Have they gone? on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Jaquelinevanek.com says:

Will i be the first commenting here??... ohh damnn... that would be great!!!!
Nice work aniela, lovely expression :)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Jaquelinevanek.com says:

Me again.... damn old guy........... just seeing pretty girls and no art!!!!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

I can understand your postition on this. While I'm not a woman myself, I do photograph them, and there are nudes in there as well as not. I give my models veto power over anything that gets posted, and let them as individuals decide what might be too much for public consumption.

I have had to block a few people from my stream, however, and delete a few comments now and again, because you're going to encounter a certain level of idiot no matter where you go or what you post. It's inevitable in a public forum such as flickr.

I for one would hate to see you totally stifle yourself creatively just because of a few bad apples, so yes, perhaps once in a while labelling a photo "friends only" might help to counter some of that. Honestly, I think I speak for the majority when I say that I look forward to seeing what stuff you're creating, clothed or not, and will take whatever you feel like offering up. Just keep up the level of excellence you've been reaching, and you won't hear any complaints from the peanut gallery!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Jaymal says:

There was a teacher in Alabama who received the "Best teacher of the year" award and shortly afterwards was fired when the school board found out she had done one porn video 10 years ago. Of course that is the backward state of Alabama but still...

However, may I please point out your pictures are works of art and expressions of yourself. Please don't let anybody's small-minded opinions lessen the creativity, which bubbles out of each and every one of your photos. I understand that we must live in a reality where the “icky” factor skyrockets when 80 year olds have and consequently you may decide to limit the viewer ship of certain photos. We will all be the less for it.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

enrique.sanchez says:

Some things are meant to be kept private... and at such a young age we might not be in the best position to make decisions like that...

As for me (and I'm sure many other Flickr users) your photos will always inspire no matter how you show yourself...
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Jaymal says:

Quick question: Does the shower currtain pop like bubble wrap? I love popping bubble wrap. I could do it all day.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

bambinoboom says:

funny shoot

good work ....
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

marawhenua says:

Aniela I think your photos as pieces of art,just goe with your own
feelings I think you enjoy what you do stay with it.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

michaelangeloew says:

As an architecture student/ amateur photographer/ sometimes artist who's maintaining a golf course in hundred-degree weather to pay for only half of college, you might want to save Flickr's virgin eyes until you've got a stable source of indscriminate income. Though I don't think stuff like this picture will raise any eyebrows when half the kids our age are doing more on Myspace... at least your self-aware narcissism has some art mixed in : )
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

KickAssCanadian_Chick says:

re: "so it encourages me to think there are more 'thinkers' gaining from my images then the weirdoes. "

think again... the weirdos don't let you know they're watching by commenting. the thinkers comment and discuss. the weirdos just watch and.... you know.

i stopped posting pics of my feet for now because of a few creepy comments from a few creepy people... they're feet for goodness sakes! i cant imagine the comments id get if i posted more of myself!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Aristocrat says:

I would stay away from any "professional career " run by narrow minded people. It's not their business how you run your personal life. We are born free and we will keep it that way.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Wave / Particle / Pixel says:

I like this one again, nice half scared-half curious look from behind the curtain. What's she afraid to find there?
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Travelinjim says:

Aniela, do what your heart and mind lead you to do. But, know that many many of your Flickr fans are anxiously awaiting any new art you show us, not just because you're good looking, but because you are really very talented.

A nice blend of pathways has been suggested...keep any pictures that you have questions about to your friends and family or maybe even load them, but keep them private while you decide who should or should not see them.

Awhile back you posted some pictures that were less tame. At that time, I decided to call my wife over to look at them and we talked about what was (in our opinion) "indecent" and what was art. In the end, she and I both agreed that what you have been showing us is art. Nothing indecent or scandalous in the group.

Keep up the awesome effort!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

ERIO says:

cucuuuu!!! whatever you'll chose, i'll be with you... :)

but you have to understand don't all the people feel the same things in front of a same image... and you have to think you don't do nothing bad if someone tell you such things, its not on your brain, its on his...

although believe me, i've seen worse "compliments" and from people of all ages... ^__^

kisses and hugs, dear aniela.. =****
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Tim Burns, obmit 1 [deleted] says:

Caution is probably advisable. you should also protect your images as far as is possible on Flickr. Even some of my pictures have been blogged without my permission. You never know where your image will turn up or how it is being abused. I would talk to Carmen (Solea) if I were you. I am sure she would have some valuable insights.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

lily_rosemary says:

I always thought that you would soon face this matter.
Yes, your beautiful nudity will be admired as art by some of the viewers, but by others, as you so right wrote, it will be viewed only like "female flesh... to consume".
The Internet is a strange and often dangerous place. Not to put "your entire self" on here, I think, is not a bad idea!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

LegoLeah says:

Love the image.
Its a tough one, and I think a very personal decision. Good luck in making it.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Emblin says:

Who the ghosts and the goblins??

