On the Edge of Desire: EroFest Through the Lens of Gabriel Dusil

Few events embrace erotic performance with the same fearless abandon as EroFest, Prague’s annual celebration of sensuality, art, and provocation. This year, photographer Gabriel Dusil immersed himself in its electric atmosphere—capturing everything from shibari suspensions to decadent burlesque and uninhibited moments of connection on stage.

Dusil’s images reveal a world where the line between performance and intimacy dissolves. Through careful composition and an unflinching eye, he transforms the most explicit gestures into studies of form and vulnerability. Whether it’s the arc of water cascading from a martini glass or the tangled tension of rope against skin, each frame holds a magnetic charge that transcends shock value.

With a background steeped in decades of creative experimentation—and a lifelong fascination with the aesthetics of Playboy, Sports Illustrated, and fine art nudes—Dusil brings an uncommon empathy to the erotic genre. His work from EroFest ’25 doesn’t merely document spectacle; it offers a window into the shared energy between performer and observer, where raw expression becomes something undeniably human.

1. Visual Journey & Influences

• Your work often explores themes of intimacy, raw emotion, and transformation. What first drew you to these? Are there artists—photographers, painters, filmmakers—who shaped your visual approach?

Reading Articles

My journey began at sixteen after subscribing to Playboy. This led to relentless mockery from friends and family. “I guess you subscribe to Playboy for the articles!” Anyone who’s bought Playboy was bound to hear that pretentious comment at least once. I can honestly attest to reading every issue from cover to cover. But there’s truth to this sarcastic dig, especially considering that ninety percent of Playboy is editorial. It didn’t matter. I have dreamt of being a Playboy photographer my entire life. In high school, I even convinced a few girlfriends to shoot with me and my humble Ricoh 35mm film camera.

I’m somewhat of an unusual participant in the world of fine arts. I contemplated photography as a career, but fate had other plans. I met a newspaper photographer at the tail end of high school. He was covering a local beauty pageant where my girlfriend was participating. I approached and asked what it was like working as a photographer. I don’t remember his exact words, but he looked disheveled, and his lackluster response shied me away from photography. At that moment, I decided to pursue an engineering physics degree – a radical departure from the arts, to say the least. At the time, it was a financially safer option, realizing that I could still enjoy photography as a hobby. In hindsight, it was a win-win. I’ve come full circle, after 30 years of Information Technology, immersing myself in photography.

Throughout this journey, I realized how fortunate I am to photograph beautiful women worldwide. Professional photographers are in a relentless pursuit of the ‘perfect’ picture. Even though perfection isn’t achievable, I try to get as close as possible. The most satisfying feeling is when my models say, “Wow, I love our photos!” At that moment, all the planets have aligned. From casting to session preparation and every step in between, my skills continue to evolve, and every second is a joy.

Influences

My mother, a veterinarian now retired, was also a prolific oil painter. My sister inherited our mother’s skills and dialed it to eleven! I watch how she creates beautiful art, purely from her mind. She’s very gifted, and both continue to inspire me throughout my creative journey.

Much inspiration also comes from the best fine art photographers in the world. Through admiring their portfolios, I envision how scenes, poses, and lighting were prepared. Duplicating a great pose with a new model and different backdrop creates a brand-new opus.

Many photographers have influenced me throughout the years. My first coffee table book was Herb Ritts, Works, Bulfinch Press, © 1989. His style still resonates with me. In the ‘90s, I was greatly influenced by Sports Illustrated photographers, Russell James, Raphael Mazzucco, and Walter Iooss Jr. My favorite fine art nude photographers are Bruno Bisang, Andreas Bitsnich, and David Bellemere. But the best of the best at the moment is Alexander Mavrin, from St. Petersburg, Russia. I have far to go to reach the heights of these legends. Climbing to the level of my idols is an endless journey. I plan to enjoy every minute 💖.

Inspiration also comes from shapes. I see the female body as a flowing river. Sensual curves are alluring and provocative. My emotion board consists of angel wings, nurturing mothers, leopards, owls, eagles, cats, leaves, roses, hearts, and the code of Bushido. Three words describe my photoshoots: Freedom, Emotion, and Intensity.

