An Artist from India, Ashok

Ashok

 "Submerged Nude"

Preparing this article Ashok did a wonderful work until to give me some words :

"Ashok had featured in UdA about five years ago with his images of nudes shot in India. We now bring an update to his portfolio in his own words." His interview by AlexB.

There are really few artistic nude photographers in India, maybe two or three with him in the magazine. I learned that the Art Models doesn't want to show their face and you learn much more by reading him. Since 5 years, Ashok uses more layers and textures in his photographs what gives to his work a beautiful painting style rarely exhibited here.

I deeply thank you Ashok for your quick and so kind cooperation, for your passion and your confidence.

"Nude in Copper"

"Cast in Stone"

I have been into photography from the 70’s with interests in landscape, portraits, travel and art nudes. Using film I found that generally labs in India could not deliver the same quality as overseas which was a disappointment. Commitments to my work left little time to find a suitable model. All this changed when digital came along.  My workhorse was the Nikon D100 6MP which was a superb machine that could deliver image quality.

When Chris very kindly agreed to publish an update on my work after so many years  I told him that I now seem to have moved to using layers and textures in many of my images. Textures don’t always work. It depends on the image and the blending mode used. I find some days yield more nice images than others. U need to play around with it and see what results you get.

I collect textures of what I see such as a painted wall, oil stains, rusted metal, water drops on a window and so on.







I still like the traditional nudes especially in black & white with the long range of tones and light and shadow that emphasis the shapes and lines.  That will always be my first love. I no longer shoot film as its hard to get and processing options limited and expensive. As a result my old Rolleiflex has gone into retirement.

"Reflections"

Being in India, its still difficult after so many years to find a model as art nudes is a little known and understood concept among models. Not many photographers shoot nudes. 

My models are all non professional people who like my work and model on the condition they remain unknown.  I am always looking for potential models from India or overseas. These days Indian photographic exhibitions are getting more images of nudes from overseas photographers which hopefully increases the awareness in India.

After about 35 years of using a Nikon I finally moved to a Fuji X Pro1 with Fuji glass 10~24mm, 18~55mm and the very lovely 50~140mm f2.8 Lens. My needs have changed and I am not getting any younger. The Fuji X Pro1 is a very retro looking camera and has all the adjustments I could want. I shoot RAW and jpg. The jpg from the camera is excellent needing little if any adjustment. The RAW files are processed in Affinity Photo a somewhat new software that does everything PS could do and for a very modest one time fee. Black & white conversion is using Silver Efex Pro which I highly recommend.

"Painted Nude"

Almost all my work is shot in available light from a window and a reflector for fill in the shadows. I do not feel the need for a strobe light. Apart from indoor nudes I would like to shoot nudes in the landscape although with India’s very large population its not easy to find a suitable location.

Some of the images have been exhibited in International Salons in India and overseas and won awards. Its very satisfying to have acceptances in International exhibitions where one is competing against the best.

UdA has always been a site that inspires me as some of the worlds best photographers have their work on display. It’s a great place to see different styles and learn for them.

Thank you Ashok, I blushed !

Fall Time Adventures

Just a peek at some of my ventures over the last few months! These shots represent camping trips all the way up in Mormon country in Utah to a nude resort down in Southern California. More interviews to come!

Art Model, Covenant ©2016 Terrell Neasley

Art Model, Covenant ©2016 Terrell Neasley

Art Model, Covenant ©2016 Terrell Neasley

Art Model, Covenant ©2016 Terrell Neasley

Art Model, Covenant ©2016 Terrell Neasley

Art Model, Covenant ©2016 Terrell Neasley

Art Model, Covenant ©2016 Terrell Neasley

Art Model, Covenant ©2016 Terrell Neasley

Olivier Pieri, Sculptor of bodies

 Olivier Pieri

A new member of Univers d'Artistes

Olivier Pieri told me :
- It is a hobby Chris.
I answered :
- A passion Olivier, since your 15 ! As me with your father...

I discovered Olivier Pieri, from France, with the first photograph of this article which became my Daily Artwork of my Facebook before I asked him the permission to exhibit his work.

Olivier reminds me an answer of Thorsten Jankowski :

"Black and white addicted, I see myself as a Sculptor of bodies - the human form is predestinated to create images which rock. When I am taking pictures, I am working. I am conducting, I am analyzing, I am waiting for the right moment, I am anathematising the light, I am seeing, I am concentrated."

