Welcome David Winge

David Winge at his official site, Red Bubble, deviantART, Model Mayhem.

"Going To California"
Art Model Rebel Smith

"Etheral"
Art Model Rebel Smith



" David Winge is a master of the environment, he is one with it, his photographs capture and communicate the essence of the desert." John Middelkoop, photographer.

And all is said... Back to the origins.

Yes, David Winge has a special connection with the desert. His hard work in outstanding natural landscapes bring us the very best of an unknown nature where his wonderful (and beloved, as you'll read it) art models seem to pose with an endless creativity.

Each of his photographs gives us a lesson in harmony and grace. His compositions are powerful, mostly inspired by his deep passion for the deserted lands, last peaceful territories in a world full of stupid frontiers and absurd barriers.

David is a devoted artist like I love them ! No need to hide it. I'm sure he can't live without his camera !... For all these reasons, I'm proud and happy to welcome him.

Thanks David to make our world such a beautiful place.

"But What I Really Want"
Art Model Amy

David Winge is an American art nude photographer (Orange County, California, USA). He took an early interest in photography and taught himself every aspect of photo finishing by retouching and preserving old family photographs.

After the dawn of the digital age in camera technology, David began taking frequent road trips to photograph desert landscapes and began posting his work on the Internet.

A chance meeting with an art model/photographer lead him to produce his first desert nude work which eventually will become the subject of his first book “Desert Nudes", available soon.

"Take It To The Limit"
Art Model Pearl

"Like every great artist, David crafts each image separately with pure talent yet manages to have a continuity line running through all of his work that makes it instantly recognizable. In a world where everyone can pick up a camera and shoot a nude, David´s work stands out making an impact on and inspiring all that see it."

Scott James Prebble, , photographer.

"First Light"
Art Model Green Bird Girl

I became interested in photography at a very early age. Through high school I took many photos and spent a lot of time restoring old family photographs in a friend's darkroom.

Although I pursued several other interests and hobbies, photography was always an important part of my life. I've always carried a camera with me, and was known as the family photographer.

Early in 2005 I began to return to photography as a full time hobby, I joined photography groups and achieved several goals, one of which was to photograph every one of the California missions.

Now I devote all of my free time to my photography, improving my skills and pushing the limits of digital photography.

"Without"
Art Model Kat Love -

" A phenomenal artistic nude model, self portrait artist and photographer. Working with Kat was a joy and inspiration, complex and elegant, graceful and stunning, she's a true artist's model with a beautiful personality. I recommend her very highly."















My strengths are in modeling photography, architecture and style, gardens, flowers and desert landscape.

My work has been featured in catalogs, shopping guides and web sites, my work can be seen on a wide variety of web sites, in San Gabriel Mission and published art periodicals. I was chosen to photograph the 4th annual Naked Desert Art Project and I have several upcoming projects both personal and for clients."

" Putting clothes on a model is akin to putting a parking lot over a field of flowers." David Winge

" True beauty is not a measurement, it is a spirit." David Winge

"Desert Morn"
Art Model Amy

" Amy is wonderful, talented, gorgeous and enthusiastic, even under the trying conditions
of Mojave on a hot day ! I would recommend her highly, we had great fun working together she's a sweetheart, and a phenomenal model !"










Art Model Karen

" Karen is much more than gorgeous, she is a talented artist and writer, she's a passionate and caring person, a pleasure to collaborate with and call Muse."

" The Desert inhabits a man’s soul if you spend enough time there. David Winge has put in the time and the results are plain to see. He is a master of the environment, he is one with it, his photographs capture and communicate the essence of the desert. The women in the photographs never steal the scene because they, as does David, inhabit the desolate landscapes. To me they represent his id. So much can be read into the images, but the ultimate impression is yours alone." John Middelkoop, photographer.

"Shelter"
Art Model Rebel Smith

Extracts from his interview at World of the Nude Art by Jarda Balek :

"Spirit In The Sky"
Art Model Pearl

Many of your photos are in desert. Is it a project and if so what would you say about it ?

