Final Edit: Model/subject has no input and must accept what’s sent. NO CHANGES. NO ORIGINALS. NO INPUT. because I am an artist + it’s MY image.

(PART 2)

What happens when this level of unregulated freedom is in the wrong hands?

My previous post got 100% negative response and all stood behind this rule. But case studies show clear documented instances of exploitation using this “artistic freedom” as a cover for unregulated exploitation. As photographers when do you draw the line and how much responsibility do you hold when a rule you personally implement and defend, works as a shield / coverup for others in your line of work.

Issue - male photographers rejecting all input, objectifying subjects, vandalising work with edits and non artistic hidden agendas to imprint or exude power, control; also the defensiveness that follows (rooted in toxic masculinity) hiding behind “art” to keep the industry unregulated and exercise ownership and control over models / subjects images + appearances (especially female)

I am a visual artist. I am a renowned photographer. I am a women's rights advocate. I push the boundaries and fight the limitations of basically every industry and space I enter. Provocative. everyone loves or hates(never the subjects) my work I am a passionate and skilled editor other photographers come to me to assist edit their work or to check their edits.

I’ve added some notable responses in the comments and a recent social media portrayal of this entitlement in action below. I think the individualist mindset is blocking many from the shared responsibility and duty of care operating in the same industry. It’s not like painters where how other painters paint is not connected to you.

when you use the same technique that others use to harm, your defence of the technique appears as a protection and defence of the harm.

Unfortunately authenticity and personal eye are NOT credited alone in photography (other than personal collections). audience viewers engagement/ ability to also share that perception via being drawn to your work, appreciating or being moved by the art when looking at it.. They don’t need to know the technicalities or what was changed tweaked. Just wow what a great photo, how enticing , beautiful photo, striking, provoking work or indifference even. Soooo If the subject is uncomfortable or unsatisfied to the point they are thinking the original raw photo would be better that is an indication of a simple misalignment somewhere in your editing process and the intended artistic outcome of the shoot. There shouldn’t be confusion or misalignment just curiosity or surprise, and if there is, as a photographer you know u can absolutely make mistakes so you SHOULD take this into consideration go away don’t look at it for a while and revisit/mend or use your skill to clear any misalignment through communication. Many photographers experiment often and shift styles so misalignment is absolutely possible without the subject “not respecting” your artistic vision. For eg. a black white photographer whos moving to colour… clients who’ve only seen your stunning black and white work aren’t obligated to also find your coloured experiments on them equally as stunning. Any immediate defensiveness and egotistical controlling behaviour is the result of completely different hidden agendas in photography.

Artistic integrity is not whatever I do is perfect ??? Or whatever I say goes, to an ACTUAL artist comments critique or requests (especially when working with or using others) is NOT an attack on your artistic integrity IT IS INSIGHT !! A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HOW OTHERS PERCEIVE YOUR WORK. as an artist the only insight I would completely disregard is people who I do not respect THEIR perception or view like no depth or closed minded ppl and even still I am not actively fighting them only educating. So the reason for all this commotion and pushback is simple. small ego’s and a lack of respect and value toward the people YOU are working with. The need to prove to yourself that you are worthy through the disregard, invalidation and undermining of others. It’s very sad and it shows.

The world is shifting people are waking up and toxic structures will not stand anymore the only reason toxic photography hasn’t already been obliterated is because most are hiding behind the camera and covert using “artistic” “experimenting” for toxic control mechanisms; AND many photographers are passively protecting them.

However even this is not enough now, make sure you make the shift and realign before it catches up and the artistic title is completely stripped removed and swapped, with arrogant insecure entitled exploitative ones that have begun circulating bts. Like film directors, music label bosses, model agencies, the people who use their “artistic vision” as permission to do whatever; and as a coverup for inner desires control and exploitation.
Don’t let a few bad eggs completely ruin the whole industry and discredit the collective by CLEARLY CONDEMNING and separating from them. Not cowardly defending and justifying.