Howard Hill Studio

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Essay Project: Models Responses (part 1)

I'm starting a new essay project where I ask my models to tell my about their thoughts before and after shooting nudes (some for the first time.) Allowing them to share their experience -- in their own words. There is a link to the Essay Project Beginnings at the bottom of this post. Here are some of my beginning responses from a few models that I have shot in the past:

Model 2010:
(Age: 24, Regular shoots: 5 times, Nude shoots: Never shot nude before)

"Shooting nudes sounds intimidating and scary, but once you experience it and see the results you'll feel like a Goddess and liberated at the same time!!"

Model 2012:

(Age: 18, Regular shoots: 2 times, Nude shoots: Never shot nude before)

"Shooting nude is not as scary as people make it seem. Do not get me wrong there are risk at factor, but there are signs and steps to prevent any thing going wrong (ask Howard LOL). If you feel afraid or uneasy tell your photographer about it.Shooting nude was something i thought i would never do, but you should at least try something at least once right?!(: i was self conscious about my thick body structure, i was unsure about doing nudity until i did it. And guess what ....... My confidence went through the roof, i had a wonderful time , I have learned a lot about my body and built a wonderful friendship with Howard, my photographer. If you are considering doing nudes .DO IT WITH HOWARD. You'll be in great hands (: "

Model 2013:

(Age: middle aged, Mother of 2 kids, Regular shoots: 3 times, Nude shoots: Never shot nude before)

" I had the pleasure of working with Howard recently. I am fairly new to the modeling scene and am by nature a bit of a skeptic. Howard approached me to do a shoot. I have never done any nude or implied nude work so I was a bit apprehensive up until the very second I had to take it all off, which I think is a very normal reaction. All of this said, Howard was completely professional and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. It only took a few minutes to relax into the process. I am thrilled that I decided to take on this project. The human body is such a beautiful thing especially when portrayed in an artistic way which is what Howard does. It was a great experience...very liberating on many levels...I highly recommend it and shooting with Howard!"

If you'd like to read more about the Essay Project and read other Models Responses Click Here!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Artwork form July

Some Mixed Media artwork from the 3 Part Series Project.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Reclining

Monday, July 29, 2013

3 Part Series Polaroids (part 2)

Polaroid shots from the 3 Part Series Shoots.

Shot on a 220 Polaroid camera

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Nude Essay Project

Over the past few years I have worked with many models shooting artistic nudes in nature. It has been a cool adventure and I've created with the models some amazing photographs and other artwork from the shoots.

In that time I have had many models that had never shot nudes before shoot nudes with me. I wouldn't want to encourage models to shoot nudes with just anyone - They really should consider it, and the body of the photographers work before doing it. And I'd advise models never to shoot nudes if it a spur of the moment idea, because they really should do it only after much thought. Most of the models I have talked to say that they always wanted to try it, but have been a little afraid of going thru with it.

So in the past few years, I've had some that "wanted" to shoot nudes, but then canceled or flaked last minute.... But actually, most who I have set up a shoot with-- have gone thru with it. And have told me how they were a lil scared before the shoot started... but then seconds after I start shooting - forget that they are nude / feel like it was not that different then being clothed. One model told me that it was like she was shooting in an invisible bikini. Many have told me that they have felt empowered, free, beautiful, liberated, and such. I've had some models realize that they have a way better figure and look then they realized. Older models and models that have had kids have told me that they wish that they would have shot some nudes when they were younger. Sure there was things about their bodies that they did not like when they were younger, but as they got older then those issues still bothered them -- along with newer body issues. So they wished that they could have the shots of their younger figures to look back on when they are older. These conversations caused me to think about this project.

Recently I decided that I'd add to my 3 Parts Series Project -- I'm still working out the details but I think that I will ask my models before they shoot with me to write a lil how they feel and their thoughts, fears, excitement, hope and such - before they shoot with me... and then write about the experience of shooting nudes after (positive or negative)... and then I'd post it here. My thought is that it would do kinda 3 things: 1. It would allow others models to kinda get a MODELS perspective on shooting nudes. 2. It would (hopefully) allow me as photographer to get some encouragement and inspiration from reading how my models have felt more accepted, beautiful, empowered, encouraged... -- all kinda stuff that I desire to portray and emote in the photographs - but now in their own words too. 3. I kinda like the idea of giving the models themselves a VOICE and not just an image... Perhaps it will bring more to the images while expressing a part of their own personal character and thoughts to this series.

So the plan is to start adding their comments/ essays to my blog. (posting links below)

1. Models Responses # 1-3
2. Models Responses #4 (EW)
3. Model Responses #5 (Laura)
4. Models Responses #6 (SW)
5. Models Responses #7 (Melodye Joy)
6. Models Responses #8 (Amanda H)