects?
I look for different men at different times. I often like to work with new faces that have that something special, and give them my vision of them. Or I will get inspired to give someone something new and unexpected, if I feel they are playing it too safe. For this book there has been a concentration on younger men in an urban environment.

How do you describe your work?
I depict beautiful, masculine men in a simple and relaxed sensuality.

What makes a good photograph to you?
An image that people can connect to ... and that creates desire. I try not to be too overt and to beat people over the head with the "story" in each shot. I want to allow the viewer to bring enough of their own sensuality to the experience, and in the end I hope the image would have more broad appeal.

Who are your favorite artists? And why?
Jenny Holzer, for the way she uses the power of language and ideas in a visual manner. Steven Klein, for creating images that have balls. John Waters, for being John Waters. And the late Luke Smalley, for toying with Americana and tradition in his images of men.