As many of you know from my portfolio, I do a variety of work and I like to play on the edge from time to time. I do everything from your normal everyday portraits to more ellaborate and fantastical work for art and commercial projects.
At least twice now I have done photo shoots with some Native American influence to them and each time it has been at the request of the client or a collaboration with the model for their portfolio.
Yesterday, I did my first photoshoot of the spring with the lovely model: Sammie Jay
She did a great job and is always easy to work with. When I got to my studio I decided to upload the pictures and work on a few to surprise. When I had them done, I posted them on my various social networking profiles and portfolios. Almost immediately I started receiving emails about how I was exploiting Native American women. This happened a few years ago too as someone else I knew felt that way about one of my images.
Now I am not out to offend anyone, but at some point you have to draw the line and keep your artistic integrity. The images I did today were beauty and swimwear portraits. Pretty simple and straight forward with little editing for flair.
I don’t really see how people would be offended by these images, but I would love to hear some feedback from some of my fans and followers. It might help me come up with more interesting images in the future and I will know just what kind of stirring my images are causing.
I am not complaining. I am more curious and looking to learn from this situation. I want to create images that are thought provoking and engaging. I was not expecting the shots I did today to have any effect like that. In anycase, I hope you enjoy and I look forward to your feedback.
Hi Bryan,
I can’t see the exploitation that come may be referring to. I see more of 60′s “hippie” influence to the photos in this post. Maybe that’s because I caught the tail end of the 60′s growing up. Stay true to your ideals.
I live in Illinois and we had some controversy here about Chief Illini, this was awhile ago. I guess my feeling on the matter is, if it is offensive to Native Americans don’t do it. Hope this help.
I love your work. Keep doing what makes you happy. I don’t see anything wrong with this.
Definitely not exploitation! Some people are just looking for a reason to stir the pot.
I loved your article, I don’t think your exploiting Native American Women, keep up the great work
People will always find something to complain about, the same people calling exploitation of Native American women would be just as quick to say this is exploiting women as a whole. If the concept had been in deliberate jest I might see some validity, but the picture you posted are nothing more than well done glamour shots. If she had been blonde, in German-esque wear, and holding a beer mug it’d be nearly universally consider sexy so I really don’t see the isssue.
Nice Website. i like the article as well. Now a days someone is going to complain no matter what. Do what you want!
Ignore negative comments. You are doing an amazing work. Love it!
I think there are people out there that will always complain. I know locally there are many protests over the Washington Redskins. The name is supposed to represent the bravery and fierceness of the Indian fighting spirit. I do not think they are exploitative at all.
No to me its more of EXPLORATION more than anything else….
Love the picture. Nice post.
I think the pics look great!
I like it!! They do look great!
I am a Native American, a citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and no … I do not find your work offensive or exploitative of Native American women, or Native Americans in general. I think in these days and times, we as people are too easily offended by something someone does or says.