Using Sexual Chemistry to Enrich Your Work
Instead of Allowing it to be a Distraction
David Hemmings and Veruschka in “Blow-Up”, 1966. Image by Everett Collection
Lisa Wexton Says:
Hello, I realize this question is going to seem like it’s coming completely out of left field, but I really do mean it as a serious question, so I hope you answer. I’m familiar with your work and seen you in action, and you really have a way with models. You really know how to bring out the best in them and use it to create these incredibly iconic images that just seethe with raw sexual energy. Is that something you are aware of? Do you consciously create that or does it just happen spontaneously? And, as long as I’m being plain-spoken, let’s face it: You’re incredibly hot, LOL. Does that ever interfere with professionalism on a shoot, and/or your artistic relationship with the model?
We’ve all seen the movie Blowup by Michelangelo Antonioni. (And if you haven’t, go out and get it right away. It’s on the must-see list for every aspiring fashion photographer.) For those of you who have seen it, we all know the famous scene: It’s a photo session, and hot London fashion photographer David Hemmings is shooting his muse, the gorgeous Veruschka. The shutter whirs as Hemmings feverishly takes shot after shot of Veruschka writhing on the floor. It’s an intensely sexy scene, and the erotic implications are obvious. It’s almost like watching a porn, except the actors are completely clothed and there’s no actual sex at all. But it’s very hot, like sizzling-hot. Of course, it makes us as fashion photographers look like we get laid every other day by young, eager, sex-kitten models. And maybe some of us do. However, that’s never been my story.
To get to Lisa’s question, though: The short answer is, yes, I have certainly had incredible chemistry with many models. I try to find a connection with every model I work with, and one of my strengths as a photographer is that I am (almost always) able to find and tap into that connection, thus forming a chemistry between us. But no, it has never interfered with my professionalism on a shoot or with my integrity as an artist.
Yes, there certainly is some pretty raw sexual energy buzzing around on my shoots. I should fucking hope so—that’s one of the qualities that make my photographs interesting. It’s what I hope for in every shoot, because when that kind of energy is unleashed before my camera in a sexually charged artistic context, the results are epic. I’ve spent years learning how to connect with and direct models. When I’m casting I look for models who have raw sexual energy, and I also look for people I have a genuine and natural spark with. Because it’s really tough to pull out a sexual quality in a model who doesn’t have at least a little of it to begin with, and it’s even more difficult to get a good creative groove going if there isn’t a mutual, electric, and very real connection between photographer and model. A good photographer knows how to use sexual tension to enhance the image.
It’s a fine line to walk, though, that’s for sure. As Lisa hinted at in her question, the temptation to cross the line between personal and professional is ever-present and annoyingly strong. Lord knows I’ve felt it from time to time. Part of what makes a creative dynamic successful is a genuine attraction, a mutual fascination that can’t be forced or faked. But at the end of the day, you have to choose whether to master your desires or be mastered by them—meaning, are you serious about your art? Are you serious about your work? How dedicated are you to your career? In my case, the answers are yes, yes, and very.
The truth is, it’s not necessary for me to sleep with models in order to get good photos, and to be honest, I’m not interested in taking that route anyway. Not to sound cold—because hell, I enjoy sex as much as anyone else—but when I find a model I have really good chemistry with, the last thing I want to do is waste it on a petty sexual fling. I guess it doesn’t hurt that I’m married to a gorgeous 22-year-old who happens to be my soul mate, ha ha. But seriously, I would much rather use the erotic chemistry I have with a model to create a compelling, memorable image. It’s all about the art for me.
Sexuality is part of my visual aesthetic. I like sexy things. I like beautiful things. Hey, I ought to—I’m a visual artist. Sexy, vibrant, provocative people, places, things, and experiences are what capture my eye and inform my work. I have an eye for sexy and gorgeous, I’m able to read people really well, and I know how to bring out their sexiest qualities. It isn’t a talent I acquired overnight, though. It took years of experience being behind a camera to hone that particular skill.
Well, kudos to Ms. Lisa for asking a question that must have been on everybody’s minds at one point or another (whether they realize it or not)! LOL! And thanks for the very honest and…sexy response!
: P
Susan
Haha interesting post! Ive thought about it many times, one of the things ive always wonder was if it was difficult for a female model to bring out that sexy raw attitude towards the shoot,when the photographer was also a female, But ive studied many photographs from male and female photographers and ive come to the conclusion its about communication, connection and creating that atmosphere regardless of your gender and you just know how to nail that
There’s all kinds of sexual/charismatic chemistry. Seeing what’s there makes all the difference. Sometimes subtle trumps overt.
