PLEASE READ THIS:

I debated with myself a little bit about putting these up. In the end, I like the imagery so much that I thought I'd post them here where I could give a warning (which I couldn't do in the galleries).

I will check the "nudity" button for these 2 images, but it's more semi-nude (need to figure out if "pasties" are nude or not) ... better safe than sorry I guess.

These images have a sensual (not sexual) overtone in a religious context. They were shot during the Heaven or Hell event from May.

If you think that you may be offended by religious imagery in this context, then I urge you not to scroll down and view these. Just exit this thread.

I consider this as adequate warning ...

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Doesn't bother me or shake my faith. I can either appreciate it or not...and I don't see any need to object. I like both (but I'm not so sure about the vivid blue...but that's just me and you didn't ask for opinions...wink). So, do you hire models and go for a certain "shot" (for some reason) or do they approach you and hire you as a photographer? Just asking because it seems strange you've posted 2 similar "themes".

I think these are very cool. I can see where some people may not like them and it was very nice of you to post the warning. You did a fantastic job on these. I also was wondering what these are for....? (if you don't mind telling) :)

Thanks Chuck .. I wish more people were that way. It just seems to me that these days, there are people who can't wait to be offended and let you know they're offended. I don't have the time to deal with them, so I post warnings when I upload some types of material.

My thought is, when someone posts an image, they are asking for an opinion by that action. While I may agree or disagree with what someone thinks I want to hear it. It helps me to understand how my photos are coming across. So, I kind of am asking for opinions. :)

The vivid blue is what was there. There's an ultra-violet light up in the ceiling .. caused her white wrap to fluoresce. I like it better in the full size image/print. It comes across better there (I've lost some of the subtle color shifts going to websize/8bit/smaller color profile).

It's weird. When I needed the most work on my photography, I had to hire models around half of the time. Now women seek me out offering to pose for me. For the most part, I shoot with models with no money exchanging hands doing TFP (Time for Prints) where I retain all the imagery and rights and I give them a specified number of prints from the session (plus websized ones for their sites/so they can show people throw e-mail).

Thanks for the comments!

No problem here with the subject, but in order to pass the sniff test with the Mods and Coords, I suggest removing the blood and make sure there isn't any spikes driven through the flesh.

I would say if you want to avoid the chances of being asked to remove any of them (post #3 in particular) you'll follow my advice. I can say that if this does come up, I'll be on your side, but, I usually loose on subject matters like these.

Hey Donald, I love the images, and would not compromise your work in any way!!! The small minded must not inhibit our creativity, or freedom to express ourselves artistically.You gave ample warning to those who might be offended, and I've seen much more graphic images in the poser gallery. I only wish that we could all open our minds to the beauty and truth that there is no one right way to see the world.....just let it all in and be mindful at the same time:}

"I shoot with models with no money exchanging hands doing TFP (Time for Prints) where I retain all the imagery and rights and I give them a specified number of prints from the session (plus websized ones for their sites/so they can show people throw e-mail)." That's what I've considered (as I'm an unknown). It's also similar to the way I started out when I began doing some restoration work (i.e., let me do the restoration and post the examples on my site and I'll only charge you for materials, not my time). I can see why you would be sought out...word of good artistic work travels mouth to mouth very well. And, looking at what you've shown here and what I see of your gallery, you seem to cater (a bit) to a niche (although I'd hate to be so bold as to "pigeon-hole" you...smile). You're free-flowing with your exchange of art and ideas. Thanks for all of that and glad anything I've said has been taken as it should...just something to think about and remember or discard...nothing more.

compliments to you and the model bravi..... fabelouse work...

compliments to you and the model bravi..... fabelouse work...

