Capturing the Nude Essence of my Generation : Denise Diaz

When I find myself reading how other photographers started, their stories start when they’re fairly young, toying with cameras and Polaroids. I was not as fortunate, and in my case it didn’t “click” until much later.

I was always intrigued by black and white film photography and the process of printing and developing so when I graduated high school, I decided to take a couple of classes. Even though my first professor practically told me that I had no vision or future as a photographer and I should move on to my next career choice, I decided to stick it through one more semester. My interaction with my new professor was much better; I became more comfortable and confident.

Although the feedback was still harsh, it was constructive and my spirits were never broken. I would photograph random things and as the class progressed, I found myself thinking, “Let me think outside the box and go a little daring.” It was then when I decided to photograph the birth of my cousin.

My portrayal of the birth was pretty graphic and by that I mean crowning, blood and other fluids, all raw and unedited. The class was taken aback by it! I enjoyed the “wow” factor and I remember thinking, “This is the reaction I wanted.” My last project that semester was photographing a lesbian couple I knew. When I stood up after the professor asked whose work it was, people were shocked. I had successfully pushed the envelope.

I’d love to say that I continued photographing for the years that followed, but that wasn’t the case. I found myself between jobs, looking for the right fit when I landed a job photographing preschoolers at a studio. At first that’s all it was, but soon enough, I found myself falling in love with people’s reactions all over again. Parents, staff and friends would push me to continue photographing outside of work, so I decided to pursue it.

I’ve photographed a little bit of everything since then, but one thing I can’t stay away from is that shock factor. I crave it! I continued looking for projects that would get a rise out of people. A Deeper Look was born.

This project involved strangers and friends opening up about personal issues while I photographed the session. What an experience! People loved the vulnerability that was captured, as did I.

Near the end of that project I knew that I wanted to continue to capture people bearing their all and what better than in the nude? I’d think of ideas for a landscape and how I could place a naked subject out in the open, illegal as it may be and I was up for the challenge!

Luckily I’ve been able to escape legal ramifications for the sake of art, but I must say the risk has been the greatest rush ever felt. Most importantly, however, is the end result; a beautiful photograph and a candid reaction.

links

http://denisedphotography.com/gallery/
http://www.facebook.com/DeniseDiazPhotography
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14762132@N08/