I'm not seventy years old, but you do have 'kissable' lips. Thank God for that, and thank god also you're not too concerned about your 'professional career', because you have great photographic talent. That said...I have enjoyed another Miss Aniela 'moment'.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Emblin says:

P.S. there is nothing 'dirty' or taboo in your work. You have more talent and sensitivity, and guts than most of us professional photographers could only aspire too...I admire you for your honesty, and great sense of art direction.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Stuck in Customs says:

Where did you find that bubble wrap shower curtain? I think I would be too busy popping the bubbles to properly condition my hair or even to begin to think about exfoliation.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Teon. says:

All your photos are fabulous - with or without nudity I know your photos will continue to be superb.

I only think it is a shame that others are forcing the choice on you, rather than you being able to post what you want and express yourself through your art.

In any case, I can't wait to see your future photos!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

shrike1964 says:

Great expression on your face, and very appropriate title. I'd also have to agree pretty much exactly with what Teon says (and also Trey... lol)
Anyway, I look forward to seeing whatever you decide to share with us. Love your work, and keep it up.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

dirtyfeet says:

Aniela, You know that no matter what you do, no matter which photos you put private, the ones that are left for all to see will always attract the wierdos that will think its ok to say "nice titties" and then forward you a picture of their hairy ass. I guess it is just the exchange one must make. Just continue to block them as I do.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

mrjon912 [deleted] says:

Such a tease! LOL

Nice pic.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Richelle Ludwick says:

I recently received a request from a contact that I should "do nudes", and while I explained that nude portraits do not interest me, i would like to point out that it has nothing to do with my "confidence" or "empowerment" as a woman.
Nudes don't offend me at all, I am certainly no shrinking violet. They just simply don't interest me - the same way photos of kittens in baskets, as cute as they are, don't interest me as subject matter for my own photography.
That said, cute shot. Keep up the good work.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

toucanbrian says:

Regarding all the art talk and whatnot, and specifically your line about "intended meaning," folks forget that regarding "art," whatever that is, it's not for the person creating it to decide what others will take from it. The intended meaning generally don't mean jack squat. One person looks at a picture of a booby and cries and thinks about doves and goes out into a field and writes a poem or some dumb shit like that, another person finishes off a beer and hits "print" and goes into the bathroom with it. One person loves something, the other person vomits at having seen it. It's not your job nor your privilege to dictate how your stuff is received. Also, a lot of the "thinkers" are weirdos too.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Back<->lash says:

Wonderful pic. I really like the way you show yours eyes in this one'' your skin tone looks really natural also. Sorry for the harassment you have received. To me you are very attractive, I appreciate the art you share and the {work} you do. I truely THANK YOU!!!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

TreeBed says:

I appreciate your commentary on this (both words and visually)... it is something that I have been pondering myself (in terms of the dynamic it presents for female artists, as yourself... and how that affects me as a viewer, as well as the contrast of being a male artist). Especially when you know the power that your "attractiveness" allows you to charge a photo with. Powerful stuff... I need to read the comments above when I have time, and make sure I am not rehashing the already stated. However, I hope you keep up the dialogue with yourself (and us), about this concept... it needs some thoughtful attention.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Feralm says:

This latest photo does a great job of presenting your feelings in this situation you have described ... or maybe your explanation describes the photo very well.

It's unfortunate that some of your images will not be available for viewing. You have a strong artistic voice and it shows in your work.

I hope your decision helps resolve whatever difficulties you have been facing.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

kelco says:

I was just discussing this issue with a model I was shooting who was considering posing in the buff for another flickr photographer. I think it is important to remember, especially for someone so young, that you have no control over what the future holds. You may someday find yourself in a situation (professional or otherwise) where public nude images of yourself from the past, however artistic, may come back to haunt you. I was just reading about an American school teacher who was fired from her job for posting semi-nude images of herself on flickr.

