Very interesting series. It's refreshing, really; all these photographs that don't pretend to be anything highbrow, or lowbrow, or erotic, or anything, but end up being fascinating. Makes me think that reality is more interesting than fantasy.
I really like your work, viewed in its entirety. Not sure what reviewer Landgrebe above was trying to say--and why everyone on Photo.net spends so much time worrying about ratings--no door prize on offer here, last time I checked! (I have stopped rating photos for that reason, figuring that an actual critique would be more useful to all).
your "as they are" series of portraits is fascinating. Not all the bodies are conventionally beatiful, but the series works somehow. It must be in the execution.
These women are beautiful because they are real. Mr. Adams has displayed his brilliance precisely due to his ability to capture technically excellent images of women that portray their beauty and personality better than any contrived glamour photo ever could. Thank you for sharing these with us.
I thought I had already left my comment on your portfolio... It's not the first time I enter here and it's sincerly stunning; you've a very fine eye for composition. great work
Great Stuff Jim. I have not done any portrait photography for over 15 years. Just about to pick it up again, also because of your work. Love the black and whites, and the way you shoot. Thanks for commenting on my stuff on PN, if you feel like it have a look at www.photografix.nl. Ciao Tom
I'm very interesting by your gallery of nude women (polaroid gallery). I guess that these "neutral" shoots let the human part of these women well explained... very, very good job.
Kind regards (Lurs - France)
I made another post on one of your photos itself but needed to voice my opinion here and that is that i am definatley inspired as well as influenced by your photos AMAZING!!
Wonderful black and white portraits. Each one so unique and full of details. Thank you for your comments and suggestions. Will return to your portfolio often and see what I can learn.
Very good portfolio, especially like the polariood and portraits folder. See my detailed comment below the image polaroids/"bill locke - photographer".
i just want to say, that you are by far, the best crituquer (new word i made up) on this whole damn website. your critiques are well thought out and don't consist of "happt st. pat's day", or, "pretty". hooray for you.
Well i dont know how good your critiques are but i do know that your photos are top quality and it is a pleasure to see them. I hope oneday to be even close to your skill level.
excellent porfolio Jim 7/7 I can see that I learn much from you. You B/W shoot are simply marvellous.so I will follow you job and I want tell thanks for you comment in my porfolio....Thanks again my friend for Sharing you art. Regards from spain
...I had JUST been thinking that things have really changed in the phogography world in the last 50-60 years (duh!!!), specifically in the shooting of nude portraits, as opposed to nude figure studies. The inclusion of faces and personalities as opposed to simply focusing on curves, tones, and textures is fantastic, and your execution of nude portraits is fantastic for my taste. You've got FAR too many shots that I would buy and frame, I'd have to build a bigger house :-)....
Nudes are difficult to put across to people. Yours come out nicely though. They are more of a study of the person than an erotic experience. The subtelity of light and the usage of props makes these nudes all the more appealling.
I really enjoy your work. It makes me want to pull out my 4X5 pinhole ( I have a polaroid back for it) and do some figure work with it. I love the directness and simplicity of your images. I feel like you a sharing a very interesting part of each of your subjects personalities. I look forward to seeing more!
-Steve
Thank you for your kind words to my portfolio. I wish I would know as much about technic as you. That is it what I want to learn.
As I said before I like the pureness of your work. And I learn from your photos as well.
I like Portraits ! And this kind of sensual portraits is top of the TOP ! And i do not read any bed comment to Jim`s Portfolio !
BUT the rating is shoking horror , and this portfolio has so unfair and unworthy rathing so i don`t know have there any sense !??? I like all photos in this Portfolio and i hate all RATS who given you a bad rating !
very good works on your portfolio. i very like your works. the most impressive thing is the purity of the nude works. they all looks so naturally athough they are naked. they are acting as as person, not such as a subject. i will keep my eyes on your works for the future. br
Thanks for the comments you left me on my portfolio.I hope you dont mind but I quoted you on my updated bio....you just said everything I feel about the subject.I love your work,I look forwardto every new post whether I like it ot not b/c it is real and b/c it is something from the norm.In a world that is captivated by digital your shooting polaroids.The fact that you get so many comments bout your "borders"just proves this.Have fun shooting!
good shooting
Joe
"If it ain't fun, why bother." I agree fully. I was playing golf with a guy years ago. He had played for years, was very knowledgeable about golf and had great clubs. On the the 15th fairway, near a sand trap he could not get out of, he wrapped a club around a tree out of anger and frustration. I asked him later why he played. He gave me a funny look and said, "Because it's fun." I think he missed the point...you have not. Beautiful work.
