Magic Mirror Nude

Really nice picture. I love the contrast made between the girl, and the landscape. The reflection of the sky in water is also, a very good idea. Congrats

IMO a very good result. I am not into the square format, but I think you made the full use of the square in this case.

Thank you for your comments. This nude is part of a series of very special places in Arizona and man's connection with the earth. The general theme is that you belong to the earth and are as much a part of nature as any other creature that inhabits our planet. I have an exhibit in March of 2005 at the 'Paper Heart Galley' in Phoenix for whomever would like to come. Thanks again, D. James.

David, i have looked at every single image in your portfolio. I agree that humans belong in a natural setting as much as any other creature but there are times when your nudes work aesthetically and times when they do not work as well. In this case it works. She looks like a sleeping wood nymph, a little wisp of a creature, so pink and delicate and the beautiful colors of her flesh work so well against the besalt(?) rocks. i think the nude does not contribute as much when the pose is contrived and far from natural. If the point being made is that the nude is as natural in this setting as any other living creature, i think it behooves the photographer/model team to show that naturalness. if the face is hidden, does that add or detract from that sense of naturalness? Edward Weston's iconic nude of his wife Charise, done in 1936, shows her face hidden, yet we are given her naked scalp, her wet hair coiled and held by pins like a sleek seal, and a bit of the curve of her ear. i don't think anyone could argue that they are being deprived in the face of such mystery. When your nude turns her face from the camera, the point seems to be that she is shielding her identity, which reminds us that there is a camera present which reminds us that the scene is in some way constructed.

i think you are on to something. Your nature captures are so tenderly lit and the colors are simply enticing. The scenes are exquisite and the concept of joining a nude with the very beautiful magic of the locations is intriguing. i just wish for a nude who seems more relaxed and sensually connected to the place. i look forward to more, but guess i'll have to wait till next summer, eh? regards: kat~

Kathleen, thank you for your thoughful and constructive comments. Too often I fall into the trap of using the model to 'scale' the scene that nature provides. Given the breathtaking beauty of many of the locations, it is a difficult trap to avoid and, consequently, too little attention is paid to the nude. Worse, everyone gets caught up in both the journey and beauty of the destination and a great deal of time is lost just absorbing the surroundings. So I truly appreciate the time you took to study my images make your comments and must say, to a great degree, that they are both accurate and helpful. By the way, Arizona is one of the few states that offers mild seasons throughout the year and photographers here simply migrate with seasons, altitude and weather (our monsoon season). So I continue to work in the field and I am trying to find some male models with the patience and stamina to backpack into these remote locations and provide 'balance' to this series. I will keep your comments in mind, many thanks and Very best regards, David.