Staples #1

Just a short note to tell you how I felt as I saw this... Directly, my stomach was stressed to the limit of what I can bear... Convulsive, really, and I don't mean it in a positive way... I'm one of those who went through a serious accident, back in 1993, and I never liked blood - even before - but here I can't take it. Of course, that's just me. But I believe we are far beyond photography here. I come on PN to relax, and to me, this image in an aggression... I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt the way I do - more or less - seeing this... So, frankly, what's the point ? Are you trying to make us feel bad here, or what else ? Any meaning I would have missed ?

I've always loved your work, but I wouldn't want to feel sick again looking at my screen... Knowing that you are more than smart enough for that, I hope you will take this opportunity to think a bit further about this question: " what's the point ? "

Regards.

Marc,I take your point that's why I sequestered these shots in the "Flesh and Blood" folder, where I hope the title tells folks what to expect. Shock value's of no value to me.

It's limiting to say too much about intent, but generally I try to use high-style techniques for ironic effect. The idea is to rattle that cage I spoke of in my comments to the "Honeydew" photo rattle it by putting something unpretty into the context usually reserved for pretty things. The late master of this approach was Robert Mapplethorpe, one of my favorite photographers (though by most accounts not somebody you'd want to take home to Mother).

I apologize to anyone who's offended by such stuff, but I do have reasons for doing it, reasons that seem good to me. If I knew how to wave a malgusto flag over photos like this I would, no kidding. Something that requires an extra click.

I feel sick...

 

But that doesn't mean that there isn't a place for this sort of work.

Agreed: I've changed the title to this folder and intend to keep seriously sanguinary photos here.

Leslie, in addition to being in aptly (or less than aptly) named folders, photos that are marked for critique are exposed in the Gallery, and in the Photocritique. Today, this photo and the other one of the same subject are near the beginning of the Photocritique list, meaning that almost everyone who uses the "Rate recent photos" feature will see it.

 

Personally, I like this photo. As with much of your work, it is highly original and graphic, as well as being shocking.

Brian: If I were setting up a site like photo.net I'd let each user choose from a list of betes noires they seriously did not want to see: violence, porn, blood, sunsets you wouldn't need very many categories.

Ow.

 

Damn good shot, Leslie.

even more gross...

Ooo, the pain. Good composition.

Hey Leslie.. Since i am a doc you are making think too much of work. I have to admit these two photos of yours are original.. i would have never thought of taking shots like this. mark

I found the pictures in your folder both aesthetic and original... enough so to drag me in for a deeper look. I'm not a "horror" fan in any sense, but i don't feel that the pictures depict that. The textures, colours, and precision are artistic indeed. True art is supposed to stir emotions love it or hate it. Im sure public reaction to Edvard Munchs art in his time must have been similar it must be for most artist who dare push the envelope. Great work and keep pushing

 

Rob B.

 

PS: There are only so many flower and tree pictures I can look at!

that aint done with no Swingline stapler

the comment "i come to photo.net to relax" as justification for not posting potentially troubling images is selfish and ignorant. photo.net is not here to serve any one particular aesthetic.

 

the ratings for this photo already tell you that it's successful because of the broad range of them. i find it totally unsurprising yet still disappointing that the people who rated this low didn't take five minutes to explain their reaction. i think it's important to confront images you find initially discomforting, to articulate what is exactly that causes that reaction. but i think that would be asking too much of the flower and sunset majority here.

 

this photo isn't even that abrasive. there's no blood. just staples. it's a photograph of a healing wound. is that not a positive image? it's well executed and well composed.