Bravo Jim! J like your work very, very much... So many excellent fine art nudes at one place!! Although J have seen many, many photos (of nudes), here J saw many excellent shots for the first time!
As for me, pictures in color are always better than b/w ones. This is the only "minus" for your work! Thank you for all this beauty, for all this art... J'll visit these pics very often.
Wish you all the best. Regards T. Mladenovski MACEDONIA
Thanks for you polite comment in my porfolio,you words are like an injection of power for me.whren you say about my shoot that NEWTON could be very proud of me is very important words.more whren I can see you fantastic porfolio full creativy and power.Thaks again and I will proud that you visit and comment my job.Best regards from spain
I really like your Polaroid gallery! Keep 'em coming! I can't wait until I take my view camera class this semester coming up... I'm so anxious to try shooting Polaroids like this. Your gallery is an inspiration. Thank you.
I usually don't care for nude photography. I liked your natural and relaxed style... and you have wonderful studio skills, as well as interesting, unique and well "casted" subjects.
Your work is completely deserving of all the accolades it has been receiving. There are so many of your images that I am drawn to and would like to comment on that I feel a little overwhelmed.
One common thread which shines through in all your photos of people in particular is the great affinity you have with your subjects. I don't know who it was who said that portraiture is 90% psychology and 10% camera work.
You seem to be very adroit at drawing out what appears to be the real person. As any of us who have attempted this task know, it is no small feat.
I have put you in my favorites list and will return often.
Jim, your work reflects a great deal of ingenuity and good taste. I am impressed by what you are able to accomplish without resorting to digital manipulations. The Sabattier effect, by the way, is quite nice.
Hi Jim,
I am a new fan of yours. I love everything you do, and the range of models is exciting.These girls obviously feel safe and comfortable with you, that's great! You are amazing, your consistency is incredible!!
Hey man thanks for your updated comment on my portfolio. It really means a lot coming from someone who inspires me such as yourself. I have been trying a lot of new things and messing with some different lighting as well. I don't really know which direction it's all going but maybe something good will come out of it all :)
And of course, your work is nothing shy of true art.
Hey...hook me up with Peyton! I'm sooo in love with her! ;)
Your work has a great strength which I think maybe is through the simplicity and the extraordinary models you use. How do you get people like this to pose for you? They are not what we think of as 'glamour models' so it must be a great challenge to to get them relaxed to produce such stunning images. Well done you have given me the courage to try and do something similar.
Cheers Brent.
Wonderful nudes, technically and aesthetically. What makes yours stand out more is your choice of models. They are all quite beautiful, of course, but they are "real," not implabts, plastic sugery, botox, lip enhancement and way too much makeup. Great work!
There is so very much to learn from you, I am so very impressed! Average people in everyday backgrounds with fantastic results! I return often and dream of the day when I will be able to even come close to your work. Dewey
Hello Jim, Great body of work, all very natural and graceful. I also love your biography. I sent it to a young woman who I am mentoring on photographing nudes who sometimes gets quite nervous about it. Your bio sums up why we do it in a nut shell. Thanks for sharing your work with us all. Cheers, Raymond
Your quality of work is astounding! The models are portrayed so perfectly so as to make sure we are all aware of each ones individual beauty.
You're an inspiration to us all!
jim, Your work excells on many levels. The matter of factness and no frills approach gives it an historical record feel. The lack of sexual energy ( by an Artist so inspired by the nude ) is refreshing. You celebrate our physical differences without the pseudo fantasy others employ. Good work!
