I don't have a problem with objectification. It's kind of what we do. My biggest problem is the huge disparity between male and female nude models and the way that females are sexualized in photography (and other media) that men quite frankly are not.
One argument that I've seen repeatedly in this thread is, "But I (and everyone else) think the female body is more beautiful than the male body. I don't want to shoot males. I want to shoot what I love shooting, that's when I do my best work, why should I photograph something I'm not comfortable with." Fine. The thing is we always push ourselves. One often shoots outside their comfort zone if for no other reason than to hone skills and learn new ones. I can't help but think that there's something else going on with all this resistance to shooting males, but I'm only speculating so I'll say no more. I for one, plan on shooting male nudes. If for no other reason than to see if I can. I think that the male body is just as beautiful (in a different way) as a female one. I want to see if I can make it work. And who knows, if that works maybe I'll try females some day! ;-) Cheers, frank Derby Chang <[email protected]> wrote: > >As many have mentioned, this is one of the most interesting threads for > >a while and I'm glad Frank brought it up. > >My initial reaction was, photography is inherently sexual when pointed >at people. How can it not be when it is a single image focused on a >subject. It wants me to look and I love that. But I thought about it >some more > >What I admire about Frank's photographs (and not only his, many others >on PDML) is the humanising aspect of them. Those couriers taking risks >in traffic, a blur that you try to avoid - he shows them >après-couriering. Their bravado and frankly, well-toned bodies, are >something to admire. That isn't sexualising. I am admiring their life >force > >So too with Alina. She is no more a object in front of Bruce's camera >than Frank's buddies. When she throws in a gorgeous handstand and >writes >about herself in such a positive way, you know it is that she is as >much >co-creator as Bruce, with his consumate command of his skills. > >Do I think my photos are objectifying? Perhaps. I never really know >these people anywhere like Frank or Bruce. Sometimes, rarely, I have a >chat. Mostly it is about the pleasure of observation. Which is why I >steered my blurb along this theme of a brief connection. They are no >longer just elements in a composition. Wide lens, 2m or less, and I >can't help but feel a jolt when they make eye contact. Such a thrilling > >moment. I really can't pull back from the shot thinking about rules or >balance when the chance presents itself, and really couldn't shoot any >other way. “Analysis kills spontaneity.” -- Henri-Frederic Amiel -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
