That woman... alternate pose

Interesting concept. To me, the two are totally different. They communicate completely different ideas. In this one, I may be a friend, an estranged lover, or even a trusted confidant. In the previous, I am the intruder, I am perhaps, presenting an equally lethal threat. The other one is difficult for me to look at. It makes me very uncomfortable.

The thing I was worried about the most about the original photo was that the viewer might not figure out it's a gun because of the foreshortening (sp?). You made a very valid point as far as what I am communicating. This one is more of a beauty shot, whereas the previous one has a message. I'm glad it makes you uncomfortable (in a good way of course) and I can understand that. Funny thing is that the model was getting a little playful while I was doing Polaroid tests and at one point she dry-fired the gun (firing a gun without ammo). Out of a natural reflex I must have jumped back about 2 feet. You don't want to get shot point-blank with that thing.

I lkie this one a *LOT* better. I am a Certified Firarms Instructor, and whenever I see an image of a firearm pointed at "me" - or the camera -, I cringe like mad!! A word of advice ... If you must have an image of the business end of a firearm, USE A MIRROR. When the inevitable happens, only the mirror will suffer.

The HARD AND FAST, CARVED IN STEEL, CEMENT rule is that ALL firearms are ALWAYS loaded, whether they are or not.

She "dry-fired" ?? ... Argghh!!. I've seen pistols dry-fired before ... and a few very surprised people who realized that they were in fact, not dry.

Ed,
I'm extremely careful with my firearms. I must have checked 5 or more times to make sure the gun wasn't loaded. I made sure the ammo was in a part of the house where she couldn't find it (not that she would load the thing, I'm just paranoid). I guess it wouldn't be a altogether terrible way to go: a gorgeous model naked in my tub, me holding my trusty Hasselblad... kind of romantic, isn't it?
Ara

great photograph....well done.

"I'm glad it makes you uncomfortable (in a good way of course) and I can understand that."

Yes, I agree. One of the criteria I use to judge art (any kind really) is whether or not it elicits some emotional response.