It began as a single concept, a tribute image to a Maxfield Parrish painting, I initially intended on doing a series of these. Then when I began posting my desert work online it was very well received and appreciated, I decided to do more photo shoots in the deserts of southern California and compile them into a book.

I have now done photo shoots from Death Valley to Anza Borrego with about 18 different models, one of which is helping me edit the book now and I hope to have it available very soon.










"Madman"
Art Model Pearl




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

I feel you must have a passion for creativity and beauty and see it everywhere, adding the human form to my images gave them a soul and brought my work to life.

"Treasure"
Art Model Amanda

I also believe the collaboration between a photographer and model plays an important role, perhaps a bit more so than in fashion or editorial.

A photographer is a natural observer so if you allow a model the time and space to explore her surroundings you need only use your knowledge of composition, light & timing to capture the scene.

A good photographer will also input concept, ideas and direction but in the end a good art nude photograph results when there is harmony in all these elements."

"Cash"
Art Model Rebel Smith










"Don't Want To Think"
Art Model Nora

Thank you Art Models !

"Adrift"
Art Model Rebel Smith

I want to give a special and very heartfelt thank you to all the art models out there, you give us all so much and make our world a truly beautiful place.

You are the cornerstone that makes it possible for other artists, photographers and designers to bring our shared visions to life and create exceptional work.

"Down To My Last Teardrop"
Art Model Pearl

















I sincerely admire how you deal with all the adverse conditions, cold early mornings, short and long hikes, the trash and debris other's have left behind, long hours in a studio or driving to location.

I feel so very fortunate to have worked with outstanding people as represented in my galleries and to view some absolutely breathtaking work from others.

So from me personally, you all have my utmost respect and sincere gratitude.

Thank you so much.

"Life Is Beautiful"
Art Model Amy








David Winge ©

A Conversation between David Winge and Jan Murphy

David Winge at his official site, PBase, at Red Bubble, deviantART, Model Mayhem

Are women seen as vulnerable in photography ? During a recent conversation with David Winge about his work - I commented on an image "Maybe I'm Amazed" about the strength in this photograph and how the model looked like she could take on the world. David got back to me and shared that someone asked him why he didn't make women look weak and vulnerable, and that maybe he should.

Being a watcher, OK, a stalker of David's work, I have always admired the strength portrayed in the women, even though some could say they were in a vulnerable location.

"Maybe I'm Amazed"
Art Model Kittie M

J : David, please share with me how this suggestion made you feel ?

"In a Black Dress"
Art Model Rebel Smith

DW : One of the reasons I was drawn to art nude photography was the ability to portray women how I see them, speaking in generality, a force within nature, part of the beauty that surrounds us and of course also subject to same human condition as we all are.

The suggestion that I should portray women in images as weak and/or vulnerable was dismissed immediately. My intent is to show our strength of will, our resolve and the harmony we have here on earth.

"Unforgettable"

Art Model Kittie M

J : Tell us your thoughts on why you believe this was asked of you and also how you see your models in the photography that you produce ?

DW : You don't have to travel far on the Internet or in real life to happen upon images of women as objects, they tend to fill the "most popular", "most viewed" or "most favourited" sections on many web sites, and many news stands. Dig a little deeper though and you'll find sites such as this one with a wide array of inspiring artists and images that have substance.


I see models from the inside out; I can see a photo shoot as a miniature lifetime, however brief it goes from conception to learning, experiencing, searching for meaning then celebrating being alive and all I have to do is capture it.




"Which Way to Follow"
Art Model Rebel Smith











Many of the titles I use and very often my choice of locations are based on my impression of what the model is telling me in-between shots or at some time before or during the shoot.

If I could give an example, in "Which Way To Follow", Rebel had initiated the photo shoot telling me she wanted to get away and spend some time in the desert, she was trying to make a decision about leaving southern California and needed time to think about it. In this instance the scene, the location and the title were all based on this feeling.


