A true admirer of the naked body form, French photographer Sylvain Norget has been fusing elements of voyeurism found in paparazzi photos of previous decades into his art, to produce unique portraits of ‘real’ men. Read as Sylvain talks about his life and work while he shares a few photos shot especially for the ‘Bad Boys Issue’, featuring MGM model Arthur Jacquier.
You’ve been an accomplished photographer for years. Do you feel like you’ve done almost everything?
I don’t know if I am an accomplished photographer, I guess that’s not for me to say. What I know is that I am constantly trying to become a better photographer and I hope that it will be that way forever. The moment you feel like you’ve accomplished everything, it’s the moment where you have to retire!
The most common subject of your work is the male body form. What is so attractive about it?
It’s easier to shoot men and between us, I like easy things in my life! I started out shooting male models and ever since model agencies thought of me that way. This wasn’t really a choice and to be honest, I actually love shooting women as well.
This issue puts the focus on boys, bad ones to be exact. Is there a particular side you wish to explore every time you shoot a male model?
I’m really inspired by the 90s era and Heb Ritt’s photography work where you could see ‘real’ men and not some skinny teenagers – like it’s used these days. Personally, I think that male models should start their careers at least at the age of 25.
Almost all of your photos share the same element of voyeurism. What is it that you are trying to achieve through this?
Actually I love old paparazzi shoots and that’s why what I’m trying to reproduce each time. I love this kind of photography. Candid pictures are the best, when models are just being themselves and you don’t even exist in their minds.
Could you describe the narrative behind your photos?
There’s no story behind my photos. I just want to shoot what I look at. I don’t believe in storylines as we’re not talking about movies. People are free to imagine what they want about them, they can tell themselves a story and that’s good!
What are your future plans?
Doing what I do, but even better! I love to work with comedians too, that’s interesting because, in that case, beauty is not the subject anymore. I do not want to be famous, I’m not eager about that, I’m 38 and that takes time, I don’t want to waste!