These are my artistic influences from my early years:

• Olivia De Berardinis, Playboy Illustrator, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_De_Berardinis
• Armando Huerta, The Dark Lord of Pin-Up, https://wikitia.com/wiki/Armando_Huerta
• Patrick Nagel, Playboy Illustrator, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Nagel
• Luis Royo, Heavy Metal Magazine Illustrator, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Royo
• Alberto Vargas, Playboy Illustrator, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Vargas

I’ve collected many treasured coffee table books by renowned photographers. Each one is a source of inspiration and artistic guidance. Eventually, I was inspired to build something more personal: a curated digital archive sourced from across the internet. What began as a casual collection soon became transformative. This journey sparked a few key developments. First, it became an exercise in self-discovery, clarifying my creative preferences. I began to notice patterns in what I liked, in contrast to what I didn’t. These insights eventually took shape in a post titled Top 10 • Composition Don’ts • https://www.dusil.org/top-10-my-talent-rules/.

Second, the process of curating and refining this archive significantly elevated my editing skills. By tweaking tens of thousands of photos, I learned how subtle adjustments could turn an ordinary image into something exceptional. The collection itself is dynamic, evolving as I remove images that no longer meet my expectations. This has been captured in posts like Top 10 • Tips for Model • https://www.dusil.org/top-10-tips-for-models/, and Top 10 • Accessory Rules • https://www.dusil.org/top-10-my-accessory-rules/. Perhaps the most profound influence has been on my photographic voice. It helped shape my style, posing preferences, ideal backdrops, and lighting techniques.

Before every shoot, I revisit this collection to spark inspiration and plan a posing flow. To align our vision, each model receives two key guides ahead of time: Preparation For Models • https://www.dusil.org/preparation-for-models/ and Top 10 • Posing Directions • https://www.dusil.org/top-10-posing-directions/. This evolving archive is more than just a reference – it’s a living reflection of my artistic journey and a constant source of creative energy. During our photoshoot I believe that my energy helps align both of us to the emotions I’m trying to capture. During these hours I try to bring out her sensuality, and fuel her with the courage to give me her soul.

2. Concept to Capture

• How do you choose your subjects or events (like EroFest)? What sparks the idea to transform an environment into a visual narrative?

Searching for a Muse

Challenges at an erotic exhibition such as EroFest in Prague, Czechia, are finding the right vantage point to capture their spectacular stage events. It’s mainly about navigating through a packed audience to shoot stage-side for six hours straight.

For my photo shoots, this is my top 10 criteria for choosing models:

1. First and foremost, I photograph only female models. My target is between 18 and 32 years, but the upper limit is flexible if she’s taken care of herself.

2. Models need to be in good shape and well-proportioned with an hourglass figure. These are my general guidelines:

•  Ideal Age • 18–32 years

•  Ideal Height • 164–180 cm, 5’4″ – 5’11”

•  Ideal Bust • C–D, 86–92 cm, 34″–36″, 85C-90D EU, 32-36 UK. B Cup and up to F are fine if she’s gorgeous.

•  Ideal Waist • 66–72 cm, 26″–28″

•  Ideal Hips • 88–96 cm, 34″–38″, 85-95 EU, 32-36 UK

•  Ideal Size • XS-M, 6–10, 32-36 UK

3. I prefer long-flowing hair. If there’s a debate over straight or wavy, straight is preferred. For close-ups, natural make-up, fingernails, and toenails should be ready before arriving at our session.

4. My photoshoots are currently focused on a “girl next door” style. I treat every photoshoot as an opportunity to create an award-winning image. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I’m acutely aware that my selection process is subjective and specific to the art I’m pursuing.

5. Tattoos are fine as long as they’re artistic and in moderate quantity, preferring not to photograph graffiti-style tattoos. I also tend to avoid facial piercings.

6. Models are selected based on their propensity to be featured on the cover of my Top 10 Art Nude Publications. This is always in the back of my mind when I’m scouting for models.

7. Models need to have positive energy. I only feel this once we meet for our photoshoot, but I can generally sense this energy from her portfolio.

8. My favorite photoshoots are with models who have empathy. This is revealed once we meet for our photoshoot, but I try to gauge empathy from her portfolio. When a model looks deep into the lens, you see her soul.

9. Most importantly, I scout for models who are willing to give me their soul. Empathy is the trigger. If she can do this, then together we’ll create magic.

10. I am happy to travel the world and photograph women from any ethnicity, skin color, and cultural background.

Artistic License

I face significant scrutiny for focusing on an eighteen to thirty-two-year age range, particularly in today’s diversity, equity, and inclusion landscape.

