In discussing and bringing to light some of the allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct made by models against Richardson, I held off from offering any critical assessment of his photography. So what if he often shoots explicit nudes? In principle, his work is of little relevance to the serious accusations made against him. But the association that already exists in the minds of some between smutty pictures and exploitation might encourage people to condemn Richardson for his predilection for taking pictures of teenaged girls' vulvas, rather than for his apparent fondness for touching those girls — or making them touch him — without their permission. From an artistic perspective, there's a difference, and it profits nobody to confuse aesthetic tastes with behavior.
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- Public Discussion (12)
Earlier this year, I heard from a woman who'd dated Richardson briefly in 2002. They'd met when he asked to shoot her portrait; she obliged, and they took some pictures while she was fully clothed. She wrote:
We saw each other a couple of times before and after that shoot. Going to movies, restaurants, etc...and having sex. Pretty classic for a dating relationship. He was always taking pictures of us while we were having sex. One day, all the crew was there and he asked me to do sex stuff with him in front of them and I said no. He kept trying for the whole night. Once the crew was gone we had sex and in the middle of action, I realised that some of his assistants were looking and taking pictures. I stopped and I told Terry to quit all that stupidity cause it wasn't interesting me.
I understood that he wasn't as honest of a person as he seems to be. I never went back to his live/work studio. [sic]
Nonetheless, two years later, she heard from a friend that explicit pictures of her were included in one of Richardson's exhibitions. "A bunch of anxiety attack started for me," she says. Over a dozen images of her ended up in Richardson's books Kibosh and Terry's World. The model claims she never signed a release, and never consented to the publication of those pictures. So what about the model in these pictures? Did she consent?
- 3 votes
He is crude. I love good nudes, and while I am a photographic hobbiest, don't take them myself. This creature seems like a predator who uses his camera as an extension of his male appendage, not an instrument of artistic vision.
- 1 vote
I'm glad you posted the NSFW warning! WOW! LOL. Interesting photos...
She is 18 and older right?
That guy sounds like a creep! Even go the pedophile looking glasses on. Like this.
- 2 votes
I'm not sure she is eighteen. In the past, he didn't do over eighteen, he did under eighteen and pretended they were. This gal in on the line. Maybe she is and maybe she isn't.
Glad it isn't just me that gets that creepy feeling.
- 3 votes
Those are beautiful. The models look as if they are enjoying their bodies and being sensual, sexy. Thanks for that link. What a difference.
- 3 votes
The models look as if they are enjoying their bodies and being sensual, sexy.
More so than the Richardson photos, I agree, but they still have (for me) a bit of a pornographic feel. (Just a personal opinion).
I think there is much better out there. For instance, personally, I much more enjoy depictions of women in more powerful, active poses, or at least in poses highlighting the female form in what I feel is a healthier (i.e., less passive) way.
Uber-powerful: http://www.photokonkurs.com/comments.php?pid=282030
Active: http://www.photokonkurs.com/comments.php?pid=281924
Beautiful form: http://www.photokonkurs.com/comments.php?pid=281768
Just my two cents.
Maybe a few more cents to add...Being photographed next to a vulva while having an expression on your face like it's not only the first time you've ever seen one but it was done after a bar bet...? Not really artistic OR impressive in any way.
- 1 vote
Those are great photos too. The first one is gorgeous except her breasts look fake. Kind of kills it for me.
Years ago, I found a European photographer whose whole website was breathtaking. It was obvious he loved women and women's bodies. His passion showed up on every photograph. I'll see if I can find it again, but I can't remember his name offhand.
- 2 votes
I like fit women, but the 1st pic was totally not attractive IMHO.
The first one is gorgeous except her breasts look fake
Was gonna mention that as well. I'm not a fan of fake boobs so much.
- 2 votes
I like women, in all their myriad shapes, there is something primal about them.
But then I am a guy..
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