I came upon an image in the gallery..... a very good image, might I even suggest that it's an exceptional image...

A glamour/pin-up type shot.... certainly not my cup of tea, I very rarely look for more than a moment at this type of work and even less rarely comment on these types of images.

Well why are you bringing it up here you're probably wondering? Well I'm going to tell you..... I found quite a few of the comments to be quite disturbing and upsetting.
The comments weren't about the image in regards to the photography, but rather dealt very negatively on the models phyical appearance.

I really find it hard to believe that people could talk about this woman in such an insensitive way. The model is a person with feelings not a 3D poser rendering made of pixels, she has feelings. And quite often the photographer will share his uploads with the models and they read the comments.

I'd just like to give everyone a gentle reminder about the spirit of the Photo Gallery and how as a whole we are a wonderful thoughtful group of people.

But, quite frankly, for reasons I cannot fathom, people chose to close in and discuss the models silicone implants and acrylic nails, as if this has anything to do with the actual photograph.

I'm bringing this up here not to upset anyone or start some kind of heated debate on anything. I'm really not in the mood for that sort of thing anyway, but to gently remind people to keep their comments to the spirit of the gallery intention, to foster learning and improvement.

I've commented on the image and here was the comment I've left for the photographer:

I'm confused and really a tad annoyed as to why people feel the need to comment rather negatively on this models breasts and nails. Could someone please explain to me what the models physical attributes have to do with what is indeed exceptional photography. I think the comments insinuating that this woman is somehow fake and unattractive because of her breasts and nails to be rude, and have nothing to do with the photograph itself. Granted this may not be your cup of tea, but lets keep our critiques to the photograph and not the models physical appearance. The model may after all be reading these comments, and some of them are hurtful IMHO. The model is a real live human being with feelings, and not some Poser render that can be ripped apart pixel by pixel. This is a fantastic photograph, well lit, fantastic pose, great POV.... Lets remember what this gallery is for, and what the comments are meant to be about.... improving our photography, not the deficiencies of the model.
Thank you all for your time. Michelle

Well said, Michelle.. =)

i havn't seen the photo (not been to the gallery in days) but i agree with your observations and comments.

here, here! :D you're just best mod ever! MUAH!

Here Here. I've recently had the pleasure of getting to know a great girl who has massive hangups about her body because of negative comments from others. Hangups which, imo, are totally unfounded and will take some time to iron out. However, what you have to consider is the fact that most of the people that have gone to the picture haven't done so to see what a great technical picture it is, but for the T&A - as we have discussed many times here when going over the Tits For Hits syndrome. sigh I guess nothing changes........ (",)

....I did see a photo,here ,awhile back in which the model appeared, to me, to have silicone implants --( which generally don't look natural to me ) -- anyway - it was a very good photograph technically -- (may even be the same one you saw )---- but the breast just jumped out and looked wrong to me ( as it probably did to any observant viewer ) --- however - I decided not to comment on it partly because one can never be sure it was an implant and decided not to ruffle the models feathers --- however if she allows herself to be put out in public on display, proud of her augmented hooters -- she should be able to take the heat.

Well said chelle!! It seems such a pity with all the superb nudes we are getting these days that are done with such superb taste and are good enough to grace the pages of any magazine..

BTW yeah unstrung65 I am all for free speech and being able to express an opinion but I dont think its worth scaring somebodies body image or mental health just to get a point across in this instance

Well said, 'chelle. And the artist seems to have appreciated your action. There are some exceptionally good figure studies in the Gallery now. I can't link to them in my weekly review because of TOS. But you may want search on Photocorderie