That said, you most likely have a bright future before you in the art world, however, your more risqué images might be better suited to a future gallery showing than a public internet site.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Rob :) says:

Its a tough one isnt it, especially for someone who has so many hits. I'm sure I've mentioned before that you have two levels of control here on Flickr. Photos I want to keep private simply because they are of friends I mark friends, and anything that involves nudes I mark family. I only make contacts friends or family if I really like their work. More importantly I have very few men as 'family' and they are genuine flickr friends that are in contact. I think deep down I feel happy letting women see these images and not men. However yours are self portraits, mine are not and I suppose its the privacy of others I am aware of, whereas if it were myself I don't know. I'm too old for it to matter. You maybe are not. I do think you should think about privacy settings, like Tess has, and she still has lots of good flickr feedback.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Story of Alex says:

70, eh? The grey-surfer menace, it'll be all over the tabloids soon...

Personally I think it would be an idea to keep some images back for yourself and trusted friends. As far as hits are concerned it's quality as well as quantity! Yes, maybe save the nudes for the TASCHEN book...

Great shot, by the way.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Randy Craig Photography says:

Tough choices, no simple answers... I sometimes struggle with which photos to leave private and with whom to share the rest as well. Truth is that the only way to really have control is to not post anything questionable at all. But... what is the point of creating art if not to share it with others? Tough choices, no simple answers...
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Randy Craig Photography says:

P.S. This is a very cute and clever photo!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Ya For Sun says:

I can't help thinking there is some ageism going on here.
I wonder if the 70 year old is feeling rejected now and wishing he had been better at expressing his appreciation of your art potrayals.
I'm not sure I understand the difference it makes wether the man was 70, or 17. He knows what he likes.
I'm 48 and still feel much the same as I did 20 years ago, I suspect when I'm 70 ( If I live that long) I will still have the apreciation of good artisitc female beauty I have now.
At 70 he may have grand children your age but he is still a man with the usual range of reactions to artistic nudes.
I can apreciate that the art work you create is intelligent and at the same time sensuous even sometimes erotic, I hope I will still understand that when I'm much older, although I may not articulate it as well.
If people want more graphic portrayal of blatant nudity there are plenty of other sites they can find it.
I remain hopefully one of the "thinkers"
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Tim Burns, obmit 1 [deleted] says:

What Ray says is true but by the same token men of any age can be offensive.

Solea....
www.flickr.com/photos/solea/sets/60573/
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

lundabo says:

I am 35 years old. Can I look at your photos? Or am I also too old?
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

storem says:

I guess age has nothing to so with it. Who says this "guy" actually is 70, and what about being 70 anyway; but what worries me more is that people think you can just say anything on the Internet. I wouldn't go up to a lady and say she has a "nice bum". People don't just do that, do they?

You should treat people on the net in the same way you would treat them on the street. It just doesn't feel right to do otherwise.

But... neither would art be so reachable when Internet exposure wouldn't exist; it's easier for artists to have their work published and easier for the public to "consume" art. If it weren't for Flickr, I probably wouldn't see nearly so much SP art as I do today. Food for thought....

my €0.02
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Malc H says:

First of all I love this latest photo, it really appeals to me, and as a photogrpaher ... yes it also gives me some ideas.

Secondly I find this a really interesting debate and many good arguements put forward. I put a view forward myself even though in many ways I can counter it.

I've always thought one of the big tests on flickr is to look at the photos of those that comment on your pics and also the words they use. I suspect that the majority of people on the site who have little or no photos themselves and comment on the model rather than the photograph have less interest in photography and more interest in looking at pretty girls. If that is the case then maybe there are other sites more suited.

I have read in someones profile that she checks out the pics of her subscribers before letting them view hers. One possible solution.

I guess there may also be some aspiring photographers and lovers of great photos who dont have any posted themselves but I think if you exchanged words then you would soon know who they are.

I suspect given the number of contacts you have to put in a screening process retrospectively might be a little difficult.

Ulitimately the choice lies with you ... do you just want people to look at the artistic merit of your photos or do you accept as Ray said that you will get guys looking at you because you are young and beautiful.

Its interesting because this made me stop and think of how I first made contact and which of your photos are my favs. The answer is that is was your muliplicty shots that caught my attention and I would still love to know exactly how you do them in photoshop because I'm quite a novice. I've seen the nude, semi nude but I think some of you other photos appeal to me a lot more. This one for example shows a bare shoulder (how daring !!) but is actually one of my favourites.

