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D/s & Photography - 6/2/2009 6:50:19 PM

DemonKia

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I find that there are strong similarities between engaging in the activity of photographing human subjects & the activity of dominating people . . . . .

There's the obvious that I get to tell people what to do, lol, generally a pleasurable when all else is in synch . . . . . But even more to the point is the work that can be done around guiding the model to delve into themselves & radiate that out for the camera to see. The establishment of trust plays a part, so there's a relationship thing that goes on, too.

Similarly there's an experience, for me, of 'submitting' in allowing myself to be photographed.

So. How do you feel about photography & D/s? Please feel free to wander loosely around the topic, it's meant to be a big general conversation starter . . . . ..

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/2/2009 7:24:57 PM

DavanKael

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Hmmm, well, artfully done bdsm photography can be rather exquisite and plaster castings that are done at our local ren faire sometimes have D/s themes with males hands bound benind a muscular back with rope, etc., that I find beautiful.
The contrasts of materials against human skin appeals to me, for example, I prefer to see rope against male skin (though I enjoy chain as well) because I associate rope with softness. Conversely, I dislike rope against the female form and instead favor chain as chain is harder, thus hard against soft.
I find as I contemplate bdsm photography, black and white images come most readily to mind. Again, it's that starkness and duality, balance. Symmetry, synergy.
I also note that sometimes something that I would find to be quite ugly under another circumstance can be captured in a truly beautiful sense by the right photographer in a particularly magical moment.
Before I write volumes here, I suppose that I'm coming back again and again to balance and contrasts in bdsm photography and art, several things that are important to me in D/s as a whole and relationally speaking. :>
Davan

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/2/2009 7:27:35 PM

VampiresLair

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Fox and I are photographers, mainly of fetish and BDSM. It is a part of our relationship, and I have often used it to document Foxs bruises after sessions and things like that. As for photographing others, I dont get a dominant rush from it, but I ave heard from several of my models that they do feel especially submissive when they model for me, becasue I am so very take charge during the shoots.

DV

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/2/2009 7:59:25 PM

Joseff

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One of the things taken in the robbery was my camera equipment. It had been a while since I used it, digital is just so much more convenient, but I sure am gonna miss that old Nikon. I do get the point of the thread, the person behind the camera is in controll, even if its at a friend's wedding.

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/2/2009 8:49:34 PM

NuevaVida

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I was recently the subject in a photo shoot and I found myself experiencing the most peaceful feeling as it occurred. A friend did the photo shoot and his submissive worked the lighting with him and supplied most of the wardrobe. I didn't feel submissive to them, but I reached the same kind of peace I would feel when bound. It's hard to describe. They were both so incredibly comfortable to do this with, and I had very little in the way of inhibitions (as we all recognized later in the shoot, lol). Something about being handed a garment to wear and being positioned a certain way in it was an incredible feeling. Truly a great experience all the way around.

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/2/2009 9:13:46 PM

EmelineRose

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Hmm interesting Kia. I have worked professionally as a photographer myself and it never occured to me I was "domming" people!!

There is some beautiful D/s photography about. I love the kind that captures the spirit, passion and beauty of D/s - which isn't always easy. Black and white photography seems to be a more successful medium for this.

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/2/2009 9:42:06 PM

NihilusZero

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A ha! My type of thread!

There is a certainly D/s aspect to the photographer/model interaction. The model surrenders certain aspects of themselves (physique, body language,presence, energy, effort) to the control of the photographer in a dynamic where both expect and hope for a beautiful symbiotic result. And that's just speaking of the interaction itself, irrelevant of what type of photography is being captured.

I've run nearly the gamut of photography styles from portraiture to erotica/porn. Each presents slightly different elements of trust and surrender.