As André Brito, Marc Hoppe and Sjur Road, Olivier Pieri sculpts his talented Art Models in a magnificent way I love since the beginning of the magazine. Before to know him, Olivier, I am proud and honored to welcome you. And a very deep thanks for your enthusiasm !

Olivier Pieri est né à Lyon, France, en 1966. Son intérêt pour la photographie se révèle à 15 ans, le jour où son père lui donne un appareil photo. Pendant quelques années, l’appareil le suit au gré de ses pérégrinations et de ses rencontres.

Il s’initie aussi au développement dans un laboratoire prêté par des professeurs de mathématiques, amis de sa mère et également passionnés par la photographie. L’entrée dans la vie professionnelle et le passage au numérique marque une pause de plusieurs années.

La rencontre avec Gil Lebois, photographe, ravive la flamme. Avec lui, grâce à lui, il apprend la lumière et le studio. Plus récemment, il contribue à la création du site Pagephoto.

Aujourd’hui, son travail photographique est centré sur le portrait et le nu en studio.

The Encuber

Le Cube

(My favorite series among many others)

Olivier Pieri in color

Gary Breckheimer interviewed by Jarda Balek

" Anyone can shoot a picture, but an artist creates an image. Making money from either is still a fine balance between art and commerce, and one that all fine artists struggle with their whole careers." Gary Breckheimer

"Coming Out"
Art Model Brooke Lynne -

Gary Breickheimer at his official site, Model Mayem, World of the Nude Art, Fine Art Photo, his book "Naked City" at Blurb.

"On the edge"

""Professional photographer, Gary Breckheimer from New York (USA) has in age of 48 impressive list of achievements as you can read in this interview. Although fashion photographer by origin, his fine art images, especially his BW artistic nudes focusing on the juxtaposition of the female form vs. environment, distinctively stand out of the mainstream of the genre."

What would you like to say about yourself, your background, education, personal life, work, likes, dislikes and hobbies ?

As a New York City based photographer, I’ve been pursuing my craft for the past two decades. After graduating from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara CA, I relocated to NYC and then Europe to pursue a career in the fashion industry.

"Randy's"

While abroad I was published numerous times in many international magazines including French MAX, German Playboy, German Vogue, Italian Vogue Sposa, Australia Vogue, Mademoiselle, Fitness, W and Huh. As I transitioned back to NYC I also shifted my focus from Fashion to Fine Art, and developed a propensity for Black & White imagery.

I predominantly focus on the juxtaposition of the female form vs. environment with over tones of erotica.

"Stitch"




















Nudes are considerable part of your work. When did you start shooting nudes and what inspired you to start ?

I started shooting nudes when I was attending Brooks Institute and though the school wasn’t allowing that art form at the time, I went ahead and photographed what I loved.


I guess you can call me a bit of a rule breaker.


The one image by the photographer Robert Farber entitled “Moonscape” was and remains an inspiration to me. I guess you can say it was the warm tone quality and ‘grainy film look’ of the 1980s and that specific image that continues to inspire me.


What inspires you now ?

It’s hard to say, but what I love to shoot is simply the shit that comes out of my head.

"Bound to be bed"



"A little stiff"



"Fear of"

"Chicken Gothic"

There are many genres (or categories) and styles of nude photography. Some of them are artistic, others are considered commercial, some are somewhere in between. Also style of individual photographers wary and some work does not fit anywhere. What genre of nude photography do you prefer and why ?

I’ve shot most forms of nude photography, in both the studio and on location, but I must say that the rush I get shooting on the streets and in public places does not compare to anything, not even the best drugs ! (Joke)

"Trash"






























What kind of statement are you making in your work and what do you hope others will get from it ?

If I gave away my statement there would be no need for anyone to figure it out and then the fun would all be gone. Plus, I can’t figure it out sometimes either !


What do you think separates nude photographic art from pornography ?

Good question. I personally think the viewer decides that answer. Only they know whether it’s porn or art to themselves!

"Fresh meat"

In your opinion, what does it takes to be a good nude art photographer ?

Knowledge of how to see light, how to use your tools and how to express a vision that is your own.

"The view"

"Electric"

Do you work systematically with clear vision providing strict guidance to model or do you have only general idea and improvise to some extent ? Do you like models to bring up own ideas ?

When I’m on the streets on location nothing is left to chance. I am completely in control. I know the exact location, the pose, the lighting, etc. I am definitely not looking for any input from the model or crew.

