"Dying to be Thin" NSFW

[MelodySoul]

Wow, very powerful images.

 

[RMThompson]

I wonder if the model knows that you're using them to display her supposed eating disorder. Even if a model release was signed, she has the right to make sure the images are not being used to "defame" her in anyway, and I wonder what she would feel about this.

Anyway, wonderful work, the lighting and tones really bring out the subject you're trying to tell. Her eyes really grab the camera, only framing the thin body around her even more.

 

[Renair]

Brilliantly shot, but as with all the above, maybe some photographers should tell this girl to eat some food and put on some weight or they cant use her again. Not being bad, but if she wanted to be a 'model' she looks past the right age for fashion or catwalk stuff, therefore she doest not need to be stick thin. I have seen fatter Ethiopians!

 

[ATXshots]

Wow, how sad that she is suffering like this.

You did an amazing job.

 

[danman281]

I wonder if the model knows that you're using them to display her supposed eating disorder. Even if a model release was signed, she has the right to make sure the images are not being used to "defame" her in anyway, and I wonder what she would feel about this.

I was thinking the exact same thing. If I knew my photographer would do this to me, then I would never go back. Just my 2 cents

 

[RMThompson]

I was thinking the exact same thing. If I knew my photographer would do this to me, then I would never go back. Just my 2 cents

Exactly, but even more than that.

I've been reading a lot about the law regarding models and photographers, and they are protected a lot more than people would think. They have a right to sell their image, and they have a right to not be DEFAMED.

All I am saying is... be careful!

 

[Artograph]

Nice work, but very sad indeed....

 

[Saddlebreds4me]

From a photography standpoint - I think the photos are well done. However to me there seems like an ethical fine line being walked here - I'm not sure but that's how I feel about it.

And as someone currently walking through recovery from an eating disorder - I'm horrified.

She needs help - I'm not sure what more I can say.

 

[Jon_Are]

and they have a right to not be DEFAMED.

I was going to reply that Mya in no way defamed the model...then I looked at the title of the thread again. Yikes.

Jon

 

[TwoRails]

Who says she's being defamed? Looking at the documentary photos, I'd say the model knew exactly what is / was going on. Perhaps even wanting to help others.

 

[Saddlebreds4me]

Who says she's being defamed? Looking at the documentary photos, I'd say the model knew exactly what is / was going on. Perhaps even wanting to help others.

I'd like to gently challenge these photos as "wanting to help others" - I can only tell you from experience that I highly doubt these photos are about wanting to help others - to me they are "flaunting-like", anyone trying to help someone with anorexia and/or bulimia - these would not be photos which would fit into that category. To anyone actively in an eating disorder or in recovery, they could very well be seen as triggering. These are the kinds of photos (albeit good shots technically) which show up on pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia websites.

I agree with you, I think she knew EXACTLY what was going on.

My apologies, I will step off my soapbox, but this is clearly an issue which means a great deal to me.

 

[TwoRails]

Perhaps MyaLover will shed a little light on it all...

 

[ChrisOquist]

I agree that the back shot is very powerful and portrays the modern view of beauty, which in my mind is very skewed from reality. Nice shots.

I don't many people would consider that back shot as portraying any view of beauty - it goes well past today's obsession with thin-ness into the grotesque and dangerous.

I wonder if the model knows that you're using them to display her supposed eating disorder. Even if a model release was signed, she has the right to make sure the images are not being used to "defame" her in anyway, and I wonder what she would feel about this.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[MyaLover]

Wow.. all this controversy. To answer the above questions:

First of all, I have only titled these photos this specific title, for this thread, and that is my own thoughts on this photo. Has the model seen these photos? yes she has, and she loves them. I am however, NOT using these as "documentary" for anything else or anywhere else. I am not even using them as "documentary" here, merely suggesting they had more of that kinda feel, that they did the "fashion model" feel. In no way would i put these on my other webpages under that category. If I were to, i would of course seek her approval first.

But I do not feel it is my place to suggest to her that she gain weight. Thats why she has family and close friends. What people do with their lives and their bodies is no one elses business, but in this case I was asked to photograph her in certain ways at her request, these shots were never "set up" to highlight the obvious problem.

She was a lovely girl (21 years old) and I was simply shocked. Like I said, these were not meant to "defame" her. It was simply a title of a thread. If I posted photos under the title "CHECK OUT THIS GIRL WHO WANTS TO BE A MODEL SO SHE STARVES HERSELF!! HER NAMES IS ............" Then I would consider that defaming. Same goes if I posted a thread titled "Could she be a model?" and had pics posted of a rather large girl.

Simply put, the title was an extension of my thoughts, not meant to be derogatory or cruel. And definatly not meant as a way for me to capitalize on someone elses problem. Same reason I will never photograph drug use or implied drug use. No use in glorifying it.

 

[MyaLover]

PS a model release was signed that clearly states I have the right to use them in any form I chose. And have the right to display them, distribute them in any form or way I chose.