The White Shoes

"the white shoes"....I love the image but not the title....I think this should just be "Lila"... I love the the dress

compelling, well done

Why should the pornographers have all the fun? Seroiusly, I took this, like I take all of my photos these days, just following my muse. I don't think one can compare this to an "up-the-skirt-shot" and not discuss the morals, but, I'll try. I came across this quote recently, in the introduction to a book about the the painter, Balthus: "Balthus broods on private obsessions." In this case, I confess you're seeing one of mine. I make no defense, artists should never defend their work. I studied with, and befriended Lisette Model in the early 1980s. The toughest critic I ever came across. I showed her a series of large B&W prints I did that were literally up-the-skirt-shots. I had model friends standing overa camera placed on the floor. She gave me a very knowing smile, and said, "Naughty boy, these are wonderful." Her advice was always the same, a negative reaction was better than no reaction. I thank all of you for looking at my pictures, and for taking the time to comment, pro or con.

One more quick comment. About the title, "White Shoes, I think that came from trying as many times as I did to print this negative with some hint of detail in the shoes. Lila has posed often for me, and she certainly is the reason this picture works. Interesting note, Lila said when we first started working together, that she didn't want to do nudes. After a while she changed her mind, but when I exhibit them she doesn't want her name on the title, as I inadvertently did the first time I showed one. I should ask her what she thinks of the current title and what she would think if I attached her name to it. BTW, she is a medical professional.