It is no secret, that sex sells. However, today, I take a look at the non nude photograph, near nude and the implied nude. Mystery is always a plus, it always seems to get the viewer to want more, to look a little harder and to use their own imagination. As much as I love the nude, I also love those photographs that leave something to the imagination. Is it really necessary to see all the bits? I think not and this is something that has me pondering my own work and the direction I want to take with it in the future. To really get a top notch nude photograph requires the model be totally comfortable that way or else it will fail.
Not all models are willing to pose nude or feel comfortable totally nude. However, I do think a lot them like to go to the edge of their comfort zone and get as close to it as they can without showing too much. For me, having seen so many nudes, the mystery is gone and I start looking for great lighting, great composition, and emotion and gesture. These are the elements that seem to make a great photograph, not just the skin, beautiful as it is. All these elements are what really makes a photograph sing, not the nudity. I find myself, more and more looking at photographs that show a little less of the bits and feel they can be just as powerful, beautiful and sexy as the nude.
First and foremost, the nude is not about sex or sexy, it is about beauty, especially the beauty of form. When sexiness enters upon a nude photograph it veers off toward the erotic and of course, that is where some want to take it. I for one, have seen many a swimsuit shot or partially clothed model in more provocative poses and photos than in most nudes. It is not the nudity that makes a photo over the top as much as it is the pose, the gestures, the environment and the look on the face that can make the most impact or convey the message in the photograph. It has taken me awhile to appreciate these details and to try and incorporate them into my work beyond just the nude and lighting.
This leads to the most obvious statement, there is so much more to a woman, than her body, mainly it is her heart and mind. To capture her mind, her emotions and her heart is far more important to me now than capturing her physical beauty. It has been my experience, that young women want to be seen as sexy, but they also want to be seen as having a mind and a caring heart too. That is my goal going forward, to capture all of these elements and to show she can be many, many things, not the least of which is alluring, alluring in her mind, body, heart and soul.
Less is more has been a mantra of mine with my photography, not that less clothes makes for a better photograph, but to say more with the least amount of distraction. The pieces of the photograph must all come together to create a singular image. If I had to distill it down to one word, it would have to be confidence. Nothing is more alluring, sexier or downright forthcoming than showing one's confidence. I certainly have confidence in my lighting skills and my skills in composition, but more than anything, I want to show confidence in the model. She is confident in her own presence and rightfully so.
As much as I have been a proponent of nudity and photographing nudes, I now see nudity less as a factor in creating a great photograph of a woman or a man, for those who photograph men. The real power in a photograph, the compelling factor, at least for me, is to show a woman who is in control of herself, vulnerable yet strong and she is comfortable with herself. The power to show who she really is. Raw emotion, thoughtfulness and confidence must all be present. I want to show a woman who looks as though she can be taken, but never will be taken. This is my new direction and I am excited about it. Some things should be left to the imagination, but the message should be clear. She is a confident woman!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
the virtues of the Black and White photograph
I have been photographing now for about 15 years and I would have to say, that about 80 percent of my work has ended up being black and white. I did start out shooting in color, but quickly moved into black and white for its artistic merits. To me, black and white simplifies the photograph and puts the focus on form, light and contrast in the final image. Colors go in and out of style, but black and white remains constant. For me, keeping the composition simple is very important in getting the viewer's eyes to see the important elements in the photograph for which I want to focus the attention on. Color for me is a distraction. Not to say, that colorful images aren't appealing when done well, as any photograph is appealing when done well.
Monochromatic images seem to force the viewer to take a closer look, to give the photograph a little more attention and to focus on the details. I think this is the first virtue of black and white, it draws the viewer in and isn't that what we want as photographers? To get people to take a closer look? I think so. Some folks think if you use big words, speak loudly or say a lot you can have more of an impact. I rather think, speaking a few well chosen words softly or even at a whisper to just one person, has a more meaningful impact. I equate black and white photographs to a whisper of a few well chosen words. It is more personal and lasting to communicate this way. The exact opposite of mainstream media today, to reach as many people as possible with the hope of connecting to a few.
Another virtue of black and white photographs is the ability to keep an image simple. To focus the attention on the subject at hand. Lighting seems to take on a greater importance with the black and white image. Our eyes see and move from dark to light and back to dark and always back to the light. By understanding this concept, one can exploit the power of the b/w image to clarify the intent of the image. Contrast is another aspect that plays an important role in creating a lasting black and white image. To contrast light and dark, will put more emphasis on the light. It is far more evident in this medium and again can be used to bring an element forward in the image. Form also becomes important as the subject or subjects are a little more abstract and the interplay with light creates a melody for the eyes.
