Michelle

I know Robert and I had a chat in the chatroom last night about this series, and he indicated he was not making these for anyone but the model, and for his own satisfaction, but I find the posing in this and the others in the series to be verging on cliche and kitsch. The distinguishing characteristic of these images that sets them apart from run-of-the-mill glamour work is the fact that they're beautifully printed in black-and-white on 8x10, and not color from a smaller format.

If you are shooting for a models' portfolio, do her some favors and encourage more dynamic posing, if she wants to be an art model. The model has some very nice shapes to her body - this doesn't take advantage of that.

If she's looking for fashion work, this doesn't do it either - she'll actually get turned off of professional fashion shoots for poses and outfits like this. Sometimes as the photographer we have to save our clients from themselves. I think these are a good example of the photographer not having sufficient detachment from the subject, and allowing hormonal influence to interfere with artistic and creative decision-making.

I could be barking up the wrong tree here, as I'm assuming Robert's goal was not just to make people horny. If I'm wrong, the image succeeds remarkably in its intended purpose, and I take back my earlier comments.

She seems to be falling backwards to me anyway. Beyond that it's a fine shot for it's intended purpose. I am sure the gal will be happy with it. On another subject, I just don't get the use of spicky high heel shoes in most glamour shots. What's with that anyway? Ya I know it makes their legs look longer blah blah blah, but really they seem so out of place.

I get it too!! I don't like the undies in particular--I'm suggesting different as opposed to none !! The legs-----smokin' !!!! OK--I'm done!!!
Really a lovely model but there is a contrast here but I still really really like the legs---uh, image!!! " Posed like a slut" Why have it any other way!!! With legs like that whatya expect ?? I said----SMOKIN"""!!! She is lovely and those legs are mmmm mmm ---SMOOOOKINNNN !!! I'm not usually partial to Asian women those legs.............I won't say it!!!
It's the legs man, the legs !! Robert, a fine job, FINE I say!! You captured them well and she wears them well ! Somebody stop me !!!

Open mouth, insert foot. I asked for it and got it. Lots of interesting comments, guys, but my opinion doesn't change. Maybe "slut" was too strong, but the photo doesn't work for me as either a portrait or a fashion statement. The model is obviously posing and doesn't seem natural or comfortable in the pose.

Robert, I don't want to hijack this thread. It's technically a good shot. You could put a fully-dressed person in a snazzy high-end suit looking straight into camera in the same spot and communicate more strongly.

Ari, thanks for the insult. in Italian, "gomena" is a ship's hawser or cable. I'm of dilute Italian ancestry, not Greek, and I've obviously let out enough rope to hang myself.

Andre, I haven't posted images because I have no printing darkroom and could only submit film scans, which I feel are an unfinished product. I hope to build a darkroom this winter, and post some work. Subjects that interest me actually resemble your posted work. (I use a Hasselblad, too.)

Peter Gomena

Comments like yours mr.Gomena are why I've decided not to upload any more photos in APUG anymore: to protect my models from undeserved insults. Thankfully none of my photographs have received such treatment including a sensual one that's on the top in APUG.
Funny you find my definition insulting (considering that's from another language, slang, was not created by me and has different meanings, not all of them negative) yet consider "slut" to be just a strong word.
Considering the above model is not doing anything "slutish" apart from posing in fairly tame and conventional lingerie, you should be more careful with your use of words. For one, it shows a personal problem with sexuallity.

Wow, half naked or fully naked women sure get the comments going. That's all I am going to take from now on!
Back to the photo, I love the lighting, great spot for portraits and the model is pleasing to say the least.
I would have prefered her to be lookind at the camera but that may have compromised your lighting.
Also I feel that the sill is a bit high, giving her a slight falling back look.....but then.....the legs...

Since this is one image out of many to comprise a model's portfolio I think I would need to see the whole group before judging the merits of the image.

But I will go along with others in regards to those legs.

There is a lot right and very little wrong with this shot. One possible improvement is to trim off some of the right side to get the model off the center and more to the right of the image. Not much, just a bit. Also the fingers of her right hand are a bit too forceful. A more relaxed position on top of the knee would work better. I like it a lot. Compliments on the technical execution.

Jim, I'll buy your argument. This shot is apparently a lingerie shot as part of a model's portfolio, and I've been around long enough to know that every model needs an underwear shot if he/she is going to get work. I think it might have been done more tastefully, but, hey, it's not my work, only my opinion.

Ari, I have no problems with viewing, making or owning sensual photographs. Many excellent nudes have been posted in the APUG galleries. This one is pretty flatly commercial, and it doesn't grab me.

I've taken up enough space on this post, and I'll keep my opinions to myself in the future, unless the posted image is a landscape, portrait, rock, fuzzy kitten or waterfall.

Peter Gomena

Depends on your purpose -

If it's selling a 'glamour' pic to men, then judging by responses to the thread it works for some men, anyway.

If selling lingerie - supposedly to women - then I don't think it does. Too much of the male fantasy and not enough of the female fantasy.

Selling the model to agencies? Sorry, no idea on that one! FC's points sound worth consideration - but not my area.

I like the lighting.

Cate