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ELSKA shot in Iceland

The next issue of ELSKA will be dedicated to Iceland. Photographers from the gay erotic magazine are currently in the country taking pictures. Editor says its been a pleasure working with Icelandic men, who are both open-minded and ready to go great lengths to get the job done.

Editor Liam Campbell is in Iceland working on an upcoming issue of ELSKA Magazine. Each issue is dedicated to a certain city and the men who live there. The word "elska" means love in Icelandic. Liam decided to use it as the magazine's title as he is a big fan of Iceland and Icelandic culture.
Editor Liam Campbell is in Iceland working on an upcoming issue of ELSKA Magazine. Each issue is dedicated to a certain city and the men who live there. The word “elska” means love in Icelandic. Liam decided to use it as the magazine’s title as he is a big fan of Iceland and Icelandic culture.

“It’s been packed everyday – the first day we had six shoots, which was crazy. Then we had three but went to Vík and Seljavallalaug, so that was really busy. But today was easier, only three shoots so me and my assistant could actually sit down and have a cup of coffee,” says editor Liam Campbell, who is currently in Iceland doing photo shoots for an upcoming issue of gay erotic magazine “ELSKA”, which will be featuring local men and boys.

“We have 19 models booked and I think the goal was to have 15, we figured that at the last-minute someone would cancel and that has happened. It’ a very diverse group actually, the youngest is 20 and the oldest 54 – all living here but not all Icelandic. One from Turkey, one from France and one Brazilian, but the rest is Icelandic,” the 33-year-old Londoner goes on and adds that he actually had no idea that the population of Iceland was so diverse.

The last time we interviewed you, you said that it would be a dream come true if you would be able to shoot in Iceland but that you weren’t sure if you’d be able to get enough Icelandic men to participate. That fear was unnecessary then?

“Yeah totally.”

So was maybe it easier getting models than you expected?
“Yes. My assistant Andriy, who has been working with me since the first issue in September, just scouted for models on Facebook. He talked to one person who talked to another person and this snowballed that way. Actually, in some ways, even though Iceland is a smaller country than Germany it was way easier than Berlin (where the last issue of ELSKA was shot). At least everybody answered us. In Berlin we would perhaps not even get a reply.”

Did the men have to go through auditions or fulfill some special requirements to be approved?
“At the moment everybody who says they wanna do it – can be in it. Of course, if everybody who wanted to participate looked the same, you know, 22-year-old, blond and muscled, we would have to turn some away since we want to show diversity. But we’ve been lucky, we got a naturally good range. So no, just as long as they’re up for it and are local and are willing to write some text about themselves, which is a must, then they’re in. We even ask them what they want to do in the shoot. Whether they want it to be “artsy” or outdoor or more like a fashion shoot.”

“…a guy said that he wouldn’t feel comfortable posing naked unless I and Andriy also took our clothes off. And so we did! I found it a bit embarrassing…”

Asked how its been working with the models, Liam says that the experience been interesting. “Because in a way they’re really open-minded – but at the same time there is a more conservative element here too. At first they were fine, saying: “Well, people see me at the swimming pool anyways so…” But when we met, some were a bit more shy and said they might not want to be totally naked, explaining that they’re were afraid that a co-worker or someone close to them might see the photos. A little bit of shyness, which is understandable considering how small the country is.

No photohopping. Just real bodies. And a focus on diverity.
ELSKA’s policy: No photohopping. Just real bodies. And a focus on diverity.

There was even an incident where a guy said that he wouldn’t feel comfortable posing naked unless I and Andriy also took our clothes off. And so we did! I found it a bit embarrassing, especially at first, but then I kinda got used to it. So now at least I know what it feels like!” (Laughs.)

Liam says that Icelanders differ from other nationalities that he’s previously worked with. “There is one thing I noticed for sure. Icelanders can have their photos taken, maybe just in a t-shirt, out in the freezing cold, and NO PROBLEM. When we tried to bring a guy of another nationality for an outdoor shoot it honestly didn’t work; he looked cold and so miserable. The Icelanders looked cold, sure, but NOT miserable.” (Laughs.)

Asked whether he’s not worried about violating that law, since the Icelandic criminal law nr. 210, section 2, states that it can result in up to 6 months jail time to publish porn, Liam says he’s not.
“I looked at the dictionary definition where it says that you must have the intent to get someone sexually excited which is not my intent. My pictures are not really sexually arousing. Some might look at it and get excited but that is not my intent. Maybe the Icelandic definition of the word “porn” is different, I don’t know.”

On a lighter note, when will the “Icelandic issue” come out?
“In beginning of January – 1st or 2nd – so it will be a happy new year present!”