I’m strict with the female models I photograph. I’m drawn to a specific look and temperament. I prefer fit models who make a conscious effort to prioritize their health and well-being. Four vices incrementally degrade our bodies in varying levels of damage, regardless of gender: smoking, alcohol, drugs, and bad food. For this reason, I’m willing to push my limits for models who actively prioritize their physical and emotional wellness. When facing criticism, my initial reaction is self-reflection, recognizing that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. But I’m still baffled by aggressive comments like,” Why don’t you photograph [insert anyone who’s not in my portfolio]?!” It’s no different than asking a landscape artist, “Why don’t you paint people? What’s wrong with people?” and receiving a response such as, “There’s nothing wrong with people. I paint landscapes!”

Everyone is beautiful regardless of culture, shape, and age. But my artistic focus is specific, and I’m happy to keep it that way.

3. Crafting Intimacy

• Many of your portraits have an electrifying intimacy—what do you do to put your subjects at ease and evoke those authentic moments?

Creative Process

Capturing a model’s spirit requires overcoming three main obstacles: first and foremost, I want her to relax; then, I try to bring out her inner confidence; and I also want her to trust me. It’s a tall order, but when successful, we have the freedom to create something truly magical. Synchronized emotions organically inspire my best work. I want all my models to give themselves to me completely because I’m doing the same in return – no inhibitions, no distractions, and no insecurities. Purity from the depths of our souls. This is my path to capturing the best photos. Even if I get to this stage then I don’t stop there. My goal is to capture her visceral energy – her wild and feral emotions that are rarely seen by anyone. Getting to this level is extremely rare. If I succeed, then our photos take on a spiritual meaning.

I gravitate to a select number of poses but give the creative freedom to see my model’s full potential. I see photoshoots flowing down a river with both of us taking turns steering. When our flow is synchronized, the session takes on new meaning.

Our first hour is dedicated to relaxing and getting to know each other. This usually starts with a cappuccino, chatting, and prioritizing outfits. Shooting begins with a warm-up, letting my model ‘do her thing’ to see how she expresses herself. Once the session establishes its flow, I start to offer direction. I’ve documented my entire workflow here • https://www.dusil.org/photography-workflow/.

To capture the beauty of the female form is a privilege. Exposing her vulnerability is an honor. Giving me her soul is the greatest gift.

Nude Lifestyle

My current portfolio is centered around a ‘muse style.’ A technique where a model poses intimately as if the photographer is her partner. The emotion I’m trying to evoke in the viewer is a feeling that the model and photographer will be immediately intimate after their photoshoot. Nude art evokes emotions of eroticism and sensuality. Its foundation originates from Hugh Hefner’s Playboy, launched in 1953. I plan to evolve into nude lifestyle photography.

A publisher recently told me, “Our style is free-flowing storytelling.” In this approach, models are going about their day. They just happen to be naked. Models still pose for the photographer, but it’s not staged. Intimacy is created by the notion that the two are in a relationship. This style was popularized by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, first published on 20th January, 1964. This style is currently seen in Marley, Live Fast Magazine, and by Playboy photographer Ana Dias. Lifestyle storytelling represents the evolution of nude art photography.

4. Technical & Aesthetic Choices

• Your use of light, color, and negative space feels so intentional. How do you approach lighting and composition in the field versus in the studio?

Nude Juxtaposition

Due to my shooting style, venues need to be vacated. Studio photography is ideal for controlling the environment and maintaining uninterrupted privacy. Some models prefer this setting for nude art as it removes the risk of onlookers. But I’m drawn to modern industrial designs with wood, iron, glass, marble, ceramics, and large windows. Natural lighting is preferred as it raises ambient luminescence, but I bring several studio lights to fill shadows. This allows for faster shutter speeds. With models constantly flowing through poses, I need to shoot at 1/500 per second or faster. Flash photography is archaic due to its limited maximum 1/200 shutter speed. Some models move fast, requiring 1/1000 of a second or higher, which means ambient lighting needs to be even higher. My images are mostly shot at F/1.4 and between ISO 50 and ISO 400. Anything over ISO 1000 is too grainy for my taste. I also shoot at -1 EV as it doubles my shutter speed.

I don’t consider myself a Ph.D. in lighting. I still have a lot to learn. I mainly avoid flooding the scene where all shadows are lost. Lights and shadows are critical to creating depth and mood. As a photographer, it’s essential to view the scene through the perspective of a camera. I’m currently shooting with a Canon R5 Mark II using a Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM Lens.

For outdoor sessions, golden-hour photoshoots are ideal, with backdrops that combine nature and person-made structures. Aside from weather conditions, nude photography invites spectators or confrontation with local authorities. Finding a private yet public location is part of the challenge. I also love shooting on location. Great backdrops are modern architecture with industrial textures mixed with nature. I look for settings that invite leading lines juxtaposed against the flow of an alluring model.