It seems all of the great photographs, even today, are done in black and white, then again, I am biased. I think this is because, black and white seems more artistic, and also requires a little more thought from the viewer due to its abstract qualities and ability to simplify the subject matter. Really good black and white photographs are harder to create and require the photographer to have greater skills in an effort to capture the viewers attention. In reality, it is a colorful world, but on an intellectual level, it is more of a black and white world whereby dark and light can take on more abstract meanings. For me, the black and white photograph requires more effort to create, because it requires more thought to process as a creator and more thought for a viewer to see its true meaning and beauty.
As a printer of my own work, one of the great virtues of black and white photographs, is the amount of post processing possibilities that can be done with a good image. Dodging and burning, adjusting the contrast, the selective exposure, toning and final printing all contribute to the final image and require a good understanding of each of these elements and the ability to balance and unite them in the final image. Great black and white photographs make me think about what I am shooting, how I am lighting the subject matter and how the final photograph will look and these are the necessary skills to become a very good photographer. This is why I think many beginning photography courses start out with black and white, it forces us to see, to really see, especially the light.
Finally, I think the greatest virtue of black and white photography, is it forces me as a photographer to really see, not just to look, but to see the light, the subject, the crop, the contrast, the lights, the darks, the shadows and everything that goes into making a great photograph. And a great black and white photograph will also make the viewer see, to hopefully see more that just a print, but something beautiful, compelling and moving. I love the black and white photograph and it appeals to me on an intellectual level, an emotional level and ultimately on a personal level. I strive to reach each person who views my work on those same levels. It must show care and be personal. Long live the black and white photograph!!
Monochromatic images seem to force the viewer to take a closer look, to give the photograph a little more attention and to focus on the details. I think this is the first virtue of black and white, it draws the viewer in and isn't that what we want as photographers? To get people to take a closer look? I think so. Some folks think if you use big words, speak loudly or say a lot you can have more of an impact. I rather think, speaking a few well chosen words softly or even at a whisper to just one person, has a more meaningful impact. I equate black and white photographs to a whisper of a few well chosen words. It is more personal and lasting to communicate this way. The exact opposite of mainstream media today, to reach as many people as possible with the hope of connecting to a few.
Another virtue of black and white photographs is the ability to keep an image simple. To focus the attention on the subject at hand. Lighting seems to take on a greater importance with the black and white image. Our eyes see and move from dark to light and back to dark and always back to the light. By understanding this concept, one can exploit the power of the b/w image to clarify the intent of the image. Contrast is another aspect that plays an important role in creating a lasting black and white image. To contrast light and dark, will put more emphasis on the light. It is far more evident in this medium and again can be used to bring an element forward in the image. Form also becomes important as the subject or subjects are a little more abstract and the interplay with light creates a melody for the eyes.
It seems all of the great photographs, even today, are done in black and white, then again, I am biased. I think this is because, black and white seems more artistic, and also requires a little more thought from the viewer due to its abstract qualities and ability to simplify the subject matter. Really good black and white photographs are harder to create and require the photographer to have greater skills in an effort to capture the viewers attention. In reality, it is a colorful world, but on an intellectual level, it is more of a black and white world whereby dark and light can take on more abstract meanings. For me, the black and white photograph requires more effort to create, because it requires more thought to process as a creator and more thought for a viewer to see its true meaning and beauty.
As a printer of my own work, one of the great virtues of black and white photographs, is the amount of post processing possibilities that can be done with a good image. Dodging and burning, adjusting the contrast, the selective exposure, toning and final printing all contribute to the final image and require a good understanding of each of these elements and the ability to balance and unite them in the final image. Great black and white photographs make me think about what I am shooting, how I am lighting the subject matter and how the final photograph will look and these are the necessary skills to become a very good photographer. This is why I think many beginning photography courses start out with black and white, it forces us to see, to really see, especially the light.
Finally, I think the greatest virtue of black and white photography, is it forces me as a photographer to really see, not just to look, but to see the light, the subject, the crop, the contrast, the lights, the darks, the shadows and everything that goes into making a great photograph. And a great black and white photograph will also make the viewer see, to hopefully see more that just a print, but something beautiful, compelling and moving. I love the black and white photograph and it appeals to me on an intellectual level, an emotional level and ultimately on a personal level. I strive to reach each person who views my work on those same levels. It must show care and be personal. Long live the black and white photograph!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Editing, what makes a really good photograph!
You have just uploaded or developed hundreds of photos and then the process begins. What has been shot has been shot. Now it is time to comb through the multitude of images and find the gems. Many times, the best shots are fairly obvious and many other times, they are not obvious. The work has to grow on you and you have to look at the images over and over and over. I have picked out shots from the start, only to find out later, in my eyes, it really wasn't that good, however, gut instincts at first glance are quite often on the money. Other times, I have overlooked an image, only to come back to it a later date, and sometimes, that is years later and say wow, how did I miss that?
