In the first installment of our conversation with Canadian photographer Chris Teel, we explore his early inspirations, his shift from corporate life into full-time creativity, and debut a curated selection of images from his extensive portfolio.
For decades, long before conversations about body autonomy became mainstream, Chris has been quietly pioneering male-focused erotic art. His work challenged norms long before the public was ready, contributing to a cultural shift that only now is being widely acknowledged.
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Chris’s photography carries a signature introspection, marked by an interest in vulnerability, sensuality, and the complexities of masculinity that rarely appear together in traditional portraiture.
From Corporate Grind to Creative Freedom
Like many artists, Chris initially paused his creative ambitions in favor of a more stable career path. The corporate ladder offered financial security, but the longer he climbed, the louder the internal tug of his artistic life became.
A restructuring at work ultimately forced a crossroads — and Chris chose reinvention. Relocating to Toronto, he immersed himself in photography with renewed energy. Influences like vintage Playgirl magazines and the emotional worlds hinted at within their images began shaping the foundation of his own style: one that celebrates men not as objects, but as layered, expressive beings.
The Artist’s Evolution
Chris launched his online portfolio in 2010, but his artistic journey stretches back even further. “My style has evolved significantly since I started shooting in 2008,” Chris says. “I’ve pushed myself to improve my technical skills by taking courses in lighting and editing, as well as experimenting with new ideas and techniques.”
He no longer shares his earliest work, but revisits it occasionally as a reminder of how far he’s come. A conversation with a potential agent years ago also served as a turning point: “Though we ultimately didn’t work together, he asked insightful questions about my work, style, and goals, which pushed me to elevate my photography to a new level.”
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Today, Chris finds himself once again asking what’s next — exploring new ideas while maintaining the recognizable aesthetic he’s spent years honing.
Why the Male Form?
When asked to describe his shooting style, Chris doesn’t hesitate: “I believe in shooting what truly inspires me. Photos of weddings, sunsets, and wildlife aren’t my wheelhouse — they don’t ignite my creative spark like the male physique does.”
He blends eroticism, fine art, and a relatable “guy next door” sensibility, aiming to create work that makes viewers pause and wonder about the story inside each frame. “I aim to highlight the model’s humanity, showcasing him as a well-rounded individual rather than just what’s visible on the surface.”
Natural light is one of his primary storytelling tools, used to highlight emotion, texture, and presence.
Sharing Nudes in a New Era
Over time, Chris has watched both the industry and society shift. Publishing nude work is no longer as opaque or restricted as it once was. The emergence of subscription-based platforms has given creators control and a direct connection to their audiences. Models, too, have become more open to collaboration as cultural norms evolve.
“Men who might have avoided posing nude in the past — due to family or social pressures, career concerns, religious beliefs, or fears of homophobic responses — are now more open to the idea,” he explains. Still, he notes, the political climate worldwide will likely influence how acceptance continues to develop over the next decade.
Long-Term Collaborations That Shape the Work
Some of Chris’s most iconic images come from repeat collaborations with models who have grown alongside him.
He laughs, thinking back to his earliest shoot with Manuel Skye, long before Skye became an international adult performer: “I vividly remember our first session,” says Chris. “He was very clear about not shooting nudes long before he became an international porn star. By our third shoot, he was comfortable enough to include a little ‘peekaboo’ moment.”
More recently, in Montreal, he spent an entire hour shooting collaborative content with Australian adult star Matt Ellis, another example of how trust and ongoing relationships can deepen the art. “These long-term collaborations are incredibly rewarding, as they allow us to grow, push boundaries, and create content that feels authentic to both of us.”
Advice for Up-and-Coming Photographers
Chris’s decades-long career stands as a reminder that a passion-driven life is possible, but it requires intention. He encourages aspiring photographers to learn technical fundamentals, understand their motivations, and treat every subject with care.
What’s Next?
Chris’s archive is far too expansive for a single feature, so we’ll be releasing this interview in two parts. In Part Two, Chris opens up about:
- How he helps first-time models feel comfortable nude
- Whether size really matters in erotic portraiture
- His best advice for shooting intimate work
- Dozens more images from his personal collection
Want to see the good stuff?
We’ve published more of Naser’s work — including the shots too spicy for this site — over on our Substack.
Follow Chris on Instagram and X — and support his work by subscribing to his OF or J4F.