OK I said my bit ... good luck whatever you decide ... and dont be put off by all of this. You have a talent so continue to share it.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Malc H says:

PS I just tested my theory ... I looked at someones comments ... then went to look at their photos ... none avaialable. I looked at the other contacts they had on their profile ... nuff said !!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Ya For Sun says:

I certainly agree with that Malc H, if commentators don't have their own photo gallery and their collection of faves are not exactly subtle (you know what i'm saying). I would'nt have anything to do with them.
I first discovered Aniela's non-nude clone pictures and loved them, what she has done recently is also great, (I would mark many more as faves but I want to keep a balance to my collection)
Storem, I wouldn't go up to a lady and say " you have a nice bum", and the same rule should apply to the internet, I would like to go up and say "you're beautiful", but I'm too shy. I am happy to say I think Aniela is beautiful The web gives you such power, you have to use it wisely.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Rob :) says:

Actually Malc H, I've just found the opposite, I don't know if the people who have commented on the original message with this image are from a particular 'group' of photographers and thinkers. I've had a look at some of the commentators work and Jesus there's some fantastic work from the above. Yes there's a worrying exception, and a few snappers like me, but I think Natalie should be delighted in comments from people with a genuinely powerful body of work.

Thanks to your theory Malc I've just seen some of the best images in weeks.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

storem says:

@Ray Haych: Exactly!

@Aniela: I took a good look at your photostream; my apologies for not doing that before. Your SP are beautifully done, but your shoebox pictures hide rare gems too :)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

-kirra- says:

yeah well, I know there's plenty of 'thinkers' as you called them out there, I myself am one of them, I don't know much about photography so I cant crit, so I'll say fantastic portrait! very pretty and cheeky ^^ You just gotta take the positive feedback and ignore the trash
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

dajan says:

I think people should make a distinction between Aniela (or Anielas) and you personally. I have always seen Aniela as 'an act' by an artist whose name is different anyway.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

DaPhranksta says:

I'd rather have 70 year old men say I have kissable whatever, than having to see nudie snapshots of their, or their spouse's genitals...

Flickr is full of creeps. And nice folk. We'll just have to stick to the nice ones, eh?

Love your photo. You have a kissable... Nose?

:-)

** Seen in my contact list **
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Miss Aniela says:

wow so many comments on this i did not expect at all, thank u!

I have read each and every comment and am very intrigued by the different responses.
I suppose this topic is very difficult because it calls to mind the porn vs. erotica debate (change the contrast and colour on a pic of someone's tits and it seems to become 'art'...hmm,) To be honest there's no difference between someone wanking over my pic and someone wanking over some other more blatant badly taken nude pic... the consumption of that image is the same..or something

I want to address the 'ageism' i seemed to have shown when mentioning the man was 70. I really didnt mean to show this and i totally agree with what Ray said about it not mattering whether he was 70 or 17. I think its because the man being 70 provides a moment for me to stop and think about ALL the people who are looking at or who have ever seen my pics. Just unfortunate for him that he ended up provoking those thoughts of mine, just for being 70. It;s like saying someone has to be attractive (in my eyes) to look at my pics. Pervs come in all shapes and sizes. And then, what is a 'perv'? A 'thinker' type person could make a verbose articulate comment then go away and... have sexual thoughts...

then that calls to mind the whole idea of sex and sexual attraction and what is so wrong with carnal attraction. BUt i suppose i dont want to be exploited DURING that carnal attraction/those sexual thoughts... but that's like wanting to change society's attitudes to sex and what turns them on... which is over ambitious. and impossible..

oh this is so brain-taxing, really an endless chase to find the 'answer' when really maybe there is none. Like Ariadne in the labyrinth with her ball of thread.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

murkredi says:

A sad fact, but peoples' "baser" instincts impinge in every aspect of life, and, perhaps, are even more intrusive on the Interweb. One can accept that this is the case and ignore it, or one can cower.

The bottom line (fner fner) in this, is how YOU feel about your images. If you are posting to titilate then ... stop. However, I feel quite strongly that you are a woman who is less body-concious than many, and your images are just innocent projections of alternate Anielas.

Put it this way. If you were sunbathing without a top on, and you realised some old perv was watching you, would you tell him to naff off, or would you quit sunbathing for ever?

You know what your motivations are. Don't alter your path because some people are corrupt.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Malc H says:

@Design Rob

I think we are agreeing cos actually you are confirming my theory.

The genuine thinkers have their own images, the others do not. I picked one individual whose comment was short and directed towards the individual not the art.

Like you i love the fact that one comment can lead to a whole host of fabulous images. What dissapoints me is when I find nothing behind the coments, and then I do question if this site is the right one for those people.

