Eye Contact

We’ve all heard that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. Whatever you call it, looking directly into another person’s eyes can be remarkably intimate.

1. Unknown models exchanging eye contact from two different levels.

 

A glance can communicate curiosity, affection, challenge, distrust or desire before a word is spoken. Maybe that’s why we notice when someone won’t meet our eyes—and why sustained eye contact can feel almost physical.

2. Unknown models making eye contact in the shower.

3. Ed Fury (seated) and Paul Moffitt (standing) by Bruce Bellas.

 

Between two men, that look carries its own history. In cruising spaces especially, a glance could ask a question, receive an answer and establish mutual attraction in seconds. Look. Look away. Look again. Message received.

4. Tommy Evans (left) and Jim Collette (right) making eye contact in front of glittery backdrop.

5. John Miller (standing) and Forrester Millard (seated) with split levels and split background.

 

Physique photographers understood the power of that exchange. Two nude men could be arranged in the most statuesque, classical pose imaginable, but turn their eyes toward one another and something changes.

6. Unknown models by Frederick Kovert.

7. Jerry Jensen (facing away) and Wayne Hunt by Bob Mizer.

 

Have them hold hands while doing it and the classical alibi starts getting pretty thin.

8. Robert Rex and unknown (but familiar) model by Pat Milo.

 

Of course, men look at one another for countless reasons. Friendship, competition, admiration and brotherly affection all live here too. That ambiguity offered photographers the same useful cover we’ve seen again and again—the ritual of innocence remained intact.

9. Bob Jackson and Gary Hammond by Bob Mizer.

10. Paul Campton and Ray Fowle making eye contact by Bob Mizer.

 

But sometimes you don’t need a hand, an embrace or anything else. Sometimes the connection is already there in the space between two sets of eyes.

11. Bruno (left) and Erron (right) in close eye contact by Jim French.

 

The true intention, as always, is in the eye of the beholder.

Please leave thoughts, questions, additions or corrections in the comments. Thank you, bns