stacey PA313433_SF

Taking a break. And please, no comments about smoking... it's all about

the photography. Thank you.

Nice use of available light, Michael.  This reminds me that I once had a model walk out onto my upstairs deck, because I had asked that smoking take place there.  Only she went out wearing only a pair of high heel shoes and that deck is in full sight of the street and my neighbors on the other side.

 I always wondered if it was a coincidence that my across the street neighbor began to work in his yard with a pair of binoculars hanging from his neck.

Regards,

Jerry

P.S. You might want to consider slightly recropping this - the bricks in houses are usually laid horizontally

Thanks so much Jerry!  Yes, I know what you mean... there were people across the way from us too, but she is just very comfortable in her own skin!  You've never seen slanted bricks?  ;o)

You know what is worse than people making comments about smokers? People commenting on how they forbid others to make those comments about smokers! 

Well, I appreciate your opinion Jack, but this is not a forum for you or anyone else to be judging the model(s).  I think it's safe to say that all smokers are fully aware of the risks and potential pitfalls of smoking, but they don't really need others judging them.

This is no different than accusing a model of being fat or bulimic and she should be eating better, or any other topic.

I'm quite sure that not every model or topic in images you see would fall into your list of favorites, but we should all be mindful that we're judging the imagery here... the photographer's and model's talents, and nothing more.

Michael,

The composition of this picture is just perfect. Love the rhythm created by bricks and stripes on the field and skirt!

JB

Haha, I've said this to Jerry several times already, he should visit some galleries and museums where many of the most successful works are "hidden",  he will find his fill of slanting walls, bricks and whatever ...... big wink Jerry .. : -)

As concerns Mr Live, I don't think anyone forbids anything, but one can politely object, particularly when such comments have absolutely nothing to do with photography or the courtesy of the  photo critique requested. It's like complaining about the Christmas lights on a picture of the Eiffel Tower.  

I like the apparent backstage quality of this photo Michael, it looks authentic. The overwhelming majority of my models don't smoke or drink, but I also find that such props often help to give purpose and expression to an image. Delightful, very good, bravo. 

98% of models smoke. They smoke a lot and everywhere.Let's be mature here and remember its about the photograph and everything that is in it, We can"t critique a photo by taking on the photographers or models point of view it must be our own! If you didn't want us to comment on the smoke you could have removed it. If you don't want a comment about a woman"s breasts or thighs or buttocks than you have the choice to photograph her with her clothes on. As long as things remain respectful i don "t think there is a need to police people unless you are a cop! 

Thanks so much Janis and John!  And Mr. Live, as I said, it's certainly your prerogative to perceive and believe as you wish.  Like John said, no one is forbidding you to do anything, only asking politely for your cooperation, regardless of your personal opinions.

No doubt we embrace fundamental differences on how to view art and art photography.  It's not a matter of how "adult" we are.  If you want to criticize the pose, then you are addressing the photographer.  If you happen to really like the model in an image, I personally see no problem in complimenting her (or his) attributes in whole or in part.

But the second you criticize any model, her features, or her activities in an image, you are no longer critiquing the image, but rather attacking her personally.

Remember, glamour and art-nude models put their all out there to help the photographer realize his visions, and yes, sometimes even the models.  Photography is largely illusion, and you have to take it in that context rather than literally.

In the future, I would just as soon you pass by my images rather than to be combative and judgmental, unless you can keep your topic on critiquing my work, not the models.  Thank you.

Mr. Live, one other point I forgot to mention... I don't know where you get your information, but I've shot over a thousand models, mostly women, and I statistically, only about 10% or 15% smoke!  Not that I care either way, and not that it's any of my business what they do, your numbers are simply out to lunch.

Well, he does have few birds in his portfolio Michael .. :-). I am just joking to diffuse the situation.

Sure we must all live and let live, and I think you express it very articulately Michael. However, we are here to express our views on photography, anything else, including my response is out of line and I apologize for this. Admittedly, I did not see this coming, but will now see it through.

I have not reached your figures Michael, but I do have a little experience in the area now, and no more than around ten per cent of the persons that I photograph smoke, though they are not necessarily models. I don't think my numbers are enough to plot convincingly on a regression curve but if Mr Live's estimate were to be correct, it would mean that models for some bizarre reason would have reached almost five times the average population of smokers in the USA, which is of course preposterous.

I think that we can express our "freedom" (on a photo site) by being courteous and compassionate towards each other through showing some respect for the artists on both sides of the lens and remaining on the subject, Photography.

Again, my apologies for having contributed to the contamination of this page. 

Mmmmmmmm... I think I'll just stick to the photography I will. I love this image I do. Great skin tones Michael, something I struggle so with. Bravo!

-r-