Boys From Ipanema

Text in English, French & German. German born Frank Waldecker took his first pictures at the age of 12. Later he studied graphic design and worked in this capacity for publishing houses in Hamburg and Munich. In 1989 while visiting Brazil, he fell in love with the country and people. He now lives in Rio de Janeiro four months of the year. Frank has been shooting male models since 2001, and thanks to their natural sensuality, Brazilian models are his favourite subjects. His first calendar "Beachboys" was published 2003 and since then more than 20 others published internationally featuring his photos. In Brazil Frank works with the best model agencies on fashion shoots and lifestyle photos for a range of clients. Besides postcards, calendars and books, his work has been published in international magazines such as "Cosmopolitan" and "Glamour". As early as 1962, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes had an international hit with the song "The Girl from Ipanema". This paid homage to the sensuality and beauty of Brazilian women, especially those from Ipanema, the legendary area of Rio de Janeiro. Even today, there are more attractive men and women in Ipanema than at any other beach in Brazil. However, while Brazilian women have always had plenty of attention, the male of the species has been neglected by the photographers' lens. High time, then, to let the Latin lovers from Brazil into the picture. Between 2001 and 2009 I photographed an incredible variety of men in and around Rio. There, people love to show off their bodies, and work hard to keep them in good shape. Total nudity is, however, taboo in Brazil. People are aware that leaving on the last shred of clothing stimulates the imagination, and has a far more erotic effect than showing off all your assets. Many of my photographs communicate emotion, charm and sensuality, but not only that. They also reveal "alegria" or joy of life, a quality unique to the Brazilians and their way of life.