J: That´s beautiful, David. I am so glad to hear this as it goes along the same route as my mind. Sadly, women are depicted in a very vulnerable and/or sexual state on the net, and sex sells in the media as we know. I feel that the reason behind this could be that men were the providers and now they are not needed so much, so women are depicted this way to give men more control over how they are seen. Perhaps it is merely as simple as women on the net being "used" for voyeurism alone.

"Saved"
Art Model Rebel Smith

DW: I agree, Jan. I feel the major difference is in the collaboration. A photographer and model working together can make art, as opposed to a photographer shooting where the intent is arousal; for this the photographer needs only an object.


J : You mentioned that you see a lot of photography in this style that you were asked to represent. Would you be willing to share with me why others perhaps 'like' women to look weak and vulnerable and, if so, how does this affect you ? 




 

"Channel Surfing"
Art Model Rebel Smith

DW : As I mentioned earlier there is part of me that wants to believe it's primal, an ancient desire to rescue/protect the poor helpless woman,

but honestly it may be much more shallow than that.

I am not sure I know the answer. Maybe it has to do with power? Or maybe it has to do with opportunity?

"Soul Singing"

Art Model Kittie M

J : I have chosen some images of your work and feel it would be really interesting to talk about these with you and share my views on them also.

"The Where and the Wherefore"
Art Models GroovaciousK
and Conundra

DW : In "The Where and the Wherefore," I like the contrast between the models. Neither one knew which of them I was shooting and neither of them could see each other, and this was a combination posed and candid shot.

In this image they are unique individuals with vastly different poses, I just love how they are together, but also separate.




J: David, how interesting - as I did think that it was the same model shot in two places and two images merged in Photoshop. How interesting to know they are two different models not even interacting yet somehow very bonded in their posing. I chose this image as I wanted to show that even though these women are in the middle of nowhere, naked and alone (except you of course), they look composed, they look strong, and they look united. Thank you for writing about this.

"Do You Hear It Calling"
Art Model Kittie M

DW: This is another example of using what I hear and my impression when shooting an image : Kittie mentioned a fondness for the Joshua Tree. This aside, I see her interacting with the surroundings as opposed to succumbing to them. I think sometimes the inference is very slight, the placement of a hand or expression can be enough to change the entire feel of the image.


J: David I´m so glad you said that about the environment as I can really feel that the model is not only interacting with the Joshua Tree but is almost merging with it.
Superb, it almost feels like she has found a part of her home, her native home. Goodness, I´m unsure that even makes sense but is what I see.

DW: It makes sense; in fact, one of the reasons I use desert locations so often is the harsh environment seems to pair nicely with the portrayal of women as having an inner strength and a will not only to survive but to conquer.

"Holy Jerusalem"
Art Model Kittie M

David Winge ©

David Winge's interview

" The first time I added the art nude to my landscape photography it was as if I had added a soul, they took on a life and became much more than the sum of each. I was looking over the images after a photo shoot, I could hardly believe my own eyes and the beauty I had captured." David Winge

"Planetary"
Art Model Rebel Smith

David Winge at his official site, Red Bubble, deviantART, Model Mayhem.

David Winge and Karen
by Bill Helm



David, I know you begin very young and that you're a self-taught photographer. But how did come this extraordinary passion ? I'm sure you remember your first experience...

For a long time I've been a frustrated artist, I could never paint or draw as I never could find the way to transfer what I saw onto paper. Photography solved that problem and allowed me the freedom to compose.

"Down To My Last Teardrop"
Art Model Pearl

As I grew into doing more and more with photography I would read all the books and articles I could find, I tried many different techniques and worked in all aspects from shooting to developing and printing images.

My passion for photography has always been, I enjoyed sharing the places and scenes I would capture, I loved landscapes and candid photographs of people on the street. But the first time I do remember well, the first time I added the art nude to my landscape photography it was as if I had added a soul, they took on a life and became much more than the sum of each. I was looking over the images after a photo shoot, I could hardly believe my own eyes and the beauty I had captured.

At first I didn't believe what I saw, I stared at those photographs for a long time, it was a rush of inspiration and ideas that just started to flow though my mind, at that instant I felt I had found my calling.

