My weekly update about photography types. I don't think I'll be able to keep this up the entire semester, but I'll give it a try. Today's update may come off sounding bitter, and for that, I apologize in advance. I don't intend to undermine any one's ability/potential nor damn others for their personal beliefs, some things just aggravate me.
Nature/Landscape & Macro- Whenever I have friends who pick up my camera, they generally take photos of one of three things immediately: People, Plants/Trees/Foliage/, and close-ups of anything within a 15 foot radius (which I guess can be labeled as macro, or at the very least, attempts at such). I understand that completely, seeing as how that is Exactly what I started off with as well. With my mom's point-and-click in hand, I'd take horrid shots of friends which often came out too damn blurry/had horrible composition. I'd go out after it rained and take macro shots of the water dripping from leaves, or the ripples in a puddle. And you can bet your life that you could easily find me taking photos of that big ol' sunset. I'd get lucky every now and then, but that was just me messing around. Now I have seen some absolutely stunning nature/landscape photos and even more mind-blowing macro shots, but I have grown so used to kids who have high quality DSLRs and take photos of a leaf, set it to black and white, and call it "art." So as to leave my personal rant on teen "photographers" (which will include myself) for another post, let me just say this: Nature/Landscape & Macro photos can be beautiful things, but sadly, I feel they are ruined subjects for me. They can be fun to take occasional photos of, but I can never take it as seriously as I would other types, and therefore don't get as "in to it" as I could.
Nude- This is an extremely touchy subject, especially as a male -an underage one at that- and affects me on a personal level. For pretty much my entire life, I've been hearing "All men are perverts and just want to have sex and see naked women," etc. etc. and because of this and reasons much too personal for this blog, I've resented having those kinds of thoughts. But as I walk around school, I see literally thousands of young, good-looking women wearing short shorts and tank tops to cope with the weather and/or to be "eye-candy." Needless to say, a guy can only have so much self-control. And it truly is agonizing. Because, while yes, those "guy thoughts" are there, at times I think of nude women in an entirely non-sexual manner. I see them as living, breathing pieces of art. To me nothing can ever compare with the absolute beauty of a woman. And if given the opportunity, I would look over thousands upon thousands of nude photos and simply study each model; every curve, every shadow, every tiny detail. But if I'm caught looking at a nude photo outside of an art room, I'm labeled as yet another horny teenage boy.
Which brings up a quick comment towards the group who decides what is and is not blocked from school/library Internet users: Nude Photography (or any other media) is NOT Pornography (just as porn is not art). I understand the arguments against allowing it in these locations, but please label them correctly. Seeing Pornography come up as a reason for me not being allowed onto one of my favorites websites during class is infuriating. Nude Art would at least show understanding towards the content. And plus, Nude Art is shorter than Pornography anyways.
But I digress. To be honest, it just sucks knowing I won't be able to practice this type for a long long while. Even if legality isn't an issue (i.e both my model and I are over 18yrs old) it's not exactly an easy thing to do. I have so many ideas for both AP Art and my own personal self that would require a girl I can work with. It's not exactly like I can approach a girl and ask "Hey, would you mind posing naked for me so I can take photos that I will end up showing to a whole bunch of people?" And say, for instance I had a friend who was at least willing to give it a try, how can I, as a young man who has never done nude photography before, be able to keep the line between Artistic and Pornographic strong?
One piece I have in mind that would fit in my general AP Art Concentration is Lust/Passion. The main focus of it would be to convey the intimacy between my model and myself, either through a kiss or a variety of other ways. But I can't do it. Why? Because I don't have a girlfriend. I have girls who I feel would at least give the idea a second thought, but I can't direct them to fake that sort of intimacy I need. Pretending to want each other is very easy to tell, I've seen photographers try to fake it. And the one girl who I think that would be comfortable enough to be able to pull off that passion and desire, is not at all comfortable in front of the camera. Even if she was up to it though, all of it, the position, the lighting, etc, I personally wouldn't be able to ask her to do it in the first place. I might forget to keep things professional in front of the camera.
No comments:
Post a Comment