As I get older I appreciate more the opinions of other people. It can be very enlightening to run an idea past a friend to get a different perspective.

For example, a few months ago I was talking to a photographer friend of mine. I told him we were looking for someone to help with the processing of the galleries for Torrid Art. The job would involve working with the photos I take and preparing the galleries for uploading. My friend replied “working with your photos of these models is a college guy’s dream job. In fact, you could probably get someone to pay YOU for the privilege of processing those galleries.”

My friend wasn’t completely serious, of course, but his comment reminded me that what I do - photographing incredible, nude women - is something of a fantasy for many people, both men and women. I am sure there are many people who would love to witness an actual photo session, to see what goes on behind the scenes, and to actually meet and talk to a model.

As a result of my friend’s comments, I started taking behind-the-scenes (BTS) pictures of the photo sessions. Last September we put the first BTS gallery online. It was the gallery of Charlie. That was followed by Mya, Jessica and Lisa. Some of the BTS galleries are fairly small because sometimes I just forget to take enough pictures! Sorry about that!

I thought the BTS galleries would be popular with members, and I was right. But what I didn’t expect is how much I like the BTS galleries myself. I find some of the BTS photos fascinating, which you might not have expected either. After all, I see these models live, in person, “in the flesh.” And believe me, these photos don’t come close to capturing the experience of working closely with these incredible women. So why do I love these photos?

Part of the reason might be the very nature of the photos themselves, and their contrast with the regular galleries. My goal with the regular galleries is to make professional quality, well lit erotic photos within the “girl next door” theme of Torrid Art. I work with the models to help them to be themselves. I want their personalities and their own, honest emotions to show in the photos.

The BTS photos are quite different than that. They are photos taken with whatever light the model happens to be in. I even use on-camera flash when I need it.

And the BTS photos are not necessarily meant to be erotic. The model might be nude, dressed or dressing; looking through her wardrobe; walking somewhere; getting her makeup applied or her hair done; interacting with the stylist; talking on the phone or just relaxing.

But perhaps the main reason I like the BTS photos so much is that they are taken outside the formal, professional setting of the normal galleries. Outside that setting, when the model is “behind the scenes,” she is truly herself. Sure, I try to show the model as herself in the regular galleries, and I think I achieve some level of success. But within the formal, posed setting of the regular galleries, I cannot succeed to the level of the candid BTS photos. And because they are candid and honest, I find that the BTS photos have their own eroticism.

I am sure the BTS galleries will not appeal to everyone. The photos can be candid, playful or serious, but they are not meant to be well lit, formally erotic photos.

The BTS photos are just photos of incredible women behind the scenes. I think these photos have their own kind of eroticism. I hope you like them.

- RAP

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 18th, 2008 at 3:21 pm and is filed under Erotic Photography, Site News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.