Gavin Bell's interview

"Quite often I may run inside and grab my camera to shoot something, inspired by how light falls across it (an insect, a flower, my kids, a sunset)." Gavin Bell

" I am inspired by the photographers of old... The nudes of Ruth Bernhard, the surealism of Man Ray, the detail of Ansel Adams, the simplicity (and complexity) of Harry Callahan...

I like the way shadow falls across a face, the body... ...the texture of stone, of bark on a tree...

I like to shoot in Black White film and the grain of a silver gellatin print, the solitude of a darkroom, the control of a studio...

Moreso I like meeting and shooting interesting people to capture interesting images..."

"Statue of Jennie"

"Beauty treatment"

" ... a behind the scenes image... I think she was in shock when she saw herself !" Gavin Bell




Gavin, could you tell us how did your passion for photography begin ?

I started photography as a distraction after my father died. The more I learnt, the greater the hunger. My first art nude was a copy shot of Man Ray’s Le Violin d’Ingres with my wife. Then it became a ‘runaway train’. I was addicted to the whole process, the planning, the directing, the problem solving, post production, all with the aim to produce an image to be proud of.

"Dusk"
Art Model Dollybeck

"This was taken in the middle of a vinyard at sunset. I have tried options of BW and sepia, but lose the sunset effect."

After your father's death... The way for creation is so strange. And did you learn your art somewhere ?

Most of my technical knowledge and influences came from the Centre for Creative Photography here in Adelaide, South Australia. It is a great melting pot of fine art photographers of every genre. I am still learning and self evaluate after a shoot of what I could have done better as well as welcome critique from others. Hopefully I never stop learning and my photography continually evolves and improves.

"The Red Rose"
Art Model Isobella

An artist never stops learning... Is it your only job ?

Photography is a hobby (although my wife would call it an obsession). I am self employed in finance, which allows some flexibility when I shoot.


Talking about obsession, how long could you be far from your camera ?

Not far these days. Quite often I may run inside and grab my camera to shoot something, inspired by how light falls across it (an insect, a flower, my kids, a sunset). With digital photography a lot of spare time is also spent on Photoshop, playing with images.


Who are your favorite photographers ?

My favorite would be Marc Riboud. I never tire of his images, the subject matter, the composition. I like the way Harry Callahan thinks. He was a master of composition, from the complexity to the simplicity. My favorite nude photographers would be Ruth Bernhard, a pioneer in figure studies and more recently Helmut Newton.

"Picture This"
Art Model Anne Duffy






"Things of Shade and Colour..."
Art Model Anne Duffy

You work on a wide range of themes. Could you define your style ? What do you prefer ?

Actually I try hard to work any many themes. My first choice of where to shoot would be the studio, regardless of the genre. In the studio my first choice would be an art nude. However, I love shooting portraits, fashion, etc. The process is the same, as is the model interaction. My first love is to produce an image with artistic merit. I was once referred to as a nude photographer and this didn’t sit well. I prefer to be known as a photographer… someone who can shoot any topic of any style with some degree of proficiency.










 













"Highlights"
Art Model Anne Duffy




 So, your photography isn't mostly nudes ?

Most of what is seen on online portfolios would be heavily weighted towards art nudes. I quite often shoot in both 35mm and Medium Format BW film of a broad range of themes. Rarely does this get scanned, preferring to develop with traditional processes. I think there is something special about film that doesn’t translate to a digital image.


Do you plan every details of your shootings ?

I usually start with an idea. When you shoot against a blank screen, there is little to inspire (other than the model) from the environment, as apposed to an outdoor shoot, where the scenery is part of the creative process. I usually have an idea of a lighting style, whether it is high key or low key. I quite often plan ideas for days ahead of a shoot, but once I am in the studio it becomes more organic. Once I see how the light falls across the model ideas come quite quickly. I encourage the model to contribute to bring out their personality.

"Soaking Up The Sun"
Art Model Dollybeck

Hi all, "I have worked with Gavin and wanted to let you know that he is extremely professional in his work and trustworthy. He is both creative and fun to work with !!" Donna






"The Stable"
Art Model Dollybeck

Some words about your models ?

With art nudes there has to be trust for the model to be comfortable. I have a great deal of respect for all the models I shoot who have placed faith in me to produce an image that shows them in the best light. More importantly, without the model I cannot practice my art, so they are the most valuable resource to me.

