Sensual Photograhpy by Branden Hart

I asked a few artists to write something on the subject of nude art/sensuality, what is their take on the subject, what inspires them, why did they choose the particular medium etc. etc. 

I could rant on and on about the subject, but without further ado, here is the article written by photographer, Branden Hart. (You might even see some of his work exhibited at the gallery soon!)

Photography, by its nature has been used to document, to preserve and allow us to manipulate fleeting moments that pass us by.

Sensual photography is no different, it allows us to capture the beauty of a body, manipulated or un-manipulated, and present it in a way that is pleasing to the eye and the soul.

My journey with sensual photography started almost 8 years ago, with the standard basic digital camera, a willing nude model, and some stunning scenery whilst working in Tanzania. As such the images were, bar the beautiful model, unstructured and basic at best. However the ideas of combining a model and scenery took hold.

Many years down the line I have learnt a few valuable lessons. Not only in photographic technique, but the effect it has on the models.

In order to understand the experience of sensual photography, it is necessary to break it down. See the art for what it is, the resistance to it and the result of the shoot.

Unfortunately the words erotic, sensual, boudoir and nude, in South Africa at least, are equated to sleaze, porn and the rather more “grungy” underbelly of the twilight world. Many South African Photographers have tried with mixed success to lift the Fine Art Nude photographic study out of the tainted shadows to the same levels as achieved internationally by photographers like Craig Morey, Jock Sturgess, Pascal Baetens, Petre Hegre, Elinor Carucci and the more risqué Didier Carré.

The fact that this article is being written for a website of a gallery dedicated to the sensual nature of the human form is a testament to the change in perception ad acceptance of our craft.

So … What is our craft?

Our craft is the capturing and presentation of the human form in its most basic of state … NUDE.

Using shadow and construction, to hint at a stolen moment, a taboo piercing or tattoo, the love between a couple, the gorgeous curves of a pregnant mother, the ageing and maturing lines of an older model.

Our craft is the liberation of the human form in a way that is emotional, more than visual.

I always find it interesting, how whilst we work in a visual medium the effects that our work has is almost always emotional, for the viewer and more often the model.

I base my work largely on personal portfolios requested by clients, whether it be a maternity shoot for posterity, a boudoir shoot destined to be a gift for a lover, or in preparation for a more the commercial venture of stock photography, sale and exhibition. Having almost all my clients being stock standard everyday women, mothers to be, or mothers “been” I am amazed at the emotional affect our craft has on the ladies we photograph.

Every one of my clients found the sessions liberating, empowering, emotional and challenging. Not once have I had a model walk into the studio and walk out the same person. My best referrals come within two weeks of a shoot and to date all my referrals have been word of mouth.

Thanks Branden for your input. He has indicated that more articles will come our way focusing more on types of shoots and techniques. You can view more of his work at http://www.voodooexhibitions.co.za/

Have a blessed week