"The Light In The Doorway"
Art Model Amy
















The Revelation ! What a wonderful moment in a life... Who are the photographers who have a special meaning for you ?

William Mortensen and Edward Weston come to mind immediately. Edward's use of light was amazing, I've seen work that he most likely shot in early afternoon, quite stark and just amazing. William Mortensen, another genius in photography who I like for many reasons, his whimsical work is fantastic and his desert images are absolute favorites, but he was also ahead of his time and the photographic purists of the day disliked him, to the point Ansel Adams once called him the devil. Even after Mortensen's death Mr. Adams tried to keep his work out of the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona.

Also looking over this site, Univers d'Artistes, there is so much amazing talent here, I spend hours reading the insights and viewing the amazing images, it's an honor as well as humbling to be included among such a group and I want to thank you so much.

"Breathless"
Art Model Charlotte










"Eternity's Sunrise"
Art Model Conundra

"Ruby"
Art Model Rebel Smith

Thank you to you ! You're the artist, I'm just the scribe.
That said, many people talk about you as a Master, but you're talking of photography as a full time hobby. So it's not your every day job ?

I would hardly think of myself as a Master, unless it is in regards to the effort and work I put into creating photographs, I take it seriously because it is so much fun and so rewarding.

There is amazing joy in the doing, pushing yourself to turn the ideas and concepts into a reality, the collaboration with other artists, and all the memories and photos we create, I would do nothing else if I could.

I found this out about myself too late in life, now I have too many obligations to chase this dream, but that isn't to say I'm not trying, I just need to remain realistic however. Should the opportunity arise where I received a commission or some type of support I would love to do this full time, but it must be in art as I'm not cut out to shoot weddings, children or boxes of breakfast cereal to pay the bills.

"San Pedro"
Art Model Rebel Smith

Maybe late, but you found it, with success. How could you explain your so deep passion for the desert landscapes ?

This was born in the early 90's after I moved to southern California. For a couple of years my sister and I would go out and spend weekends in the desert. She loved the desert plants and would buy books about them and learn all their names. I would bring my camera and photograph them, along with landscapes, I feel at peace out there, I feel safe out there and I feel better physically out there.

I'm not sure if this is due to the climate or the solitude or both, the remote desert is where I am most at home.

"Glory"
Art Model Erzsebet

Do you plan every details of your shootings or is there a large part of improvisation ?

It is mainly improvisation and dependent upon what we may find out there. I will have some ideas in mind mainly regarding locations I want to use along with some ideas for emotion and poses, I try to explain as best I can what I am after as far as imagery.

Although I am but half of the equation, the models bring their own poses and emotions to the photo shoot as well and I feel many of the best images are a full collaboration of ideas. At times not much more is needed but to introduce a location to the model and allow them the freedom to explore, to discover. I will offer direction when I feel I can enhance the images.

Otherwise I only use my perspective and sense of composition to capture what is before me.

Mission Santa Clara, California





Except nude art, is there another genre you enjoy ?

Desert landscapes and historical sites & locations. I did a series on the 21 California missions I called my "Mission mission". I get great many wonderful comments from school children who are using the photos and information for their reports. It's wonderful ! But it is difficult to compare to being out in nature.

There was one time I was in a remote area of Joshua Tree with Model Jade and we were waiting for the sunrise. It was so quiet and surreal. I asked her if she was feeling the inspiration of just being there and she said she was. I could see it in her eyes. Ever since transitioning to working with art nude models, landscapes just aren't the same without them.

"Golden Morning"
Art Model Pearl

I know your wonderful respect for the models you're working with. Some words about them ?

I cannot say enough. Without them I would be taking photographs of flowers and rocks.

"Say It Anyway"
Art Model Karen

One thing I have noticed also, and this is with everyone I've worked with, please forgive my generality, but art nude models as a group seem to me to be well above average in intelligence.

"Sharp Whisper"
Art Model Kat Love

I feel this translates into self awareness.

Very rarely I have found difficult to convey an idea during a photo shoot, and many times I have been surprised at some of the ideas conveyed to me. And unless I simply can't do the shot being suggested I almost always try shooting a model's concept, and quite frankly they are some of my best work.