There are an awful lot of photographers on PN whose work relies heavily upon using models encompassing a narrowly defined sense of attractiveness. Some photographers have porfolios containing hundreds of technically perfect and aesthetically dead photographs featuring these models. But artists learning to draw the human form work with models of all ages, shapes, and sizes, as you do here. Your work, as many others have intimated, isn't even in the same level as most other portrait work. Your work actual captures something of the subject. I feel, even when the shot doesn't include the head, that I know something, feel something about that person, rather than just seeing body parts as is the case with far too many photographers. I'm sure it's because you are not a photographer at all, really, but an artist whose medium is photography.
Your work is fine art, especially the polaroid gallery is fantastic. Never disconcerting or embarrassing, but always empathetic and sensitive. You discover the soul in your models.
R E S P E C T and regards,
Dirk
Dear Jim, thanks for your compliments on my Mirror B/W. I am very glad for your comment: you are a BIG!!!...very interesting portfolio!!! CIAO! To see you again, Maurizio.
Your portfolio is an outstanding example of how to capture real people. All of your models are remarkable. And a big thanks to Chief for keeping all of us safe from Horrible Stick Monsters!
I'm stunning...Your shot is amazing, the use of the Pola and the light is really unique. See my galleries, i have some light experiments, maybe you have a help for me....
i came in thinking that this guy jim has an ax to grind against women. such contempt! but i am leaving feeling blessed by a high priest of great art. allelujah! large format photography at its finest!
I am so sorry if my picture was disgusting for you. It was not my intention at all. Despite that in my country (Argentina) this can be a common situation, for me was very difficult to be close to this man and I was just proud of myself because I could be a photographer no matter the situation. Thats all.
Just wanted to tell you how much I ADMIRE your work. I have always loved black and white, and you do it perfectly. I think I like your Polaroids and your Sabattier Effect series the most, but I am in awe of your entire portfolio.
While I seldom comment on nudes, here I stopped for a long, long while and... I am so much impressed! "Polaroid" folder is absolutely amazing, especially when you photograph women who are - so to say (Models: please forgive this word) - imperfect and at the same time so natural, so interesting, so full of meaning. Jim, if I ever try to shoot nudes, I'd like them to convey those qualities you present here. Full marks! Maciej (full of envy!!!)
...i had to come back to your porfolio many times before deciding leaving comments. It seems like everytime i visit, i find something intriguing, something new in your photos. I heard somewhere that "there are many layers of truth"; yet, your photography and your subjects dictate some "raw truth-naked truth" which command strong reactions. A different kind of "naked-truth" that i've not encoutered much, and find it disturbingly, beautifully interesting. In this aspect as visual art, your photography definitely has achieved its purpose which is to cause a long lasting impact. With my best regards, Tanya.
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy looking at your photos. Both the subjects and the technique are honest and original. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you.
Remarkable portfolio. Excellent skilled treatment of model and subjects reflects the grace of a true professional. Framing on the polaroid series images was very distracting, at first. Then I realized my cognitive mind, trying to figure out why such framing was there, found the framing was softening a "nakedness" impact from some of the images. When reviewing the unframed pieces regarding the differences between framed and unframed treatment, cannot say I appreciate one over the other . . . another indication of excellent work. Wishing you well and many continued successes! 7/7 for nearly all images.
Fitting words for the work you present here, and for the man behind the camera. I find balance here. Although I don't know you personally, a lot can be gathered from your pictures and comments here on PN. What do I see? Obvious talent on many levels with the ability to remain humble, helpful, and fair. Balance. What else? Technically sound, with the ability to portray models in a way that both flatters and reveals. A conduit of self expression for both you and your subjects. Successful, as is evident from your followers, your models desire to be photographed by you, and your peer review. Diane Arbus? Great work! Balance? Hmmmmm....Keep working Jim, you have all the tools to be among the great ones. Where will you go next? Published? (If you?re not already, why?). Your work here is equal to, no, better than those that post here and have been published in such works as "Erotic Women". Thanks for taking the time to comment on my work, and thanks for photographing the real and for being real!
