Intimate Portraits

 Creating fine art nude photographs is both immensely enjoyable and, at the same time, very difficult.

Why difficult? Because of that fine line... that distinction between what is considered tasteful and beautiful, and what may be considered tasteless, disrespectful or offensive.

There is, in my mind, an enormous difference between a vulgar portrayal of nakedness and the subtle, sensuous image of a nude. Where does the difference lie? How do we make the distinction?

For me personally, it is a question of both respect and intent. The nude photographs that I create are meant as an expression of my respect for the human form, in all it's varying shapes and curves and lines. The human form is a part of creation, a part of life, and is something as incredible and as beautiful as a flower or a butterfly.

I love the way shadows can be used as they fall to create drama... or even to enclose a body and bring it into a landscape or scene so naturally, as if it has always been there. I also love how light can be used to soften the body, creating something so subtly portrayed that at first glance the viewer doesn't always realise what it is that they see.

You may have noticed that I have not talked about either male or female nudes specifically, but that I talk of the human form. I see sensuality and sexuality as two entirely different things. They obviously co-exist, but they may also be separate and distinct. I like to explore the sensual side of someone's nature, to see where their imagination and soul can take them. All very romantic and rose-tinted in this fast, modern life, but is that so bad? I don't think so!

The harsh reality of life is pushed in front of us all day every day. My intimate portraits are created as an escape from that. Somewhere that anyone can feel beautiful and uplifted, even if just for one day!

My last client was a lady in her mid-40's. She has three children, all now grown up with the youngest away at university. Others may consider her dowdy and overweight, I saw her as Cinderella. She works at home, takes care of the chores and the dog, and feels a bit underwhelmed with her life at the moment. Her husband works shifts and doesn't pay her compliments any more... she says he hasn't really noticed her for at least 10 years. She feels she's just become a part of the furniture.

Having seen some of my intimate portraits, she contacted me and we worked together to create something that has done more than make her smile. Her confidence has been given a fire... never mind a spark! Her husband has noticed her again and her marriage is better now than it has been in years.

We didn't do anything that I would consider tasteless. She didn't overtly reveal anything, but subtly and respectfully we drew out the beautiful woman that she's been carrying around inside her all these years! I didn't airbrush the images or build a photo using someone else's figure... it was all her own. All we did was to allow her to see herself in a new light. We used fabrics and light and shadows, all working together to create an artistic presentation of the sensual side, the intimate nature, of the woman. I consider that as fine art.

Respect and intent. To me, these are the two words that hold so much power when deciding what is fine art and what is not.

I hope you enjoyed my ramble, and will join me again here on my hub pages. Thank you for reading,

Aunty.