The Intim Mates News Paper Issues 5 and 6. In conversation w/ Luis Venegas
FEBRUARY 8, 2024 → WORDS ADRIÁN GOMIS EXPÓSITO
Embark on a visual odyssey with The Intim Mates News Paper through this exclusive interview with the creative force behind it all, Luis Venegas. As we eagerly anticipate the launch of the latest issues 5 and 6, join us in exploring the artful celebration of male nudity that defines this limited-edition publication. From the nostalgic allure of film to the contemporary expressions captured by visionary photographers, each edition unveils an intimate journey through freedom and creativity. In this interview, Luis Venegas shares insights into the collaborative process that brings these masterpieces to life, weaving stories of trust, respect, and shared vision with the remarkable men who grace the pages in celebration of male nudity and intimate moments between model and photographer. Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of artistic intimacy and discover the joy and fun woven into every image.
You’re known for being the editor of multiple prestigious publications like Candy and EY! which are really powerful and provocative in their own way. What draws Luis Venegas to such attractive approaches?
I wish I knew! Very often, I’m interested in exploring the passions that move all of us beyond the surface. There’s so much ‘normative’ representation around us on a daily basis that I always like to push the boundaries a bit and explore other less evident worlds. I guess the fact that my work resonates with people and the publications I produce sell quite well means that there’s an audience of people who are attracted to that content.
Besides your reputation as an editor, you also have a special talent for photography. What’s your creative drive when it comes to your photography?
My own personal process is quite simple when I photograph. Yes, I can shoot digital with many lights, a big production in a studio, etc. I can do that, but usually, I prefer to shoot 35mm film with a pretty simple compact camera and natural light, preferably on location with a window that allows natural light to enter the room. I do love sunlight, but if it’s a foggy, rainy day, well, then the photos probably will be a bit darker that day. That simplicity allows both me and the model to focus on what’s more important: the collaboration between subject and photographer, the poses, the direction, and the intention of the images.
Even though I usually photograph beautiful people, I try to avoid creating just ‘beautiful photos’. I’m much more interested in trying to capture images that I’ve never seen before (which is quite difficult), and I would say that sometimes I even try to shoot ‘ugly photos’, experimenting with angles or lights, that are usually considered ‘bad’. There’s an intention. Hopefully, there will be some tension between opposites, and hopefully, that makes the photos energetic. Energy is so much more important than plain beauty.
Among the provocative concepts you work with, you launched The Intim Mates News Paper, a visual publication featuring photographic portfolios taken in intimate collaboration between photographer and male models. How did this idea originate? Was there a creative need to put together your intimate moments or certain situations that prompted its creation?
I love magazines, with many different titles covering various eras and subjects, ranging from fashion and art to erotica and interiors. I’ve always had a fondness for the naive yet spicy and super-sexy gay magazines from the 50s to the 80s, depicting male icons solely for the pleasure of celebrating men’s energy. There’s a legacy, a history of such queer imagery that has been evolving for centuries, and I wanted to contribute to that in my own way.
I admit my idea in creating The Intim Mates News Paper was pretty basic: let’s celebrate male nudity. In a time when there’s so much censorship surrounding nudity on certain digital platforms, print becomes the ideal space to showcase daring content.
Additionally, the large format and bold graphic design are fundamental. Those early sexy gay magazines from decades past were often tiny, almost like little secret publications. Many contemporary ones still follow that small-size trend. However, I prefer a flashy, big format that can be carried and collected with pride. It’s a very conscious decision.
Independently of the publications, The Intim Mates News Paper’s Instagram account is active with photos, some taken by you, others taken by what you call “Intim Mates at home”. What dynamics do you like to follow in this account? What type of content do you prefer to put out on this platform?
The Intim Mates News Paper’s Instagram serves primarily as a tool for me to promote the printed publication, acting as an extension of the magazine. The content featured there adheres to the platform’s policies; otherwise, it would be subject to deletion. The genuine, fully explicit content, including full nudity, can be found exclusively in the printed edition—the Instagram account merely offers a glimpse of the sensual and explicit material present in the magazine.
Occasionally, I permit the account to be more flexible, and at times, we post photos sent by friends or followers of the magazine. This practice began, particularly in 2020 during the lockdown when many followers felt creatively inspired at home and wished to share their expressions with the world.
You regard The Intim Mates as a space of freedom in print where male nudity is celebrated. How important is the celebration of male nudity for you? Does it have an implied message?
