DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

OKAY, I just have to ask ... Have any wives photo's shown up in this forum?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Yes and received lots of rude comments.

DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

And why would an "artist" of the female form feel the need to lower themselves to these kings of comments?

InfiniteISO Loc: The Carolinas, USA

The only photos I have posted on this forum have my wife in the image. There are a couple of images with more than one model, but my wife's face is the only face visible in the work I've posted here. I have releases for all the models that have appeared, but our informal understanding is that in a venue like this, they would like their identity protected. As for feedback, I have received some fairly good tips here and of course more than my share of crap.

I would imagine that many, but certainly not all, that get involved in figure photography work with their partners at some point. Of the couple of local photographic friends I have, two got their first taste of figure photography in a classroom setting. The others like me started with friends and partners.

If you're wondering if there are "snapshots" appearing in this section of the forum where the model (wife, girlfriend, etc.) may not be aware they are being posted, I've had a chance to look through most of the threads over the course of the last few months and I don't think there's a lot of that going on.

Thurber Mingus

All of mine posted here have been my wife, and yes, there have been rude comments.

DIRTY HARRY Loc: Hartland, Michigan

Not looking for compromising "snapshots" or crotch shots. Not looking to judge people only enjoy and learn from their work, bur I guess before I risk "exposing my wife of 53 years to ridicule I just wanted to know if everyone here were truly maturer adults.I guess you're telling me there are not so if you post your wife don't mention that fact. I have not gotten any crappy comments about any of the other models I've posted so I guess if it's not YOUR wife it's okay.

Thurber Mingus

To be fair, I've gotten many, many more positive comments on my posts than negative, but some people just can't help themselves sometimes. My wife doesn't read the comments so it's just me that it irritates.

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

I have not taken a tally of how many "wives" have shown up in photos, but you can be sure that every nude female is someone's daughter!!!

InfiniteISO Loc: The Carolinas, USA

Amen

InfiniteISO Loc: The Carolinas, USA

It's obvious from some of the cat call type "positive" comments that many here aren't as interested in figure photograph as they are interested in the figures. I think you're going to find that anywhere. To be honest, there are very few negative comments specifically directed at the models themselves. That said, there seem to be some agists among the gawkers that are less likely to appreciate photos of your wife taken yesterday vs photos taken 50 years ago so be prepared.

I like your work. The images you've uploaded to date appear to be scans from past prints. I'd like to see if you've done anything in the digital realm regardless of the age of your model.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

She will be destroyed.
Don't do it.

JohnFrim Loc: Somewhere in the Great White North.

My view is that a nude image has to convey a positive message, and it is up to the photographer to elicit whatever it takes from the model and the setting to deliver that message. If the model is young, shapely and attractive it may not be that difficult to convey a sexy message. If the model is older, not quite as slim (let's say shapely) and not knock-out gorgeous then maybe the message should not be "sexy" but rather something else.

There are many examples of photos of older people with wrinkled faces that literally shout a strong message at the viewer, and it is wrinkles, skin tone, facial expression, lighting, pose and setting that combine to create that message. I doubt that any of those great shots would be received positively if the person were naked and trying to look sexy. (Actually, I can imagine nakedness adding to the image in rare instances if the context is right, but I doubt the image would be classified as boudoir.)

All this to say that whether the model is male or female, young or old, slim or shapely, sleek or withered, attractive or plain, there must be a purpose for the nudity that adds, not detracts, from the message of the photo. Not all models are suited for nudity. Snapshots of naked bodies that simply say, "Hey, I took my clothes off for you" don't generally present as great nude/boudoir photography.

So whether it's your wife (or your daughter) or a stranger in the photo matters less than the quality and message of the final image. If it is a good photo you are a good photographer; and if the model is your wife you are a GOOD and LUCKY photographer.

Thurber Mingus

That's not necessarily true. It WOULD help, however, if people would confine the comments to the photography and not criticism of the model. This IS, after all, a photography forum.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

They don't unfortunately. The self righteous attack the model mercilessly and that is all.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois