"YES, BUT IS IT 'ART'?" ...MATT TAKES IT OFF!!!

Yes, well the opportunity came my way to 'sit' for a real photographer in the buff! Well, I mean, I was without clothing. The dude with the camera was dressed the whole time! I've been trying to decide how to explain what the experience felt like for me. It was really quite interesting and most cool, but odd all at once. David, the photographer, is quite talented and good at putting his models at ease. So, after I loosened up a bit it was really fun and rather 'free-ing' -- it was somehow affirming. Yet, not.

I guess he must have shot close to 300 pictures over the course of 3 hours. Then we reviewed all the shots together. He had this way cool camera that looked like something out of THE EYES OF LAURA MARS, but was actually a really high end digital camera. Instant gratification! We discussed whether or not I was interested in capturing the sensual or the erotic. I just sort of let him guide me through. I am actually rather pleased with the results. Some of the pictures are quite stark. Others are very innoncent. A few are kind of sexy. ...I guess. Well, as sexy as I get. None, however really cross into the erotic range.



It was interesting to see the ones that the artist felt were good shots compared to my own opinions. I noticed that the ones he liked I felt more insecure about. I opted to go with his eyes because I was quite impressed with his photos of other models and I am not so sure we are always our own best critics.



As I looked at the pictures it struck me that it didn't always feel as if I was looking at pictures of me. Partly, I think, because the goatee is currently gone and because he had me remove my glasses. ...but also because I was seeing myself thru his eyes. ...or the eyes of his camera. When I mentioned this sensation to him he explained that our faces change when we are nude and relaxed. What I saw as vulnerable he saw as open. I thought about this and I think he is right. And, well, I guess he should know.



I was so nervous at first, then he got me to chatting about "Billy's" vision of me as a Jewish jock in an orange jock strap, basket ball between my knees and menorah at my side -- and I laughed. As we talked and he snapped away. I gradually began to feel more comfortable. He never really told me to pose any certain way but more or less guided me.



He seemed to focus more on what was around me than on what I was doing. Or that might have just been my own perception. At one point he had had us go outside in the chilly San Francisco afternoon on his patio --- I was sooooooooo cold, but those pix are really pretty funny -- or joyfully chilly. LOL!



Some, tho, are kind of introspective.



Of course my insecurities kicked in as I looked at the shots. No, not my feet. But, yes. My nose. Which he seemed to think was cool looking. And my teeth. I hate my teeth. And, not to be rude, but are my balls really that big!?!?! LOL! My favorite picture is probably the silliest. I don't know what was being discussed but there is a shot of me sort of glaring at him with my eyes on the verge of Popeye like wideness. He had three favorite shots. ...that was not one of them.

Hmmmm... I am no model, but it was an interesting experience. I'd do it again. I think. Exhibitionist? Narciscist? Ugly? Crude? Art Whore? Art Whore Wanna Be? Exploring An Experience? Mabye a bit of all? Who knows. But, it is a memory and I enjoyed it. ...I'd probably do it again.



I've debated what to post much on this site. I am not going to post any of the nude shots. Tho, some of the ones I decided to post have been edited. LOL! Not that I am ashamed and David can do whatever he likes with the pix, but if you wanna see me nude --- you'll have to ask, baby! LOL!