Morning Coffee & A Story

Story at the End: 

This was another spur of the moment type shoot using a Canon EOS R with a kit 35mm lens. Again, I just used window light; she had no makeup, but was looking amazing to me. The lighting coming in through the window made for a great scene. So I photographed her making coffee. At first she was a little annoyed as we had been working the night before filming an event, and was hoping to relax. But we made it fun. A 20 minute photoshoot will last a lifetime or longer, capturing that moment and beauty. 

I never thought I would share this gallery at the time so I did not think to ask her to put clothes on. Honestly, I am glad she did not. This shoot would not have worked, in my opinion, if she was wearing a T shirt or even some nice lingerie. I don't care to remember the brand or clothing she was wearing. I want to capture her in her total essence.  Several months later I posted photo number 3 on my portrait IG. I debated for some time on whether to post or not. I was worried people would immediately think I was trying to use implied nudity in exchange for likes, without seeing or understanding the story or emotion behind it. She is beautiful, and clothes do not do her justice, but it can be more than that if the story is observed. Ultimately, I decided not to care what people think, as long as I am respectful to others, it should not matter. My artist statement: (to sum it up) "to see the world differently" is embodied here. I want to showcase that vision. 

The IG post (photo number 3) did really well, and got a lot of positive feedback. Sure, people made it only about the nudity, but that is okay as well because art and essence is all interpreted differently. An artist should ask questions, should be controversial. Nudity should be more accepted in our society. The entertainment industry, in all their hypocrisy, can make billions off sex, nudity, but then remove the post of an artist who freely creates based on his or her passion. Similarly, people in our culture are so quick to judge...

Here's a story... Steph and I went to a beach house to stay with some friends and friends of friends a few years back. It was a long weekend getaway in Myrtle Beach. There were 2 beach houses and around 15 people staying. We knew most of the couples. (no this was not a swinger partly lol) 

We unpacked, and went to the beach to meet everyone. Steph was in a swimsuit, and had been competing in fitness, had just finished running a marathon a week earlier, doing spartan races and crossfit, needless to say she was in amazing shape. As we approached the group, I immediately got this nervous feeling of having to socialize, and work to be accepted in this group of friends and new friends. 

The women in the group all started giving Steph this condescending stare... I could feel the judgement. Steph had a smile on her face as she normally does and was completely oblivious to the judgment being cast her way based on how she looked. Steph was, very fit, and wearing a regular blue 2 piece swim suit. Steph was being judged because she took care of herself and looked good? I, without jumping to conclusions or judging myself, I noticed most of the women in the group were fairly attractive, none were in competition shape, they had gaudy swimsuits and jewelry, big hats, glasses, and had this fake persona about them.  I was already guilty of judging myself, because I felt angry for Steph. Steph is literally one of the kindest people. I appreciate the fact that she treats everyone with respect, she is simple, kind. She doesn't overdo it with jewelry, or dress to impress. Her body, and smile, and rich charisma makes the impression usually.   

Turns out, we all had fun at the beach house, and made friends, but there was still this layer of hidden emotion I could feel throughout the weekend coming mainly from judgment of the other women.  It's moments like these that have caused us to turn down going to social events and enjoy life as semi-introverts. 

On the last night of the weekend, we all were on a private beach, having a beach fire. The sun was setting, it was a perfect 75 degrees; We were drinking, having a good time, and of course someone decides to play some drinking game. We were playing Kings... you know that card game where if you draw a 5 its "guys" drink, if you draw a queen it's a personal question you have to answer, and if you don't you drink. Your typical mid 20's nonsense haha.  

One card rule was ace of spades... if you draw that card you have to do the agreed upon dare or lose by drinking the grog which was this awful concoction of backwash, redbull, bud light, whisky, sand, and probably dip spit. Well, the general rule everyone with their imaginations came up with was running naked down this private beach or drink the grog... it was a sure fire way of getting the loser to drink the grog.

It was my turn, there were only few cards left. I was in this group of 11 people or so with Steph beside me. I was worried I would draw the Ace. Everyone was buzzed, talking, socializing, but also really into this game, so there was not much of a chance I could slip away unnoticed. I thought about saying something like "I have to take this phone call" or some other thing to get out of not drawing this Ace. But peer pressure took over, I also did not want to leave Steph behind. I reluctantly drew my card. It was a 3 of diamonds. 3 equals me, so I gladly took a swig of my Yuengling. Steph was next, and as luck would have it she drew the Ace. Everyone burst out with excitement, laughter or relief.  Steph in her typical shy manner was in disbelief. She looked at the grog, that everyone was telling her to drink. There was chanting... drink, drink, drink. But I knew she would not do that. She simply tossed the Ace back into the pile of cards, and took off all her clothes. I imagine she coulda gotten away with just taking her top off but she took everything off.  Everyone was in shock, and cheered. I hid my eyes, not accepting she actually did that  (I was much more shy back then) but she looked amazing, and I could tell everyone thought so as well. She was tan from the weekend so it looked as if her body had even more definition.

I said this was not a swinger party and it was not, but as she started running nude down the beach two guys and another woman took off their clothes and joined her running. I guess it was liberating or something. Plus there was the liquid courage.

Steph got back from her run, and people were definitely staring at her, one girl in particular was strait up bad eyeing her in this hateful judgmental way. I was thinking to myself... what is the problem? She had the courage to do the dumb dare, she looks amazing, and everyone is happy now. 

The hater girl, said some drunken snarky comments directed towards Steph throughout the night... but another aspect I appreciate about Steph is she won't respond in a way that would escalate drama. I've dated women before that would LOVE drama and fights. Steph just smiles and makes it nearly impossible to find a way to escalate drama.

This was a long story, but is symbolic of social media... there are these dumb standards out there, much like that game, that when met, will make people happy, and make people upset or judgmental. It's just life. Have fun, be you, and ignore the haters. 

Shortly after that night, I would get the bright idea to start photographing Steph. Originally, I had reached out to a photographer to take her photos. It was expensive, and Steph also refused. So I did it myself. I am still learning, but my goal is to continue on a regular basis photoshoots for 5 more years. That will be 10 years total of a body of work entitled: "Memoirs of Steph". I started in 2017 and will see it through to 2027 at least. In 2027 there will be an exhibit of the completed body of work.

I appreciate your support along the way. Five years is a way out but in the meantime If you have ideas, want to sponsor a shoot, request specifics, reach out to me.