Well, I like men, so I enjoy seeing naked men, no more and no less! Haha! In a time when access to imagery is more extensive but also more ephemeral than ever before, I feel it’s nice to continue producing these kinds of sexy printed publications. It’s akin to the way early queer magazines were created decades ago, which now stand as a reflection of the time when they were published. I like to think that Intim Mates is very ‘here and now’, but hopefully, it also carries a timeless quality somehow.
Only four issues have been published so far, but The Intim Mates News Paper has already become a sensation. From the last four issues, which would you say has been the most impactful or celebrated photographic story among the fans of the publication?
It’s a limited edition publication, with only 300 copies of each new issue being published. So, its impact may be limited in numbers but strong in energy and ‘shock value’. Each featured model finds their own audience, so all stories and models have their own celebrated moments and devoted fans.
These past issues also featured the work of other renowned photographers like Trevor Stones or Diego Villareal. Did having other photographers’ visions of The Intim Mates help you shape new stories and approaches to the publication?
I love photography and admire authors who have their own language, a distinctive vision that makes everything they do personal and immediately recognizable. Diego and Trevor have their own visual worlds, so I’m very happy and honoured that they accepted my invitation to have their own monographic Intim Mates issues. Yes, both issues equally celebrate male nudity in an intimate, natural way, but they did so under their own personal approach. As long as a photographer has a point of view that excites my brain and somehow fits into my own taste as an editor and publisher, I’ll continue producing full issues with other photographers, of course. As mentioned before, there’s an undeniable legacy in queer representation created by queer authors, and I’ll always work towards preserving that.
However, for the new issues you’re presenting now, The Intim Mates News Paper issues 5 and 6, you decided to fly solo in terms of photography, taking care of all the process yourself. Is there a specific motive for making this decision?
I’ve been shooting quite a lot recently, and I’ve met so many great, open-minded, nice, handsome men in the last few months who have been so kind to pose for Intim Mates that it felt like I could even publish two issues simultaneously. That’s the only motive. Well, and if I’m allowed to be a bit vain, I’m happy that my photos have received a pretty good response from the Intim Mates followers, so I guess they’ll be happy to see... and to buy! At the same time, I’m already in conversations with other potential photographers for the next issues.
Regarding technical aspects, the new issues are limited edition, with only 300 copies being published, upgrading the quality and content of the previous issues with 80 full-colour pages. Was it time to bring something more special this time?
Well, I had so many photos that I liked and felt they were strong enough that I had to make the new issues bigger and of better quality! You know what they say: the bigger, the better!.
Let’s talk about the most important thing: the boys. You’ve shot with various gorgeous boys in Madrid, Barcelona, and London. How do you select your models? What qualities do they share, and how do you achieve bringing out the hottest versions of themselves?
To me, collaboration with the men who pose for The Intim Mates is vital. We discuss how the photos are going to be, what they agree to be seen in the photos and what not, etc. That trust between both parties is fundamental. In fact, some of the most daring images are very often suggested by the models themselves, and I always like to hear and consider their ideas, going beyond my own preconceptions. I try to remain always very flexible.
After the film rolls are developed, I always show my selection of favourites to the models too. I want them to take a look and feel free to discard any image for whatever reason. All final images published—printed in the magazine or posted online—are always previously agreed upon by all models. In fact, sometimes I guess I’m even quite exhaustive double-checking, and some models tell me, “Yes Luis, I told you twice, all the selected finals are ok!” Haha! That kind of confidence and trust in creating images in collaboration between the models and me is always fundamental, especially when the photos are quite intimate.
How does one become an Intim Mate boy?
Mostly via Instagram and in a very casual, natural, simple way: we ask potential models, or some men ‘offer’ themselves to be in the publication.
Homoeroticism and fetish elements usually take centre stage in the Intim Mates. Is there a specific concept or important element present in the new issues? Is there a theme?
Mostly natural light, some occasional flash shots, freedom, intimacy... nothing too heavy. Just the joy and fun of taking and showing sexy images of men. Oh, and I love to shoot wet men in the shower!
Lastly, what’s your goal with The Intim Mates News Paper? What projection do you think it has, and what will the following issues look like?
As long as I keep having fun publishing new issues and they keep selling well, I’ll keep publishing The Intim Mates News Paper.
For those eager to explore the latest issues 5 and 6 of The Intim Mates, feel free to check out byluisvenegas.com, where you can purchase the latest editions and delve into the celebration of male nudity in its unique, intimate form.