Anyway lets not take over this thread cos like you I'm off to find some more favs !!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Jungleboy says:

good point, I have to look my overexposuring my wife.. I am proud of her but I would like some savoury thoughts when people look at her pictures.. same with you.. appriciate the beauty of oneself is slightly different how other people look at it.. and 'appreciate' it. there are weirdo's out there..
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

/\/\.J.B says:

I'm fairly close to your age Aniela, so i'm a bit wiery about who i add to my contact list! Definately the advice further up this page is spot on, if someone has no photos there is summit not quite right!! Post your photos but always make sure that with your self portraits you are keeping who YOU are back for yourself, and post only the personae you want to be created from the shot! xxx
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Miss Aniela says:

hmm.... im having really powerful thoughts that make me almost regret ever starting this discussion. please read....

The word 'perv' is becoming more and more meaningless to me. It seems like a word people are using to label a person who is supposedly sexually evil, when in fact, that societal sexual predator idea is embedded in probably everyone - including the 'thinkers' - why did i use such false, polarising terms as these?

There are people out there who express themselves in a less articulate, ponced up way as the supposed 'thinkers' - but they are having the same subconscious thoughts /instincts/etc as the people who consider themselves artists and 'not pervs'

i dont want to feel like i am endorsing hegemonic masculinity by suggesting that a 70 year old man doesnt have the right to salivate over my images but anyone younger DOES.

But then, contrary to that, i can empower myself by saying that by endorsing hegemonic masculinity i am playing by rules of gender in society and rebuking someone who has 'played' wrongly - ie. overstepped their mark as an over-aged man

i just want everyone to know that i dont conclude this argument with words like 'perv' and 'normal' people or 'thinkers' - there is A LOT more to it and i'm not gonna judge anyone as worthier than anyone person to view my images
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

astridsoer says:

Aniela, I think you must always keep in mind that you are - quite objective - a very, very attractive woman. I printed a couple of your photos and showed them to a (male) friend of mine as I was so excited about your 'clone'-photos. I haven't seen something like this before. When I showed your photos to my friend he did not mentioned the clone-technique, but he was so excited about you. He wanted to know where I have got the photos from and if there are more and who you are ("Is this a new top model"?).
So, I think if men find a woman very attractive their fantasies go wild and they simply want to see you naked - though not in the meaning of pornographically naked.
If you are self-confident with your body, why not showing? Your body simply is beautiful. I am a couple of years older, I have some more weight and I am not very proud of my body.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Uno Don says:

I haven't read the entirety of this post and probably should, but my comment is to the point.

When a older guy sees a pretty girl, it can awake in him a remembrance of how he felt when he was younger. It's not perverse. When he comments on your beauty, he isn't thinking of how old he is, or even of how young you are. He is reacting emotionally, not logically. It's a complement that people of all ages find your images appealing, naked or otherwise.

Now someone gets crude, that is their bad, but anyone that can cause me to get out of my carefully guarded shell and say something that makes me look silly - well, that person has done me a favor. And you, Miss Aniela, have done that for me on occasion. So whatever you choose, please keep up the good work.

Quoting a mutual friend, try not to take yourself or others so seriously - even us old guys.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

TripTrip Photography says:

Sorry for the creepy old man. Some people are just idiots. What else can be said?
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Teon. says:

Aniela,

I just wanted to come back and comment again on this photo - something about it keeps drawing me back for another look - I think it must be the look in your eyes.

In any case, this photo is trully fantastic!

--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

The Tattered Coat says:

I'd advise caution, too. Design Rob's suggestions sound smart to me.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

banquo [deleted] says:

In Flickr, as in life, you have to balance your desire to be open, social, artistic with your need to be safe and secure.

It's true that there are creepy people in the world. 'Creepy', kind of like 'perv' has a different definition for different people. In the end, you need to figure out what you're comfortable with and go with that. There's no need to run it by a committee of Aniela fans because it's only you who must decide what you're comfortable with.

As for this picture, I think it portrays, just about perfectly, your opening thoughts about taking a step back and rethinking your approach. You definately have a knack for fitting the picture with the concepts. I enjoy every one of your pictures and the often stream of consciousness discussion that comes with them.

Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

akmountains says:

"Have they gone?"

not too scare u away but, no they never will, wether u are nude or clothed, being beautiful can be a curse......
if you werent so Pretty your photos wouldnt bring so many comments, as the not so pretty know in a very real way....
lots of luck in whatever you decide to do :-)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

wagoldby says:

ra to you. Your photographs are wonderful, your ability to turn your pictures into are is amazing, so do what makes you comfortable with what you want to portray. I think some are sexy, some are funny, some are sincere, some thoughtful, some a little black, altogether, I see them as an inspiration to pick up a camera and see what one can do with it.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Nicola Okin Frioli says:

Very nice
+
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

memories_frozen says:

I hear ya... thats why I wouldnt do much with putting my face in it - Im comfortable with my body and using it for art - but I dont like the old perverts I get messaging me... but I guess its bound to happen *sigh*

you have some fantastic work *goes off to look at more*
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Mr Clean 71 [deleted] says:

love this pic! keep up the great work.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

lights_and_shadow says:

Nasty people see nasty things in any photo. You might want to just have a small list of trusted folks on you friends list. Others that are like you and love the Art of the body vs just a body.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

TreeBed says:

When it comes down to it... this is the internet at its best. Allowing for interesting conversation (ranging from in depth to very casual) about a piece of work, an idea... whatever. I would say explore the question through your work. If the picture at the top of the page wasn't up to snuff... we wouldn't be this far into the conversation. Many "artists" these days have forgotten to ask questions with their art, and then actually try to search out answers through the process. That way whether you come up with any concrete answers or not, is pretty much irrelevant...
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

mliebenberg says:

To be honest if you paste semi/naked photos of yourself ... you will in no doubt attract all kinds! So you have to ask yourself ... is it really worth it?
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Buggs Moran says:

I read about half of the posts and have only this to add (sorry if it's been said before). One thing you could do is set certain photos to be visible to only friends in Flickr. That way people you trust to give an artistic critique will be the only ones that see your more 'private' pictures. The downfall is that you will have to mark who your friends are... The rest of the people will see those marked public, problem solved (kinda). 8-)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

adamo2o2 says:

nice tiles
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Boston Wolverine says:

I look at this photo and I see an excellent, compelling expression, good lighting (in particular the way it highlights your hair), good angles, and a very brave photographer. Good for you both for the technical aspects of the shot and for having the self confidence to post it in the first place. I would not take a comparable shot of myself, both because of all the career business people talked about above, and because I am nowhere close to having your body or face. :P

Ay, the whole thing's a tough argument. What it comes down to, of course, is what you feel comfortable with. You aren't obligated-- not to the Flickr body as a whole, not to your contacts, not to some amorphous idea of 'art itself'-- to post anything if you have reservations about it. I don't think it's wrong for you to get skeeved by some guy making comments of that nature; your body is your own, and you are graciously allowing others to see it in the context of your artwork, and someone is in a sense cheapening that and taking a lovely photograph and just making it another female body to consume. Of course there's no way to direct how anyone's photographs will be consumed in the eyes of multiple, varied viewers, but it is absolutely your right to say, "No, I don't like where people are going with this."
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

venk@esh says:

I love the creativity, humour and honesty in your work. It would be a huge loss to the REAL Flickr community if you stopped posting your art.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

randyandrachel says:

haha funy picture given recent events... I dont think you should stop just because of a few bad apples. You are expressing yourself and should not let other's opinions (good or bad) influence how YOU feel and how YOU express yourself. I think all your photographs are great works of art. I love how you've developed the clone thing. they come out fantastically.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Miss Aniela says:

thanks for the comments of encouragement through this discussion, especially as i used some glib points to open up this issue.

i now think that it's not about the ages and 'perviness' of the people viewing my work, but the respect they (should) show when making comments. To express their liking/disliking of the picture with constructive comments, not slimey two-worders. Basically, if someone writes something crude or silly, they will end up being chastised for that, and their own attractiveness and age ends up being referred to, which may be unnecessary, but i suppose we all do that instinctively.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Is this Graham? says:

Hmmm, quite the debate, and yeah, no easy answers. I think at first, as you have realised, you were just instinctively put off by this supposedly old man getting his rocks off looking at you, but now I think you've cut to the real issue, which is that you can't stop people wanking over your photos but you have a right to respect and politeness.

The internet is absolutely clogged with crap and the worst sides of people... the best you can do is delete and block and hope. You wouldn't be putting your pictures up if you didn't like all the attention. And I'm pretty sure you know exactly the main demographic that would purchase the photos you are offering for sale in your profile...

Anyway. It's good to think about these things, and I hope it doesn't stop you taking and making the pictures you dream up, whether you post them here or not.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

TroySnowPhoto [deleted] says:

I not 2 smart, but I shore like yur pitchers...

