Leo

Leo, 22, grew up in Martin in central Slovakia and has been best friends with Markus since they were kids. He enjoys swimming, playing basketball, sinking hours into video games, and sharing that same interest in cars. Like Markus, he loves being out in nature, especially for those classic Slovak bonfires and barbecues in the woods. He works at an auto factory, a job he actually likes, though the constant day and night shifts wear him down and leave him feeling drained and unmotivated.

He’s traveled mostly to Czechia and Italy, and spent some time living and working in Holland after school. These days he enjoys going out to restaurants with his girlfriend, discovering new dishes together, and he’s already dreaming about trips to places like South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Leo considers himself a family man, always ready to spend time with them or help out when needed, and he says he’s a bit more social and extroverted than Markus—though when I met them both in Martin and later at the photoshoot, he actually seemed the quieter of the two. Still, he’s open-minded, polite, and easy to get along with.

Markus, along with Leo’s supportive girlfriend gave him the push to try the nude photoshoot, which made a big difference. Beforehand, he warned me he wasn’t very photogenic, but I told him that wouldn’t be a problem—I’d focus on capturing him just as he is, since my whole approach is about guys feeling free to be themselves without much acting. The session in Bratislava turned out relaxed and comfortable; he settled in nicely, and it felt natural for both of us. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised by how well straight guys like Leo and Markus could let go of their inhibitions, play along, and genuinely seem to enjoy the experience.