Way to go Donald....High Five Bro'! A Warning...now why didn't I think of that! After watching an Episode of "The Simpsons" on TV last Night, an Episode with Religious Overtones, which was Banned in the USA, I believe these to be a Prime Target for the Zealots that keep an Eye on Me...who will know about You now...because I have led them to You :] If the Images don't do the Trick....then perhaps My Candid Comment will. Personally, it is akin to waving a Red Flag at a Bull....well...now that I am "commenting" it will be...but, as Photographs....a couple of beauts... I have Faith in You Donald. salute

I don't have a problem with them either there's sufficient warning & as these are obviously staged & no stakes driven through the wrists wouldn't call it "Torture/crucifixion" under the TOS (don't think we need that to be the topic for discussion :) personally i find them artistically done & prefer the 1st to the 2nd for the subtle tones & less graphic/religious nature

Gee...You were right on My Heels there Cynlee! Keeping an Eye on Me?...LOL

no... i just came on & checked the ebot... didn't even know you were here till i hit submit... (same time noted) purely a coinkydink ;]

I don't find them offensive, I find them outstanding. The blue is cool, I take it a blacklight on white? You are so far in front of me... I love the idea, I had a similar one but haven't had the chance to even scope locations let along models or layout. These are some of your best work! Magick Michael

Excellently done Donald! I like #2 better then #3, I think the flourescent skirt draws my eye away from the rest of the image. I would have to agree with this being one of your most creative shoots yet, and can't imagine anyone being offended by them, after all they were warned. Keep up the good work my friend, it won't be long until your works are gracing the pages of some very well known publications. Brenda :)

Donald, you said: "...who can't wait to be offended and let you know they're offended. I don't have the time to deal with them...." Donald, I am a highly religious man with a deep faith. Let me tell you, it is only those with a shallow faith depending on traditions and fanfare with little understanding who cannot stomach such images. I for one, appreciate your art. My faith is not shaken or even touched in a negative way. Tedz and I are opposites on the religion issue(ok to say that friend?) but that does not crinkle or even scratch the personal belief. We have to be larger than that or the faith or lack thereof in "religion" is meaningless. We each have, I hope, some direction larger than our personal selves. Bravo on very provocative and interesting images. Still, I wonder as does Chuck, where in the world do you folks come up with these models..yikes, what am I missing here. Well, I know part of the answer already..I haven't looked for any nor do I have the portfolio to induce them to pose...or the desire. Go for it. Tom.

Very effective use of depth of field in the first image; I think it reveals less but is a stronger overall photograph. Perhaps because it lacks the "blue neon" effect of the bottom one. Nice! mjr.

Hey, I appreciate it art and leave it at that. 2 awsome images. The first seems more real, though I do like the blue glow of the second. Thanks for sharing.

What so religious about these images? I do not understand The Romans started nailing people to crosses In not sure of the dates but it be around 100 B.C. and they stop doing this I guess around 400 A.C. so why you put this as religious??? Only one died on the cross for me and all mankind. And to me His name is above all other names Jesus in english. I do not know it in spainish or any other countrys. People getting they head cut off in name of religious now days. I know these are make believes images and there a lot of sites on the dark side of the web that do these types of images and make a lot of money too. At lest you have clothes on your women. They very good images but let leave out religious in these images and just say they women that is been torture.

ummm... I would consider these almost "reportage shots" in my own opinion, some may feel a religious connection & some may not... as Donald explained "They were shot during the Heaven or Hell event from May" in Seattle :]cheers

I see now . this must the the scene of Hell. lol I was thinking all wrong sorry about that.

Seriously, thank you all! I very much appreciate the comments, insights and above all your understanding expressed both here and in PMs. Tedz - Aww man, now you led them right to me. Well, I'm not going down alone ... I'm taking them with me, man!! I'm taking names and stacking the bodies 20 high, man!!! Yeah!!! manly hug Jocko - The crown of thorns, the nail wounds on the wrists and the gash in the side strongly places this in the realm of religion, I would think. That places it beyond saying it's a woman that has been tortured. -=>Donald

I'm catholic... just started going to a catholic church... so I don't find it offensive and I like it and wish you would post more. I like the first one more thent the second because of the lighting. Wonderful work my friend!

You are going to hell. You have one chance...I can save you...I am St. Cool :-)