But seriously, I do enjoy your stream... Don't 'hide' too long;o)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

shiroibasketshoes hopper says:

I prefer sensuality over blatant sexuality, and I am glad to be a thinker who enjoys the aesthetics of your photos. Although I think of some women's body revealing shots I have seen as being sensual/sexy, I view your body revealing shots as being artistic and thought provoking, as I do the rest of your styles of shots, because of your obviously artistic and intelligent intent and perspective. I do not think of them in a crude, raunchy way. I think I understand how you feel. This shower peeking photo is great, largely because of the thoughtfulness and intelligence in your eyes. Regarding reactions you may not have intended, one of your above comments indicates you think a wank is a wank regarding whichever kind of revealing photo is being observed and reacted to. Well, of all the activities/poses in your photos, the one I enjoy the most artistically/aesthetically is also the one I could most easily get turned on by. That is your blowing-bubbles photo. Does my liking seeing women such as you blowing bubbles in a turn on way (as well as an aesthetic way) mean you wish I did not have any of that turn-on kind of reaction to it, even though I also enjoy that photo in your intended way as well? I do not read anything sexual into it, the shape of the wand or whatever. It is just that that kind of photo has such gentleness, playfulness, innocent aura and beauty to me when a lady such as yourself does it that the enormous positive aesthetic appreciative reaction I have to it overflows into the sensual appealing-potentially arousing area in my mind. A complete description of the appeal is impossible but I think that is about as close as I can get. Unlike when kids do it, in which case I have the same reaction everyone else does; it is just a cute style of amusing. But someone as mature as you still daring to blow bubbles I think is just fabulous. I am sorry to be referring so much to one of your other photos under this one, but I thought this aspect of it would be more appropriate here due to your caption comments. Well good luck with whatever you do, take care. :-)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

jonwedd says:

wow, what a great debate. :) Look what you started! lol.

I'm definitely not as articulate as most of the people who post on here. And I will openly admit that I view your photos daily not just because of your artistic cleverness, but because you are beautiful.

One of the things you mentioned is that people need to be respectful and I completely agree with that. We can't control the thoughts people are going to have, but as a society we can control what is acceptable to say out loud... or in this case post on a web page.

I think there are ways to block people who do post rude or disrespectful comments. Personally I think that is the way to go, rather than making certain photos only available to a select group of people. But then again, I can totally understand wanting to keep some things private. I imagine there are some shots on your computer that will never make it to flickr... I certainly have some of my own that the world does not need to see! ;)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

°l| Missed €all |l° says:

do what your heart and mind lead you to
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Steven Ford / snowbasinbumps says:

You go girl! Many an author would love to stir such controversy and interest. I'lll go now to Jaquelinevanek.com to see this person's work who says "Me again.... damn old guy........... just seeing pretty girls and no art!!!!" quoted that, not to misquote. i find I often misquote the current administratiion and others who say unbelievably stupid things.

If you are going to post the work, you should be ready for the comments
I think your stuff is beautiful, we see everything through a mirror.

Title have they gone? is good. I totally fell in love (don't be offended now) with your portrait called ALIVE, it is hauntingly beautiful. before i saw any of "this" issue, get over it. Ask Scarlet Johanssen how she deals with. Is she an artist? Does she have issues with being seen as an artist rather than the most beautiful object of desire most men have ever seen? Sure, now, next question?
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

greensteff [deleted] says:

like one of your favorite books, lillte lolita.

you take great photo's,

wish you good times, filled with piles of inspiration,
it all happens under the lovely moon.

ciao.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Edward H. [deleted] says:

you like your bathroom
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Jungleboy says:

I was looking at your picture after this one and somehow got drawn back to this one. It struck me that I really do like this one- so I made it (at last) a favourite :o)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

fxe1980 [deleted] says:

Fantastic photo.. Beautiful face..

Brian aka(FXE1980)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Miss Aniela says:

about the ageism thing... would just like to say, I have a contact on Flickr who has become a nice acquaintance, who happens to be 60 (and male) but never once has a suspicion crossed my mind of him being a 'perv' - because he has never made a 'pervy' comment - simple as that

& thanks for the recent comments on this one :-)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Fritz9373 says:

My honest opinion is that society these days has too much restriction and it can stifle art too easily, particularly in contoversial areas your art has taken you. There will always be bad behaviour and ever-increasing enforced restriction within society to try (in vain) to prevent it. However art needs to transcend this in order that we humans can continue to express ourselves and develop.

