Welcome Britalicus

Bending nude: a contrast lighting study. 
Model: Raphaella

It's been a while since we posted but today it is our pleasure to feature the photography of Britalicus, who hails from Edinburgh, Scotland.

"I was given my first camera at about the age of eight and knew instantly then that photography was something special. To be able to capture a moment, a feeling, an emotion, was something that I felt was possible, and so it has remained with me since, but capturing that special and perfect image remains just as elusive today as it did then.

      Bow: a pose to create symmetry. Model: Katy Cee                 

After many years of photographing landscapes, portraits, and events, as very much an amateur photographer, I ventured into artistic nudes in January 2010, my wife, I’m glad to say, being very supportive of the idea. 

Once passed the ‘how do you find a model?’ stage, it was a case of finding an approach to the subject with which I felt comfortable. 

It’s plain there are many different approaches to photographing the nude female form, but for me respect for the beauty and integrity of the model comes very high on the agenda in addition to the creation of an artistic image.

Dance: a shot from a dance shoot using fabrics to create shapes in contrast to the models.
Models: Katy Cee, and Kayleigh Lush

EdinburghCastle: the well known landmark of Edinburgh Castle and a cloudy sky used as a backdrop to this rooftop shot. 
Model: Katy Cee

Modern dance and classical ballet have been a strong influence on my shoots. 

I am fascinated with the shapes and forms that can be created in this art form, all too fleetingly, especially when emphasised by contrasting stage lighting. It will continue to be an underlying theme of my work, and has also influenced the choice of models with whom I have worked, many of them having formal dance training and experience. It is also probably why I have a preference for monochrome, this giving emphasis to the captured shapes and forms, focusing the eye on line, light, and shadow, and coming from the age of Tri-X film a reason why I like contrasty shots. 

I treat external location work with caution as I think shooting outside risks being clichéd. However, a location with a strong photographic identity in its own right can add significantly to an image provided that model and location are integrated as one in the composition.

Horse and nude: an early morning shoot on Camber Sands, Kent, using the wide open space to contrast with model and horse. The underlying desire was to create a level of romanticism. 
Model: Kayleigh Lush

Model: Iveta Niklova

Model: Iveta Niklova

Model: Kayleigh Lush

Nearly two years on from my first shoot, a solo exhibition and a magazine spread and publications behind me, together with a website that regularly attracts visitors from around the world, I do not see my desire diminishing to try new concepts as well as developing on existing. In doing so I can, hopefully, get somewhere closer to capturing those elusive moments, those fleeting shadows, that I perceived all those years ago in the days of my youth!"

Kayleigh: posed to create a symmetry. 
Model: Kayleigh Lush

Thank you Britalicus! We wish you well in your future work.  Anyone interested in viewing his latest work please visit his website

                                                                                              

Raphaella: a pose to show the model’s flexibility.
Model: Raphaella

Thonet Rocking Chair: a pose to reflect the shapes in the chair. Shot with natural light.
Model: Raphaella