Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

This is Betty.
Betty is a good model, Betty is not a great model. This is lifted out of a workshop where Betty was hired to do figure modeling. Betty was visiting and so was Starena. The girls did a collaboration to have a fun modeling session with the guys after Starena set up the workshop at Nic's studio in downtown San Antonio.

The backdrop was mostly created by Starena, it contains elements of what are loosely motifs from India and especially a large Yoni in the center. Vary typically Starena.

This is about how women see the erotic in figure photography.

Hope you enjoy the feminine notions of the erotic (read naughty!).

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

I really can’t tell from the thumbnail, but is the focus sharp?

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

It's a vary good question, one that might best serve to remain in the mind.

It is a question that is often asked on this forum and yet as a question goes no where other than to be sly as a negative assertion.

Consider the question as a mind question. Does this image appear sharp? The other road less traveled is where the indications may serve to take us. The image does not appear to be sharp so can we think that there is more to the idea or intent of the image.

The model standing before the backdrop appears to be moving, this moving is not that of the unusual static subject, so why would the model be moving? Because she is modeling, changing and gesturing.

So why would a photographer want such a photograph? First, the model is not a great model, she is not dynamic in her gesturing. We see the framing is using a modern and common element of the camera 'akimbo', such a use of the framing tells us something about the intent of the photographer's intent.

So, a mediocrity of model and modeling is apparent. The image is not 'sharp' but is this not due to that model's movement? Perhaps but still we are presented with an image. That image does not appear to have a solid place of traditional photographic qualities in the manner of traditional photographic value.

But then you must by now know that I the photographer do not give a fig for these constructed rules. So what is this really about? The photograph is really about that background. (Several days prior to the session Starena created this backdrop using cans of spray paint in the studio and left it to cure, intending this for the photo session). Unfortunately the model modeling in front of that creative painted image was not capable of modeling with the image created.

Enter the photographer wanting to make a creative image with a mediocre model. And so I took advantage of the situation to create what perhaps is a near impossible image. This is that image.

Following on the question resting in the mind one takes a first step and without vocalizing such a question of the image is not sharp, one can move to another question, Why does the image not look sharp? That will lead one to a deeper question of Is the image really NOT sharp? And there in lies a rather interesting observable option. Can I really know if the painted backdrop is sharp? The nature of a rendering of an image by canned spray paint is such that it does not appear sharp. It is diffused, ephemeral and with out solidity.

So like a cloud in the sky, there is nothing solid about the painted image. But the image is quite solid for it's intent. It is a bit erotic representing a female genitalia. Our model can not press the issue as she has not the skill in dance, but the woman who created the painting has that capacity. One woman supporting another woman in her endeavor to express her sensuality.

All in all a great bit of knowledge to help with understand that not all photographs need to be sharp to help us understand that there just might be more there than a passing glance can reveal.

Now for the real curve ball! I explained here and in the first part of this thread that Betty was modeling and that Starena was helping with her workshop. In fact there was quite a bit of girl education going on in the three hour workshop. Starena is among the many things that she does, photography is one of her creative outlets. Starena struck posses for Betty that she wanted her to do. The whole time taking her turn at directing the model not just with words but with actions.

As the session drew to an end I suggested that we should do a group portrait. Everyone agreed that it was a grand idea. Serena went to the dressing area to get Betty and she disappeared and a few minutes later Betty emerged. We called for Serena and Betty told us she was getting ready and would be out in a moment.

Starena emerged a moment later and the group photo(s) were made, here are two of those images. Now, ask yourself the questions that must come to your mind, but before you let that mind render answers do the work. Observe past the obvious nudity. Look at the many different expressions of the individuals in the photograph. Then let your imagination fill in the spaces between the questions so you may find some insight to the many questions that popped through your mind. It is not answers that are key rather than the spaces between the questions that reveal us to ourselves. It is the place where art can lead us and inform us about ourselves.

sbohne

Ok. It looks soft to me, too.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Touché

pila

The above response is why I am a loyal Uhh follower. Quite trippy.
Pila

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Exactly the opposite for me. Little interest in back stories or autobiography.

pila

Yes,there is that.

However, I thought the comment extraordinary.
Pila

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

You are not alone, many seem to enjoy

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

Interesting. I guess those who like to hear the source of the event will read those stories. The others can just skip the writings. Expect the writings because I feel that the Hog is were we come to share more than just the photograph, we share our experiences and what motivates our pursuit of image making.

pila

The Hog offers so many facets of photography and such insights into photographers.

Timmers Loc: San Antonio Texas.

Starena giving directions to Betty while the photography workshop was in session.

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

Looks like Yoni Maroney !!!