Jane: These photos really made me look at prostitution differently

Jane: These photos will make you look at prostitution differently

A photographer's series of snaps is changing the way many look at prostitution, one photograph at a time.

cristina middel photography 1
Cristina Middel

These photos most certainly captured my imagination. Why? Well, prostitutes have through the ages been painted in a light that isn't very becoming and they always seem to be portrayed as desperate outcasts. You never get to see the men calling for these women. What do they look like? What is their story?

Read: Photographer removes phones from photos to show a sad reality

World-renowned photographer Cristina de Middel has shed some light on the majorly disregarded participants of prostitution by photographing the men who pay for sex. The photo series is called Gentlemen's Club.

Cristina's quest was to reveal what a sex worker's customer looks like. According to Konbini, she traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to capture the photographs. Although Rio de Janeiro's laws do not forbid prostitution, they are against the operation of brothels.

Once she got to Rio, she posted an advert in a newspaper looking for men who have paid for sex and would be willing to pose for photos. She paid them for their participation and even managed to capture these men in the very same rooms where the act took place.

Read: Photographer recreates photos he took 30 years ago

The men were of various ages and walks of life. From a 28-year-old nightclub security guard to a 50-year-old who isn't married.

Cristina's aim wasn't to legalise or even promote sex work, but she rather wanted to tell the full story of prostitution - which includes the men who pay for it.

I feel that she did a good job telling the story. I can't help but feel sad for these men. Love shouldn't exist on an old mattress with a hole in it. For me, love is supposed to be bright, safe, loyal, kind, and constant.

What emotion did you feel when looking at these pictures? Share your comments below:

Show's Stories