The Intim Mates
News Paper
Issues 5 and 6.
In conversation
w/ Luis Venegas
FEBRUARY 8, 2024
WORDS ADRIÁN GOMIS EXPÓSITO
Embark on a visual odyssey with The Intim Mates News Paper through this exclusive interview with the creative force behind it all, Luis Venegas. As we eagerly anticipate the launch of the latest issues 5 and 6, join us in exploring the artful celebration of male nudity that defines this limited-edition publication. From the nostalgic allure of film to the contemporary expressions captured by visionary photographers, each edition unveils an intimate journey through freedom and creativity. In this interview, Luis Venegas shares insights into the collaborative process that brings these masterpieces to life, weaving stories of trust, respect, and shared vision with the remarkable men who grace the pages in celebration of male nudity and intimate moments between model and photographer. Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of artistic intimacy and discover the joy and fun woven into every image.
You’re known for being the editor of multiple prestigious publications like Candy and EY! which are really powerful and provocative in their own way. What draws Luis Venegas to such attractive approaches?
I wish I knew! Very often, I’m interested in exploring the passions that move all of us beyond the surface. There’s so much ‘normative’ representation around us on a daily basis that I always like to push the boundaries a bit and explore other less evident worlds. I guess the fact that my work resonates with people and the publications I produce sell quite well means that there’s an audience of people who are attracted to that content.
Besides your reputation as an editor, you also have a special talent for photography. What’s your creative drive when it comes to your photography?
My own personal process is quite simple when I photograph. Yes, I can shoot digital with many lights, a big production in a studio, etc. I can do that, but usually, I prefer to shoot 35mm film with a pretty simple compact camera and natural light, preferably on location with a window that allows natural light to enter the room. I do love sunlight, but if it’s a foggy, rainy day, well, then the photos probably will be a bit darker that day. That simplicity allows both me and the model to focus on what’s more important: the collaboration between subject and photographer, the poses, the direction, and the intention of the images.
Even though I usually photograph beautiful people, I try to avoid creating just ‘beautiful photos’. I’m much more interested in trying to capture images that I’ve never seen before (which is quite difficult), and I would say that sometimes I even try to shoot ‘ugly photos’, experimenting with angles or lights, that are usually considered ‘bad’. There’s an intention. Hopefully, there will be some tension between opposites, and hopefully, that makes the photos energetic. Energy is so much more important than plain beauty.
Among the provocative concepts you work with, you launched The Intim Mates News Paper, a visual publication featuring photographic portfolios taken in intimate collaboration between photographer and male models. How did this idea originate? Was there a creative need to put together your intimate moments or certain situations that prompted its creation?
I love magazines, with many different titles covering various eras and subjects, ranging from fashion and art to erotica and interiors. I’ve always had a fondness for the naive yet spicy and super-sexy gay magazines from the 50s to the 80s, depicting male icons solely for the pleasure of celebrating men’s energy. There’s a legacy, a history of such queer imagery that has been evolving for centuries, and I wanted to contribute to that in my own way.
I admit my idea in creating The Intim Mates News Paper was pretty basic: let’s celebrate male nudity. In a time when there’s so much censorship surrounding nudity on certain digital platforms, print becomes the ideal space to showcase daring content.
Additionally, the large format and bold graphic design are fundamental. Those early sexy gay magazines from decades past were often tiny, almost like little secret publications. Many contemporary ones still follow that small-size trend. However, I prefer a flashy, big format that can be carried and collected with pride. It’s a very conscious decision.
Independently of the publications, The Intim Mates News Paper’s Instagram account is active with photos, some taken by you, others taken by what you call “Intim Mates at home”. What dynamics do you like to follow in this account? What type of content do you prefer to put out on this platform?
The Intim Mates News Paper’s Instagram serves primarily as a tool for me to promote the printed publication, acting as an extension of the magazine. The content featured there adheres to the platform’s policies; otherwise, it would be subject to deletion. The genuine, fully explicit content, including full nudity, can be found exclusively in the printed edition—the Instagram account merely offers a glimpse of the sensual and explicit material present in the magazine.
Occasionally, I permit the account to be more flexible, and at times, we post photos sent by friends or followers of the magazine. This practice began, particularly in 2020 during the lockdown when many followers felt creatively inspired at home and wished to share their expressions with the world.
You regard The Intim Mates as a space of freedom in print where male nudity is celebrated. How important is the celebration of male nudity for you? Does it have an implied message?
