Live and direct

Live and direct from SEXPO

Every time I do a photo session and post it on my page, I ask the women to write something about the experience of taking photos like these, and I think that, after so long, it was time for me to write something myself.

I have a favorite photographer. Actually many, but yes, I have one favorite photographer. I always wanted to take photos like his, ever since the first time I saw his light, and of course I tried many times. But like everyone, I hope, we look for ways to be inspired without losing our identity.

And so, 12 years after taking my first nudes, I arrive at Sexpo intending to exhibit, but as something more than just putting photos on a wall: to show what I do and how I do it.

I must have photographed more than 100 different people, naked, in public, trying not to repeat shots, trying to make sure each person who was there took away something different…

And I want to say a few things, complain about a few things. Like those photographers who ask you not to bring anyone to photo sessions because they need to create an atmosphere and an almost spiritual connection: what kind of garbage is that, when we can do things right with a million people watching… Also to that guy who decided to stand in the front row to watch the women change clothes, whom I ended up kicking out: if you’re not ready for this, take your time, leave and come back when you’re ready to understand that we’ll welcome you. And finally, to all those who demand, because they don’t just ask, why I don’t photograph “chubby girls” (and you don’t dare say fat because that’s what you’re thinking), why not men, why only women, why not here or there… And my thought is always the same: why don’t they ask me why I do this, and why I chose to do this? Is it so hard nowadays to question what we do instead of only thinking about what we don’t?

I have a favorite photographer, and I wanted to take his photos live without anyone imagining they were always his photos. His name is Lucien Clergue, and I’ve always wanted to know if he got as nervous as I do before every photo session.

Pralad