ChrisR8

Thank you for touching down in my bit of purpleport.

I am a semi professional photographer and, when other work permits, I am building a portfolio of images that speak about the humanity of the human form and I would like to help build your portfolio also, if that is how you would like images of yourself to appear.  Beginners are welcome.

I have often photographed my subject in, and as, landscape and sometimes in an abstract way. In addition, I try to capture the nude in a natural, private setting, using natural light where possible, and if not, using domestic, not studio lighting and almost always in monochrome.

My interest is in "normal" human shapes with experience of life as much as "model perfect" ones and in models  with no upper age limit. An important element is the narrative implicit in the image. Almost invariably the model in my images will not look at the camera. The camera is the witness to the scene, not the focus of attention of the image's subject. My images are not intended to titillate but to absorb and draw the viewer in. Sometimes I seek to recreate the balance and form of classical statues, sometimes of celebrated paintings. Although most of my images are nudes, the chance to photograph models in contemporary or vintage would be good: the essence will remain what is private, intimate and "unobserved".

More than one viewer of my work has observed that I photograph women as a woman might. I hope it was meant as a compliment. I took it as one.

I have worked with some wonderful models who share my approach and look forward to working with more. I have a place to shoot in West Berkshire and in South Devon but am happy to travel and capture images in remote places by the sea and in wild country.

I once won a prize for a nude in a national university photography competition way back when and my interest in portraying the human form has never dimmed; my goal is to have my work commercially exhibited. My greatest influences include  Bill Brandt, Francesca Woodman and Mona Kuhn.