Elska’s latest issue sees Editor and Chief Photographer Liam Campbell return to Canada, marking the fourth Canadian edition of the magazine. Previously, Elska spotlighted Toronto, Montréal, and Regina, and Campbell is now visiting Vancouver to explore the local gay, bi, and queer men in the area.

But what makes Campbell’s experiences and discoveries in Elska Vancouver different from the other parts of Canada previously visited? With its stunning mountains, ocean, rainforests, and gleaming skyscrapers, Vancouver is widely considered a beautiful city. However, for Campbell, the love of the area was not instantaneous.

Speaking about the 62nd edition of the independent queer photography and culture publication, the Editor had to admit that, initially, it was difficult to connect with the city. Campbell explains, “The constant rain, the cold, and some very visible social problems made it difficult to see beyond the surface. What changed everything was the men I met. Their compassion, their awareness of what was happening around them, and the genuine care they showed for one another really moved me. That’s what ultimately made me fall in love with Vancouver.”

11 everyday Vancouver men participated in the edition through Elska’s combination of intimate photography and personal storytelling. Each willing participant was photographed in two separate settings: outdoors, surrounded by city environments that also showcased some of the area’s natural beauty, followed by an indoor shoot for a more intimate, personal and revealing setting.

Among the subjects are two couples, offering a glimpse of the affection and connection between these men. Elska Vancouver is one of the few editions where every participant agreed to pose fully nude. As with the magazine’s recurring format, these men are not professional models, which makes their eagerness to embrace this vulnerability commendable.

“I think there’s something rather beautiful about that collective willingness to be open. The photographs aren’t about trying to be provocative; they’re about showing people as they are, without hiding anything.”

Every subject is also accompanied by a personal story, with most of the texts being written by the participants themselves. They share their thoughts, experiences and perspectives on queer life in their city.

Elska Vancouver and its companion zine, Ekstra Vancouver, which includes additional photographs, behind-the-scenes stories, and one additional Vancouver subject, can be purchased on the Elska website.