PHOTOGRAPHY: A Retrospective Celebration of Tyler Udall’s Intimate Portraits [NSFW]

Dallas With Emoji Pillow, 2019

When it comes to finding inspiration for his intimate portraits, Tyler Udall turns to his own sexual identity and society’s evolving understanding of the queer community.

Andrew In The Bathtub, 2010

Born in 1979, Udall rose to prominence as a photographer after shooting for many high profile fashion and art publications. His work has been compared to the likes of Juergen Teller and Ryan McGinley. While women have featured in some of his work, it’s his compelling and atmospheric images of men and exploration of masculinity that’s garnered the most attention.

Andre's Shoulder Blade, 2010

In an interview with Hero, Udall said: “I know my images of men get more attention than the photographs of women, still-life or landscapes. As disparate as those subjects are, I think all of these images share a common thread of intimacy. The general public isn’t used to seeing male vulnerability. A really interesting and very needed shift is happening within gender and sexual stereotypes. Men need to feel vulnerable, too. People are vulnerable. I think the more we can show that this is a normal part of human nature, we might be able to start tipping the gender and sexual imbalances in a more harmonious direction. That being said, I think everyone has a certain curiosity about what other people look like naked… especially men. I say that only because we so rarely see a nude man in a setting that is designed to be stared at and digested without stigmatisation. Women have been shown in various states of undress (mainly for men) for so, so, so long that the thrill is minimal in comparison. Like, it’s funny how women still can’t show nipples on Instagram, isn’t it? So backwards.”

Legs For Days, 2015

Shade Smoking, 2010

Udall is also part of the Boys! Boys! Boys! Collective, which promotes queer and gay photography. A spotlight on his work is currently featured on the platform.

Written by Gary Hartley