While unpacking a box of books last night, I rediscovered ‘Butt Number 5’, the photography book(let) by Luke Austin that I picked up in New York 16 months ago. I’ve already posted a couple of photos inspired by Austin’s work, and as I flicked through it this morning I was struck again by just how many different, interesting, sexy poses he managed to capture.
For today’s post, I deliberately picked out a photo that I couldn’t replicate on my own – Liv was keen to help, and I was interested to see how easy it would be for her to figure out the angles, body position, and other nuances of one of his deceptively simple-looking shots. As it turns out, not that easy at all! So much work clearly goes into the lighting and composition of each image that even capturing their general spirit or essence is far from straightforward – which, when you think about it, is vaguely reassuring.
Anyway, take a look below and see what you think. I love the ripples and curves of Austin’s original photo, which are accentuated by the model’s impressively defined musculature. There’s a really attractive blend of power and softness running through it, and part of me just wants to reach in and lick that dimple in the middle of his back.
I don’t have anything like the same thickness or bunching of muscle in my arse and thighs, which means the middle section of my photo lacks the impact of Austin’s, but I’m very happy with how my calves look, and Liv managed to pick out all the freckles on my upper back in really quite a fun way.
Overall I’m pleased with what we put together, especially given that she was using a camera phone rather than professional equipment and lighting. This will always be the kind of experiment I’m happy to spend my Sunday morning taking part in, so look out for more Butt shots in the weeks and months to come!
11 replies on “February 12th: Curves”
I like your replicate of the original 🙂
Rebel xox
This is a project that I am definitely happy to see all the updates for. I adore backs and butts. It frustrates me that I can never capture the pictures in my mind of my own back.
I like it and the calves indeed look good (as does the rest).
oooh, I like this. Very well done. 🙂
Well I can see why bottoms are so popular in your household !!!
This is a lovely exhibit !!!
Xxx – K
I think Livvy did a fabulous job. Some tips if you are interested… the original shot is lit from down by his feet somewhere, you can tell from where the shadows are and also those shadows have made his bottom appear even more full than it is… and he is also pushing up with his arms to create the dip in his spine and one final thing, the slight sheen to his skin is probably created by adding a very light amount of oil that give it that slight reflective quality.
Oh and you do indeed have an impressive set of calves
mollyxx
It’s so hard to replicate those seemingly simple shots isn’t it, great work though!
I’ve always thought it’s far easier to take sexy pictures of women than men: gender preferences aside, somehow we are not as aesthetic creatures as the fairer sex (if you’ll excuse the term). And it’s just too easy to resort to yet another cock-shot.
Great photo. (Both of them!)
I think she did admirably well! Your photo has its own charm 🙂
~Kazi xxx
I think this is a beautiful interpretation of the original photo! The freckles are delicious and I like the clean background in yours.
[…] I know it’s there. I knew it was there in this photo, and these photos, and…well, pretty much every photo I’ve ever posted of my butt. […]