you guys who have wives

[Huujuu]

Yes he is, and he is also one of the best ones. I'd suggest a quick google was in order before you go making a complete fool of yourself by denigrading one of the countries best photographers.

LOL, I dont google every bit of information i hear. But bless your little cotton socks for wanting me to be like you, your bouncy melons-ness, tee hee Obviously you have googled every photographer in the country to come up with your non-foolish opinion. Oh the irony !

I think you can quite easily separate the emotional from the professional. I can happily park my emotions while I get on with a job and that's what it is. It's a job. It's about using the camera as a means of communication and while you do have to study your subject, that subject could just as easily be a pair of sneakers. It just happens to be a pair of sneakers that has your full attention. You may look at the curve of your models back and decide to light that and photograph it and you may decide that the laces on the shoes deserve shooting.

Well,after the 'google' comment i think i understand where you are coming from so instead of disagreeing with you i will simply state my own, personal, opinion. If my 'full attention' is focused on a pair of sneakers or a model or a sunrise, that attention will will contain very, very different information and meaning depending on the subject and the intended destination and use of the finished work. Ive never looked at a sunrise and treated the same as a pair of sneakers, i guess a robot could do that though and a robot, in some definitions, may be 'more' professional than me, certainly more cold and clinical. I truly believe in the ability of people to understand the nature of being human, the emotions attached to that and the empathy you can have and as such it is the empathy that i would focus on, in all situations, to achieve the level of professionalism that is important to me. I deal with real, thinking people and luckily i am one of those myself. If i'm photographing a wedding i will be thinking about the love and commitment and happiness of the couple.

Art expresses emotions, love, conflict, beauty, desire, hate, indifference......etc. Obviously it’s not all indifference!

Three of the best boudoir photographers I know are female so personally I don't see your theory evidenced to any great degree.

I'll have to guess then that by the word 'best' you mean that the images they produce have no emotional weighting and are intended to be viewed with the same value as a pair of sneakers. If that is the case, then my theory does not apply at all, it only applies to images that are produced with a specific intention behind them, to inspire the varied attentions of the viewer, whether that be for advertising, remembering a happy occasion as well as accurately recording the technical qualities of a subject.

 

[Marac]

So when is the divorcee party then? LOL

My wife is a younger photographer so she gets more jobs in that area than I do, Im the one tagging along :O

As said before, be honest, open, get her involved, ask her if she minds you doing the shoot, always let her know she has a much better body than your model, .. seriously, its all about trust, my wife has shot topless muscle bound guys in Y-fronts (the model not my wife) it don't bother me

 

[kalibre]

ok then another qestion for ya ..how do you errrrr control yourselfs when taking these sort of pics ..cos im kinda thinking that if?? i went ahead in this line of work im kinda guessing the tripod wont be the only thing with 3 legs in that studio pmsl

I think you'll find that the nervousness of the situation and the pressure of producing pics tends to dampen any other 'feelings'. lol

 

[mant01]

My GF said she would be fine with group shoots but not a one to one. The way she see's it is that a group shoot is almost like a class environment so then its about learning. After a while though I dont think she would mind as long as she could see what kind of pictures Ive been taking.

 

[kalibre]

My GF said she would be fine with group shoots but not a one to one. The way she see's it is that a group shoot is almost like a class environment so then its about learning. After a while though I dont think she would mind as long as she could see what kind of pictures Ive been taking.

That sort of attitude would annoy me to be honest as it displays a lack of trust on your GFs part. It all seems a little medieval to restrict your other-half's time spent with the opposite sex.

 

[AliB]

lol @ Ian. You really and truly are quite misguided in your opinions which seem to be based on very little fact at all.

I know Mark personally and have met him on numerous occasions so my opinion on his abilities are hardly based on google.

And by using the word "best" as it applies to boudoir photography I apply it in the sense of a 30 year career, many many awards and the recognition of their peers. I'll accept that definition anyday

 

[Kaouthia]

I give up. You're right Ian, everything you say is correct.

Done with this thread.

 

[Phoebian]

Usually fine with topless stuff etc but did throw a hissy fit when it was her Sister.

HAHA

 

[Spiritflier]

Some interesting 'opinions' thrown about here... I shoot models whenever I get the time and I can't say I've ever had a 'sexual' thought in my head. Looking at someone through a viewfinder tends to focus ones attention on the job at hand and not necessarily on any kind of personal titillation. In fact, I find it harder to shoot guys than girls mainly because the girls are more responsive and easier to pose. I've yet to do a nude male shoot although there's one on the cards potentially and the thought of it makes me a little uncomfortable but that's only because I've not done it before and I'm not entirely sure how to go about it.