Jim, I am so grateful you dropped by--I appreciate your comments very much--and I will do the reshoot you suggested, when the model and I find some time--thanks again--and I love your work---ML
Jim, I am thrilled to hear about the scanning process and can't wait to try what you have suggested--I have so many images that I love that I want to save and I am hopeful that what you have said will work--indeed I used the slide holder and will try to place them flat on the glass--I believe my scanner is a pretty good one (Canon)--I purchased it with the specific goal of scanning my slides----I am in your debt--Michael
I really like your work and in particular the humanity which irradiate from some of your models. Unfortunately you did erase the most of your shots which were my favorite ! Do you have another gallerie were we can see your work ?
Jim, I have been watching your work from afar for at least a year or more, and I must tell you that you have a very unique and wonderful style. You capture the models with a very nice appeal without making anything gratuitous. It appears that all of your models are very candid.....as candid as can be when nude. I applaud your work! Regards to you Jim, Todd
I like the housecleaning. All your portfolio images are strong now, and are different enough from each other to showcase a wide talent. I particularly like the recent work, (exemplified by the image of the model bending over backwards). It represents a nice departure from your straight-on figure documentation, which, IMHO, was getting a bit played-out.
Generaly... when I open someones portfolio I go to their portraits/people category first...I like to see how the subject responds to the person behind the lenzz...the responses from the people you make images of... are as real as can be...I think I have mentioned that to you before...maybe a few hundred others as well?
Just wanted to stop by to wish you more of your real creativity for the coming new year... thanks for all the visits and all the lessons in your subjects eyes...Juan
Since it is just after New Years, I thought I'd drop a line to tell you thanks for your kind words and inspiration throughout the year. You are one of the first people who befriended me here on pnet, and I am so grateful to have your experience and talents to draw from as I learn the craft. Keep up the good work, and I'll see you around.
... everything I feel after I see your portfolio was already express here, so again You have an excellent portfolio and style Jim, thanks for share!!!Best regards Olda.
Hi Jim,
I'm really interested in how you get to capture these sometimes serious and somtimes just natural faces. Do you ask anything of your models? How do you converse with them?
It adds anyhow a great touch to your photos and really remind me a lot of great work done by some dutch photographers in the 90s. Dead-pan photography it's called.
I have to say you are the first photographer I've seen that I would allow to shoot me "nekkid"! Hell, I won't even let friends take pix of me, so that's saying a lot!Okay, sometimes, but they get quick photo lessons first. ;p
I really enjoyed seeing your work. I also liked the honest personality you show through these pages. It's nice to see that you are a real person.
I had 2 Rotts a few years ago, both grew old and past away. I can't say how much Chief's photos bring back great memories. Thx for the moment ! The photos speak for themselves...I feel right there in the photo with him.
You have captured Chief's soul in those photos, hang on to them.
Thank you so very much for your nice comment about my work Jim!! You are a big name here on PN :-) and your nudes are great!! Very respectful and every time you seem to touch the soul of those women. Amazing!
Your portfolio is great because, even not all your models have a perfect body, you are able to show them with a lot of sensuality and fashion.
Very nice
Antonio
As I learn more about this art form called Photography, I can appreciate what you do more and more. You make the portraits look SO easy! I understand too that the film you like to work with Polaroid T55 (?) is a real bitch to work with for most. I am curious if your lovely models do their own make up and hair or if you have someone do it how you would like it. Regardless of how you get there, your shots are always fantastic. I would love to see some "outakes" so I would know that you are truely human. =o)
I really like your Bio Portrait.
Who's the photographer?
Hello Jim, your image of Chief brought me here, I also am a huge lover of dogs. Was nice to look at your portfolio, found your work in nudes first class. I also used to do a lot of nudes, but now I seem to be just into flowers. Anyway a nice portfolio and a great looking dog. All the best....roger
You have a great feel for black and white. I would love to see some more nude studies sans tattoos or body ornaments and without the everpresent nowadays piercings. Maybe even with au natural pubic hair dare I ask for. I may be out of my territory-no feel for the nude in art per se- by suggesting that, Jim. I admire the body though, who can not? However different my reaction,it is,as usual, honest and to the point. I do not rate,silly system I can't fathom anyway. Yet I like your work and wanted to say so. Thanks for the opportunity to make a (hasty) comment on your very well rounded gallery. Regards,gs
Again, all I can say is wow on the quality of your photos and also the obvious zowie factor. Thx 4 visiting my gallery and your kind comments. To answer your question I use a nikon D3 and a 200-400 lens.
