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Response to Predudice against erotica at this forum? A response...

from wayne harrison (wayno@netmcr.com)
i think the issue t raises is very important in any forum that deals with pictures of people, for the obvious reason: nudity is the final characteristic that we all share, and the depiction of that condition is vital to our understanding of ourselves as both observers and image makers. furthermore, i think that the portrayals of "erotica" offered by steve v and by t meyer present excellent examples of the broad range of photographic philosophy at work in the genre. *as portrayed*, the women in steve's images are treated as part of a straightforward attempt to demonstrate the *power* of the female sexuality; whether that power elicits a positive erotic reaction or revulsion or simply mild displeasure is up to the viewer and his reaction to a very confrontational display. on the other hand, tom's treatment is much more subtle, but far more the result of the photographer's technical abilities. the most recent posting is a perfect example. the lighting is delicate, molding the lines of the body perfectly, making the presentation very provocative in a *pleasing* way. there is a certain romanticism underlying this effort, and the image is in praise of its subject. how far this is from steve's "this is for john, who wanted more body,etc."...far more pornographic, blatant: just look at those tits, boys! what a great piece of ass, doncha just know it! in the end, i suppose the choice of preference depends on what you are looking for as a participant in the photographic experience. there are times when one suits, the other doesn't, and vice versa. not a cop-out, just the truth, for me.

anyway, i see no possible way to conduct a meaningful forum which announces its status as "people" photography without having pictures of people without clothes on.

(posted 8545 days ago)

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