Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Anonymous Nude

"There is nothing quite as erotic as a bare naked mystery..."  No clue who said it.  Hell, it may even have been me; I have been known to wax poetic in the wee hours of the night. 

Regardless, welcome to my newest project, "The Anonymous Nude."  Here, I seek to collaborate with women and men who revel in both the allure of a Mystery & the creation of Fine Art...

Concept/Intentions/Goals
It's long been a theory of mine (and others) that being 'naked' is not necessarily erotic nor beautiful.  It simply denotes a lack of clothing, & quite possibly poor judgment, depending on the environment - a snowbank, for example… 

…although shooting a nude in a snowbank does have some wonderful Fine Art possibilities.  Which is neither here nor there; another time.  Perhaps...

There is a difference between naked pictures and Fine Art Nudes.  There are even differences between Art Nudes and Art Nudes.  Don’t think so?  I suggest you look at Helmut Newton’s work.  He always shot nudes with an edge, but his focus and technique altered both subtly & blatantly as his skill matured over the decades, yet his early work is as fascinating as his most recent…

In my experience, the Nudes that truly stand out are those images that incorporate a “visual tension” into the overall capture.  It is that tension which elevates a simple “nekkid picture” to the level of “Art.”  And in far too few instances, to the level of “Fine Art.”  Creating, infusing & capturing that “visual tension” is a challenge unto its own self…

The Anonymous Nude is a celebration of “The Tension.”  The celebration, in this case, is quite literally a mystery common to every image in the Collection.  That mystery?  The assured anonymity of each subject photographed.  Though fully nude, each model will be positioned and lit so as to preserve any hint of identity from view.  Ideally, each image will be so well crafted that the viewer will not have any clue the individual standing next to him is in fact the subject of the photograph being viewed…

I intend The Anonymous Nude to be an eclectic collection of beautiful, alluring and even erotic imagery celebrating the mystery and allure of full anonymity.  When complete, I plan to publish the Collection.  Initially as a calendar, then a book, and if the fates are kind, I will eventually offer gallery quality prints for sale. 

Model Requirements:
…must be of legal age to contract in your own name;
…must provide a valid copy of your state issued photo ID;
…must sign my release allowing publication;
…will be posing nude.

That’s it, the full list of requirements for participation in The Anonymous Nude.  
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, weight, body modifications, complexion, race, religion or political affiliation. 

Locations
Location is a variable that will change from session to session.  Given that this is a nude project, most sessions will be conducted indoors.  Most likely in your home, a motel room, possibly a rented studio if I can find & afford the fee. 

I also have a few outdoor locations in mind for the more adventurous minded.  Please let me know how adventurous you would like your session to be…

Wardrobe / Exposure
This is a nude project.  Wardrobe is NOT a concern as all models will be photographed in the nude.  That is a constant of the project.  The other constant within this project are my models’ identities.  The same devices – lighting, positioning, POV, props – that protect your anonymity will also serve to adjust exposure from fully nude to merely suggestive.

It is strongly recommended models bring a robe to slip into between shots and during breaks from shooting.

Compensation
The Anonymous Nude is being conducted as a Trade Shoot.  Participants may choose one of two compensation options.

Option 1:  Participants will receive their choice of 10 fully edited Anonymous Nude image files (in full size printable and low resolution web display formats) to include in their portfolio and/or use for self promotion;

Option2:  Participants may instead choose to schedule a second photo shoot of equal duration, the results of which will be theirs to do with as they see fit.  The type of shoot is entirely up to you.  Family portraits, fashion, editorial, swimsuit – whatever you want.  I will even include editing of up to 10 image files as part of the deal.

Miscellaneous
I am primarily an “Available Light” photographer, though I occasionally use speed lights & reflectors for fill, and the odd modifier to soften output.   

My schedule is annoyingly open at present, so I am absolutely able to accommodate your busy schedule. 

Experienced and first time models are both welcome to participate.  You may be assured I will work with you to capture the best possible images and make the experience as fun as possible. 

Escort Policy
Models are welcome to bring a companion/escort along for moral support, costuming assistance, protection (whatever) as long as I’m told in advance.  Surprise me with an unexpected guest and the session will be cancelled immediately.  I hate surprises…

Please note:  I have zero tolerance for high school drama on my shoots.  I go into each and every session with the full expectation that I am working with adults fully capable of discussing any and all issues that may arise.  Name calling, threats of violence and similar nonsense will result in the session's immediate termination and the deletion of all images taken to that point.  If necessary, I will call the police and press charges to the full extent allowable under the law.

Got a question I didn’t cover here? 

Want to schedule your session? 

Let’s talk…