Well, I like men, so I enjoy seeing naked men, no more and no less! Haha! In a time when access to imagery is more extensive but also more ephemeral than ever before, I feel it’s nice to continue producing these kinds of sexy printed publications. It’s akin to the way early queer magazines were created decades ago, which now stand as a reflection of the time when they were published. I like to think that Intim Mates is very ‘here and now’, but hopefully, it also carries a timeless quality somehow.
Only four issues have been published so far, but The Intim Mates News Paper has already become a sensation. From the last four issues, which would you say has been the most impactful or celebrated photographic story among the fans of the publication?
It’s a limited edition publication, with only 300 copies of each new issue being published. So, its impact may be limited in numbers but strong in energy and ‘shock value’. Each featured model finds their own audience, so all stories and models have their own celebrated moments and devoted fans.
These past issues also featured the work of other renowned photographers like Trevor Stones or Diego Villareal. Did having other photographers’ visions of The Intim Mates help you shape new stories and approaches to the publication?
I love photography and admire authors who have their own language, a distinctive vision that makes everything they do personal and immediately recognizable. Diego and Trevor have their own visual worlds, so I’m very happy and honoured that they accepted my invitation to have their own monographic Intim Mates issues. Yes, both issues equally celebrate male nudity in an intimate, natural way, but they did so under their own personal approach. As long as a photographer has a point of view that excites my brain and somehow fits into my own taste as an editor and publisher, I’ll continue producing full issues with other photographers, of course. As mentioned before, there’s an undeniable legacy in queer representation created by queer authors, and I’ll always work towards preserving that.
However, for the new issues you’re presenting now, The Intim Mates News Paper issues 5 and 6, you decided to fly solo in terms of photography, taking care of all the process yourself. Is there a specific motive for making this decision?
I’ve been shooting quite a lot recently, and I’ve met so many great, open-minded, nice, handsome men in the last few months who have been so kind to pose for Intim Mates that it felt like I could even publish two issues simultaneously. That’s the only motive. Well, and if I’m allowed to be a bit vain, I’m happy that my photos have received a pretty good response from the Intim Mates followers, so I guess they’ll be happy to see... and to buy! At the same time, I’m already in conversations with other potential photographers for the next issues.
Regarding technical aspects, the new issues are limited edition, with only 300 copies being published, upgrading the quality and content of the previous issues with 80 full-colour pages. Was it time to bring something more special this time?
Well, I had so many photos that I liked and felt they were strong enough that I had to make the new issues bigger and of better quality! You know what they say: the bigger, the better!.
Let’s talk about the most important thing: the boys. You’ve shot with various gorgeous boys in Madrid, Barcelona, and London. How do you select your models? What qualities do they share, and how do you achieve bringing out the hottest versions of themselves?
To me, collaboration with the men who pose for The Intim Mates is vital. We discuss how the photos are going to be, what they agree to be seen in the photos and what not, etc. That trust between both parties is fundamental. In fact, some of the most daring images are very often suggested by the models themselves, and I always like to hear and consider their ideas, going beyond my own preconceptions. I try to remain always very flexible.
After the film rolls are developed, I always show my selection of favourites to the models too. I want them to take a look and feel free to discard any image for whatever reason. All final images published—printed in the magazine or posted online—are always previously agreed upon by all models. In fact, sometimes I guess I’m even quite exhaustive double-checking, and some models tell me, “Yes Luis, I told you twice, all the selected finals are ok!” Haha! That kind of confidence and trust in creating images in collaboration between the models and me is always fundamental, especially when the photos are quite intimate.
How does one become an Intim Mate boy?
Mostly via Instagram and in a very casual, natural, simple way: we ask potential models, or some men ‘offer’ themselves to be in the publication.
Homoeroticism and fetish elements usually take centre stage in the Intim Mates. Is there a specific concept or important element present in the new issues? Is there a theme?
Mostly natural light, some occasional flash shots, freedom, intimacy... nothing too heavy. Just the joy and fun of taking and showing sexy images of men. Oh, and I love to shoot wet men in the shower!
Lastly, what’s your goal with The Intim Mates News Paper? What projection do you think it has, and what will the following issues look like?
As long as I keep having fun publishing new issues and they keep selling well, I’ll keep publishing The Intim Mates News Paper.
For those eager to explore the latest issues 5 and 6 of The Intim Mates, feel free to check out byluisvenegas.com, where you can purchase the latest editions and delve into the celebration of male nudity in its unique, intimate form.