My girlfriend is 20 years younger than I am and acts as my 'model' on lots of occasions so that I get the chance to practice my techniques... She doesn't have any problems with me photographing anyone else but I do tend to take her with me for a couple of reasons:

1. She's got a good eye for poses and she's a big help at getting everyone relaxed and chatty.
2. I use ModelMayhem models who are pretty much completely unknown to me so to keep me (and her) above any spurious allegations, my other half comes with me and I usually recommend that the model brings a friend for the same reason.

I know that last one can seem like a strange reason but in this litigious age we live in, I find it prudent to cover my own backside!

 

[gabe]

So are all you guys here professional photographers? How many of you would actually be shooting models?

 

[Huujuu]

lol @ Ian. You really and truly are quite misguided in your opinions which seem to be based on very little fact at all.

I know Mark personally and have met him on numerous occasions so my opinion on his abilities are hardly based on google.

And by using the word "best" as it applies to boudoir photography I apply it in the sense of a 30 year career, many many awards and the recognition of their peers. I'll accept that definition anyday

Well, i thought i'd give in a little and google some of this and i found the 'general' opinion on photographers websites was that females taking boudoir photo's was great, especially for women who felt uncomfortable with a man behind the lens, but generally if the images were meant for men to see then a man behind the camera might be in a better position to produce results. One of the websites was boudoirphotography.org.uk which was a good summary of what a lot of people seem to be saying, i can post more if you like,but you obviously know how to google (unless you are happy basing your 'facts' on 4 people, 1 man 3 women, but who knows ?)

So i guess some of my misguided opinions are at least shared

Anyway, i thought i'd compare your wedding photographer to some others, here is something David Bailey said

"I prefer to work with gay fashion designers because they have a fantasy of a woman whereas straight designers have a vision of a woman they want to sleep with, which is not always the right image for what they're trying to sell. A fantasy of a woman is much more applicable to fashion."

http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/karlpeter/zeugma/inters/bailey.htm

But maybe you are right and the photographers dont have these 'visions'

Then there is this interview

You once said that to take a great picture, you have to be in love with your subject.

DB: I think you have to fall in love for those few minutes or however long it takes you do whatever it takes to fall in love.

Do you do that to make your subject look good or yourself?

DB: Oh no no, you have to love them. Most photographers are a boring lot aren't they? They come in and take hours, taking polaroids and four hours later they take a picture. Richard Young could do a much better picture, walk in and go snap snap. So you wonder what all the fuss is about sometimes.
I'm very quick. Ten minutes, that's about enough time for a portrait.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/David-Bailey-interview-11269

Obviously i could go on, ive just discovered, google IS my friend, thanks for the tip, may i respectfully suggest you practice what you preach!

 

[Jamieconverge]

That sort of attitude would annoy me to be honest as it displays a lack of trust on your GFs part. It all seems a little medieval to restrict your other-half's time spent with the opposite sex.

i agree, ive been very suprised to read that a lot of wives appear to have possible trust issues with their husbands. makes me wonder if they're allowed female friends!

 

[Spiritflier]

So are all you guys here professional photographers? How many of you would actually be shooting models?

I guess that depends on how you define 'professional'. If you mean a person who derives an income from their photography, then there are probably loads of people on here who fall into that category.

Some would argue that only a person who derives all of their income from photography as a 'professional'. I personally class myself as a 'semi-professional' because I also have a regular day job that keeps me going until I decide the time is right for me to go full-time.

Regardless of semantics, I would hope that anyone who's shooting people in whatever field would consider their approach to the job to be a professional one.

Si

 

[AliB]

I give up. You're right Ian, everything you say is correct.

Done with this thread.

And me. There are some people who are capable of finding an arguement in an empty room

 

[mattyh]

And me. There are some people who are capable of finding an arguement in an empty room

No there aren't :razz:

 

[leftcurl]

No there aren't :razz:

YES THERE ARE!

i'm mentally exhausted reading all that.

 

[mattyh]

YES THERE ARE!

i'm mentally exhausted reading all that.

Do you have any proof? Studies?

:bang:

 

[Denyerec]

If my GF went shooting hunky guys in Y-Fronts I wouldn't worry about it. Afterall, she's not with me because I'm a hunky guy with a penchant for Y-Fronts.

If on a shoot she met a guy just like me, who was also hunky and adorned with Y-Fronts, then to the victor, the spoils. I should have worked out harder at the gym. Or even gone to a gym. At least once. The logical reasoning would be that she'd seen a "better deal" elsewhere, is that really anyone's fault? We are just hairless apes afterall, and Mother Nature did a good job of the wiring.

