Anonymous
Someone recently filled out my modeling application, indicating an interest in fine art nude photos. She also requested to remain anonymous, presenting an interesting twist.
First and foremost, anonymity imposes a few obvious technical constraints:
never show the subject’s face
hide or edit out identifying marks such as tattoos, birthmarks, distinct scars, etc
Shot at 200mm, f/2.8
More interestingly, anonymity imposes creative constraints. In addition to posing restrictions, you cannot use facial expressions or eye contact to tell a story. When posing the human form, I ask subjects to choose a path: either be soft and delicate, or introduce tension and chaos.
Drawing inspiration from Wolf Anders Photography, we wrapped her head in gauze to liberate us from posing restrictions. Though facial expressions were still unavailable, simply repositioning the head (as if the subject is looking at the camera), has a big impact. In these two nearly identical photos, the subject appears either submissive and vulnerable, or defiant and confident.
We moved on to floor and chair posing.
Most of what I write is from the perspective of me, the photographer and artist. From the subject’s perspective, anonymity can help with confidence and a sense of freedom. I asked the model and here’s what she said.
“I definitely felt I could be more creative, I could do weirder poses or ideas because I wasn't scared someone would connect the dots and know it's me. I was able to truly express myself.”