My strong feeling is that you should stick to your guns and post precisely what your soul and the direction of your art beckons you to - whatever the emotions and reactions it may inspire in people. To do otherwise is to allow yourself to be silenced by the idiots and serves only to prevent those who truly appreciate the depth of your work from experiencing it :-)

I have looked through several of your pics and I find them truly inspiring :-)
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Mr.Chan says:

The debate proved this is a very sucessful shot and idea . I have never seen such a long coments before in flickr . This is amazing.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Rafael Fischer  says:

I Loved the "insinuance" on this photo! Do you Know Natasha Merrit's Work?
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

T Tommy T says:

my goodness, my eyes feel as though i just finished reading "harry potter" to the kids. many good suggestions and comments. i feel that you need to decide if you dislike the idea what people may be doing with your image or do you dislike what they are saying about your image. mine is the eighty-nineth comment in this stream, but there have been nearly thirty-five hundred views, so you have almost ninety people who have told you what they think and thirty-four hundred who have viewed your image and you have no idea what they think or are doing with their thoughts. after a quick pass thru of some of your more recent pictures i was wondering if you know how to "hold" a camera and take a picture, you're going to wear out your tripod.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

twoseven says:

I appreciate your artistic ability.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

orionoir [deleted] says:

i was in school (what was i doing there is quite another story) when playboy magazine's team swarmed the main library steps to recruit for their 'girls of the ivy league' issue. as you might expect, demonstrators from the women's community quickly mobilized.

anyhow, one of the signs asked "do you want your picture masturbated over?" i've pondered that question ever since. as a man, for me to post naked pics of myself means providing fodder almost exclusively for gay men -- eg, i assume women tend to amuse themselves w/o pictures, most certainly not mine. still, i'm not sure i should care. i mean, heck, go ahead: perhaps it's to my credit. it's not as if i own my image, i'm not a person who buys that particular idea. instead, i believe what we present to the world is instantly the domain of the world, no matter that our appearance is entirely an expression of our own being.

and so with your photos: should you care if they appeal to crude impulses at least as much as they do finer aesthetic sensibilities? does someone fluent in the language of images have necessarily better claim to your image? or, to go with the vernacular, what's the big deal, if your self-expression should be masturbated over, does lust all by itself negate beauty?
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

polderboarder says:

just gotta say no matter what all the topics is about it's just a beautifull shot of yourself and it stands out your eyes look really innocent in this photo nice work and don't let the pervs and idiots of this world ruining your way of expresing yourself. those people will always be here on this world and i still believe that the most of the people here come here to look at how beautifull and amazing some of the other members pics are at least I am. everytime I'm amazed by how many beautifull photo's there are here. so keep doing your thing and be yourself don't let anyone change who you are and what you do cuz if you do you they will win. Live's to short for that.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Exquivian says:

I'm very sad to read this. You just experienced some of the ugliness of the human nature. I wish that your creativity will be not stop by this small event.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

dualedges says:

Aniela, it's good you're giving the issue thought. That's wise because there ARE a lot of predators in the world unfortunately. Sometimes you've got to err on the side of caution. It's unfortunate some can't control themselves enough to appreciate the gesture as it's intended but that's the harsh reality of life I suppose.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Kris Kros says:

You are invited to add this great Explore Front page picture to

Explore Top 20.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

amihai says:

sweet!
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

JamieThompson says:

naked photos of attractive young women will always attract those who just want to look at photos of attractive young women and.. well, you know. But to throw in my two pence, for what little it's worth, i feel you shouldn't stifle yourself because of this. Sure, if it is something that is making you uncomfortable then that is understandable but i get the impression you're not the type of person who's easily shocked or offended. Obviously i don't know you and this is merely the impression formed by studying your work. Whichever route you decide to follow from here i for one will be keeping an eye. You are an inspiration.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

Ivan says:

Thank you for adding this shot to the interestingness pool
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

A n d a r í n says:

ahhh, don't worry
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

bluto2006 [deleted] says:

Nice pictures, no matter what you show or don't.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

robincerutti says:

excellent picture.. everything is in your eyes ! lot of expression, i really like it.
Posted 40 months ago. ( permalink )

DUSTCATCH says:

I think you should show everything. Then like truly educated artistic consumers we can make the decision for ourselves whether a photo is pornographic or erotica. It seems unfair to me that you would censor what I can look at or not. Shame on you!
Posted 39 months ago. ( permalink )

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