Also, in the end it is a trust between the two that the intended story/goal will be told. That something will be plucked from within the nucleus of the connection and the spawned artistry will be a voice to the magic each wanted to convey. This has actually proved more true the more I've started using photography as a means of catharsis. My new avatar, coincidentally, is specifically an example of that end (although, in such cases, the photographer and model are one and the same...which admittedly makes understanding the intent much simpler).

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/2/2009 10:22:27 PM

antipode

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quote:

There's the obvious that I get to tell people what to do, lol, generally a pleasurable when all else is in synch

I spent part of my career behind the camera, as well as in theatre and film production, but I can't say I agree with you. Photographing models in particular, it is very hard work to get them to provide exactly that view you are after, as they can't see what you see. This is further complicated by the forever presence of one or more stylists, and often the art director of the publication or bureau you are shooting for. And you haven't live until you have done a photo shoot of a car with five teen models, whose mothers repose your shot for you if you turn your back for five seconds, and you cannot kick them out of the studio as they have a legal right to chaperone.

BDSM is much easier - which presumably is why it doesn't pay half as much

There is, for me, a different equation between BDSM and photography, though, and that is objectification. Once I frame a shot, in my mind's eye, everything in it, human or otherwise, becomes an object you position and light. Some you have to get to stop moving, though, and you can't always tie it down...

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 12:00:44 AM

RCdc

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There is an exchange in photography.
There is also a degree of 'topping from the bottom' sometimes. As in BDSM, TfTB isn't automatically a bad thing.

the.dark.

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 12:25:09 AM

ZenDragoness

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Good topic DemonKia:-),

coming from a movie/photography family and having myself studied movie science, i have a similar attitude as NZ.

Taking pictures - moving or unmoving - is all about control and giving yourself to the photographer and the medium.

But

the real good pieces, the enlighted ones

derive from object and subject connection and that should be one of respect and trust.

Similar to a real good one night stand, if both participants are able to love one night or hour, it will be a
fulfilling experience of respect, trust and great sex and/or s/m.

ZD

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 12:26:30 AM

ZenDragoness

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Dark,

i would' nt call it TftB, i would call it working together:-).

ZD
still having fun here..

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 12:29:17 AM

ZenDragoness

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quote:

There is, for me, a different equation between BDSM and photography, though, and that is objectification. Once I frame a shot, in my mind's eye, everything in it, human or otherwise, becomes an object you position and light. Some you have to get to stop moving, though, and you can't always tie it down...

Exactly antipode,

what you describe would be for me the other side of the coin, that clear relation where only the photographer or director is in charge (must have been fun working with Stanley Kubrick).

It reminds me a lot on a master/slave relation especially if it is a movie and is taking time.

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 3:54:49 AM

RCdc

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ZenDragoness

Dark,

i would' nt call it TftB, i would call it working together:-).

ZD
still having fun here..

(.Is glad you are still having fun!.)

The reason I said TftB is because it's buzzy to say it - I should have added a bit of sarcasm.
Mind, I have worked with some 'prima donnas' who do the opposite of what is needed when your trying to direct them.
Patience rocks!

the.dark.

< Message edited by Darcyandthedark -- 6/3/2009 3:55:47 AM >

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 4:50:41 AM

ZenDragoness

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From: Berlin/Germany
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Patience always rocks and the

prima donnas

are normally easily directed as long as you let not on, what you really want, they will always ähm
act/run/dramatize in the opposite direction.

I have read the sarcasm, but maybe not everybody else.-)

Ruth

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 5:26:22 AM

RCdc

Posts: 8674
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ZenDragoness
prima donnas

are normally easily directed as long as you let not on, what you really want, they will always ähm
act/run/dramatize in the opposite direction.
Ruth

True, true...

the.dark.