Ansel Adams was quoted as saying "you are not a true photographer until you have taken 10,000 photographs." And that was from an icon who worked with large format film and that took a lot of time to take that many images. To a large part, I agree with that, though today, with the digital revolution, taking 10,000 photographs can happen in a week for some. I do not think you can put a number on it, but you do have to shoot a lot and look at a lot of photographs to become a very good photographer. Some photographers may take years, and others simply have a knack for having a good eye. So experience, is usually a prerequisite to making really good photographs.
In today's environment, there are so many post processing tools and information on processes available, a drab image can almost always be turned into a pleasing photograph. A pretty picture is not the standard I use for judging photographs. Any photographer worth his salt, needs to understand and perfect lighting and capturing that light. After all photography is about writing with light. After lighting, I think the next most important aspect to a good photograph is an interesting subject. Here is where many photographers distinguish themselves, they can take a drab subject and with the right angle, tonal range, lighting and composition, they can make it interesting. I do think for a photographer to excel, he or she must take a great interest in the subject that is being photographed. It is hard to create something, when you are not to interested in the subject.
Now I have spent a lot of time studying the works of the great photographers who have come before me and a lot of works by contemporary photographers as well. There is quite a bit to be learned from seeing the works of others, but at some point, the photographer has to develop their own style and their own vision. I think this begins when lighting becomes second nature, camera functions too, the photographer can simply focus on creating composition. Rather than getting into the aspects of composition in depth, composition is the artistic part of photography to me. Does the photograph have unity, balance, visual flow, tonal range, line, form and what has the photographer included in the shot and what has been left out. These are personal choices and there simply is no right or wrong answer.
So now the work is sitting before you, for the photographer to evaluate and more importantly to choose. From here on out, I will simply talk about what I do, though others will edit in their own way. To each their own. I first try to get the exposure and tones set close what I feel works for the images, then I look for images that jump out to me, for whatever reason and select those for further viewing and editing. This can be difficult at times, when I have a great shoot and all the images look really good, or most of them anyway. This is the hardest part of the process, especially with a lot of good images, choosing the best ones, but it must be done and it can be a painstakingly slow process. I basically have to whittle the hundreds of shots down to a few. That is step one in a nutshell.
Though I used to shoot film, I have gone to digital and for me there is no going back. The instant feedback, the ability to edit to the smallest detail, to change the look of a hundred photographs with a click and so many other adjustments that can be made and be unmade is simply fantastic to me. I use Adobe Lightroom 4 and a little bit of Photoshop to get my images where I need them to be. Now I try to keep my edits to a minimum and to do so, requires trying to get the shot right in the first place, when you click the shutter, but human error is always going to be a part of the process and having the ability to correct for errors, and sometimes it can not be done, is sometimes a bit of work.
Despite all the powerful tools available for post processing, for me the best images are created before the shutter is ever pressed. It begins with my experience as a photographer and setting up the lighting, second, choosing a interesting subject to me, third, about composing the photograph and fourth, simply having an eye for what looks right to me. It is never about the equipment, mine is pretty basic, has a little to do with post processing, software and printing skills. The best images are from the heart, the mind and the eye. The best shots are 90% mental for me at this point. In the end, the final print has to appeal and touch me personally. Words are inadequate, that is why I am a photographer. I truly enjoy beautiful photographs and capturing beauty, for it is beauty that rules my world. The editing is in my head and in my heart. Cameras, software, and printers are merely tools that allow me to get it out of my head. One thing I have learned, is I can never tell what others will think about my work, but I put it out there for all to see. It is all I want to do.
Ansel Adams was quoted as saying "you are not a true photographer until you have taken 10,000 photographs." And that was from an icon who worked with large format film and that took a lot of time to take that many images. To a large part, I agree with that, though today, with the digital revolution, taking 10,000 photographs can happen in a week for some. I do not think you can put a number on it, but you do have to shoot a lot and look at a lot of photographs to become a very good photographer. Some photographers may take years, and others simply have a knack for having a good eye. So experience, is usually a prerequisite to making really good photographs.
In today's environment, there are so many post processing tools and information on processes available, a drab image can almost always be turned into a pleasing photograph. A pretty picture is not the standard I use for judging photographs. Any photographer worth his salt, needs to understand and perfect lighting and capturing that light. After all photography is about writing with light. After lighting, I think the next most important aspect to a good photograph is an interesting subject. Here is where many photographers distinguish themselves, they can take a drab subject and with the right angle, tonal range, lighting and composition, they can make it interesting. I do think for a photographer to excel, he or she must take a great interest in the subject that is being photographed. It is hard to create something, when you are not to interested in the subject.