"Dream Catcher"
Art Model Peach

"Working with Gavin was a real pleasure and honour. Not only has he got great talent and comes up with interesting ideas, he let me have an input and use my own creativity, which not all photographers allow. I really enjoyed working with him and will certainly go back down to Adelaide before long! PS: Gav also makes the best pasta!" Peach, Sydney

How do you feel at the end of a shooting ? Tired, I presume.

Pretty exhausted – mentally and physically. My friends think it is glamorous, but I am constantly doing calculations of exposure and interpreting, lying on my belly for a particular angle or climbing a chair or ladder. Once I shot up to 2am, then was up for the morning light… whatever it takes to get that image.


Have you some challenges you're dreaming about ?

Always dreaming, always looking for a challenge ! I have a few ideas lined up for some art nudes. The challenge is to always shoot something different, to nail the perfect picture.

"Bella Dona"
Art Model Isobella

When and where will be your next exhibition ?

I have regularly exhibited some of my work at the Centre of Creative Photography. I would like to exhibit my work later this year, but no firm dates.

"Ottobresosso's"
Art Model Jodie

You'll tell us ! Have you published a book ? In magazines ?

I have no publications to date, but I would like to time a book with an exhibition.





 













"The Corset"





Received ! A message to send before we leave ?

Art nudes have been depicted since man could draw on caves. It has always been the fascination of both artists and the viewer throughout history with paintings and the evolution to photography is just an extension of this genre. The only difference is light and shadow is the paint and the camera is the brush.

When some people can’t discern art nudes from porn, this is usually spawned from ignorance. Sites such as yours is great for spreading art nudes to a wider community and it is exciting to be introduced to many fine artists and images that inspire and influence.

I agree, of course !!! And I'm deeply honoured dear Gavin !!! Thanks for playing the game !

"Diamonds"
Art Model Isobella

The portraiture of Nikola Borissov

Some outstanding portraits by Nikola Borissov.

"Svilena II 2"
Actress Svilena Kidess

"When You're Gone I"

" KK XI"

"J snapshot"

"Celeste X"
Actress and Model Celeste Thorson

"Vanya"

The nudes of Jorge Pedra

Jorge Pedra

Jorge Pedra, born in 1960 at Porto – Portugal, is a photographer and an architect.

Of his work he says:

I believe that, although photography is always somehow based on reality, every photograph is only partly objective, and is always an interpretation of that reality.

Most of my photography projects are experimental and can rarely be called documentary or even descriptive. I am always looking for an alternative technique, or a new aesthetic. This probably makes me a “user of photography” rather than a photographer. My main goal is to provoke an emotion, in a way that turns the picture into an art object.

Sometimes I use photography mingled with pictorial techniques to produce this art object, and I have frequently used painting over the prints, or over the slides or negative film.

I love photographing nudes. I’m not interested in glamour photography. Instead, I aim to make photographs with an intrinsic beauty in their formal and aesthetic aspects.

"Nude In Space" concerns the relationship, or the lack of that relationship, between a nude (always female) and an unpredictable space. There is no look; no communication between the model and the viewers.  The nudes are non-erotic...

 

Living Sculptures

My high school art teacher was a little eccentric, (which was a good thing and seems to be part of the job description for art teachers!) She helped students through personal projects that had nothing to do with the exam material, calmly reviewed proposals for twenty-foot high paintings, and was an expert at tackling students paralysed by artist’s block a week before the deadline.
One of my friends wasn’t happy with her work and on hearing her plea for inspiration, our teacher cried “but how can you be stuck- you’re a walking work of art!!!”
I could almost see the light bulb turning on in my friend’s head. Her subsequent self-portraits received an A.

Seeing the human body as a living sculpture isn’t exactly an original concept, or a difficult one for many photographers and models- the tricky part is often getting the viewer to see what you do.

For some people, the challenge is getting past the obvious:
“She’s naked.”
“That’s right- but look at the pose and the way her body is positioned. It is perfectly symmetrical- the light makes her curves even more pronounced…”
“But she’s naked!”
And on and on and on…

Making an impression on other artists is even more difficult as most have seen it all before at the very least. Many have tried it themselves. That’s where the lighting, positioning and imagination come in- especially inside a white box with- if the team is lucky- a cube or step for the model to pose on.
Not that shooting outdoor nudes is easy- it isn’t- but a lot of decisions are already made. On location there are infinite focal points, a change of scenery usually within a minute’s walk, a variety of things for the model to pose with, in, on or under- and there’s a nice round sun to help with the lighting decisions (or hinder them until five ‘o’ clock precisely when the light suddenly becomes perfect)!
A studio is literally a ‘blank canvas’. There are so many ways to treat the curves, angles, ripples, joints and plains that make up a human body, that such a project could last a lifetime- and that’s without factoring in models of different genders, colours and shapes!