Direction is very dependent on level of experience. At every level I will sometimes make minor adjustments to a pose, hands, feet or direction of the look. But there absolutely have been times my direction was not needed, I just did my best to capture what I saw.

If I had the time and the space available here I would list every model and tell you about them. I owe everything to them.







"Finding Beautiful Country"
Art Model Jade




With who are dreaming to work ? Models or photographers...

Several names come to my mind, but I really have had the opportunity to work with some phenomenal people already.

I have been extremely fortunate and blessed with the people I've met.

"I Want To Believe"
Art Model Nora

There are a handful of people I would really love to meet and work with, who's work I only am able to see online : Rachel Lovitt and Aislinn Eire in Washington (US), Kristin from Essex (UK), Mahée from Canada and Nikki in Pennsylvania (US).

If given the chance I would take a trip to OZ to meet Andre Jaf, Darren Phillips, Scott James Prebble and Ari, hoping some of that amazing talent would rub off on me. And two models from there that blow my mind, White Peach and Nikki. This list could go on and on !


It means a long trip ! Now, a difficult question : could you choose your own favourite photo ?

I like various images for various reasons and it is very difficult to choose just one, not only does every picture tell a story but there is a story behind every picture.
I could choose a favorite of each model easily, not only from the beauty in the image but the story which lead to creating it.

I'm not sure if many photographers feel this way, but I find more often than what is my favorite image is not well liked by the people who watch my work. And vice versa.

What I may feel is not my best work is sometimes the most commented on favorably. I would like to think my best photo may be in the future, however I am particularly smitten by "Splendor".

"Splendor"
Art Model Lady Nymphadora

"The easy"
Art Model Pearl





What is your actual project ? Have you some challenges you're dreaming about ?

I have several including a road trip I would like to take to a ghost town in central Nevada. I am also going to continue to shoot in my favorite deserts and take a weekend trip or two to Death Valley and Anza Borrego.

If anyone reading this would like to go camping and shoot for 2 days in the desert feel free to email me !

I am hoping to take a few beginning photographers, and models too, out for a photo shoot and some adventure in the very beautiful areas I call home. And who knows, perhaps someone will feel the passion for it like I do.

"Rock Me"
Art Model Rebel Smith

The message is sent ! When and where will be your next exhibition ?

I am working toward this, I have never done one yet.


I believe you already have published a book, "“Desert Nudes". Is there a new one to come ?

I am dearly trying to. I have a book finished and I gave it to a local graphic designer a couple of months ago to edit and compile. Because of various issues I am now in search of someone else to do this. I have tried to do it myself but I have never published before, not only am I unfamiliar with the format I don't have the tools needed to publish. If anyone reading this would like to offer their services !...









"By The Light Of Day"
Art Model Pearl















What is your best way to promote your work ?

I am quite inadequate at promotion and even less so at business, I only want to take photos. But if you find something that works Chris I hope you share with me the secret.

What I have done is joined many online forums and social networking sites. I write bulletins and announcements. Beyond this I am simply at a loss of what else I should do. Also working full time only leaves me a few precious hours each week to edit images.


You're probably inadequate at your own promotion like a large majority of artists... But, yes I/we have some ideas in progress. I'll let you know on time. Talking about that, where can we purchase your prints ?

I have some selected prints available worldwide at RedBubble.

"Steel Skies"
Art Model Rebel Smith

Is there a question nobody ask you and you would like to answer ?

I can't think of one, but I would like to say thank you Chris, for all your hard work putting this together, and your passion in keeping it alive. This is a very valuable resource and a shining example of the best in art nude photography. I'm so thankful I found this calling, this passion, and as you said to me, I am glad to not be alone.


Once again, thank you !... Any message you'd like to leave our readers ?

There are all kinds of roads to follow, life is a highway. With any luck there will come a time when each of us figures out what we are most passionate about. Then follow your heart, do the right thing and never let anyone tell you it can't be done.

That's the simple truth, and so good to hear. Thanks a lot David, it was a immense pleasure.

David Winge ©