Long 25 Female Sex Worker, Thailand 2007

Maybe it's just me, but I'm pretty tired of this stuff. What is that you are looking for in the critique gallery? This is just more of the same.

It doesn't appeal to me from an art or technique point. It's just beginning to look more and more like porno.

Jim

It doesn't to me. One has to be a little more broad-minded.

Indio what do you find pornographic about the images? nudity=pornography?

As to why I post them in the critique gallery, it is simple, I want to the images critiqued. I will be soon be making more of these photographs, probably photographing 30 more people soon. I just want to get a feel from people on what works what does not, which comps work which don't. Just looking for honest opinions before I shoot another $3000 worth of film.

I like to hear opinions, do not always agree but they all have an influence on me both negative and positive comments are welcome, that is why I am interested in hearing you expand on your porno thought.

Should I concentrate more on nudity or clothed images? or should I do more of the bar style dress images like the Jo 19 photo?
Thanks Gerry

The Thailand Tourist Board has called and asked that you cease and desist.

Seriously though, your style and presentation is very stark and startling and of course, the photographic craft is perfect, and so needs a forum both here and in exhibition. I can't help but wonder, from the way you've chosen to present the sex trade in Thailand, if...um...any money actually changes hands. I guess your point is to show how awfully dreary and unappealing it is. And the sense of desperation and resignation by those working in the sex trade. This body of work attacks many myths and illusions anyone may have concerning the sex industry in Thailand...with a sledgehammer and a pick-axe. If this heavy-handed social commentary, with the intent of destroying this industry, is what you are going for, then I congratulate you on a job well done.

Your fellow countryman,

David.

I'm tired of this series too. What is the point of these photos? Why are they all pretty much the same? One or two would be fine. Why so many? Is it porn? No, I don't think so, it's just mundane, vulgar and boring. They remind me of Irving Penn's huge photos of cigarette buts.

I like your work, Gerry. Especially these new ones with the white background; they're very Richard Avedon, who cares if these people aren't the rich and famous that Avedon photographed? I find them interesting and would be interested in a book of your images if you manage to get one published.

After thinking more about your work, I have to backtrack on my previous use of the word "pronographic". I tend to agree more with JMcLaugh351 who used the word "vulgar". Maybe "pathetic" is more appropriate.

I guess what I'm saying is that your work has evoked an emotional response in me. And such is the purpose of art.

From that standpoint, your images are successful. It's just not my cup of tea. But, then, I should just "get over it".

Sorry for my previous "knee jerk" reaction and poorly worded comments.

Jim

I think after so many months you have proved my original opinions which where the images.....

"come across as a rich westerners images who goes to Asia for sexual thrills then posts on apug to receive some validation to your exploitive actions. Some guys take the sex workers to backrooms to fuck them, you take them there to photograph them."

The images are unoriginal, stale and all too repetitive.

You filled me with a glimmer of hope when you posted the images of the Nepalese Baby, 2007 or the Doors Tool Sleng Prison-Torture Facility, Cambodia 1999 but nope back to the same repetition.

I guess your point is to show how awfully dreary and unappealing it is. And the sense of desperation and resignation by those working in the sex trade. This body of work attacks many myths and illusions anyone may have concerning the sex industry in Thailand...with a sledgehammer and a pick-axe. If this heavy-handed social commentary, with the intent of destroying this industry, is what you are going for, then I congratulate you on a job well done.

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David I feel the work is more about the people than the industry. It is not about Thailand either but instead about the people working these jobs. I want to create photographs that honestly tell their stories. Prostitution destroys people in many countries not just Thailand, been thinking of photographing in other countries as well, it is not only a South East Asian problem but a world wide one.

I'm tired of this series too. What is the point of these photos? Why are they all pretty much the same? One or two would be fine. Why so many? Is it porn? No, I don't think so, it's just mundane, vulgar and boring. They remind me of Irving Penn's huge photos of cigarette buts.

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JM...thanks for your input. As to why so many photos because you learn by making many images and posting them here for feedback. For Avedons "In the American West" he shot 752 subjects and exposed 17 000 sheets of 8x10 tri-x.
I am at about 30 people and 400 sheets, a ways to go yet!!!



I only mention that to show how hard the greats work to get the photos they make. You need to work your butt off to create good photography, which is why I am off to Asia soon and will be shooting another 30 people and another 400 sheets, which I will post on APUG for feedback.