The Hunger Magazine

Jul 2026

In a provocative new feature for The Hunger Magazine, photographer Thomas Hauser explores the complex tension between gender roles through a series of striking, black-and-white editorial portraits. Titled Why men fear women, the series serves as an intense investigation into power, posture, and intimacy. Under the expert fashion direction of Sina Braetz, the imagery leans heavily into a cinematic aesthetic, employing a minimalist studio environment to strip away distractions and focus exclusively on the physical and psychological dynamics between subjects, including model Karl Heinz Hirschberger. The work is defined by a consistent use of low-key / chiaroscuro lighting, which masterfully enhances the contrast between the subjects' forms—highlighting both raw muscle definition and the intricate, sculptural layers of the gowns. By utilizing high-contrast lighting alongside carefully curated textures, Hauser creates a visual narrative that oscillates between vulnerability and dominance. The portraits avoid traditional clichés, opting instead for static, deliberate poses that invite the viewer to linger on the subtle power play within each composition. Through this fusion of editorial precision and dramatic shadow work, the project offers a sophisticated meditation on modern masculinity and the perceived influence of the feminine, solidifying a narrative that feels both timeless and deeply relevant within the contemporary magazines and media landscape.

Editorial, Vertical

Low-key / chiaroscuro, Natural light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment