STRAIGHT SHOOTER

[August 3rd, 2005] For nearly two decades, Michael Alago was a music producer for such diverse acts as White Zombie, Nina Simone and Metallica. But now the 5-foot, 4-inch, 140-pound, 45-year-old Latino from New York City has given that up to pursue his true calling-taking photos of he-men, hustlers and other hunky streetwise types he calls "Rough Gods."

Alago is a ball breaker, a little dude who flirts with stereotypes and taboos. He aspires to make hard-core films...well, as soon as he figures out how to work the camera.

In Portland, you can view his work beginning Aug. 2, or have him sign one of his limited-edition monographs on Aug. 5,. when Alago joins a fellow NYC artist for the opening of a monthlong art exhibit. I talked to the heat-seeking muscle shooter by phone prior to the opening of his show.

QW: How was your weekend?

Michael Alago: I just saw Gus Van Sant's Last Days. It was fucking painful to watch. After that, I went to a stupid, white gay bar and terrorized a few go-go dancers.

How do you terrorize a go-go dancer?

I stick a dollar in "there" and spank their bottom. I love big, tattooed, muscle-bound men. If I see someone who looks huge, over 200 pounds, I ask them if they'll pose for me. That's how the terrorization begins.

Imagine if you were a 200-pound shooter who was into little guys. Do you think your size lets you get away with more?

I think the big guys are almost attracted to that and think: "Oh, I wonder what this guy wants to do with me."

How do you get straight guys to take off their clothes?

People like to show off. I like to capture them as they are, whether somebody drops their pants between two trucks or in the middle of traffic on the Westside Highway.

Do you ever pay guys to get naked?

Everyone can be a prostitute-for a minute. Prostitution is one of my favorite things: If someone can be bought, and I can pay to have my way with them, that's fantastic, cause I'm in charge. I get what I want and they get paid.

Do you ever have sex with your subjects?

I would say half of the time.

Do you think they'd have sex with you if you didn't have a camera?

Some of them, yes, because once they're sitting in front of the camera and I'm posing and touching them, it's erotic.

Is your camera your erection?

No, my erection is my erection.

You juxtapose hot men with Christ...

I was brought up Catholic, went to Catholic school. He is certainly a rough god.

Are you gonna shoot any rough gods in Portland?

I'm in contact with one who has a HUGE dick. I'll shoot him with my vintage Polaroid so it'll look like trashy '70s porn. Have you seen any of my pictures?

I like the guy eating a jock strap...

Yeah. I like that one, too.