Now I have spent a lot of time studying the works of the great photographers who have come before me and a lot of works by contemporary photographers as well. There is quite a bit to be learned from seeing the works of others, but at some point, the photographer has to develop their own style and their own vision. I think this begins when lighting becomes second nature, camera functions too, the photographer can simply focus on creating composition. Rather than getting into the aspects of composition in depth, composition is the artistic part of photography to me. Does the photograph have unity, balance, visual flow, tonal range, line, form and what has the photographer included in the shot and what has been left out. These are personal choices and there simply is no right or wrong answer.
So now the work is sitting before you, for the photographer to evaluate and more importantly to choose. From here on out, I will simply talk about what I do, though others will edit in their own way. To each their own. I first try to get the exposure and tones set close what I feel works for the images, then I look for images that jump out to me, for whatever reason and select those for further viewing and editing. This can be difficult at times, when I have a great shoot and all the images look really good, or most of them anyway. This is the hardest part of the process, especially with a lot of good images, choosing the best ones, but it must be done and it can be a painstakingly slow process. I basically have to whittle the hundreds of shots down to a few. That is step one in a nutshell.
Though I used to shoot film, I have gone to digital and for me there is no going back. The instant feedback, the ability to edit to the smallest detail, to change the look of a hundred photographs with a click and so many other adjustments that can be made and be unmade is simply fantastic to me. I use Adobe Lightroom 4 and a little bit of Photoshop to get my images where I need them to be. Now I try to keep my edits to a minimum and to do so, requires trying to get the shot right in the first place, when you click the shutter, but human error is always going to be a part of the process and having the ability to correct for errors, and sometimes it can not be done, is sometimes a bit of work.
Despite all the powerful tools available for post processing, for me the best images are created before the shutter is ever pressed. It begins with my experience as a photographer and setting up the lighting, second, choosing a interesting subject to me, third, about composing the photograph and fourth, simply having an eye for what looks right to me. It is never about the equipment, mine is pretty basic, has a little to do with post processing, software and printing skills. The best images are from the heart, the mind and the eye. The best shots are 90% mental for me at this point. In the end, the final print has to appeal and touch me personally. Words are inadequate, that is why I am a photographer. I truly enjoy beautiful photographs and capturing beauty, for it is beauty that rules my world. The editing is in my head and in my heart. Cameras, software, and printers are merely tools that allow me to get it out of my head. One thing I have learned, is I can never tell what others will think about my work, but I put it out there for all to see. It is all I want to do.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Figure model search
I take great pride in creating beautiful and artistic black and white photographs of the nude female figure. As such, I am currently looking for a model to work with. I will treat you and photograph you with the utmost respect, sensitivity and admiration you deserve. If you are a woman, who is physically fit, comfortable in your own skin, and would like to be the subject of some beautiful photographs, I am looking to work with you. You must be over 18, confident, and comfortable with being nude. All of the work is focused on the figure (no face shots) and you will be photographed as a woman of beauty. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me, Chris Henry, by email, chenry1960@gmail.com with a brief physical description or photograph and your availability. Must live in the greater Phoenix
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Humberto Vidal, inspired by Venus!
Every time I feature another photographer, model or artist, I am always impressed with how they are able to express their love for the nude. Today, I feature Mr. Humberto Vidal, another photographer with a sincere desire to create outstanding images. He currently resides in Florida and has had a passion for photography from a young age and takes his work seriously. Please read about his thoughts on the nude and photography and enjoy his work!
Q. What is the main factor or factors that draw you to shooting the nude?
A. I’d always been a fan of the female body. And when I say always, I still remember browsing the Stern Magazines from my German relatives when I was still a boy. I see the physique as a work of art, so why not to capture it without a cover and show its magnificence, instead of covering this masterwork with a temporary covering, that most probably will make the pictures obsolete with the time. Nudes are forever!!! Ask Venus.
Q. What are the qualities, physically and mentally, you look for in a model when you looking to shoot nudes?
A. First of all, the model has to be proud about their body, and not necessarily she has to be a fitness athlete like the hundreds that I shoot. She has to see the human body in the same way that I see it, as a work of art, the best in the nature. A good sense and passion for aesthetics. People with this virtue, admire beauty in all its forms, so being nude in front of a camera is not different than wearing an expensive Couture gown. I know that I am not starting this answer, with the model willing to pose nude in front of a camera or a photographer or even a crew, but once the model has in her mind or wants to pose nude, it is the work from the Photographer to make things go smoothly.