And what else is scheduled for “ELSKA magazine”?
“The issues after that will come out in March. It will be shot in Lisbon. And hopefully we can get more subscribers and more buyers – so we can go to Asia and South America,” he says.


Liam says that the outdoor shoots take the longest time to prepare. “I spend a lot of time going through Google Maps, trying to find a good location, a beautiful street or something. But as the work progressed I’ve figured out that I want each shoot to be more about the model involved than any story I planned to put on it. For example there was some knitting in the home of one of the models and I asked him if he didn’t want to use that as a prop in the shoot because I want to try to make it more personal. So some shoots benefit if I’m less prepared, which of course also makes me more nervous because I don’t know what to expect when I get there.” Here one of the photographers can be seen working in Öskjuhlíð (an old cruising area), with church Hallgrímskirkja in the background.

Follow Elska on Facebook.

Photos by Liam Campbell. Main photo by Fedya Ili.

Blush

    Blush was founded in 2011 when it started selling high quality sex products. The goal from the beginning was to change the market and take the discussion about sex products to a higher level. Today Blush provides professional services in a pleasant environment that fulfills different needs, both for individuals and couples. Blush respects diversity and wants to set a good example in all of its messaging to target audiences. Sexual health and equality in sex is important and Blush wants to focus on those issues through education and open discussion. Blush works in a socially responsible manner for society, their customers and the environment.

    Check out Blush’s website: https://blush.is/

    Omnom Chocolate
    - award-winning chocolate maker

      Omnom Chocolate is an Icelandic craft chocolate company based in Reykjavík. We produce handcrafted chocolate from organic cacao beans sourced ethically and sustainably. We’ve developed direct relationships to create premium chocolate with fine flavor cacao beans.

      Our creative flavors are carefully crafted by meticulous chocolate makers. The cacao beans are roasted, winnowed, ground, and refined into melty-smooth chocolate.

      Omnom’s process is one of constant exploration, invention, and experimentation. If it doesn’t please us, if something isn’t absolutely delicious, there’s no reason to be doing it. So, we always start with our taste buds and follow our instincts. Our team searches for the finest ingredients in the world and new ways to improve chocolate. This obsession with knowing where our ingredients come from has led us around the corner to dairy farms in the Icelandic countryside and all the way to rainforest cacao farms of Nicaragua.

      In only a few short years, we’ve grown from our 50 sq. m. petrol station space and become an award-winning chocolate maker. Now, with our headquarters in 101 Reykjavík, our chocolate is sent out around Iceland and all over the world.

      At the end of the day, our goal is to make chocolate.

       

      Nasdaq

         

        Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.

        With over 4,300 employees in 39 offices around the world, at Nasdaq we all contribute to the success of the company and its culture, and each one of us has the ability to make a difference. When it comes to our core mission and values, we embrace the role of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) as a fundamental driver of our corporate growth, workplace culture and market development. We strive to create a culture that embraces the power of different perspectives—a culture where people’s unique backgrounds and different experiences helps us fuel innovation and support our clients around the world.

        Our unique position at the center of the capital markets allows us to see firsthand how these values have redefined corporate culture and success, deepening and accelerating our own commitment to champion inclusive growth and prosperity, as we strive to create more equitable opportunities to help people of all backgrounds reach their full potential. Most notably, we published our diversity statistics for the first time in 2020. These metrics serve as a quantitative assessment of where we are today and help determine what strategies we need to adopt to enhance diversity in the workplace. We recognize that we have much work to do, but we are steadfast in our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture—one that reflects the communities in which we live, allows all employees to be their true, authentic selves and fosters individual growth and achievement.

        As we move forward together, we will continue advancing diverse ideas and perspectives that help fulfill the promise of a more inclusive and prosperous world. We aim to set the pace for rethinking capital markets and economies anywhere and everywhere. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

        Blue Lagoon
        - One of the 25 Wonders of the World

        Named by National Geographic as one of the 25 Wonders of the World, the Blue Lagoon is a shimmering expanse of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Its unique geothermal seawater
        comes from 2.000 meters within the earth where seawater and freshwater converge in a tectonic realm of porous lava and searing heat. Propelled by extreme pressure, the water ascends to the earth’s surface, emerging enriched with silica, algae, and minerals—the elements that endow Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater with its radiant, healing properties.

        From its humble beginnings in the shadows of a geothermal power plant, Blue Lagoon has evolved into a world of wonder, now encompassing two hotels, three restaurants, three
        geothermal lagoons, a subterranean spa, a renowned line of skin care, a thriving research center, and a wealth of spa and refreshment facilities.

        Achieving harmony with the volcanic landscape, the lagoon and its surrounding architecture embody the unification of the man-made and the natural, and adhere to the highest principles of sustainability.

        The Blue Lagoon. A wonder of the world. A world of wonder.

