Photo Rambles
By P.G. Ramblings
A Love Hate Marriage of Convenience

As a term, the word 'photography' is used to cover amongst other things, the abundance of methods by which an image is captured and produced for posterity. Also covered within the term 'photography' are the many diverse genres, all of which require their own unique methods of capture, equipment, styles, perspective, techniques, creativity and in one genre in particular... human model photography... there is an additional paramount requirement of possessing an in-depth understanding of the limits and complex nature of the subject and if there isn't such a requirement... Why the hell not?

It's an industry that's been in existence since man first created the camera. The male of the species threw away his club and instantly armed himself with the latest in female capture technology. Camera and film. Model photography was born, and then as now like so many images, heavily blurred lines was all that separated the various forms of the genre. In the name of this new 'art...' how many young women willingly agreed to pose for men with cameras? How many of them got carried away on a sea of flattery and excitement? All to soon, many went from fully clothed to scantily clad and 'art' so easily became glamour, topless, erotica...

Over time though, the standards of glamour photography have changed, morals have changed, equipment has changed, women have become sexually liberated but nonetheless, what's still being done in the name of this new art, is still nothing short of criminal.

Nowadays with the advent of the Internet and the digital camera, a whole new industry fuelled by such things as greed and lust has emerged. Photographs of super rich models are everywhere. Articles about their superstar lifestyles adorn every newspaper, magazine and who knows how many websites. Equally pretty young girls are naturally enthralled and influenced by the stories, the images, the money, but being pretty isn''t always enough. it's often said that to be a successful model, a girl has to be an extrovert, an exhibitionist... but take a long hard look at the girls spilling out of any nightclub... any night, any town

Wannabe photographers and models were always meant for each other and the relationships between them normally seemed to mirror those of lovers... married couples even. They often tolerate each other for the sake of their needs. One cannot function without the other, yet the suspicions they harbour of each other will eventually drive them further and further apart. In the beginning, the fledging relationship develops much like a game, two people with a yearning for each other's services.

The model, as she should be, cautious, distrusting of the photographer she's only just met. The photographer wanting more than her indicated limits. Already on a high, the compliments intermingling with the whirr of the camera and the flashing lights, the adrenalin rush like an aphrodisiac. She basks in the limelight, her inhibitions easily falling away and since it's for the sake of art and fame.... The photographer also on a high, pushes the camera button ever faster, the models buttons ever harder... but all to soon it's over. The roller coaster ride ended, she leaves him on a cloud of euphoria but when the images are viewed in the cold light of day, like the one night stand, the regrets kick in. Had she not said No! She wasn't sure. Had she agreed to go that far? Sure, she'd agreed to a fashion shoot, perhaps even some lingerie shots... but the lingerie was see-thru... so what difference would taking it off possibly make? What will her parents say when they see the photographs of their daughter appear on a website... a paysite... porn site? And her boyfriend... her work colleagues... her...

Was it worth the paltry payment... her time for a few prints... a CD of the same second rate images? What if she does do it again? How much further will she have to go the next time? How soon will he tire of her? How many others are out there? How many are willing to pay for her services? Whatever happened to her reputation? Other than herself, who cares? The photographer?

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