Q. Who or what have been your influences?
A. Greek and Roman art and culture, the Renaissance Masters. The Birth of Venus from Boticelli is one of my favorite’s works of art. Photographers like Bill Brandt and Ruth Berharnd were recognizable names for me even before starting to study Photography. And more contemporary, despite that he is not a Fine Art Photographer, the erotic influence in the fashion photography from Helmut Newton is an inspiration for me. About the current Photographers, I love the work of photographers like Syivie Blum and the Portuguese Andre Brito; they mix their Fashion background in their Fine Art Nude Work in a very exquisite way. Of course, the fitness and fashion worlds and to be surrounded 24/7 by the best bodies and faces any person can see, is of course a great influence and inspiration.
Q. What do you try to convey with your work?
A. I think that in many aspects, but especially in reference about the nude in photography or the nude in the arts, we are going backwards. Pictures from Helmut Newton taken during the 60’s and 70’s for Fashion Magazines would be impossible to publish nowadays. I know that the art world is still immune towards the nude in Photography, but we need the mainstream to buy and look at our work. So I am trying to show to the public that the nudes are very artistic, and also can be very fashionable and worthy to see and admire… and buy.
Q. Describe an image you would like to create that you have not already shot.
A. I am trying to mix fashion, fitness and fine art nudes, actually that is my motto and it’s what I’m doing and trying to make my trademark. I think I am not the only one, but sometimes I can’t sleep thinking in ideas for shoots. I love Science Fiction, especially in the movies set in the near term future. Maybe something inspired in this bucolic and ethereal world, with perfect bodies and faces and using a Santiago Calatrava structure in the background.
Lastly, if you could provide a brief bio and some personal information about yourself that is not photography related.
Before becoming a photographer, I worked in the aviation industry and then in the financial sector for several years. I have a Degree in Business and a Major in IT. I am not only a fan of the fitness world, but I am also a fitness enthusiast myself. I think this side of my life gives me some leverage with the fitness model. I am a certified personal trainer and also a Triathlete and Marathoner for many, many years. I met my wife in a gym… I was her Spinning Instructor in my own gym and now she is my number one fan and supporter.
Q. What is the main factor or factors that draw you to shooting the nude?
A. I’d always been a fan of the female body. And when I say always, I still remember browsing the Stern Magazines from my German relatives when I was still a boy. I see the physique as a work of art, so why not to capture it without a cover and show its magnificence, instead of covering this masterwork with a temporary covering, that most probably will make the pictures obsolete with the time. Nudes are forever!!! Ask Venus.
© Humberto Vidal
A. First of all, the model has to be proud about their body, and not necessarily she has to be a fitness athlete like the hundreds that I shoot. She has to see the human body in the same way that I see it, as a work of art, the best in the nature. A good sense and passion for aesthetics. People with this virtue, admire beauty in all its forms, so being nude in front of a camera is not different than wearing an expensive Couture gown. I know that I am not starting this answer, with the model willing to pose nude in front of a camera or a photographer or even a crew, but once the model has in her mind or wants to pose nude, it is the work from the Photographer to make things go smoothly.
© Humberto Vidal
A. Greek and Roman art and culture, the Renaissance Masters. The Birth of Venus from Boticelli is one of my favorite’s works of art. Photographers like Bill Brandt and Ruth Berharnd were recognizable names for me even before starting to study Photography. And more contemporary, despite that he is not a Fine Art Photographer, the erotic influence in the fashion photography from Helmut Newton is an inspiration for me. About the current Photographers, I love the work of photographers like Syivie Blum and the Portuguese Andre Brito; they mix their Fashion background in their Fine Art Nude Work in a very exquisite way. Of course, the fitness and fashion worlds and to be surrounded 24/7 by the best bodies and faces any person can see, is of course a great influence and inspiration.
Q. What do you try to convey with your work?
A. I think that in many aspects, but especially in reference about the nude in photography or the nude in the arts, we are going backwards. Pictures from Helmut Newton taken during the 60’s and 70’s for Fashion Magazines would be impossible to publish nowadays. I know that the art world is still immune towards the nude in Photography, but we need the mainstream to buy and look at our work. So I am trying to show to the public that the nudes are very artistic, and also can be very fashionable and worthy to see and admire… and buy.
© Humberto Vidal
A. I am trying to mix fashion, fitness and fine art nudes, actually that is my motto and it’s what I’m doing and trying to make my trademark. I think I am not the only one, but sometimes I can’t sleep thinking in ideas for shoots. I love Science Fiction, especially in the movies set in the near term future. Maybe something inspired in this bucolic and ethereal world, with perfect bodies and faces and using a Santiago Calatrava structure in the background.
© Humberto Vidal
Lastly, if you could provide a brief bio and some personal information about yourself that is not photography related.