Your nudes are beautiful, natural, have a lively and innocent expressions on them, do not look contrived. So are your dogs. Two of the most beautiful living things on earth!
What a sad day it was when I learned that Type 55 was no longer available. I thank you for your insight and wisdom. The very brief time that I had to shoot Type 55 was a true joy. Thank you for sharing that joy.
Hi Jim,
You had left a comment on one of my images and after checking out your portfolio I must say I am very flattered. It was in reaction to my "have suitcase, will travel" image. I am working on scanning in some more of my 4x5's so I can post them here. I am sorry to say I don't have very many of them and since I no longer have access to a dark room I really don't know what to do ... Boy do I miss my dark room nights ...
Anyhoo, if you dont mind I'll give you a holler when I get more of that series up.
I loved your work, your portraits are stunning and anything with a Polaroid border just gets me fired up ... As a woman I tend to find pictures with beautiful girls/women in them difficult to appreciate, the whole "she ain't all that" thing I guess, but the way you portray them makes them feel real. Often I feel that when male photographers, and even a lot of female photographers, shoot nudes they become very sexual, whereas with your images, even though the women are obviously gorgeous and very sexy, their personality still manage to take the upper hand.
Well, all that just to say you have some great work there.
Catherine
Thank you for your wonderful and insightful comments on my "Chairity Blue" series. I had so much fun doing this and I plan to add to it.
At the time I started the series I was in my 2nd year of art school and I was getting exhausted by taking myself so seriously. I had been using my photography to work through some personal issues and photography had ceased to be enjoyable to me and had become a form of very intense therapy. I can't count the number of times I had to end my studio sessions because I would just break down a cry for an hour or two. I have yet to post any of those images here on PN due to their very personal and to me raw emotions, maybe the time has come. But I digress ...
As I said I wanted to do something fun, get out of the studio and do something new and different. I didn't want to shoot people and I found I was pretty terrible at landscapes or street photography.
I have always wanted to be a writer, problem is, I suck at it. But I like telling stories, I like making myself think and wonder. I've also have this little weird thing I do where I give voices to inanimate object. I think it started when I was working as a flight attendant and staying in a different hotel every night. I would wonder about all the stories a hotel bed would be able to tell us or the wonderful travel stories a suitcase may have. Sometimes the stories would get pretty crazy and intricate and I would elaborate on them, even after I had left the place.
I'm assuming that is where the idea for Chairity Blue came from. I was taking a lot of Art History courses at the time (failing most of them royally I may add) and I loved the idea of anthropomorphism. One day I was out shooting and I found some old neglected chairs, when I saw my contact sheet a particular shot made me think of a couple of old guys, sitting out on a porch, watching the day go by. It made me realize how 'human' chairs are. So I guess that's where it all started. In the beginning I just took a bunch of random pictures of chairs but little by little a story started forming and to be honest, it's still growing.
I'm pretty sure that was more than you wanted to know and I apologize, I guess this project is just very near and dear to me and I love it when people appreciate it.
All that being said, I was just over in your portfolio and coming from you the praise was even more delightful. I know I've commented on your images before, and I left a comment on one in particular today. I must say though, that in terms of affecting me personally your dog shots are just amazing. Like you said, they may not be your most artistic work, though all of them are very good, the heart that shines through them is what makes them so wonderful me. They have inspired me. I have often wondered why they didn't get good photos of those poor animals to post on their website but never took it that one step further to go and volunteer my services. I don't think I'll do nearly as good a job as you do, but I'm willing to give it a try. Thank you for that.
I'll let you get on with your life now, if you did manage to read this whole post through, I applaud you and admire your perseverance.
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