What I’m After

I want the viewer to feel some kind of connection with my female subjects; not necessarily sexual attraction, but perhaps intimidation, discomfort, ambivalence, respect... The model needs to project something of her personality in the photo. I like body modification since tattoos and piercings say something about a model's personality. The challenge for me is to capture a nude model's image in a way that doesn't completely objectify them, but rather forces the viewer to see them as an individual - strong, sexual and in control.

"I hate good taste, it is the worst thing that can happen to a creative person." - Helmut Newton

Helmut Newton is a personal favorite. His edgy, erotic fashion portraits provoke viewers and incite both admiration and contempt. He didn’t let other’s opinions get in the way of his creative drive. There is an ambivalence toward his female subjects. Is he a misogynist? Does he make you feel like a voyeur?

Feminism or Sexploitation?

Can a male photographer portray feminine sexual power without exploiting women? My photographs are a collaboration with a model who tries to project her vision of sexual power and femininity. Of course I suggest poses and compose images - that’s what a photographer does. My challenge is to select images from our photo shoot that I feel portray the ideas shared by myself and my model. That is the intent of my art.