Before becoming a photographer, I worked in the aviation industry and then in the financial sector for several years. I have a Degree in Business and a Major in IT. I am not only a fan of the fitness world, but I am also a fitness enthusiast myself. I think this side of my life gives me some leverage with the fitness model. I am a certified personal trainer and also a Triathlete and Marathoner for many, many years. I met my wife in a gym… I was her Spinning Instructor in my own gym and now she is my number one fan and supporter.
© Humberto Vidal
I want to thank Humberto for his generosity in sharing his photographs and for providing us with insights into his thoughts on the nude in photography. I definitely has a passion for his work and for the figure of a woman as his work shows. If you would like to see more of his work or learn more about Mr. Vidal, please visit the links below. Thank you!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
In praise of the Nude photographer
The photographer of nudes doesn't shoot naked chicks. The photographer of nudes is an artist at heart. He or she, has an innate love of beauty and he or she expresses that love by photographing this wonderful subject in a sensitive and honest way. He or she has more respect for a woman, then most women ever get from any man or woman they meet in their life. It is a constant struggle trying to overcome the lack of understanding that is exhibited by much of the population who can not grasp the idea that nudity can be so beautiful.
As true artists, when viewing a nude woman or man, we see beauty, elegance, form, emotion, grace and signs of the divine. We are not aroused, we are in awe and every bit of our being is about creating the photograph that conveys our love for him or her. We want to show strength, courage, beauty, elegance and so much more in each every photograph we take. We sweat the details, focus on composition and try to create an atmosphere of trust and comfort that will get the most out of the model and the session. We are sensitive and truly appreciate the model who has given us this wonderful opportunity to create art and express our love and in the end, we pray we are able to get that one great shot!
And when we get that shot, we are exhilarated and we want to get another and we want to share it with the world. Like an athlete who has just pulled off the impossible, we are stoked. Not because of the nudity, but because of the beauty we have captured. So much of this world is filled with prejudice, hatred, violence and ugliness and all we want to do is show a little beauty. Show what is good about life in hopes that it might make a little difference. No, we are not going to cure cancer, erase poverty or bring about world peace. It is just our small contribution to mankind or whoever of something beautiful.
The nude as a genre, has been around since the beginning of mankind. Who can ignore the contributions of Michelangelo and "David" or Botticelli's "Venus." Sure there have been many bad or poorly done renditions and many with overtly sexual overtones, but the artist, the true artist wants to show a love, a love for the beauty of the human form. If there is a god, he or she created this form and it is the form from which we function in. The nude is not dirty, it is the mind that harbors dirty thoughts, immature thoughts. Since the beginning of recorded time, statues, sculptures, paintings, drawings and of late, photography has celebrated the ideal human form.
It is open to different interpretations, due to various cultures and the changing of values throughout history, but it still remains an artist's greatest inspiration. It is a difficult subject to photograph, because you are working with a live person, with feelings, emotions and thoughts and a mind of their own. It takes a great deal of trust between artist and photographer to capture a great image. Though there is a great deal to be said for figure in the photograph, for the artist, there is much more in the photograph on an intellectual and heartfelt level. The best photographs, get past the nudity and touch the heart and soul of the viewer and artist. He or she has put her heart, mind and soul in to capturing this beauty and is hoping each and every viewer sees this.
The best nude images, in my mind, are not simply about the physical being, it is about the intellectual capacity to see, to really see, the form, the curves, the muscles, the symmetry, balance, the composition, the grace, the elegance, the honesty, the emotion, feeling and ultimately, the great beauty that is present, timeless and classic. A great nude image, shows the very essence of life, in the subject, the image, the artist and hopefully in the viewer.
We are sensitive individuals, who sometimes have a hard time expressing ourselves through other means, but with the photograph, we are at one with the camera and our heart sings, and our mind races as we try with all we got to capture the beauty before us in a unique and personal way. We take criticism not very well, but we can not be denied in our pursuit. Rejection, obscurity, and loneliness can be our friends at times, but when we are in our element, shooting this magnificent subject, we come alive! Our hearts and minds sing! Oh for the joy of shooting him or her again and again.
Most of us will never become famous or rich at shooting nudes, but frankly we do not care for we do not shoot for fame or fortune. We shoot out of a simple love, a love for the figure, a love for the beauty and a love for the freedom, the nude represents. If you ever meet or work with an artist who photographs the nude, be aware, he or she will treat you with more respect or show more thoughtfulness than most people will ever show you in your life. Not all artists are this way, but the good ones are and you can always tell by looking at their work, the work that expresses a love of the nude.
