Marko M

I first spotted Marko, a 24-year-old from a small town in western Slovakia, on a Friday night while club-hopping. He strolled by on the street, and my immediate thought was, “Wow, what a stud—he’d be perfect for a photoshoot.” With his strong gangster/bad-boy persona, he exuded a rugged edge, especially since he works roadside assistance for trucks, often tackling the dangerous task of changing blown tires on highways. He calls it risky work, and it’s clear he thrives on the challenge.

Turns out we had mutual friends, and when one of them pitched the photoshoot idea to Marko, his response was a firm “not a chance.” Like many, he seemed wary of nude photography, a reaction I’ve seen before where people fear the worst. But Marko’s more than his tough exterior suggests; he loves sports, lives a healthy lifestyle—no drinking, no smoking—and comes from a humble family he’s eager to support by making something of himself. He’s also eyeing short-term gigs in Germany, though he’s keen to stay connected with his family and return home often, a goal that reflects his grounded nature. Months later, to my surprise, he reached out, perhaps needing time to warm up to the idea that it’s not as ‘out of this world’ as it seems. When we finally met, I found him pleasant and friendly, despite his initial distant vibe, and he shared his interest in trying creative things, seeing photography as a new step.

During the photoshoot, we hit it off comfortably, and I noticed a sweeter, friendlier side to him beneath that bad-boy shell. Still, he was shy about shedding his underwear completely, hesitating for several minutes. I did my best to support him, reassuring him it only feels odd for the first few moments. True to my words, he gradually eased into it, becoming much more relaxed as we went along. By the end, our connection felt stronger, and I’m excited to see how this creative journey unfolds for him.