Comments on Fluffytek Art Blog: Models: Meat or Muse?

Ahh..there it is...the Hustler cover photo that I ...

2007-08-08T14:34:00.000+01:00

Ahh..there it is...the Hustler cover photo that I drew inspiration from for a photo I created early last year for the Colin Duerr film "Dirty Detroit".

I agree models are the most important part of our photos...but I almost prefer to call them actress's as they act out the idea that I create (or collaborative idea from the "Model"). The "models" I work with understand and accept my often bizarre and/or absurd photographic vision..so they in fact are willing to act out the part..more so than just sitting there waiting to reflect light back through my lens. Their involvement is always dynamic in my photographs...and never passive. I also use mannequins when I see the fit. But I still insist that MY photographs are about ME and NOT the models, but that does not diminish the models absolute importance in each photograph.

bt

Lin and Dave. I agree wholeheartedly!I know that ...

2007-08-08T11:07:00.000+01:00

Lin and Dave. I agree wholeheartedly!
I know that I prefer to work with people I am close with, have solid chemistry with, and I know that the images will be better because of it. My shoots are true collaborations. I never just stand there and be a "puppet". I'm an active part of the process - coming up with ideas/props/suggestions. I have yet to meet a photographer who doesn't want to work with me like this. Two people can do more than just one.

Great post. I consider my models to be co-creator...

2007-08-07T22:51:00.000+01:00

Great post. I consider my models to be co-creators of the photos we do together. I'm serious about that to the extent that I share copyright with my models. I've often said that the models do all the hard work while I just take photos of them while they do it. It certainly makes a great difference when working with a talented model who "gets" what I'm trying to do.

That said, it's also true that the models in my photos are, for the most part, interchangable. I just need a reasonably attractive nude female body to put at a particular position in the composition. I generally have an idea of where I want the body and what sort of pose I want it to be in. But a good model will bring her own ideas about the setting and the pose and enhance whatever I had in mind.

It also matters a great deal to me that the models I work with be people who I enjoy being around. It is much more pleasant working with a friend than with someone who is just there for a job.

But no matter what, I couldn't do my work without the help of some very wonderful, beautiful women.