Attached Link: http://www.center4policy.org/newsfda.html

OK I am probably going to get shot at here, forgive me if I ramble, but let me explain to you my point of view on this subject. Having been under the knife myself for breast surgery, I think I am more then qualified to give my opinion. I find it sad that many young women feel the need to have implants simply because big breasts are what is "in", a model such as the one that is under discussion in this thread disturbs me as it is telling our young women that implanting SILICONE bags filled with saline into your body is OK. Please take a few moments, click on the link and read. There are links to photographs of what happens when there are complications, and I can guarantee they aren't pretty. There is only one person here that knows only a part of my story that I have disclosed to them, and now maybe you all know a bit more. Yes I had breast surgery and no I don't have any SILICONE saline filled bags implanted in me, what I have left is all natural. But I do have a sister that thinks that she would love to have them implanted in her, and given the family history, it probably is not the wisest of choices she could make, but for some reason, she seems to think if everyone else is doing it, why can't she? Sorry if I have come across as being callouse, but I don't want any model that is filled with silicone being looked up to by young and uninformed minds. I am sorry if I have offended anyone. OK I have said my peace.

Best Mod here!!! I agree with your 'chelle! Jinx

interesting moral dilemma... at least do no harm...

I tend to agree with Chelle on this one but on the other hand .. if she (the model) shows herself in such a way, why can't she live with some comments? Of course, there's no need to be rude and things can be said in different ways .. but it's the same with us posting images. If i can't live with comments, i should not post images. Also (to me) there's a difference in what kind of shots are done. Misha is talking of Photocorderie. His images are art in the best way (to me). The shot in discussion here is a great photography done by a great photographer, but it's more than obvious what this images speaks to (yep Jordy, i agree with ya! This time gg). Showing b*** to get attention works fine .. but in doing so, one calls for comments right on the b****, not the shot. This one is no ugly lady .. so why not take other shots of her? They both are more than good enough to do so .. but why don't they do it? We all know why ... Brenda: yep, i totally agree in what you're saying. But discussing that in the galleries won't be of any use .. me thinks. You're talking to young boys in there .. no chance to get them understanding .. let them play with their poser-gals and view nakkid b*** .. be they poser or real .. sad enough. sigh That all said, i still agree with Chelle. No need to hurt someones feelings ...

I have seen this sort of reaction to the models before. I just put the comments down to people with shallow minds and would actually be lucky if a woman looked at them never mind go out with them. I have a friend whom asked me to take some nude images of her. She wanted them for herself and does not want to show them to the general public, just on her own walls at home. She was born with no legs and stunted arms, in my talks with her and from past experience of being out with her on the streets (not photographing) you can see how much the way someone looks at can be upsetting even more so when you catch the whispers as they pass. She is very happy with her pictures and I am happy with the results. Since the taking of the images she has now put one in a local competition. You guessed it, not that many comments on the techniques used, just hurtfull comments on the model. I used to model nude in my college days (earned some beer money) this was for a life drawing class. I did not get many bad comments about my ..... belly (all that beer money had to go somewhere). I think that being artists they appreciate the human form and see beyond the cosmetics, most of the photographers I have come across think the same way (because they are artists too, just painting with light) The people that tend to make that type of comment are the type of people that are in photography for a different reason (usually sexual or money) It is sad when we have to comment on how someone looks rather than say wow what a great image, how did you set up that lighting etc.....

OK I am sure I have said more then my share but let me put it to you in another way... If I took pictures of plastic flower and posted it in my gallery, not only would I expect you all to laugh and point, I would expect you to tear me to shreds. Plastic vs. the real thing, there is no comparison in that is there? Now what difference is my POV going to make? OK you all have seen pictures of Kate Moss, have you not? Did any of you find her "ethiopian" status apalling? Probably not, but I did, as photographers you are looking more at lighting, posing and composition correct? The images of Kate Moss and the "perfect image" of being a "Barbie" has led many young women to battle with two very real diseases, anorexia and bulemia, both very real problems for young women here in the USA. OK but what does this have to do with me you ask? YOU as a photographer have the right to click the shutter on a subject or not, if we as photographers refused to take pictures of silicone injected models, ethiopian (extremely thin) models. Yes we are making choices as photographers as to what the public is exposed to. Had this model been clothed, her plastic look would not have been so apparrent, and the image probably would not have drawn any negativity. She has a very pretty face, that should get her farther then any plastic you can buy. So having said all of that, I am going to tell you this, be more selective in what you shoot or rather how you shoot it. You want to shoot plastic, be prepared to take the heat. Goes back to the old saying that if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. I know I was not the only person that reacted the way I did, however I believe that I am possibly the only one that reacted in that manner, who also participates in this forum. Remember that a 1,000 mile journey begins with one single step. YOU can make a difference.

