If you have any feedback, I'm eager to hear it. The photos differ in subtle ways. For example, some have shoes, some don't.
These pictures represent the complex alchemy of my interests in femininity, photography, sociology and art. What do you think?
Ok, I definitely see femininity, art, and photography. (:
ReplyDeleteIs the sociology watching your friends' comments?
Seriously though, I admire your experimentation and bravery in showing you work in your space! I have such an easier time trying out new routines or performing in front of strangers than friends.
The sociology is learning how women think and watching them interact. Why they do what they do, in different contexts; how they feel about displaying themselves, in various environments. I see external female behavior but I don't really know what's going on inside women's heads. And I want to know.
DeleteTruth be told, I expect some negative comments to this post. It's not a traditional outfit and it skirts the line of propriety. But you don't know how electrified a fence is until you touch it.
I love the little bow, it's so cute!
ReplyDeleteA part of me really wishes you had the option of using dramatic lighting (and some alternate angles). I feel it would have really given these images some good edge.
Otherwise, great shots. I love the look of the black stockings most. Just need some black stilettos!
I *want* to use dramatic lighting and I *want* to use alternate angles BUT... I've tried it in the past and it's virtually impossible when you're photographing yourself. As a model sitting in front of the camera, you can't see what the camera sees. Every time I've tried to do that it's failed, miserably. I can do it as a photographer, or have someone else photograph me as a model, but I can't do both simultaneously. Thanks for the idea, though. In truth, I've contemplated hiring you for such photos but have been too shy to ask.
DeleteI totally understand. I struggle with self-portraiture as well. As for the latter, if you're ever up to it, let me know!
DeleteAnother great set of photos for your fab legs~ I personally like the black tights and metallic necklace combo.
ReplyDeleteI also do agree with delphina, I think it would be fun to play with different lighting and angles, but all things considered, my personal experiences with lighting is always about the sun and what i can do with the natural light.
I think those words: femininity, art, sociology, and photography are a perfect summation of your blog. Maybe a dash of history and humor too. ;)
I think this is the bravest thing you have done yet. I understand that this whole space is a foray into bravery for you but this particular post takes it outside the comfort zone for most women too. So it's brave on a lot fronts.
ReplyDeleteOK yep it's got plenty of great stuff as far as femininity, art and photography goes but lets talk about the sociology aspect. I think that most women would feel extremely uncomfortable about a photo shoot like this, and having it out there for the world to see would make most of us run a mile. No way! It's interesting but I do think that it would make a lot of women feel better to just go out and do something like this to help with their confidence if nothing else.
Have you ever seen Gok Wan's show called 'How To Look Good Naked'. He pretty much put normal women in this situation and it seemed to help them an aweful lot, I used to watch it sometimes and it always amazed me that this outragous man could make woman, who felt uncumfortable about their bodies, go and do not only a naked photo shoot but also put it on billboards.
Too me it's all about confidence. Yours is definately showing today.
Thank you, Brenda. You grasp exactly what I'm doing and I feared few would be able to.
DeleteOne important thing I've learned in life is that experience isn't as scary as our apprehension about it is. I force myself to do scary things and learn from the process. That has enabled a shy boy to become a forceful debater in court, a quiet man to race motorcycles on a track, and a hidden girl to be feminine on her blog.
I love your creative side that likes to experiment and explore. My favorite photo is...pink tights, scarf, bare feet.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa. That one has special appeal to me, too. So soft and feminine. Like you!
DeleteI love these poses you come up with. Like the one of your legs you turned into cards.
ReplyDeleteI love the first pose with your hand behind you.
Daphne.
These pictures are bursting with femininity and playfulness. They're done tastefully, too. I love the pose of the first one. There's something about it that makes it seem as though it were taken by accident. As if someone caught you off guard looking all fabulous and such. Like, "oh hey...there you are. Yes, I'm pretty. Take a picture...it'll last longer." ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're so photogenic!!
xo
Thank you! You made me smile with your comment: I love what you said.
DeleteThe first picture is my favourite, there's something very delicate about it, and vulnerable I think, but they all work well. I enjoy seeing you explore your ideas here, I wish I could be a bit braver about posting pictures of myself trying things out, bloggers such as yourself and many of the others I follow, all help me be a bit bolder than I have been in the past. xx
ReplyDeleteI think some of these might look great in black ans white. That's what came into my mind :D!
ReplyDeleteThat was my first idea. But I didn't pursue it because reaching this point was so hard already. I may play with the images further in b/w. You have a creative mind!
DeleteI agree with the other poster. Black and white photos of these poses would look very cool.
ReplyDeleteWOW. Gorgeous - your legs are your biggest asset and you used them VERY well here. I also agree black and white would be amazing and totally artistic!!
