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I AM UNDER 18 — EXITIN CONVERSATION — 001
PRIVATE MATTER x 45VOLTZ
On trust, creative connection, and the beauty of the male form.
THE FEATURE
My creative connection with 45voltz began in 2024, when we became friends on Instagram. Over time, we discovered a shared interest in creating art centered on the male form. We recognized something complementary in our artistic perspectives and felt our creative visions would work well together.
That connection led to our first photoshoot in 2025. Eager to continue exploring what we could create together, we reunited in May for another collaboration. This time, 45voltz arranged for us to work with photographer Private Matter.
Beyond our shared artistic vision, I consider 45voltz not only a friend and fellow creator, but also a mentor in this space. He has taught me so much about presence, the artistry of the male form, and the freedom of embracing oneself as they are. His influence has helped me grow in my own creative expression, so the opportunity to work together again was one I welcomed without hesitation.
When 45voltz first mentioned Private Matter as a potential photographer, I immediately sought out his work on social media. I was captivated. He had photographed friends of mine, and I loved the way he showcased the male body.
I believe every photographer has an unspoken signature—a distinct way of seeing and interpreting the world through their lens. Private Matter's work resonated deeply with my own creative eye. His understanding of form, light, and mood felt both intentional and instinctive. There was something about his imagery that drew me in, making the prospect of experiencing his artistry firsthand all the more exciting.
Even with that excitement, I arrived with a little nervousness. I've only worked with other models and photographers a handful of times, and stepping into an unfamiliar creative environment naturally brings out my guarded side.
Meeting Private Matter quickly changed that. He was kind, approachable, and genuinely human. Rather than imposing rigid expectations, he gave us the freedom to explore the moment while he captured it. His approach allowed the experience to unfold naturally, creating an environment where I could gradually let my guard down. As the shoot progressed, he shared the photographs with us. Seeing what we were creating gave me confidence and helped me become more present.
This was a first-of-its-kind experience for me. Both 45voltz and I stepped into something new, allowing our creative connection to shape an energy and atmosphere of its own.
Much of the shoot involved being stripped down to our skin. Nudity itself isn't something I mind, but I am mindful of whom I share that vulnerability with. The trust and chemistry I've cultivated with 45voltz made it possible for me to embrace the intimacy and eroticism of the experience more fully.
When I'm in front of a camera, my mind can become occupied with the details: how my face looks, whether the lighting is right, how a pose translates, or how I'm interacting with another model. In those moments, it's easy to overlook the subtle expressions and gestures that happen naturally.
I genuinely enjoyed working with Private Matter, and seeing the finished photographs left me in awe. His eye for form, light, and mood is extraordinary. He captured subtleties I hadn't noticed and moments I hadn't even realized were unfolding. His ability to translate our creative connection into such striking imagery speaks to his exceptional talent. It was an honor to be on the other side of his camera.
The finished photographs gave me the opportunity to step outside the role of creator and experience the work as a viewer. I discovered something unexpected in moments I thought I already understood. What I had been so occupied with getting right in front of the camera had become something entirely different through his lens.
My hope is that this editorial invites others to see the male form with that same openness.
There is still stigma surrounding our bodies, our sensuality, and the freedom to express our erotic selves. I hope these images offer another perspective—one that recognizes the beauty of the male body, the intimacy of two men sharing a frame, and the artistry that can emerge when we allow ourselves to be seen.
We are art.
CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHER
Private Matter
San Francisco, CA, USA
MODEL
45voltz
San Francisco, CA, USA
MODEL
Aloptwah
Arizona, USA
Different perspectives. A deeper conversation.
THE CONVERSATION
What made you want to capture the male form in a more intimate way?
Honestly, I just thought it would be fun. It’s a hobby I sort of stumbled into. Before I started capturing male erotic photography, I enjoyed it very much as a viewer. And since I had a background in photography, it was probably just a matter of time before I ended up creating it myself.
What do you think someone gives you when they allow you to photograph them intimately?
A lot of trust and confidence. Also, their image and likeness. Having someone work with me is sort of an indirect cosign–they’re publicly associating their image with me and I don’t take that lightly. I’m grateful for all the guys who model for me.
What inspired you to start posing in front of a camera?
I was inspired to pose by a handful of men I was following on Instagram in their 40’s and 50’s who were in incredible shape. I felt a desire to emulate their body transformations as I entered my mid-40’s, and over the course of getting into shape and documenting it, photographers and artists started reaching out to me for artistic collaborations.
I was also captivated by the work of a lot of photographers who specialized in capturing the male form. As an artist myself, I liked the idea of being able to create art with some of the photographers whose work inspired me.
What does sensuality mean to you?