And sabretalon, your friend needs to commended for her bravery, I do not think it was proper for anyone to make any kind of negative comment about her as she is handicapped, and can not help the way she was made. This subject of said photo, made a choice, made a choice to become "plastic". There is a difference. Big difference in my eyes.

I do not quite see where the different points of view are going, or if indeed they are really altogether that different. The major theme seems to be mutual respect between the photographer and the model, and between each of them and the viewers and commenters of the photo. Certainly it is possible for the photographer to create a noteworthy image showing no respect, or even disdane, for the model. We certainly have many examples of the viewers having no respect for either the model or the photographer. Guess one could find examples of excellent photos with all the possible combinations here. The choices come down to how we want to see ourselves in the mirror, and reflect others in ourselves, (how's that for confusion!). I suspect though, that we are usually much happier with the results when there is mutual respect.

....I agree that people who make comments on photos, here, should try to be thoughtful and considerate - however - even though this site has a higher proportion of gentle , sensitive, artistic souls than does the general population --- you're still going to get occasional comments that take the kid gloves off -- if you post certain images - be prepared to deal with what you get - you can't coach everybody to stay within certain limits -- again -- honest feedback here - can tip you to what might be in store in the greater outside world.

I think that an Adult mind will think of others Sensitivities.....and, I agree the Photograph is what is immportant....not the Comments about ones appearance, by a lot of self opinionated Critics, who have appointed themselves as such. I get a kick out of "posting" and the Commradeship....others get a kick out of upsetting People....unfortunately...it is the way of the World. I have not seen the Image in Question....but, have "encountered" such Critics, that are more interested in Character Assasination...than the Photograph. I have also encountered those, who have treated People as their Own "Personal Photographer"....."I would have done it this way...." however.....when I have gone to look at who is giving Me advice....there is no info...as to that Persons capabilities to even Critique.....as My main antagonist, that I have Personally encountered....often do not have a Gallery.....perhaps it is a Plumber telling Me how to "shoot".... Some suggestions here are basically...."If You can't stand the Heat....stay out of the Kitchen"......well, I don't agree with that. I do feel We should be a tad more sensitive, and consider others feelings.....even viewing ones thoughts, now seems to be a Target for the Critic.

to Tedz ---on "I do feel We should be a tad more sensitive , and consider other's feelings" --- BELIEVE me - in general - the core group of photographers here who comment ARE way more considerate-( bend over backwards not to offend - kind - nurturing, etc. )than the general public -- and it's true that I haven't been here long enough to observe these NASTY malicious character assasinators to comment on them -- but most here are gentle to a fault ----- as to plumbers opinions -- I welcome them -- had one point out a plumbing error in a bathroom picture I once drew.

I gotta be honest here, I preferred Kate Moss at every point throughout her career than I ever have any model with 'augmentation' - personal taste ;) However, the girl that I was referring to earlier with the hangups would, to me, make a great model.... she wasn't "slim", she was medium build, but because of other peoples opinions wasn't even happy undressing in the same room as a guy with the lights on..... so, while I totally respect people's point of 'if they post it they should be able to take the flak for it' I personally seem to take more care in what I say about people now. (Well, what I say seriously anyways. I'm sure you guys all appreciate my sarcasm is (almost) never meant seriously.....) Anyways, I do my bit by avoiding the T&A pictures just out of principle...... he he he (",) p.s. Nilla, I don't think people would comment negatively on a pic of a fake flower - at least they might take more notice of the composition than they do in pictures of fake breasts ;) lol

...noticed today in the Gallery a pic of a guy with a REALLY big... well, nevermind. But the comments were about what you'd expect, so at least we are equal opportunity posters. ["Misha, what do you mean REALLY big? Looks normal to me..."]

where did "it" go Misha? i really did think the lighting was very nice