The photography of Eric Schwabel

Eric Schwabel learned his trade from the button up and brought it to the pink of perfection while studying at RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology), probably the most prestigious school for photographers worldwide. Schwabel doesn’t have to search for the perfect picture, as he’s got a range of them in his head. And he captures them for eternity with his camera.

His passion and his obsession to details are the cornerstones of a work that’s without equals. Actor and rugby star Ian Roberts got shot by him as well as porn-icon Johnny Hazzard and countless other guys with that certain something. Schwabel, gay himself and not yet 30, candidly confesses that it’s sometimes just the attractiveness of his models that inspires him. That doesn’t mean though, that he would ever waive from his perfectionist ambitions. Falling roof beams in burning houses, cold showers on the street in November — Schwabel’s models have to follow him to the utmost for a good shot. His definition of “male” is open-minded and includes immaculate guys as well as aging drag queens.

Schwabel doesn’t want to polarize — much more he loves to juggle with extremes. Sex appeal and genuineness dash against spirit and perfection — and the result is no less than phenomenal! Notwithstanding the enormous effort with which he stages his pictures, Schwabel always puts his focus on the person and leaves the photos extensively unworked.

Eric Schwabel was born in Minnesota. His photos were published internationally before he graduated at RIT. He never had a non-photographic job and today he’s teaching photography to young talents himself.