Likewise I am not with my girlfriend because of what she looks like, I'm with her because of who she is. If she wants to get her knickers in a twist because I'm shooting some twisted knickers elsewhere then that's her misunderstanding the reasons I'm with her. What is required is a better explanation, not a change in the photography.

Everyone has a right to live without oppression, I don't complain about her poledancing, afterall...

 

[AndrewA123]

Everyone has a right to live without oppression, I don't complain about her poledancing, afterall...

what a final line




............now where to get a new keyboard for the umpteenth time!

 

[louise-knight]

If my GF went shooting hunky guys in Y-Fronts I wouldn't worry about it. Afterall, she's not with me because I'm a hunky guy with a penchant for Y-Fronts.

If on a shoot she met a guy just like me, who was also hunky and adorned with Y-Fronts, then to the victor, the spoils. I should have worked out harder at the gym. Or even gone to a gym. At least once. The logical reasoning would be that she'd seen a "better deal" elsewhere, is that really anyone's fault? We are just hairless apes afterall, and Mother Nature did a good job of the wiring.

Likewise I am not with my girlfriend because of what she looks like, I'm with her because of who she is. If she wants to get her knickers in a twist because I'm shooting some twisted knickers elsewhere then that's her misunderstanding the reasons I'm with her. What is required is a better explanation, not a change in the photography.

Everyone has a right to live without oppression, I don't complain about her poledancing, afterall...

your entire post is just.. brilliant!!

 

[Kev M]

We are just hairless apes afterall

You've obviously never seen me without a t-shirt on. If you had you'd realise just how factually incorrect that statement is. I'll treat ya next time you come round to borrow my enlarger.

 

[Denyerec]

You've got me dead to rights there Kev, I should edit the post to read "Upright walking apes", just to cover you & Robin Williams

 

[johnb]

Usually fine with topless stuff etc but did throw a hissy fit when it was her Sister.

Classic- Can we see the pics???:bonk:

 

[-Rob-]

You'll end up with a different user title admitting to shooting
professionals whilst you are in the nude or you are wearing lingerie!

I'm guessing I have you to thank for my new tag line then? Cheers Darren.

 

[ford1]

jesus christ i didnt realise how many would take such a funny post to such extremes...ive never done nudes and dont expect to either but to be quite frank and clear its not all about sexy photos is it...in the past and even now us healthy men have talked about the most unushall places and whereabouts that things suddenly arise:nuts:..you dont have to be with a sexy girl /model to have a bloody hard on lol..i used to modify cars before photography and quite frankly if your into it like i was that could and freqently did get me aroused lol its called passion in what you do...unfortunaly we are a lot different from the other sex due to if that b****r wants to grow if you want it to or not its going to we cant bloody hide it at all..blokes i talk to can be sitting on a bus ffs and up it goes its not something that you can stop lol..pretty soon you wont be able to fart in this country soon without getting a ticket for acssesive gas realease ..to many people are stuck up there own arses if you ask me and thats ladys and gents is where everything is going wrong with the uk right now and sadly looks like its now hitting our photography to

 

[Daryl]

..... cars make you fruity???? Whats he like if someones after shave is WD40?

So is there honsesty to be had here? Has anyone slept with one of their models..... In the past of course.....

 

[Kaouthia]

Has anyone slept with one of their models..... In the past of course.....

No, but only because my wife won't get in front of the camera.

 

[Grendel]

So is there honsesty to be had here? Has anyone slept with one of their models..... In the past of course.....

Jason Cole does

 

[Arkady]

My GF hates it now that I've started doing nude work again - I think she's secretly pleased I'm out here and safe away from temptation...lol
No matter how much I say to her that it's 'just' photography, I reckon that part of her will always think I'm trying to get some on the side...we just agreed that I'd always be up front about it and inform her whenever I contacted potential models with a view to booking them.
That way she also doesn't get suspicious about random emails and SMS messages.
But no - she doesn't like it one little bit.

As to the photographer's relationship with his (assuming it's a male photographer - female model) I have to side with Ian on this one - I think that a degree of 'connection' is required to make a successful erotic nude image - if that's the end-product that's required - some figure-nude work can be cold and unemotional, but generally-speaking, I think a sexual element is required. Otherwise you might as well photograph a vase...or indeed a pair of sneakers...
And even if there is no physical manifestation of those feelings - they're there all the same, even if subconciously and to deny that is simply ridiculous...

