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Marking two decades since his first self-published book, Freeman has built an international reputation for his portrayal of rugged, natural masculinity. His extensive career has encompassed numerous iconic photography books, including classics like Bondi Classic, Outback, and Larrikin. Now, he returns with Garage, a carefully curated collection that takes readers on a sensory journey through grease-stained workshops, classic car garages, and quiet spaces filled with the hum of machinery.
Freeman’s journey has been rich with artistic exploration and human connection. Over the past 18 months alone, he has revisited beloved locations and discovered exciting new spaces across Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, Miami, and rural Australia. Each garage he captures is distinct, yet all share an unmistakably gritty charm.
In Garage, Freeman uses his camera to transform everyday scenes into moments of breathtaking sensuality. The mechanics featured in his work are both tough and tender—men completely at ease amid the tools and machines that surround them. Freeman’s skill lies in his ability to capture authentic vulnerability and strength, allowing the viewer to appreciate every muscle, tattoo, and subtle expression of the men who embody the spirit of their environments.
His approach to photography celebrates the unassuming sensuality hidden within practical, work-driven spaces. He masterfully portrays mechanics not just as craftsmen, but as artists—men whose hands tell stories, whose bodies speak of labor and resilience, whose eyes hint at deeper narratives beneath their rugged exteriors.
An especially poignant highlight of Garage is the return of Tom, who was last featured in Freeman’s 2009 book, Outback Currawong Creek. Tom isn’t your typical professional model; he’s an authentic representation of working-class masculinity, possessing real-world experience in trades and outdoor pursuits. For Freeman’s 20th anniversary, Tom returned to the camera with renewed physicality and a rugged charisma honed by genuine experience. His presence lends a unique depth to the collection, seamlessly portraying the rugged country mechanic—complete with oil-stained hands and a confident gaze. Tom’s return symbolizes both continuity and evolution in Freeman’s body of work.
Freeman didn’t just rely on new shoots; he enriched Garage by revisiting his vast archive. He masterfully interweaves previously unpublished photographs into the narrative, giving the book a sense of timelessness. Each page reveals images both fresh and familiar, creating a layered experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
As always, Freeman’s attention to production quality is impeccable. Produced by the acclaimed Italian company Longo Media, Garage boasts luxurious large-format pages, durable hardcover binding, and flawless printing. Each book measures 13×10 inches and is wrapped in a premium coated and laminated dust jacket, protecting this artistic keepsake for years to come.
Photographer: Paul Freeman
Hardcover Published 29 August 2025 160 pages