For my model’s pre-session preparation, I request at least three additional wardrobe changes to capture an assortment of images (i.e., during my sessions, it’s common to have six or more wardrobe changes). I dedicate around 10% of our session to “social media-friendly” images. I have preparation suggestions for models here • https://dusil.org/preparation-for-models. Tips for models are here • https://www.dusil.org/top-10-tips-for-models and posing ideas here • https://www.dusil.org/top-10-posing-directions/

5. Challenging Boundaries

• Your images often push traditional ideas of beauty, identity, and sensuality. What inspires you for that?

Through the Lens • Into the Soul

My best images succeed in establishing an emotional connection with each model. Capturing a model’s spirit requires overcoming three obstacles: First is getting her to feel relaxed and comfortable. Building a friendly and inviting rapport creates an ideal atmosphere. Helping to bring out her inner confidence is my next objective. Opening my heart is an invitation for her to do the same. Third and foremost, I want her to trust me. This is the catalyst for bringing her ‘A’ game. It’s a tall order, but when successful, we have the freedom to create magic. It’s important that she loves the experience and the images we’ve created.

Art nude photography comes with joy and passion, but not everything is rosy 100% of the time. In every photo shoot, I strive for achievable perfection. Approaching the pinnacle of my capabilities is a journey with no defined destination as my skills and tastes evolve. Many artists see their creations as their children. I see my photos in the same light. My goal is to establish an emotional connection with my model. I never want a model to pose in a virtual bubble at one end of the room and me isolated at the other. I avoid these engagements at all costs. Every photoshoot should be an existential experience for both of us – to become friends and appreciate each other as emotional and vulnerable human beings.

The success of every photoshoot centers around trust. Being genuine, personable, and professional usually leads to an amicable level within the first hour. Aside from that, one of my first challenges is convincing my model to open her heart. I want her to trust me, to find her confidence, and to relax. Asking to reveal her inner spirit is a tall order. Most models understand what I’m requesting – others don’t. From their vantage point, “I’m physically here. What more do you want?” They don’t see my dilemma. It’s like explaining colors to a blind person.

There’s a common misconception that insecurity plays a synonymous role in the arts. 90% of society struggles with insecurity, and this has nothing to do with photography or the fashion industry. Regardless, I couldn’t rationalize how a professional model might be insecure while still being confident in front of the camera. It took me a while to realize that insecurity can be masked in performance, similar to the skills of an experienced actor. To circumvent insecurity for the love of art is like saying, “I’m willing to perform for a few hours for the love of photography (and maybe generate an income at the same time).” There’s courage and conviction in this approach.

Controlling narratives has a lot to do with ego and vanity. If ego is defined by how we see ourselves, then vanity is how others see us – everyone’s personality resides along an ego and vanity spectrum. They are mutually exclusive. These terms often have negative connotations, such as “That person’s vain” or “That person’s ego is too inflated”. But there are positive impacts as well. Models are prone to higher levels of vanity than most of society. Clothes and haircuts play a role. Or the car we drive, the house we own, and how we talk about our careers and investment successes. Much of Friedrich Nietzsche’s society is driven by the need for external recognition. Vanity sometimes overshadows when ego is fraught with insecurity, and the facade of vanity is all that’s left. Wants and needs drive ego and vanity.

Years of modeling experience can be both an asset and a burden. Hundreds of photoshoots with hundreds of photographers can manifest in ways that even the model doesn’t realize. Some reach a point where the investment in a photoshoot is purely physical. Emotions are no longer on the agenda because the emotional effort needed far exceeds their willingness to invest in the experience. They may have given their soul in the early years of their career, but somewhere along their journey, they’ve lost the energy to reveal their heart. Navigating through these sessions can be difficult. Sometimes, I accept what I’m given, disheartened that I won’t reach my session goals. Knowing that most of the photos will be deleted makes my heart sink, but I shoot through to the end, hoping that something will be good. Leaning toward a less experienced model willing to give her soul far outweighs experienced models who stopped caring years ago.

My biggest challenge in many photoshoots is navigating over a model’s virtual walls. Barriers were built over time to protect her from the world. Sometimes, these virtual walls are rooted in childhood trauma, bad parenting, turbulent upbringing, bad experiences with photographers, or just the trials and tribulations of life itself. Some walls are taller and thicker than others. She may not even realize they exist – her walls have been there so long that they’ve become transparent. I try to overcome these barriers by being genuine, but I’m not always successful. A photographer who lacks empathy wouldn’t even notice.