As to being professional, that just means we can control those feelings and not act upon them.
Its those that are unable to control themselves that are the problem.

 

[ford1]

totally agree with that one mate ..and really well and truely take a look in the worlds magazines when was the last time you opened a mag and seen a slightly over wieght girls from front to back coverit just don happen (even though i think it should do) its all thin sexy models and it sells the mags ..this is also why some ladys get paraniod about thier size and looks ..i personally know just by looking at eyes if i know i can make a good pic and they can be 8 stone or 18 stone i dont care if the eyes do it for me il photograph them without hesitation..so a connection is a must for me

kev

 

[ford1]

..... cars make you fruity???? Whats he like if someones after shave is WD40?

So is there honsesty to be had here? Has anyone slept with one of their models..... In the past of course.....

lol @ fruity ....i put so much time and effort into my cars mate that the same thing happened ..so much detail and so much love and care and you take it to shows and watc people drule over the chrome ..yer it does it for me i can tell ya

 

[Peter10d]

My Mrs would probably take a hissy if she knew I was reading this thread, never mind photographing models

 

[Matt]

sorry guys, but this entire thread is...

 

[Headless Lois]

what matty said

A

 

[irw1]

What Matty and Lois said.

lol at the facepalm jpeg!!

 

[Chris Perry]

Has anyone slept with one of their models..... In the past of course.....

Hey Daryl, now thats a thread starter if ever i saw one!!

good question!!

 

[jovialjester]

My gf is getting all jittery because I want to photograph a model, even though the told her she will be there with her camera too.

I don't think she has much to worry about..... I can't see a 20 something model falling for a grey haired middle aged photographer, and I'm happy to photograph a man instead, but maybe that would make her worse???

 

[Russ77]

With my ex-wife it would have been a big no no, she allegedly had low self-esteem/image issue so any "attractive" female I so much as came into contact with was seen as a "threat" :shrug: Having said that, the aforementioned psychological issues didn't stop her sending pictures and video (taken on camera phones in the loos at work) to a mutual colleague

I was also with another woman when an aspiring model from a car forum asked if I'd do some portfolio shots for her, just the mere mention of it brought out the green-eyes and a mild amount of steam/smoke from her ears

My current GF is fantastic and I don't think she'd have any problems at all if it was something I wanted to do, her attitude is that if I wanted a bit on the side I could go about it in a number of ways that don't even involve the cover of "photography".

As it happens, I was PPing some party photos and couldn't work out what was wrong with the breasticle area of the birthday girl in one of the photos

Then I became aware I'd zoomed right in on the suspect area and my GF was sitting right next to me I asked for her opinion on the photo and she said "It's 'cos they're squished where her Dad's giving her a cuddle, they look false to me too"

She was cool about it and gave me some insider knowledge

 

[Lindsay D]

Well it's perfectly fair to say that straight men are, to varying extents, pre-programmed to respond to the sight of young healthy attractive females. Nothing wrong with that, it's nature after all. However a professional (any professional, be they a physician with a patient, masseur, teacher etc) would be seriously remiss if their reactions or feelings were in any way evident to the client. And jealousy is, to my mind, generally an unacceptable emotion, however if a person has a history of infidelity or is approaching photography for the purpose of titillation or to 'score' then partners/wives would be well justified in their feelings. I suppose you have to know which camp you belong in.

As a female photographer I often photograph handsome men and very rich and successful men and I enjoy it. Women are human too, and would you believe it's not unheard of for us to 'appreciate' or 'find attractive' some of our clients/models - however that is entirely subject to professional detachment and under no circumstances would I 'hit on' my clients. Consequently if my male partner/boyfriend/fiancee or whatever had a problem with me taking assignments involving pleasing males then said boyfriend would be shown his exit visa pretty quickly.

Ultimately this is down to how professional you are and how you conduct yourself within the known boundaries of your relationship with your partner/wife, your history with that partner/wife and to an extent their own relationship experiences.

 

[ding76uk]

Weird thread. I think many who say they imagine their model as sneaker etc. are just as weird as those worrying about the man tripod.

I agree with Bailey, you fall in love for the time you are photographing whatever you shoot. In my case i fall in love with the band, others the car, others the naked model. Love involves sexual attraction, titillation etc. and it is fine to acknowledge it, but love is more than that.

Using "love" as motivation is fine. Crossing the line to "lust" where attraction and titillation are the only factors controlling you is the worry, and becoming inappropriate is the problem this causes.

Also look in reverse of this, models do make plays for photographers. Never happened to me in my single years tho.