Exhibit A;
http://larrygassan.com/09_LGBook/p2.html
Awesome read as usual, especially at the end of a long day. Thanks, once again. Blow-Up’s a great movie as well.
***** This is so True… At the end of the day, people do have to choose whether to master their desires or be mastered by them—Are you serious about your art? Are you serious about your work? Are you being a professional? Thank you for your in put ..and Thank you Lisa..for asking that question…Maria~
How lucky are we to have another post so quickly appear. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief and latched onto every word like I was reading a drug store novel.
Awesome article. You’ve convinced me that I should drop another button on my favorite sexy black shirt that I wear on my next photo shoot!
“yeah baby…yeaaahhhhh”
j/k
Oh another most interesting post…
So right on, why waste that energy on a “petty sexual fling” when it can be fused into an image that sizzles and captivates the viewer with it’s heat. I see that in your work all the time … good fashion always connotates an underlying erotic theme – sometimes in your face, sometimes in sly and subtle undertones … it’s certainly what always draws me to photographs of people (fashion, portraiture, or otherwise) – I love when the gaze of the photographer’s eye clearly speaks through the image. To celebrate the erotic openly as art is just wonderful.
Brilliant, my dear, just brilliant.
Ohhh.. just so happens there’s a similar post on the DPP site…. and here’s an excerpt which I thought was hilarious! Read below….
I was running into a heap of trouble with the girl I was dating who was outside the industry.
“Don’t all photographers sleep with their models?” she asked.
“No!” I defended myself.
“You must have some attraction to these girls?” Her eyes narrowed.
“Not all of them.” (Note: The proper response here is, “Not at all.”)
“Don’t you see these girls naked sometimes?”
“Um….”
Is it the coffee I’m drinking”? or is it getting fuckin’ HOTT in here!
Touche!
I know I’ve said it before – it’s a rotten job but someone has to do it. It’s all about balance and we’re in a very sexy industry, The nearest one I can think of is movies but the turnover of subject matter is greater in stills photography. When you do nude work it gets ever harder to defend so I just bother anymore.
Thanks as ever for shooting form the hip and being completely honest and unguarded.
Great post.
I am glad this subject was mentioned. Sometimes a shoot starts to get really hot and even with 3 or 4 people in the room, you can feel it. It is good to know that YES it does happen and YES it is OK as long as you keep it in check.
P.s. this site has the best information about fashion shooting I have even found in all my years of searching. Please understand the profound effect you have in the industry. this is not just a blog.
Thank you
I had been meaning to watch ‘Blow Up’ for sometime, I had just not got round to it. Reading this kicked me into action and there’s only one word to describe it; Excellent!
Amen to that!! Melissa is totally revealing the secretes of a good fashion photographer. Scary!! But very exiting!
Wow!! Mmm.. that was an interesting question and an even better answer. The way you say it makes it sound so easy, but as you said, “it takes a lot of practice”.
Brilliantly stated! Now here’s to hoping that there are models reading this and that they take all said to heart. I’m sure they blur the lines quite often.
Im so glad you posted this..
I tend to shoot with a very sexual eye and for some reason i keep trying to sky away from it. Not sure why but.. anyways great freaking post
lol!interesting!!
Lovely post =) I identify with the taste in beautiful things and sexy aura. I think the woman is the most beautiful thing in this world =) But I don´t have the gift of helping bringing out that qualities. Perhaps because I’m not shy, but I’m a bit insecure as photographer and I’m thinking about a lot of things in a session =)
Hope I will learn, as you. Directing models is the hard part for me, transmitting my ideas of what I want =)
Thank you for your beautiful and sincere posts! =D
Enjoyed the post! I’m currently working on getting more of that sexual energy to come out in my photographs now that my art is maturing and becoming more story-based.
Looking forward to your next post!
Cheers!
PS: I immediately added Blow Up to the top of my Netflix queue after reading, and just watched the movie last night. Good stuff.
wow! This shot is amazing!
This photo is superb. Have a look at my blog i’ve just started up if you get the chance – http://www.thisyellowstickynote.blogspot.com X
Nice facts, many cheers towards the author. It’s incomprehensible to me now, but in standard, the usefulness and significance is overwhelming. Many thanks yet again and very good luck!