Feminism Without Clothes

I’m taking a hiatus from writing in this blog; my apologies to readers.

Recently I’ve gotten a good deal of positive feedback regarding this blog, some of which has come from photographers.  However, I can’t help but feel that for every positive remark, a negative one from someone else has remained unsaid.  Modeling is how I make my living, and I’m very concerned that this blog may be making me a less-than-desirable model in the eyes of some people.

I will also be removing from public viewing some of my more opinionated entries for the time being.

25 Comments »

Frequently the question “is this safe?” comes up when discussing what I do.

The answer: Not really, and sort of.

It’s not really safe because I don’t check references that photographers and artists who I schedule work with give to me most of the time- I know I should, but I usually don’t.  I assume because they’ve got an online page on a modeling networking site linked to other models, or seem to know what they’re talking about, that they are.  That’s not to say that I never check references- I do, sometimes.  Just not like I should.

It’s sort of safe because, when you look at it rationally, the risk isn’t that great.  There are huge model-photographer networking sites out there that wouldn’t exist if models were being butchered on a regular basis.  Is working with a photographer- even when shooting nude or bondage work content- any safer than going home with a guy you picked up at a local bar or club?

My advice to women considering trying internet modeling is to contact models that the the photographer/artist has previously worked with, and ask about their experiences with that person.  If something doesn’t sit right with you, it’s better to cancel or back out of the shoot than to risk putting yourself in an uncomfortable and potentialy dangerous situation. 

Also, if something happens during the shoot that you’re unhappy with, say something- and, if you must, leave.  Bring a cell phone with you so you can call a cab in case, like me, you don’t drive but need to extract yourself from a situation.  It’s better to get a reputation for being a flake who leaves in the middle of shoots than to put up with a photographer who’s doing something that’s upsetting.

A final word- keep in mind that, like most things, you’re much more likely to be killed or injured in a car accident on the way to a shoot than at the actual shoot.

 

David LeBeck, January 2007.  A safe, good guy- and excellent photographer. 

8 Comments »

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

Enter your password to view comments

Recently a photographer I’ve worked with before, correspond with in email, and respect a hell of a lot asked me to write the foreword to his next self-published book.  I was absolutely blown away; I said yes.

I was thinking the evening after his request about this.  I was wondering what it meant, and why it had affected me so deeply.

I usually don’t buy into karma and messages from above and crap, but sometimes I question the path I’m going down at the moment.  This served as sort of a wake-up call: yes, you are going in the right direction.

It’s not necessarily about respect from other people; it’s about being able to be proud of myself on multiple levels- to have inspired and helped people.

This request was something very concrete, something that said, “You’re where you should be.  Don’t make any excuses, because you have nothing to excuse.”

A lot of people could have told me that; even I could have told me that.  But sometimes you need something that just stops you in your tracks- something that doesn’t tell you, but shows you. 

 

 

 

Melvin Moten, February 2007.    

2 Comments »

I’m been given an award: the thinking blogger award, by blogger Terry Karney.  The rules are this: after being given this award, link to five other blogs that make you think, giving them the award.

Here are my nominations for this award (my apologies if they’ve already been nominated):

-Sex in the Public Square

-The Story Beneath the Skin (although Melvin better start updating again…or else.  Oh, and not safe for work)

-Real Adult Sex

-God is My Co-Dependent (despite the fact that we’ve had a falling-out of Shakespearen proportions.)

-And last, but not least in any sense of the word, Heather Corinna’s Pure As the Driven Slush.

An honorable mention to Sexual Evolution, which has already been given the award.

 

 

 

D. Brian Nelson, January 2007.    

4 Comments »

More updates coming soon, I promise.  I’ve just settled into my new place in Seattle, and I’m tired.

 

 

D. Brian Nelson, January 2007.   

4 Comments »