Opinions wanted on BDSM photography

[cmcook]

As some may know, i'm an erotic photographer, and I have a personal interest in many fetishes and also the BDSM lifestyle. Now after talking with a couple of members from lit already, thought i'd put this one out into the open and see what the general feel was.

With my work I like to show things for what they are, creating what I hope is raw and powerful imagry, and if I can do some shocking stuff on the way, all the better (my portfolio).

There's one thing though I am still wanting to explore on a personal level, and this is to be in the role of a Dom while on a shoot, nothing physical, though to have a Sub model who I will have listen and act on my every command while I shoot, from what clothing to put on or take off, positions to hold and things to do.

Now i'm obviously looking for the Sub part of this, and hence why part of my search brings me here (as well as for normal fetish and erotica modelling), just wondering what other people's opinions on this was, if good i'll see about putting a personal ad up, but for now, testing the water.

SO!
Do you think that BDSM and Dom/Sub photography works? and if so, do you think it's something that would be wanted witht he photographer taking part, or just as a spectator?

 

[Yang4yin]

It's quite popular, actually. And I don't think it really matters if the Dom is the photographer as long as it doesn't detract from the image.

 

[CutieMouse]

Any time anyone else has taken my picture, they've told me how to stand, when to smile, where to look, etc, anyway, so I can't think of a reason why adding a D/s element to a photo shoot woudn't work. LOL

 

[neonflux]

<snipped>SO!
Do you think that BDSM and Dom/Sub photography works? and if so, do you think it's something that would be wanted witht he photographer taking part, or just as a spectator?

Art is art - the bigger question is, what do you think? To my way of thinking, anything works as long as the artist is clear about what they are trying to do and has the technique to achieve their aims... Neon

 

[Netzach]

Depends. I could see thinking with the little head actively ruining a lot of otherwise good aesthetic decisions. You may find more models or fewer interested in working with you, but some people will be turned on and others will be turned off. Could be interesting in the demographic.

 

[Marquis]

Very nice work dude!

 

[Velvet Bubbles]

I agree w/Netzach. It depends on how much of the "artist" stays in you during the shoot. I wish you luck though. Curious to see how it turns out.

 

[NemoAlia]

Very nice work dude!

I second that! The gun stuff got me in a way that guns normally don't.

 

[neonflux]

Depends. I could see thinking with the little head actively ruining a lot of otherwise good aesthetic decisions. You may find more models or fewer interested in working with you, but some people will be turned on and others will be turned off. Could be interesting in the demographic.

Unless, of course, one deliberately makes the participation and it's impact on the art process part of the work, but perhaps then it becomes more than a photograph?

 

[cmcook]

Wow, thank you all for the feedback, appreciated beyond belief, and also given me a lot to think about...

Yang4yin, CutieMouse, Velvet Bubbles:

I enjoy the art of it more than anything and at the end of the day, after the shoot it's the only the art I am left with, so this has to come first and foremost.

With this, I think I could still enjoy the more Dom side of things on the shoot, taking it a little further, but, as mentioned, as long as the subject is right and understands, finding it a turn-on rathar than a turn off..


Which beings me to Netzach:

With having done a lot of erotica now, for my portfolio and commissions, I have got used to being able to ignore the little head and cope with just enjoying the shoot as a whole and the moment in had (rather than my myment in hend).

The point here though was the turn-on/off thing, I don't want to advertise the fact I want to try this too mucha nd loose interets elsewhere, so now i'm stuck with where to find someone suitable....the search may well go on for some time.

Someone has however PM'd me with some info on a local Munch, so we'll see how that goes.


Marquis, NemoAlia:

Thank you, it really does mean a lot to hear that, and glad that people can see the end product of what i'm trying to achieve. Glad you like the guns


Thank you all! ... now I need to find a willing model, without putting off the less adventorous potential....anyone?
~ Chirs

 

[cmcook]

Unless, of course, one deliberately makes the participation and it's impact on the art process part of the work, but perhaps then it becomes more than a photograph?

Interesting and something for the future maybe, but for now, i'm one for definatley staying behind the camera, and I'm not one for getting physical with models, ohh no.

 

[katteon]

... [snipped & edited spelling....stinking quirk of mine]
The point here though was the turn-on/off thing, I don't want to advertise the fact I want to try this too much and loose interest elsewhere, so now I'm stuck with where to find someone suitable....the search may well go on for some time.
...

It depends on what you are trying to capture...

Blatant raw reactions to slight kink? Look for a vanilla model willing to follow directions of her/his photographer.

Anticipation, look of submission? Look for a sub willing to model.

Capturing the essence of a moment, any moment, in the eyes of a subject....will capture and hold those who view the photo, at least it does for me.

Taking requests? I would love to see a splash of color in one of the black & whites...I realize it would mean digital editing. But at times, hmmm, it may add a very provocative twist.

Thank-you for sharing....It is nice....and I am anxious to see more...

 

[catalina_francisco]

Probably the easiest way to find willing models would be to appeal to those who may be also wanting some D/s type pictures for themselves and are willing to trust you as both participant and photographer. As a side note, according to Lit rules you are not able to display your email address in posts or your signature...sorry but you need to remove it. People can contact you through PM and you can then give it to them if you so wish. Good luck with the ideas.

Catalina

 

[Evil_Geoff]

To me this is a no brainer.

A professional photographer IS a "Dom" in any photo shoot they are doing, unless s/he is in the position of being directed by a client who hired the photographer.

The photographer orders the subject(s) here and there, pose this way, pose that way, good.. hold it... good, now move over there, show me a smile, flip your hair, that's it.. undo that next button... Wait, move the reflector over that way a bit... good... okay... now put this on! QUICK! Jesus I've seen more titties and bush, just get out of that costume and into the next! You're burning daylight, girl! And we can't replace THAT!

*chuckles*

What photo shoot ISN'T a D/s session?

 

[cmcook]

Katteon:

You're right, it's about capturing a pure moment, having the expression of the model, in here eyes and face being true, rather than acted out for the shot. I have done light fetish work before, though I always like to take things as far as I can go (the only way to get noticed these days too I think), so to have the interaction with the model as a true moment, rathar then just taking instruction, then I think it will shot in the shots.

As for the b+w shots with a spalsh of colour, tried it in the past and never liked the look, guess it#s not to my personal taskes, however will make sure I have a tinker in the future and see....also, sorry about the spelling, i'm an optimistic proof reader.


catalina_francisco:

That's the idea, wanting to find someone willing and trusting of my work and aims, hence wanting opinions to see what the feel of mixing such a subject was.

Also, cheers for the hint, but i have not put my emaila ddress anywhere as it attarcts spam.....however, I did put a URL, coudl this be what you mean?


Evil_Geoff:
Nice description of a shoot there, been listening in on mine?
And yes, I instruct models on poses, clothing etc on a shoot all the time, but I think there's a difference between taking general 'normal' instruction and enjoying having ideas and comands thrown at you, so more extreme in this case I think.

Thanks again all
~ Chris