It is while browsing studio nudes that I find I can identify the best of the art models- bizarrely, this is because shooting abstract or sculptural nudes often involves doing the opposite of what modelling usually entails! As a model, scrunching yourself into a ball may not feel like the most attractive position, but when photographed from the right angle the creases and awkwardness of the pose are hidden and instead, you resemble a smooth living stone.
Close-ups are often joked about- it is a daunting thing to see your elbow in all it’s wrinkly glory… but if the viewer sees amazing texture captured in an abstract shot, then you have earned your meals that day!
While it is lovely to be recognised in photos (“another wonderful shot posed by _______” is always nice to hear), hiding models’ heads instantly makes the photograph about the form, rather than the identity of the person posing and so sometimes it is better to shut egos away, keep our heads down, and hope to be recognised for our incredible knees!

There are only so many ways the human body can be arranged and so accidentally copying someone else’s pose is a nightmare of many models. (Trying to avoid this with experimental posing often results in some hilarious outtakes!) However, trying to invent a new pose- whether it can be done or not- and, in the case of abstract nudes, banishing your inner model (along with the ego) is what, in my opinion can make a great pose.

And when the aforementioned great pose is captured by an equally-great photographer? That’s when the magic happens…


ROSWELL



First image: "Underlap", by Matthew Scherfenberg. I love the marble-like appearance of the model's legs. (And could see this on a pedestal in a gallery!)

Second image: by Lightphile Studios. This is the definition of a "living stone". Beautiful pose.


Some more beautiful pictures:

3) by Keital.

This image reminds me of the yin/yang symbol in the way that the model (Anita de Bauch)'s face is shown in one reflection but not the other. If you look without trying to separate the reflection from the real image, the different curves and lines take on an abstract quality.















4) by Jose Manuel de Caso

I see so many photographs of swans taking this pose, but it didn't occur to me that models could! I really like the sensuality- even eroticism- of this image, without it being explicit.














5) by B L Photography

It is always fascinating to see the work of art-nude models when they are behind the camera! This photo is a self-portrait by nude model Brooke Lynne- and a great example of an unusual pose that works to great effect.













6) by Jose Manuel de Caso

I love the pose and the contrast of the model's body with the dark background. Proof that the model does not have to be contorted to produce a wonderful image!












7) by R Davidson

I did not know the human body could make a heart shape in so many ways! If you focus on the model's outline, you can almost see another heart shape!














8) by Franklin Photographs

I love the way the lighting emphasizes the muscles and shadows on the model's body- and the tension in her fingers and toes.
Comparing this picture to the one above, it's a good example of how a small change in pose can change an image entirely.








9) "Ear", by Matthew Scherfenberg.

This image seems simple at first glance but the longer I look, the more details I see- especially the changes in tone around the jawline and hair. Beautiful piece of art.

Stephen Haynes' interview

" I want to express the beauty of form, the drama of light, and the passion of woman. When a photograph contains all three, I'm very happy." Stephen Haynes

" Pistol 1-12"
 
Featured (after a selection on 50 000 photos from more than 70 countries) in the french magazine PHOTO of january 2008.
You'll find Stephen Haynes at his introductory artistic nudes site (for inexpensive subscriptions to the entire portfolio of nudes) ; his amazing blog (to read daily !) "Magic Fine Flute Art Nudes" ; a selection drawn from his immense portfolio, one of the largest collections offered by a single photographer to be found on the Internet ; and an interview at Contemporary Art Gallery, his first feature.

Dear Stephen, tell us how did your passion begin ?
 The passion began a long time ago, in 1960. How it began and how it developed really is not very relevant, because I went through a long period when photography was at best a snapshot thing, something to do with family. The passion was reborn, however, in 2000 with arrival of the Canon D30 dSLR and my introduction to digital photography and Photoshop. Computers and photography, for me the perfect combination. I've been on a roll since then.

Where did you learn your art ?
 I'm largely self-taught. I've taken substantive and technical masters workshops at Anderson Ranch Arts Center and via Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, but my studio work and work with nudes have come through long hours and experience, thousands of images worth of experience.

"Jazz Hot 15"

Is it your only job ?

I don't really have a "job," since I'm fortunate enough to be retired (technically). But, yes, photography, including teaching a number of local workshops, is my primary pursuit. I do no commercial or other "fee-based" photography.

"Pistol 3-10"

Are you an obsessive photographer ?