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Post #: 15

RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 7:22:29 AM

pompeii

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From: Silicon Valley, San Jose, California
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There is an element of focus in photography, which is similar to that which is given by the Dom to the sub. It's all about her providing the substance for his pleasure, in the case of photography, particularly erotic photography, without her he has no subject and without him,. she has no pictures! :)

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 7:35:18 AM

CreativeDominant

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Interest ing question, Kia! I'm curious about another aspect. I've always wondered why I feel perfectly comfortable in those shots where the photographer tells me to just pose whatever way I feel comfortable or in those photos taken by friends/family members that are unposed and the only time I begin to feel uncomfortable is when someone starts trying to "control" my poses, my movements, my emotional expression, etc.. does any other dominant feel that way or am I just weird?

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 11:26:56 AM

MarcEsadrian

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Joined: 8/24/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: DemonKia

I find that there are strong similarities between engaging in the activity of photographing human subjects & the activity of dominating people.

There's the obvious that I get to tell people what to do, lol, generally a pleasurable when all else is in synch...But even more to the point is the work that can be done around guiding the model to delve into themselves & radiate that out for the camera to see. The establishment of trust plays a part, so there's a relationship thing that goes on, too.

Similarly there's an experience, for me, of 'submitting' in allowing myself to be photographed.

This all depends upon the subject involved; it can really go both ways. I'm well acquainted with a Woman who uses the photographers as human tripods, basically; she directs so much of the style, composure and post production that it's virtually self-portraiture. The photographer as "dominant" may direct the model to surrender and exude aspects of herself, but inversely, a dominant Woman may produce these things to be captured...now.

As a photographer myself, I have found the model is half the deal. Without a talented model, the journey in attempting to produce good work can be rather draining. Good looks and the proper "connection" are vital, one way or the other.

Edited to add: Thankfully, said Woman has entertained my creative lunacy from time to time when I shoot for Her.

< Message edited by MarcEsadrian -- 6/3/2009 11:35:56 AM >

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RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 12:41:26 PM

pinnipedster

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Slightly irrelevant anecdote: I used to slightly know a guy who went into the army to learn to make films (he couldn't afford a civilian film school). After training, he was assigned to Fort Bragg, and one of the experiences he had was making training films showing the army rangers going through various drills. He did say that there was a somewhat perverse pleasure, as a low-ranking enlisted man, to be able to tell an officer, "Sir, we need to get that from another angle -- have your men run through that again," and having a training ground full of elite soldiers going through exercises at his instruction....

So, yes, I can see it. :) Most photos I have been in or around have been of the casual snapshot type, but I've been "posed" once or twice, and there is a little bit of that "being handled like a prop" thing that is cool.

Now, if I could find someone who wanted to take bondage photos of me....lots and lots of them.....well. :)

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Post #: 19

RE: D/s & Photography - 6/3/2009 12:48:53 PM

NihilusZero

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From: Nashville, TN
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quote:

ORIGINAL: antipode

I spent part of my career behind the camera, as well as in theatre and film production, but I can't say I agree with you. Photographing models in particular, it is very hard work to get them to provide exactly that view you are after, as they can't see what you see. This is further complicated by the forever presence of one or more stylists, and often the art director of the publication or bureau you are shooting for. And you haven't live until you have done a photo shoot of a car with five teen models, whose mothers repose your shot for you if you turn your back for five seconds, and you cannot kick them out of the studio as they have a legal right to chaperone.

BDSM is much easier - which presumably is why it doesn't pay half as much

There is, for me, a different equation between BDSM and photography, though, and that is objectification. Once I frame a shot, in my mind's eye, everything in it, human or otherwise, becomes an object you position and light. Some you have to get to stop moving, though, and you can't always tie it down...

I had neglected to take into consideration the differences of experience that a pro photographer would run into as opposed to a hobbyist. It certainly wouldn't feel very Domly having a client over your shoulder telling you "Now I want her left ass cheek whipped a bit more than the right. Yeah...that's it...harder, though..a bit higher up...."

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"I know it's all a game
I know they're all insane
I know it's all in vain
I know that I'm to blame."
~Siouxsie & the Banshees

NihilusZero.com

CM Sex God du Jour
CM Hall Monitor

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Post #: 20

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