Paul Sarkis, a New York City-based photographer, is recruiting real-life couples who work in the adult film industry to be featured in a book of fine art photos that show the intimacy of the true relationships behind porn.
His most recent work for this project — a pictorial of Seymore Butts and real-life girlfriend Mari Possa — is featured in the September 2005 issue of Playgirl magazine.
Sarkis says his photos of couples in porn "confront the stereotype of porn stars as detached individuals who are incapable of true intimacy and meaningful romantic relationships given the nature of their work."
Sarkis added that his subjects are not limited to hetero-porn couples. "I'm interested in recruiting as diverse a group as I can find. Gay, straight, genderqueer, all invited. My focus is on anyone in a truly committed relationship," he told GAYVN.
"By capturing personal, candid moments that celebrate the joy and sensuality that all couples share," Sarkis invites viewers to experience through his images the "real, passionate sex behind the sex industry."
A fine art and portrait photographer since 1993, Sarkis has also been published in New York City's Village Voice, and online on Nerve, Burning Angel, and Gawker Media's Fleshbot.
For further information contact him at [email protected].
Pictured: Seymore Butts and Mari Possa.