As true artists, when viewing a nude woman or man, we see beauty, elegance, form, emotion, grace and signs of the divine. We are not aroused, we are in awe and every bit of our being is about creating the photograph that conveys our love for him or her. We want to show strength, courage, beauty, elegance and so much more in each every photograph we take. We sweat the details, focus on composition and try to create an atmosphere of trust and comfort that will get the most out of the model and the session. We are sensitive and truly appreciate the model who has given us this wonderful opportunity to create art and express our love and in the end, we pray we are able to get that one great shot!
And when we get that shot, we are exhilarated and we want to get another and we want to share it with the world. Like an athlete who has just pulled off the impossible, we are stoked. Not because of the nudity, but because of the beauty we have captured. So much of this world is filled with prejudice, hatred, violence and ugliness and all we want to do is show a little beauty. Show what is good about life in hopes that it might make a little difference. No, we are not going to cure cancer, erase poverty or bring about world peace. It is just our small contribution to mankind or whoever of something beautiful.
The nude as a genre, has been around since the beginning of mankind. Who can ignore the contributions of Michelangelo and "David" or Botticelli's "Venus." Sure there have been many bad or poorly done renditions and many with overtly sexual overtones, but the artist, the true artist wants to show a love, a love for the beauty of the human form. If there is a god, he or she created this form and it is the form from which we function in. The nude is not dirty, it is the mind that harbors dirty thoughts, immature thoughts. Since the beginning of recorded time, statues, sculptures, paintings, drawings and of late, photography has celebrated the ideal human form.
It is open to different interpretations, due to various cultures and the changing of values throughout history, but it still remains an artist's greatest inspiration. It is a difficult subject to photograph, because you are working with a live person, with feelings, emotions and thoughts and a mind of their own. It takes a great deal of trust between artist and photographer to capture a great image. Though there is a great deal to be said for figure in the photograph, for the artist, there is much more in the photograph on an intellectual and heartfelt level. The best photographs, get past the nudity and touch the heart and soul of the viewer and artist. He or she has put her heart, mind and soul in to capturing this beauty and is hoping each and every viewer sees this.
The best nude images, in my mind, are not simply about the physical being, it is about the intellectual capacity to see, to really see, the form, the curves, the muscles, the symmetry, balance, the composition, the grace, the elegance, the honesty, the emotion, feeling and ultimately, the great beauty that is present, timeless and classic. A great nude image, shows the very essence of life, in the subject, the image, the artist and hopefully in the viewer.
We are sensitive individuals, who sometimes have a hard time expressing ourselves through other means, but with the photograph, we are at one with the camera and our heart sings, and our mind races as we try with all we got to capture the beauty before us in a unique and personal way. We take criticism not very well, but we can not be denied in our pursuit. Rejection, obscurity, and loneliness can be our friends at times, but when we are in our element, shooting this magnificent subject, we come alive! Our hearts and minds sing! Oh for the joy of shooting him or her again and again.
Most of us will never become famous or rich at shooting nudes, but frankly we do not care for we do not shoot for fame or fortune. We shoot out of a simple love, a love for the figure, a love for the beauty and a love for the freedom, the nude represents. If you ever meet or work with an artist who photographs the nude, be aware, he or she will treat you with more respect or show more thoughtfulness than most people will ever show you in your life. Not all artists are this way, but the good ones are and you can always tell by looking at their work, the work that expresses a love of the nude.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Respect is the juice of life!
I will be honest, I have not always had the most respect for others, when it comes to dealing with my fellow man or woman. Whether it was from my upbringing, constantly being criticized, or from watching too much of mainstream news, which I consider too focused on the negative or wrongs in society or whether it is from simply a poor internal view of myself. I do know from having met a lot of good people, there are a lot of good people out there. In fact, most people have honorable intentions and just want to have a good life.
In this very fast paced society, we do not always have the opportunity to really get to know people. We are constantly on the go and the interactions are always quick and fleeting. To me, the best conversations are those one on one conversations that go deep and last for hours. They seem to be very far and few between. I do not think I have ever had a long conversation with someone, whereby, I didn't walk away with a better understanding of them and a better understanding of myself. It feels so good when you can connect with someone on a personal level, even if you have opposing viewpoints as long as there is respect.
Respect is the juice of life. If you don't respect someone, how are you going to have a meaningful conversation with them. We all seem to want respect, respect for who we are, what we do and for our space. It all begins with self respect. People can give it to you, but if you don't have it yourself, it won't mean much. I, for one, do not have a great deal of respect for money, that was just the way I grew up and therefore, when I have it, I have trouble holding onto it. Others have a great deal of respect for money and aspire to acquire and hold on to it with all their might. So when someone who has a lot of respect for money meets someone who has little for respect for money, there is a clash of values and often, a lack of respect for each other, unless you can connect on another level.