ReplyDeleteWe work with what we have! Thanks, pal.
DeleteI'm just commenting that you've just made my day! post with your legs, many-many legs. Paradise. I'll open up your legs fan-club one day Ally I promise.
ReplyDeleteas for the post - very nice shades and emotions. and amazing shoes on last shot
Thanks, buddy. I'm a fan of you, too.
Delete:)
DeleteMy favorite is the first one.... have you thought of doing a similar shoot but on the floor ?
ReplyDeleteI think that maybe the posing does not allow you to be so relaxed..
You seriously have the best legs! I agree with the above person though, I think on the floor might work slightly better. But I do adore the smile and the different tights and shoes!
ReplyDeleteI still think you have the best legs in blogland!!
ReplyDeleteThey are are fabulous--tastefully done, a little playful yet classy!!
I LOVE the first shot!!! With or without dramatic lighting etc you are an inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteThe first and second ones are my favorite. I agree with everyone else--your legs are amazing! These photos make me think of the musical Cabaret. You are very brave, and I don't know many women who would pose as provocatively as you. We all should learn to push our boundaries as you do.
ReplyDeleteI can't see why you expect to see negative comments, you know people who come here and read your stuff are the enlightened ones :)
ReplyDeleteHonestly I think you look beautiful! As what you said about you wanting to know what's inside our heads, vice versa! But as we sail through life, I learn that sometimes ignorance is bliss. You have no idea of the constant silent competition we have in order to be beautiful and acceptable. What I think is worse, is that when we talk about such things (vain things, fashion included), we are often deemed shallow and stereotyped. While on the other hand, male are free to talk about boxing and sports and cars and no one gives a damn about it.
My thoughts, I hope everyone will differ :)
Nadya
eyeshadow illustrator
The Dilly Chic
Oh dang! I like the first picture a lot. It's so feminine and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteFrom an aesthetic/composition standpoint, I think the hand placement on the rest kind of distracts. Legs in tights is an innately sexy thing, and breaking that visual line with your hands/arms kind of takes away from it. I think it makes you look a little uncomfortable, too...like you're trying to balance on the stool without falling off.
But yeah, that first pic. Va va voom!!!
You are right, of course. Doing a photoshoot like this is very challenging, especially when you're both model and photographer. I wanted it to come out better but this was the best I could do under the circumstances. If I had help in front of or behind the camera, the results would have been better.
DeleteThe first photo is the best. Your pose is very natural and sexy.
ReplyDeleteHave to chime in and agree on the first photo as my favorite. I literally said "Wow" out loud. And then I thought "I need to do that!" And then I thought of a whole bunch of reasons not to. You're the bravest girl I know Ally.
ReplyDeleteThanks. And, if you can't do this, try something smaller and move in the direction toward bravery. You'll be surprised how quickly you can develop courage.
DeleteAlly is really brave, it helps that she looks fabulous while doing these shoots too! ^_~
DeleteThis is wonderful and very creative. I love how the photos represent so many different interests. I can't definitely see them all showing through in these photos. I adore those pink tights. I want a pair! They are the prettiest shade ever...
ReplyDeleteI love those tights, too. They'll get lots of use.
Deletei think this is so brave! i get nervous posting pics of just my face, let alone the rest of me. i would be interested to see them in b&w.
ReplyDeleteYou will!
DeleteGams, girl -- you've got 'em.
ReplyDeleteThanks. They're the only feature that passes as feminine, so I emphasize them. The rest of me looks like an old man. :(
DeleteVa Va Voooom! I think I like the first one best because of the cheeky look on you face. You are definitely noticeable! And fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI think you should have a show of your pictures. All of the ones I have of you (the garbage can, the tutu on the bike) and many on your blog are strong and inspirational. I love them and I love you for taking them.
ReplyDeleteObviously my favorites are the ones featuring the lady-tie, because it's awesome and deployed perfectly!
Thanks, buddy. I've been wondering myself what to do with the growing collection of cool photos I've created. They took a lot of effort to make; I'd like to share them somehow.
DeleteI think it's very interesting how basically the same pose changes so much with such small variations as hand placement, the colour of your hosiery, the accessories (necklace vs. scarf, different or no shoes), creating effects from sultry/sexy to sort of girlish sweetness.
ReplyDeleteHa Cha Cha! Femininity indeed! What fun this must have been! I like the first photo the best because of the asymmetrical look of the legs.
ReplyDelete-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
Oh Wow Ally! I love the show. The first photo is my fav. It's femininity at its best and very, very sexy.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day
Lenya
all i can say is WOW! very sensual, very feminine and very, very sexy! i'm a HUGE fan of gals who wear hosiery so needless to say, these pics of yours are outstanding! two thumbs up!
ReplyDelete