Bare

[vaneramos]

bitterlawngnome shot some studio photos of me on Saturday, and has posted four of them. Here is the set on Flickr. Some nudity is involved, so don't look if you would find it offensive or inappropriate. His LJ posts from this set are friends-only, but I'm posting a link for my own reference: starting with this one.

I used to post a lot of nude photos on the web. In the past two years, as my libido declined, I lost interest in doing so. I'm not ashamed of it, but don't always know how to respond to the attention generated. Lately my energy has been flowing in other directions.

But I still cannot resist the opportunity to model for a camera, especially with a great artist like Bill behind it.

Comments

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

You're beautiful, and I applaud your courage and pride in how you give permission for your body to become part of work(s) of art.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yes, and shame is such a shame!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Heh, despite what I said here, it probably still has more to do with exhibitionism than courage! But thanks, Shimmer. ;-)

I suppose a big part of it is also curiosity about how others see me, and what I see when I look at myself through another lens. In that one particular photo, Bill captured a moment, an expression, and a thought that I can't even recall. But from another's perspective, it is exquisite.

[champdaddy.livejournal.com]

There's so much more to these shots than nudity... the way you express yourself here is beautiful.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, C, and yes there's more going on than can be put into words. I guess that's why I like doing it.

[blt4success66.livejournal.com]

Bill is talented but considering the source, the material is pretty nice to work with too!

[eloquentwthrage.livejournal.com]

The black and white one is amazing.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Expressive, isn't it?

[bitterlawngnome.livejournal.com]

heya Van, you got the zip file right? you are welcome to repost any of them however you like...

[bear-left.livejournal.com]

These are really wonderful, Van, and I'm inspired by your comfort being photographed like this.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Yes, and I love them. I wouldn't mind people seeing them; but I'm ambivalent about posting the more explicit ones here. It's hard to explain why. Lately I've been blogging more about writing, ideas and the creative process, and my naked body feels like too much of a distraction. Maybe that's fucked up. Maybe I need to just post some photos and blog about my ambivalence.

Anyway I like best the ones you already posted.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Posing for photographs has been a significant journey for me. I have always been comfortable with my body, but my feelings about it have changed since the first session with Bill five years ago. I did some self-porn before that, and the primary motivation was to attract sexual partners. Not so much anymore, though I still like attention.

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

that is such a great image of you
makes me grateful to know you
like you are captured for one little second in time as that vulnerable totally open being.

namaste

[songdogmi.livejournal.com]

That made me giggle. :)

Fine photos, too. My compliments to the model and the photographer.

[inishglora.livejournal.com]

Maybe I need to just post some photos and blog about my ambivalence.

This made me laugh out loud. I feel like that's all I manage to contribute to my journal in terms of artwork. The latest is a perfect example.

nice

[queenmomcat.livejournal.com]

Well, there's nudity, and then again there's nudity. This is the other kind.