His First Nude Photo Changed Everything—See His Best Now

At 73, this Denver-based photographer continues to push boundaries — capturing stunning queer men.

From a young age, Robert Rice was captivated by the influential power of still images. His initial intrigue was sparked by an off-limits German camera kept in his father’s private collection — a symbol of both mystery and allure for any inquisitive child.

But when Robert received his own Kodak Brownie at age 11, that spark of curiosity ignited a lifelong creative pursuit. That simple point-and-shoot camera became a tool for exploration. A way of reinterpreting the world around him, on his terms.

However, Robert's story isn’t shaped by the foundation laid during his formative years, but rather by his personal and professional reinvention. Long before coming out at age 62, Robert had already been shooting nude male portraiture for nearly a decade. That work, rooted in sensuality and observation, shaped by the contours of his identity.

Today, at 73 and based in Denver, he's not just making up for lost time — he's reclaiming it. As he works toward releasing a new book and reflecting on a vast archive of images, Robert's photography reveals a world where self-ownership is everything.

From Flowers to Flesh

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Rockies, it's no surprise that Robert's eye gravitated toward the boundless landscapes all around him.

For years, he focused his camera on flowers, fascinated by their intricate details and delicate beauty. "Flowers have always been particularly captivating to me." But after years working with nature, a chance encounter invigorated an interest in shooting a new type of subject — men.

Robert recalled, "One day, while visiting a photography frame shop, I encountered a young, attractive clerk. I presented him with my business card and expressed my desire to take a photograph of him."

Unfortunately, Robert never got the chance to capture an image of that young man (which we were disappointed to hear), but the interaction would forever alter the trajectory of his creative pursuits. When reflecting on that experience, he says, "I realized that having individuals pose for me presented boundless opportunities. "

Today, he estimates he's captured over 5,000 nude images with a growing focus on sensuality, emotional intimacy, and the aesthetic form of the male body.

Respect, Sensuality, and the Power of Representation

What sets Rice's work apart isn't just his eye — it's his ethic. He brings a respectful, grounded energy to his shoots, guided by two unshakable principles: never touching the model and never making inappropriate advances.

While these characteristics might sound fundamental, you hear stories all too often of models put in uncomfortable positions by the person in power — a role Robert will not compromise.

This philosophy has made him a trusted collaborator, especially as perceptions of nudity in art have shifted over the decades. "Contrary to the perception of a taboo associated with posing nude, many individuals find the experience liberating," he says. An experience he would like to remain safe, pure, and inclusive to all.

His work — predominantly in black and white — evokes a voyeuristic fascination and a reverent beauty. Robert acknowledges his voyeuristic tendencies, which he channels into his compositions. He says, “Throughout my life, I have exhibited voyeuristic tendencies. That inclination may have led me to engage in the photography of nude men. The human male form possesses inherent aesthetic appeal.”

A Message to the Next Generation

Now, more than ever, Robert remains creatively energized. When asked what he hopes people take away from his work, he says: "An appreciation for the inherent beauty of the male physique."

And to the young gay men reading this article, a direct and heartfelt plea: come out as soon as you can. He encourages the youth to claim their space and to embrace an authentic existence. He concludes, "Gays often fall into a downward spiral of comparing themselves to other men in the community. Every man is beautiful."

Paid-Member’s Only: Subscribe to Unlock the Full Article

For more from Robert in his own words and to see uncensored photos from this collection, subscribe to Gayety today.