I have chosen to pursue a path of photographing the nude, something I have a great deal of respect for, but others do not. What I think really matters, is that I respect my models and I put forth every effort I can in to creating the best work I possibly can. I value my work to such a degree that I will do my very best each and every time I photograph, because the work is a refection of me. When someone doesn't respect my work, they don't respect me. The real battle in life, is dealing with this simple little fact. Am I going to change my ways to get the respect of someone else or just move on. I often find myself trying too hard to earn the respect of those, who quite frankly, will never respect what I do no matter what. It is generally not about the work, but a conflict in values.
A conflict in values is truly the source and root of all disagreements. We all have our own set of values and beliefs and we hold on to them tightly, for they often define just who we are. Values are usually set an early age and are difficult to change. The real problem is being able to resolve potential conflict and recognize the differences when they appear and to still have respect for the other persons values. To get past this, I believe, we must find some common ground. We all want that respect for our own standing and values in life. It begins with self respect. If you completely respect yourself, you do not need the respect of others. You see everyone as they are and you align yourself with those who have the same values as you have. If you do not try to change someone else to your way of thinking and accept the differences, you will both be better off. Or as the Godfather said in the movie of the same name, "so long as your interests don't conflict with mine."
If I know who I am, what my values are and I have self respect, it doesn't matter if someone likes me or not, for I like and value myself and what I do and I need no affirmation. Titles, money, and recognition are granted by others and mean nothing to me. My source of self worth, arises from within and I will remain humble and at peace, knowing who I am and by being the only judge of me. I think the world will be better served, if each and everyone of us has a great deal of self respect, therefore we can respect our fellow man despite our differences. I will not try to change for others, for it will be to no avail. I will only express who I am with every waking moment and with every communication, in hopes that I will connect with a few others who see the beauty in the world as I do. Treat others with the respect they deserve and you can expect to receive the same, but don't always count on it. Know and respect yourself, for that is all you need.
In this very fast paced society, we do not always have the opportunity to really get to know people. We are constantly on the go and the interactions are always quick and fleeting. To me, the best conversations are those one on one conversations that go deep and last for hours. They seem to be very far and few between. I do not think I have ever had a long conversation with someone, whereby, I didn't walk away with a better understanding of them and a better understanding of myself. It feels so good when you can connect with someone on a personal level, even if you have opposing viewpoints as long as there is respect.
Respect is the juice of life. If you don't respect someone, how are you going to have a meaningful conversation with them. We all seem to want respect, respect for who we are, what we do and for our space. It all begins with self respect. People can give it to you, but if you don't have it yourself, it won't mean much. I, for one, do not have a great deal of respect for money, that was just the way I grew up and therefore, when I have it, I have trouble holding onto it. Others have a great deal of respect for money and aspire to acquire and hold on to it with all their might. So when someone who has a lot of respect for money meets someone who has little for respect for money, there is a clash of values and often, a lack of respect for each other, unless you can connect on another level.
I have chosen to pursue a path of photographing the nude, something I have a great deal of respect for, but others do not. What I think really matters, is that I respect my models and I put forth every effort I can in to creating the best work I possibly can. I value my work to such a degree that I will do my very best each and every time I photograph, because the work is a refection of me. When someone doesn't respect my work, they don't respect me. The real battle in life, is dealing with this simple little fact. Am I going to change my ways to get the respect of someone else or just move on. I often find myself trying too hard to earn the respect of those, who quite frankly, will never respect what I do no matter what. It is generally not about the work, but a conflict in values.
A conflict in values is truly the source and root of all disagreements. We all have our own set of values and beliefs and we hold on to them tightly, for they often define just who we are. Values are usually set an early age and are difficult to change. The real problem is being able to resolve potential conflict and recognize the differences when they appear and to still have respect for the other persons values. To get past this, I believe, we must find some common ground. We all want that respect for our own standing and values in life. It begins with self respect. If you completely respect yourself, you do not need the respect of others. You see everyone as they are and you align yourself with those who have the same values as you have. If you do not try to change someone else to your way of thinking and accept the differences, you will both be better off. Or as the Godfather said in the movie of the same name, "so long as your interests don't conflict with mine."
If I know who I am, what my values are and I have self respect, it doesn't matter if someone likes me or not, for I like and value myself and what I do and I need no affirmation. Titles, money, and recognition are granted by others and mean nothing to me. My source of self worth, arises from within and I will remain humble and at peace, knowing who I am and by being the only judge of me. I think the world will be better served, if each and everyone of us has a great deal of self respect, therefore we can respect our fellow man despite our differences. I will not try to change for others, for it will be to no avail. I will only express who I am with every waking moment and with every communication, in hopes that I will connect with a few others who see the beauty in the world as I do. Treat others with the respect they deserve and you can expect to receive the same, but don't always count on it. Know and respect yourself, for that is all you need.
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