Michi is a tall (6'3'') and muscular model living in Bad Hersfeld ("Bad" does not mean bad, it is the German word for bath!). His was an electrician (but could also have become a successful engineer), until he started his military service 1999 (text reviewed 2002).
 
 
 

This shoot was also one of my earlier ones, 1999. I have to thank Michi: by his brave and patient cooperation I was able to learn much about posing and light effects.
 
 
 

It is an all-time challenge when photographing male bodies, not to let the pictures appear too soft or even homoerotic. Was I successful, did I meet this requirement? Maybe I would photograph him slightly different today, bringing other aspects into focus, it is visible that I was chilled by his hair-cut that put a strong contrast to his perfectly shaped body and simply "forbid" to photograph Michi too macho-like.
 
 
 

Michi has an almost perfect upper body. No fat, perfect V, wonderful abdomens, but not too much to look strange or overdone. He doesn't work out at the gym - he does some exercices while watching television, as he says.

I will watch more television from now on.
 
 
 

Thanks also to Petra, Michis girl-friend and company. "Third", not involved parties are not always welcome at a shoot, as they require a minimum of attention and want to be entertained and part of the show. Moreover, one has the all-time feeling to get observed from the side or behind. But Petra did very well - she stood aside bravely and has helped to cheer up and motivate her boy-friend.
 
 
 

Two years later we met again, accidentally. I did not recognize Michi at first. Meanwhile he had extended his military service and was stationed in the Kosovo. He went to the Bundeswehr's gym, undergoing a true metamorphosis, with stunning results. See this in Gallery 2.