SKIN 2003 index

Desparation combined with a fortuitous, if rare, moment of inspiration created the "Model Vs. Photographer" series. The desparation was born from one of the periodic times that I found myself without access to models. While trying to figure out how to move forward with my goal of pursuing nude photography, I managed to amuse myself with a simple "What if?" question. What if I took pictures of myself trying to imitate the poses and attitudes of models that I had previously photographed?

The idea took hold for several reasons. First and foremost, the idea of a bald, beer-bellied, middle-aged man posing in a mirror image of younger, more attractive women struck me as hilarious. Second, the idea seemed unique. I had never seen it done before. And finally, it was the best argument I could muster to those who say that nude photography often exploits women. I wanted to prove that I would not ask a model to do anything that I was not prepared to do myself. And ironically, the more feminine or explicit the pose, the funnier the result. So, ultimately, it becomes one big joke with me as the punchline.