#1.am

This was the photography session that started it all, in the Meli-Melo studio on Bonham Strand Street in the heart of Sheung Wan’s dried seafood district. I never realized the impact of that session, except that the shoot was going to be something that I had wanted to do. It was my very first nude photography session. Nelson and Han were friends at the gym, and I politely asked if they would be willing subjects for my camera. I was very fortunate that they said yes. Richard Tam offered to help me with the shoot and did the art direction. It was enormously fun.

This photograph and several other were featured in my first photography bookThe Asian Male - 1.AM. Apparently, these particular images were the main reason why the book could not be sold in Singapore’s shops, and were removed from Kinokuniya’s shelves shortly after the Media Development Authority made it’s decision.

http://theasianmale.com

http://normyipphotography.com

Jeffrey was one of those guys that when I first met him, I was scared to bits to really talk to him. Everything that was coming out of my mouth was is fear and excitement. His look was absolutely captivating to me. He was attending a friend’s book launch when he was introduced to me. When we made the appointment for the shoot, which apparently was the day after a rave party here in Hong Kong, little did I know that he partied all night and didn’t get a wink of sleep. No wonder he was so relaxed to my camera. A female friend of mine in the theatre industry said his face was so open, and accepting of what was in front of him. Yes, he was very easy to photograph, and at complete ease. 

http://theasianmale.com

http://normyipphotography.com

Han is rather shy and reserved in front of the camera, yet he is one of the cutest guys I know of. This photograph of him is somewhat more abstract, yet it’s very clear as to what the image about. The white wrap of material, the angular zig-zag of the composition and Han’s relaxed repose, to me always gives a sense of calm. It is a quiet photograph that reveals the beauty of a male torso and chest, but not in your typical standing shot. I have tried to reproduce this image again with another guy, but it never turns out remotely close. 

http://theasianmale.com

http://normyipphotography.com

Gilbert has a very beautiful body that one can easily lust over. Okay. I said it. His body proportions are very good, not the type that one would normally see on professional models, but on the everyday guy that hangs out here in Hong Kong (although he is a complex mix of different Asian backgrounds). As you can see, he’s smooth and dreamy with a very natural glowing smile. And his eyes are cheerful and exotic!  

http://theasianmale.com

http://normyipphotography.com