An important path to becoming a great nude art photographer is to capture a model’s spirit. Eyes are the gateway to the soul, and the lens is my gateway to her eyes. All emotions are revealed when the depths of her spirit stare back at me. Happy or sad, confident or insecure – the camera sees everything, and the lens doesn’t lie.

On the Fringes of Art Erotica

Nude imagery evokes our deepest desires. Emotions that emanate from the depths of our soul. This sparks disparate reactions; One side sees the human body as an art form, the other as abhorrent. My stance is clear, but I also have my limits. I’m well aware of the demarcation between art nude and erotica. Styles that reside on different points along the photography spectrum. Nude art is elegant, alluring, and sensual. What’s not shown is often more intoxicating than revealing everything on a platter. Desire that’s slightly out of reach. It’s a moment when longing for intimacy is at its peak. Once the mystique is revealed, then art succumbs to erotica. I love to play on the fringe of peak excitement where nude art meets erotica.

My style is best explained by this infographic: A Spectrum of Female Photography: https://www.dusil.org/photography-spectrum/

6. Favorite Moments

• Is there a photo or series that stands out emotionally or creatively, one that surprised you or pushed your artistic limits?

Where Empathy Becomes Art

I make a concerted effort to understand the nuances of my model’s personality and appreciate her vulnerabilities. I shun photoshoots that transpire like a sterile business transaction. I never want a model to pose in a virtual bubble at one end of the studio and me isolated at the other. Staying within the confines of protective walls prevents her from elevating to an existential experience. Without compassion, this crucial layer is invisible. Relying on physical presence is just the starting point. I want us to become friends and respect each other’s sensibilities. Sessions where we immediately connect are my favorite – as if we’ve known each other for years and we’re meeting for another amazing photoshoot. These moments bring me deep joy.

Body language is important, but posing needs to be fueled by passion. My best photoshoots succeed in gaining an emotional connection as if we haven’t seen each other for a long time. The experience is so immersive that we’re surprised that three hours have transpired. A common thread with amazing shots is mutual empathy. If I succeed in capturing her emotions, my job is done.

My most memorable moments are with models who resonate with me on an emotional and spiritual level. I’m always looking for a muse to take my photography to the next level. She would be someone whom I trust completely. We would open our souls, and she would gift me her wild side. We’ll intertwine through our photoshoots like water flowing down a river. Each interaction will be so profound that it will make me cry with joy.

7. EroFest ‘25 Insights

• Specifically for EroFest ’25: what moment or image from that shoot still resonates most with you,  and why?

EroFest is a magical event that combines boundless erotica with a like-minded fanbase. Freedom of expression, freedom of thought, and freedom from judgment resonate throughout the event. The organizers do a stellar job of preparing a high-quality two-day event, with international performances. It’s an opportunity to meet face to face with famous models from Czechia.  At this year’s event, I took 6700 photos over two days, of which 80 images made the final cut.

8. Future Work

• What’s on the horizon? Are there projects or collaborations you’re drawn to next? Any new themes or venues you’d like to explore in upcoming work?

I’m planning several photoshooting shoots throughout the year. My next event is at Poland’s EroChain erotic festival from June 27th to 28th. I’ve arranged a press pass for the event, so I’m excited to capture photos from their stage show. I’ve also arranged six additional photo shoots while I’m in town.

I create for an audience of one. It’s humbling when my images resonate with fellow professionals. My underlying goal is to impress top models, so they’ll pose for me. My photography will accompany me throughout my travels. It is an honor to be selected by models and photograph them in their most vulnerable form.

Capturing their beauty is a privilege.
Exposing their vulnerability is an honor.
Feeling their soul is my greatest gift.

Biography

With a unique blend of proficiency in motion graphics and video production and a passion for ‘making stuff’, Gabriel embodies the spirit of a true creativist. With an artistic mindset and INTJ’s precision, he bridges the gap between art and science. This extends far beyond the confines of a single medium, embracing the worlds of graphic design and digital animation. As a prolific writer and speaker, Gabriel shares his creative insights and serves as a mentor for those who aspire to reach their creative potential.

Website Links

◦ Dusil Photography • Uncensored • https://dusil.org

◦ Personal Blog • Censored • https://gabrieldusil.com

◦ Instagram • Social Media Friendly • https://www.instagram.com/gdusil • @gdusil