My camera does not rule my life here, outside of sessions with models. I'm not an inveterate photographer, walking or driving around with camera constantly in hand. When we travel, then I am sure to have my camera close, since other than nudes my travel photography is my preferred subject.

Who are your favorite photographers ?

Among those who are dead, Weston and Mapplethorpe. I consider Mapplethorpe one of the true masters of studio lighting. I greatly admire the work of a good friend, Guenter Knop. Beat A. von Weissenfluh does some fantastic work -- I'd love to have access to his dancer-models. I enjoy seeing new work by several of my contemporaries, many of them via their own blogs. You've highlighted many of them already on Univers d'Artistes.

For sure ! Is there a messages you want to express through your work ?

The beauty of form, the drama of light, and the passion of woman. When a photograph contains all three, I'm very happy. A touch of eroticism is a good thing, too.

"Duo 1-35"

I saw your photography is not mostly nudes ?

Well, in fact it is mostly nudes. About 75%. About 25% of my work comes from travel photography, including independent trips and tours taken with my wife. I've become rather adept at doing very good photography while on tour, such as my India series.

"Varanasi 23"

What is your process of creation ? Do you plan every detail before a shooting ?

It depends on the nature of the shoot. A first session with a new model is often about familiarization and getting to know each other, and such a session will last about two semi-structured hours going through a series of standard poses and scenarios. After that initial session, with a returning model, I'll structure a session around an idea I think particularly well-suited to that model, and in those instances I'll describe the idea to the model ahead of time and try to work out all details before beginning. Some models I work with repeatedly, in some cases six or more times, and sometimes several models will have an opportunity separately to interpret a single idea.

"Hands 8"

It seems you prefer indoor artistic nude shots ? 

This is Minnesota, for god's sake ! There is a narrow window of opportunity to shoot outdoors between snow and bugs in the spring, and between bugs and snow in autumn. I know photographers who ask their models to endure hardships, and models willingly, I suppose eagerly accept pain and suffering in order to make superb photographs. For better or worse, I'm very empathetic with any model's discomfort, so if I'm being eaten alive by bugs, I know the model is suffering equally; if I'm cold, I know the model is even colder. I can avoid all of that by photographing in the studio. This does not mean I won't be using other settings in the future, but I've yet to find those locations.

In addition, of course, the studio is a very controlled environment, and that suits my personality nicely.

"Brooke 4-2"

Maybe some words about your models who feel so natural ? 
 I rarely work with professional figure models. Some exceptions have been extraordinary, like Abigail. Many of my models, and some who return to my studio time after time, are gals who began their modeling with me, and a few have modeled only for me. I like to coach new models, sometimes to give them their first nude modeling experience. So I'm getting them before they develop a repertoire of poses and moves, while they may even be a bit shy and unsure of themselves, so that I think increases the naturalness of their work. 

Another commentator described my photography to be of "the girl next door, but nude." I won't go that far, but I do like sincerity and even a bit of naïveté in my models.

"Impromptu Saturday 6"

It's clear. How do you feel at the end of a shooting ?

Sometimes exhausted, but almost always exhilarated. I love it when a model tells me a session was "fun." When a session ends, however, I know that my work is just beginning, with hours of Photoshop ahead. I pride myself in rapidly getting photos back to models who ask for them, often within 72 hours of our shoot.

"Erin at the Wall 2-29"

Have you some challenges you're dreaming about in a near future ? 

I'll be working part-time in a new, much larger studio in January. It has immense possibilities for natural light, so I'll be investing considerable time and effort exploring those. I hope to find new ways to market my photography. Selling prints of fine art nudes is a constant challenge. I am fortunate in that I have over 190 collectors worldwide, but I'm always hoping a new person will discover my photography and say, "Now, I must have a print of that !"

You can imagine how I understand ! By the way, when and where will be your next exhibition ?

I'll have single photos in some local exhibitions in January, including "20-20 Vision" at the Icebox Gallery. I'll be putting together a group show of nudes for May. I've submitted photos for a few other shows, competitions and publications, but it would be premature to mention any of those.

Nice ! What about your books ? Is there one to come ? 

Actually, I've published over ten books. They are all private monographs; those dealing with nudes may be seen here. I don't have immediate plans for another, but I'm sure there will be one shortly. Here's the cover photo from First Sessions, my most recent :

"Abigail R 3-9"
Click here to purchase the new Stephen Haynes' book.

A message to send ?

I suppose I convey most of my messages via my blog. People should really check that out -- in addition to the photography, there's occasionally an item of interest, as you put it, a "message."

Occasionally ? Daily would be the best word. Thanks a lot Stephen. Thanks for your time, your work and your passion.