Matthew Dunston: Unabashedly Naked

Matthew by C Stephen


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When I was first featuring photographer Dave Larson's (takeapic4u) Dirty Nature series last year, one of my favorite models from the series was 27 year old Iowa model Matthew Dunston. It was one of Matthew's images I chose to use as pic of the day, and was hoping to have the opportunity to feature more of his work in front of the camera.


I frequently describe models looking comfortable in front of the camera and that certainly applies to Matthew's images. Maybe even more so than just comfortable in front of the camera, Matthew appeared comfortable in his own skin, especially when that skin was not covered or restricted by clothing. Even during Iowa's long, cold winters, Matthew usually only wears clothes when he absolutely has to!


Although Matthew is completely naked in almost every image that I am including, the visual contrasts, in style, look and feel are unique with each of the five artists featured. Whether in classic physique poses, in studio or in the great outdoors, Matthew displays a great connection, not only with his body, but the camera and the artist behind it. Many models begin a modeling career and find themselves with having to decide how much skin to show. For Matthew, showing skin, was not a secondary element, but the impetus for seeking out photographers to collaborate with. Below, Matthew shares why.

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'Ever since I was a young kid, I've always been trying to find ways and scenarios to be nude. This continued throughout high school and college, and when I turned 18, I ran across this one photographer's website. He was interested in taking pictures of students who went to the University of Wisconsin Madison while they were naked. Even though I didn't attend this university, I really wanted to be involved with the project since there were some great areas to shoot around the campus.'


'I sent in some shots of myself, and he said that I didn't qualify since I didn't go to school at Madison. I was really bummed out, but always looked for additional photographers that may want to take some artistic pictures of my nude form. Fast forward approximately 7 years, and I ran across Dave Larson's ad about a Dirty Nature shoot, basically a shoot were I would be naked and covered in mud outside. This sounded like so much fun. I love the outdoors and being nude, so it was a win, win for me. Dave was the first photographer that but his trust in me, and I will always be thankful for that.'


'Obviously I am comfortable taking off my clothes and being nude. However, the general public typically frowns on this, and I really don't blame them. There are a lot of ridiculous people out there that spoil nudity for everyone. I am not going to get on my soapbox about this, but It is just a shame that we as a society in 2017 are not more open about nudity. Anyway, the way that people perceive my nudity was a big factor that I thought about before taking it off for the very first time. I was a bit nervous about that, but I didn't let that stop me from stripping naked and having a good time in front of the camera.'


'Everyone who I've worked with has been professional. Thank goodness too since I have gone to some of their houses and hotel rooms to shoot. You never know what you are going to walk in on, but my advice to beginning models is to make sure you communicate clearly with your photographer before agreeing to meet. Also, it really does not hurt to talk with them over the phone. I know a phone call is overlooked nowadays, but it really is the best way to understand a person's intentions.'

Remaining images from takeapic4u

'I've had many great experiences with each photographer I've worked with, but my favorite will always be the Dirty Nature shoot. It was my first photo shoot, and I had so much fun doing it. I have done two shoots so far for that series, and I plan on doing one more this year to hopefully get some even better shots.'


'Modeling is a great hobby for me. I have always been into trying to promote a positive self-image, and I believe that my photos try to do that for a larger group of people. I am far from the fittest male model that you will see on model websites. I really don't have six-pack abs, huge biceps or triceps, well defined leg and chest muscles, or, let's be honest, a huge penis, but I am still getting naked for others to see. Don't get me wrong, I try to workout and gain muscle, which you can hopefully see in some of my newer pictures, but I really don't diet. I'm just the average guy that enjoys pizza, beer, and ice cream.'


'This next part is very important. I'm an advocate for positive male image because I have witnessed nude male body shaming in the locker rooms and have heard stories of my younger cousins getting pushed around in the locker rooms of their high school for not having the "perfect male body." I get so frustrated with people that body shame. Everyone is built differently, and everyone has their idea of being happy with their body. We should all encourage people to stop stressing out about their physical looks.'