I don’t think sensuality is a specific image or visual, to me it’s more of a feeling. Do you feel sexy and in touch with your own body?
When you’re photographing someone, what makes you realize there’s something more happening than simply making a beautiful image?
I always try to talk to the model and get to know them a bit. Almost every model I’ve worked with has been very nice, but sometimes you’re really able to connect with a model and learn a lot about them! Or sometimes, a model might be inexperienced or nervous, but as the shoot goes on and as they see some of the early results, you can tell that they’re slowly becoming a lot more confident and energized by what they’re seeing. That’s always beautiful to witness as well.
What part of yourself becomes louder in front of a camera?
I’m very shy by nature, but there’s an exhibitionist side to me that comes to life during photo shoots, especially if there’s good creative energy between myself and the photographer and/or the other model.
How much does your own attraction (or curiosity) about someone shape the way you photograph them?
Hmm, I’ve never really thought much about this. I feel like I tend to play off the model’s energy more than anything else – if they seem excited and open, then I usually tend to ask them to try more set-ups and poses. If the model seems super nervous or disengaged, the shoot might be shorter and slightly less experimental.
Have you ever photographed something in another man that made you recognize something in yourself?
I think it helps me realize that we truly all do deal with insecurities. Many models are open about parts of their body that they don’t like, even though I feel like I’m seeing someone beautiful and perfect in front of the camera. The men I photograph are gorgeous, but we all share a lot in common. We’re all human, after all.
Is there something about yourself you once considered unattractive that you’ve learned can be erotic?
I was always a bit self conscious about keeping my pubic hair natural, but I’ve learned that there’s a lot of people out there who find it erotic and compelling. As a big fan of erotica from the 1970’s, I’ve always found an untrimmed bush to be sexy and a sign of masculine appeal.
And while I’ve never thought that armpits were unappealing, I’ve learned that they are often times an erotic trigger for people, so I tend to lean into showcasing mine in poses fairly often.
What part of yourself do you think quietly makes its way into every intimate photograph you take?
Probably my appreciation for light and form.
Has photographing other men changed your relationship with your own body, masculinity, or sexuality?
I think it’s made me more sex-positive overall, which might sound a little odd. But I find that erotic photography is so different than my day job and my day-to-day interactions. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, but everyone deserves to express their sensuality.
What’s more intimate to you: undressing your body or revealing something you’ve never told anyone?
I think it’s more intimate to share something personal or private. Undressing can also be intimate, but that can depend on the potential for physical interaction if it’s happening in real time with another person. I don’t consider nudity itself to be immediately erotic or intimate… I think that in many parts of the world there’s a predilection to see the naked body as shameful or salacious, and I find that a very reductive and negative reaction to the beauty of the human form.
Is there anything you’ve discovered about yourself through photography that you might not have discovered otherwise?
That hobbies can very much be a core part of your overall sexuality. I do consider erotic photography to be a part of my overall sexual expression.
What have you learned about your own desire by documenting the desire of others?
There’s something very hot about seeing a regular guy-next-door type nude and expressing their sexuality. I don’t usually work with super experienced models, which I really enjoy because it keeps the pressure low for everyone and the shoots stay fun, instead of feeling like a high-pressure job. You don’t need to be a pornstar or OF creator to show off in front of the camera.
Do you think there is a version of you that only exists in intimacy? Who is he?
I think that’s definitely the case. There’s a high level of attentiveness and passion in me that is very much singularly present in intimate situations.
Do you have any personal notes/comments you want to make about this specific shoot?
I really enjoyed this shoot on a number of levels. I was very unsure about the studio we were shooting in at first, but I loved the way Jackie viewed the space and used all the various objects and quirky areas to an aesthetic advantage. The natural lighting ended up being perfect and I thought the way he directed our poses was great.
I also appreciated that this shoot was a bit more intimate than our previous shoots and that we both stepped out of our comfort zones to bring a more erotic edge to some of the shots.
Do you have any personal notes/comments you want to make about this specific shoot?
I felt like so many factors crystallized into a great shoot – two great models who understand their body and posing, who have great chemistry and easygoing personalities. Combined with some beautiful lighting and a setting with so much character, I was just really super happy with how this shoot turned out 🙂
CREDITS
- Photography
- Private Matter
- Subjects
- 45voltz, Aloptwah
- Location
- San Francisco, CA, USA
- Photographed
- May 2026
- Published
- September 18, 2026
IMAGE RIGHTS
The photographs in this feature were captured by the photographers credited below. Unless otherwise stated, copyright in each photograph remains with its credited photographer. Images are presented by ALOPTWAH as part of this editorial feature and may not be reproduced, distributed, or republished without permission from the applicable rights holder.
Private Matter26 credited photographs · © Private Matter
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