meat: Bonjour Again! meat Paris Vol. 2 Has Arrived

Ten years ago, back in 2016, I travelled to Paris to photograph a group of men for what would become the second international edition of meat. I'd always loved Paris, its beautiful streets, its architecture, its culture and, let's be honest, its men. The idea of spending a week there doing what I love most was pretty irresistible.

That first edition remains one of my favourite meat projects, and ever since, I've had it in the back of my mind that I'd love to do it all again.

Well, ten years later, I finally did!

In June this year, I packed my camera bag and headed back to the French capital for another week of photography, questionable French and an awful lot of walking.

I'd spent the preceding weeks arranging shoots, contacting guys that my friend Vincent had suggested and putting together a schedule that, in hindsight, was perhaps a little ambitious. But that's generally how these things go. When you've only got a week in a city full of gorgeous men, you want to make the most of every minute.

And I certainly did.

Over five days, I photographed 21 men, some in their own homes and others in my Airbnb, which became a temporary meat studio for the week. There were early starts, late finishes, plenty of travelling across the city and some rather warm weather to contend with.

But there was also an enormous amount of fun.

One of the things I love most about taking meat on the road is the opportunity to meet people I might never otherwise encounter. Being invited into someone's home, hearing about their lives, having a laugh and eventually persuading them to take their clothes off is a rather wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

And Paris certainly didn't disappoint.

There were men of different ages, backgrounds, shapes and sizes, all with their own personalities, stories and reasons for wanting to be photographed. Some were completely new to meat, while others were familiar faces from the original Paris edition. Reconnecting with those men after a decade was particularly lovely.

As always, I wanted the photographs to feel natural, intimate and personal. I'm much more interested in capturing something of the man in front of me than creating a perfectly polished image. The little moments between poses, the laughter, the unexpected expressions and the surroundings all become part of the story.

And, of course, there was Paris itself.

Despite the rather hectic schedule, I managed to squeeze in some time to enjoy the city, catch up with friends and remind myself why I've always loved the place so much. There's something about Paris that continues to get under my skin, and I don't think I'll ever tire of returning.

So, here it is. meat Paris Vol. 2!

After several months of editing, selecting photographs and putting everything together, I'm delighted to finally announce that meat Paris Vol. 2 is available now.

The new book features 108 pages of photography, bringing together all 21 men from that wonderful week in June. But it also contains some surprises and goes in something of a different direction from previous meat projects. It's published in A5 format, in a limited edition of 200 copies.

There are two versions available. The standard edition is £25, while the special signed edition is £50 and includes three individually signed A5 photographic prints.

I'm really pleased with how it's turned out. There's a lovely mixture of personalities and photographic styles throughout, and I think it captures something of the spirit of that week, and of the city itself.

Looking back at the first Paris edition from 2016, it's fascinating to see how much has changed, both in my photography and in meat as a project. But the things that inspired me to start photographing men all those years ago remain exactly the same.

Curiosity, connection, a celebration of individuality and the simple pleasure of making beautiful photographs of ordinary men.

Ten years between two editions feels like rather a long time, but perhaps that's part of what makes this one special.

To all 21 men who welcomed me into their lives, their homes and in front of my camera, thank you. You made the whole experience an absolute joy.

And to everyone who continues to support meat, buy the books and make these slightly mad adventures possible, thank you too.

I hope you love this one as much as I've loved making it.

meat Paris Vol. 2 is available now HERE

À bientôt, Paris! ❤️

Oh, and stay tuned for news of a very special Paris event soon!