In 2013, Luke Austin traveled to cities across America, Europe, and Australia to meet men he had connected with on Instagram and took pictures of them, as he puts it, “behind the filter.” Not only did these strangers provide inspiration for Luke, but also housing and friendship, sharing their lives and their cities. Luke recorded his entire trip on Instagram, allowing the world to follow along and get to know him and his new friends. Visiting eleven cities, Luke captured 132 portraits for Beau Book. All the while, his instagram-fame grew from 15,000 to 30,000 with followers compelled with his life and journey.
Each new city provided Luke with a new backdrop, with its own unique lighting, mood, and environment. Paired with a near-endless supply of muses, Luke was able to develop his own unique portraiture style defined by its casual sexiness and, often, voyeuristic viewpoint.
Not only did the trip provide an unforgettable journey, but it completely altered Luke’s life. After returning home to Sydney, Australia, Luke realized he’d fallen in love with the very first instagrammer he’d met on his journey. Luke once again packed up his bags, this time with a permanent destination in mind. Today, Luke lives with his original insta-muse, now husband Marcus, working in Los Angeles.
Luke Austin is an Australian portrait and fashion photographer living and working in Los Angeles, California. His portraiture focuses on the energy, beauty, and vulnerability associated with male youth, exhibiting work in New York, Los Angeles, and Sydney. His fashion photography has been seen in the pages of GQ Italy, OUT Magazine, and DNA Magazine. Follow Luke on Instagram by the handle @lukeaustinphotosthe3rd.
BOOK
Beau Book
Photogrpahs by Luke Austin
Antinous Press
