22 More Photos From Paul Freeman of 'Larrikin Lads'

Just a little over a week ago we were lucky enough to be able to share photos from Paul Freeman's new book, Larrikin Digs. And now we have some sample photos from the beautiful companion book, Larrikin Lads.

Paul states: "The second book, Larrikin Lads, is more about the men at work, mainly in England, but also in New England, (Vermont and upstate New York), toiling and cavorting in unwelcoming semi-rural or semi-industrial environments, again used to emphasize visceral masculinity, but also vulnerabilities. And the men's happy and sweaty perseverance in the dirt is the best eulogy to their unashamed nakedness.

"I explained the word 'Larrikin' in an introduction in my first Larrikin book, and also on my website , and how, in so many ways, it conveys my male aesthetic, since it basically refers to a man of free spirit, a bit rebellious and questioning of standards and mores."

You can find out more about each book here.

"I'm always searching for new backdrops against which to tell my stories about masculinity and male beauty. Those stories are very tied up with who I am and where I come from. And this series is named after an Australian ideal of masculinity that I relate to. But as long as I can stay true to my aesthetic, I can do my work anywhere that a man can be an individual and run free. So I'm spreading my wings a little more with each book.

"After Larrikin Yakka was published and delivered in 2017, I spent a few months traveling and photographing in Europe and America. Since coming back home to Sydney in October, I've been working to get these two new books in the Larrikin series completed.

"The first book is a quiet collection of portraits centred around the home, Larrikin Digs, and was photographed in England and Southern Italy, upstate New York, Florida, and Nevada in the U.S., and here in Sydney, Australia. As the name implies, and as is my habit , these are not glamorous. Shabby chic occasionally. Generally they are more on the menial side, but there's eclecticism along with a spartan disdain for pretension, fashion or post-modernity. The environments help evoke a nonchalance about the men and imply a stoicism, a little good humour and of course enable a particular physicality and sensuality to shine."

The best place to buy these books is Paul's website.

If you prefer, here are Amazon links to Larrikin Digs and Larrikin Lads. These books set the standard. Our only regret is that many of the best photos from these editions we can't show you. We are a family website.