When I’m in the studio I am still in control, but I am more open to input and ideas.


What type of models do you prefer to work with, professionals or amateurs ?

I really like them both. Making an amateur model look great and creating an amazing photograph with them really shows the talent of the photographer. It pushes you harder and makes it more enjoyable, while showing how good you really can be.

"Da plane"

"Sunny sie-up"

"Sisters got a Habit"



















Do you prefer studio or outdoors ?

Both. There are some great outdoor locations I’ve shoot, but I have also created some amazing images indoors.


What equipment do you use ?

What ever I can get my hands on !


Many aspiring photographer think shooting nudes is easy way to earn money. Do you think it is that easy ? Any suggestion how to make them ?

Anyone can shoot a picture, but an artist creates an image. Making money from either is still a fine balance between art and commerce, and one that all fine artists struggle with their whole careers.


What are your goals ?

To continue shooting as I do now (with no restrictions) and be respected for it. Maybe my 15 min of fame that Andy W. promised me.

Do you have now or did you have in the past your work on exhibition ? Where have you been published ?

"Upward"

Group Exhibitions :

1994 Primus top NY photographers show, New York
1996 Word Ness Gallery, New York
1997 Editorial Photo, Photography Exhibition, New York
2003 The Roy Connell silent art Auction, New York
2007 Photovoice london 100 top photographers, London
2007 Parsons Scool, Paris, France
2008 ART undressed Erotic Art Exhibition, Miami, Germany.
2008 Damien B. Contemporary Art Center, Miami, Fl.
2007 Photovoice, London
2008 Beate Uhse Erotik musum, Berlin, Germany
2009 ART undressed Erotic Art Exhibition, Miami, LA & SF
2009 The Dirty show, Detroit & LA
2009 Photovoice, London

"Bike"

Nominee at BW Spider Awards

 


















Awards :

2007 International Photography Awards, 1st place Nude (7X Honorable Mention)
2007 SPIDER AWARDS (2X Nomminee)
2007 B&W Mag, Solo Image award (Silver)
2007 Erotic Signature Honorable Mention
2008 International Photography Awards (9 Honorable Mention)
2009 International Photography Awards (4 Honorable Mention)
2009 B&W Mag. 1 Honorable Mention
2009 Erotic Signature Honorable Mention

"Sacrifice in the Park"
Art Model Brooke Lynne
International Photography Awards (9 Honorable Mention)

Publications :

Bikini, United States
Editorial Photo, United States
Fitness, United States
Huh, United States
First For Woman, United States
Fruit of the loom (Print & Video), United States
Max, French
Max, Germany
Mademoiselle, United States
New Yorker, United States
Playboy, Germany
Santé & Fitness, France
Vogue, Germany
Vogue Sposa, Italia
W, United State
Black White Mag
Nudes
Fine art nudes #6
Fine Art Photo - Gallery No. 6
Erotic Signature ‘s, Erotic Art of Today, Volume 2 and 3 “BOOK”
Mammoth Erotic Photography 3




My new book

"The Naked City"

Available here

Some of the photographs exhibited here can be seen in my new book "The Naked City" that was shoot all in NYC.

Book design by : John Lin
Text by : Debra Breckheimer
Special thanks to : The city of New York
The Models : Anna Evans, Aubrey, Carly Erin, Carry, Cat Bee, CRG, Cynnamon, Claudine, Domo Victoria, Emma, Evie V., iMonstrosity, IranianLoveGoddess, Iris Dassault, Jazz, Jen Phoenix, Juliet G., Katy Cee, Kellie Laplegua, Lela Rae, LT Smash, Narcissa, Natasha Winters, Princess Loveable, Roxanne Scheffer, Saffron, Samantha Grace, Sarah, Sarah J., Shakti, Sheena, Susie B.,
Stacy, Sweet Romance, Stephy C,Tanya Dakin, Tia, Trinette, Vassanta, Velocity, Victoria Vertuga, Vivian DeMilo.

Helmut Newton
"Le Smoking"

Who are your favorite photographers ?

I’m a bit old school on my favorite photographers : Irving Penn, Diane Arbus, Edward Weston, W. Eugene Smith, Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon, Robert Mapplethorpe and Helmut Newton.

I believe these artists took photography to the forefront and without them I don’t think I’d be doing what I do.


What would you recommend to aspiring nude art photographers ?

Know your tools as if they were a part of you !
Then dig inside yourself and capture what you feel.

Thanks a lot Gary for your trust !

"Cut"