From Another’s Gaze | Harley Harpurr No.4
“The еrοtic photographer also has a profound effect on the person being photographed. Even the most sensually aware individual will not have a sense of his or her own beauty from another’s gaze. The invisible eyes of the photographer can substіtute for the gaze of the lover and that of society. When acting as the desiring and approving eyes of the lover, the photos created gives the model a new visual language and self-awareness as a sensual being. Not only is she validated, but she may also discover her own visual sensual appeal that she was not previously aware of. Let’s celebrate and enjoy the art created by the sеxual, fеtish and еrοtic photographers.”
—Midori, Wild Side Ѕex: The Book Of Kink: Educational, Sensual, and Entertaining Essays
As a photographer, my aim with this project is to transcend the traditional portrayal of the 'female body' and delve into the deeper, richer narrative of the individual as a sexual being. I strive not just to capture a physical form, but to engage with the person within, to understand and convey their unique sexual essence. My lens is not merely an observer of the body; it is a medium through which the intricate tapestry of desires, strengths, vulnerabilities, and the multifaceted nature of the model's sexuality is explored and celebrated.
In this process, I seek to create images that are dialogues, not monologues. They are conversations between myself, the subject, and the eventual viewer, encompassing a journey of mutual discovery. I aim to reveal the person behind the form, to bring forth the vibrant, authentic sexual identity that often lies masked behind societal labels and expectations.
This project is a testament to the belief that true human sexuality is a complex, profound, and beautiful aspect of our identity. It's about seeing and portraying the models not as mere subjects, but as partners in this artistic journey, each with their own story and essence. In this endeavor, my camera is both a witness and a narrator, capturing moments of truthful revelation and presenting a vision of human sexuality that is as diverse and intricate as the individuals themselves.
Each photograph becomes a dynamic conversation, not just with the form captured by the lens, but with the person within. It's a visual exploration of the individual as a whole, vibrant sexual being, challenging and enriching our understanding of human sexuality, beyond the superficial.
There is a unique dynamic that occurs in erotic photography – a nuanced dance between observer and observed. Erotic photography invites contemplation on the nature of seeing and being seen and the transformative power it holds. At its core, this experience is a dialogue between the external gaze and the internal reality. It speaks to the human condition: our desire to be seen, understood, and accepted, not just by others but, crucially, by ourselves.
The interplay of gaze—both the photographer's and the eventual viewer's—adds layers of meaning to the image. It's not just about seeing, but about understanding and interpreting. The subject is not a passive entity but an active participant in a shared narrative of self-expression.
This form of photography can be seen as a celebration of female agency, a reclaiming of the narrative surrounding the female body. It defies the traditional objectification and commodification, instead offering a space for empowerment and self-assertion.
In the resulting images, the model's sexuality is presented not as an objectified concept but as an integral part of their being. These photographs are alive with the model's essence; there is a depth in their gaze, a story in their posture, a narrative woven into the very fabric of the image. The photos speak of the model's identity, desires, and personality capturing moments of genuine self-expression.
Warm Regards,
Lorne