        Landsbankinn
        - leading financial institution
        Landsbankinn

        Landsbankinn is a leading Icelandic financial institution. It offers a full range of financial services and is the market leader in the Icelandic financial service sector with the largest branch network.

        The present bank was established on 7 October 2008 but the history of its predecessor dates back to 1886. The bank is owned by the National Treasury of Iceland, which holds 98.2% of its share capital, and other shareholders who own 1.8%.

        Landsbankinn’s strategy is to provide comprehensive financial services that meet customer’s needs. It emphasizes providing exemplary service to customers, developing e-banking for their convenience, increasing the efficiency of support functions, modernizing its technology and ensuring effective utilization of its balance sheet.

        The bank’s vision is to be exemplary and its role is to be a trusted financial partner.

        Special emphasis is placed on promoting a performance-oriented culture in the bank. To follow up on the implementation of this strategy, the bank has defined key goals which are measured regularly to determine progress. These goals include, for example, customer satisfaction and loyalty, profitability, cost efficiency and the correlation between risk appetite and employee satisfaction.

        Landsbankinn wishes to lead the development of a sustainable society in Iceland by integrating economic, social and environmental concerns in its operations. The Bank aims to ensure that both its owners and society at large benefit from its activities.

        It intends to achieve this aim by building solid infrastructure and a strong team of 1.100 employees, by listening to its customers and by respecting and encouraging its employees to actively participate in their community. Landsbankinn was a founding member of Festa, a Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility, and is a member of the UN Global Compact.

        Landsbankinn has been a proud sponsor of the Reykjavik Pride since it was first celebrated in Iceland.

        Dohop
        - get inspired
        Dohop

        Dohop allows people to find the cheapest flights available with just one click. Founded in Reykjavik in 2004, it is the only Icelandic company of its kind and quickly became the go-to tool for finding cheap flights among the locals. Dohop finds the best deals among hundreds of different airlines and online travel agencies, to make sure that the user is getting the cheapest price. Dohop also offers hotel and car rental search engines, so users can make all of their travel bookings from a single website.

        Dohop‘s specialty is finding so-called “self-connect” flight options, which can save travelers money by booking a ticket through two or more different airlines. The ability to look for these self-connect option is what sets Dohop apart from its competition, as it can save people hundreds of dollars on certain routes.

        More recently, Dohop has developed a unique product called Dohop Go!, which allows users to check for the cheapest available flights from their home airport. This tool is perfect for those who are looking for travel inspiration but are not willing to overpay for their flight ticket. Dohop Go! is now available in the Dohop Flights App, both for Android and iOS, along with its traditional flight, hotel, and car search engines. “

        VSÓ Ráðgjöf

           

          VSÓ Ráðgjöf er alhliða ráðgjafar- og verkfræðifyrirtæki sem leggur áherslu á trausta og faglega þjónustu sem tryggir viðskiptavinum hagkvæmustu lausnir hverju sinni, skilar raunverulegum árangri og stuðlar að samkeppnisforskoti.  Á skrifstofum VSÓ í Reykjavík og í Noregi starfar yfir 80 manna samhentur hópur verkfræðinga og annarra tæknimenntaðra starfsmanna.

          Macland
          - for all your Apple needs
          Macland

          From starting out as a proper startup with only a good idea and the need to change things, to becoming an established company with 6 employees. Starting from scratch and expanding organically has allowed us to love our expansion and take our customers on the ride with us.

          Macland is located at Laugavegur 23 (101, Downtown Reykjavik)
          For all your Apple needs. We are here.

          Ísey skyr
          - once tasted never forgotten

          Our Story
          Once upon a time, 1,100 years ago in fact, Nordic settlers began arriving in Iceland. They brought with them the skills and knowledge for producing skyr. As time passed, the know-how and recipe for this nutritious food slowly faded out elsewhere in the Nordic region. Luckily, the Icelandic skyr-making tradition continued.

          For centuries, Icelandic skyr formed a cornerstone of the national diet, helping to keep people strong in living conditions that were often harsh. On family farms countrywide, it was the women who nurtured this dairy and passing on both the recipe and the original Icelandic skyr cultures from mother to daughter.

          Ísey skyr builds on this remarkable legacy. It was some of those very same women, the recipients of their mothers’ expertise, who, around 90 years ago, taught Icelandic dairy scientists the art of skyr-making. The production process is more high-tech these days, and the quality standards more rigorous. However, the basic recipe and the use of original cultures to ferment the skimmed milk remain the same. Protein rich, fat-free, creamy and delicious – Ísey skyr is as relevant to consumers now as it was all those centuries ago.
          This is our secret and you are in on it

          You can read more about Ísey skyr on our website.

          Contact Us


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