Philosophy
I begin with a straightforward and primal appreciation of the human body. Layers of personality, light, geometry, color, texture are folded in. I aim to not only glorify the body, but also to celebrate the complex dance of a particular person, time, place, mood. I work in spontaneity and improvisation, with an openness to possibilities, and the collaborative pursuit of vision. I encourage my models to express themselves, even if it’s in quiet and subtle ways.
I believe the human body is among the most beautiful ‘things’ on earth. From a purely geometric point of view, the body, especially the female body, has deep primal roots in our being, as the creator of life. Our culture has repressed this, fearful of the awesome power of the feminine. But that power cannot be denied, and so we have bad pornography and misogyny running rampant. Can we not celebrate the glory our bodies – of sex and eroticism even – without losing grasp of our humble awe and heartfelt appreciation?
Photography of the naked body can be pornographic. It can also be artful, celebratory, and reverential.
Technical
Over the years I have shot with a variety of cameras. My first shoots were on 35mm film, using a Minolta X-700 my mother gave me. That was stolen at Waterloo Station, just in time for the digital revolution. I played around with some of the early digital point and shoots, then got the first digital SLR, the Canon Rebel 300D. Eventually I stepped up to a Canon 5D, then a 5D Mk II, and I currently have a Sony A7II. My favorite lens for shooting women is a 50mm, the faster the better. I’m currently using a manual Nikkor 50mm/f1.2 on my 5D with an adaptor. I sometimes shoot with a 35mm Vivitar manual lens.
A few years ago I started shooting film again, and I must say many of my favorite images are on film. I have a Canon Rebel 35mm, which I rarely use any more. A generous friend gave me a Nikkormat. My all-time favorite camera is my Hasselblad 500C/M. I also occasionally shoot in large format, and have a Linhof Technika 4×5 field camera. I recently bought a 35mm point-and-shoot. I get a lot of film secondhand, and so use a great variety. There is lots of expired film, sitting in refrigerators and freezers all over the place, waiting for me to get my grimy hands on. 😉
I occasionally shoot with my mobile phone.
I don’t own any lighting equipment, although I have in the past. These days I prefer reflected sunlight light, for the natural feel it provides. But if circumstances necessitate, I’ll make do with whatever ‘found light’ is about.
Contact
I’d love to hear from you. You can email me directly at
Model
My goal is to produce beautiful and intriguing images of happy and healthy women. I usually shoot with full nudity, as that is most pure and free. But beyond that, your limits and wishes will be absolutely respected. You can pose however you want, and if you want to change the way things are going just speak up. I’m easygoing and I want you to really love the images we make of you.
I prefer to work spontaneously and creatively – in the moment – without too much preconceived idea/concept. This takes some trust, by both the model and myself, because we don’t know in advance what the images will be like. However, you can check out my work here on this website to get a general idea of the range of what I do. It is often helpful to discuss the general nature of the shoot and images we are looking for beforehand, ideally in person, although that is not always required. We can meet somewhere public and have a chat. Feel free to bring a friend if you wish. Most people think I’m a decent person, and I think that’s part of the reason I can get such relaxed pictures.
I have many excellent references from recent models, who will attest to my integrity and general not-creepiness. (But I usually only give these numbers out once we meet in person, in order to protect my models privacy and safety.) I try to be sensitive to my models feelings, and want you to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible. You are welcome to bring someone to the shoot as an escort, as long as they are chill, and don’t interrupt the creative process.
I usually work in TRADE: a collaborative exchange of talent, time, energy, equipment, etc. For me, the introduction of money changes the dynamic in subtle but real ways, and affects the quality of the images. I support people making money from their efforts, but for this work I try to avoid it. I have a separate profession I make my living from.
I have a Model/Photographer Agreement that we will both sign and keep copies of. It gives us both equal rights to use the finished images as we wish. I can provide the agreement to you beforehand for your review.
Women sometimes worry that they are not beautiful enough, or that they’re bodies are not perfect. No one is perfect, but everyone can shine, in my opinion, and it’s my job to capture and celebrate that shining 😉
I shoot in a variety of locations, both indoors and outdoors. I prefer non-studio settings, and so am always scouting for interesting places to shoot. I very much like to hear of location ideas from the model, and I can usually make anything work. I like shooting in a models home, as it seems to allow a more relaxed feeling. However I can always provide a suitable place if I need to.
I do sometimes shoot for money, if a client wants exclusive rights (I do not publish in any way). Please inquire as to rates, which are on a sliding scale. Otherwise I am not making any money from these images, I do not sell them to other sites, etc. In the future I may try to make some money, from books, prints, gallery shows, and maybe using a site like Patreon.com where artists can share their work and get some support.
You can always change your mind about any of this of course, but PLEASE respect my time, like I will respect yours. Let me know if you are thinking of changing your mind, or are running late, or whatever. I may be dissapointed but if you communicate with good intentions it’s all good.
Testimonials
Here are some testimonials I have received over the years, mostly on my Flickr photostream. [I have changed references to my old Flickr name].
“I really like how Demetrius doesn’t let concepts like composition, tonality, mood, and focus get in the way of his photography. Apparently, he isn’t too lecherous with his models, either. :)”
“Demetrius has managed to convey grace, humor and the beauty of the human form in a remarkable way that is neither crass nor tasteless. His work is remarkable for its honesty and directness, a true window of excellent taste and great skill. His muses and the landscapes depicted are a breath of fresh air that invigorates body,mind and soul.”
“Nude photography usually is either tasteless and raunchy or dull and monotonous, but that’s not what happens with these photos!”
“Images that speak of a comfort about the body, a peace with the body that is rare today. In the biopolitically-dominated world, every time you turn your head, whether when you go to the doctor or turn on the news, you get the message that your body isn’t yours, that you don’t know yourself. Men and women. I am glad to see work that liberates in this sense, without enslaving the body further to simple visual candy. Starring models who own themselves and show it.”
“Demetrius' photos remind me of an epigram from Oscar Wilde: “The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.” While his book title, Beneath The Skin, reflects the depth that sets his work apart from so many other photographers, I think it’s not so much that he sees beneath surfaces as that he truly sees the surfaces and takes it upon himself to make us see them. For many photographers, the nude body is a sort of interchangeable typographical symbol to be recognized but not really seen. Demetrius has the gift of vision, and it’s apparently a gift that grows the more he gives it away.”
“There is so much to say about Demetrius, and so much that has already been said. My favorite part, the icing on the cake of consistently wonderful images, is the way his photographs radiate respect for his models. He says that people have become “fearful of the awesome power of the feminine.” Indeed, but Demetrius has embraced it, explored it, and shared it with us :)”
“Demetrius' photos, to state the very obvious, are very stunning. It’s easy to take photos of nude women and get loads of comments and loads of faves and views. It’s extremely difficult, when photographing beautiful women, to let their personalities and their quirks, their moods and likes to shine through despite the obvious titillation. Demetrius' photography and the women who are his models does the latter with great ease. Each photo, every girl is unique and beautiful. Above all this, each photo shows the ease with which he treats his models, the fun and frolic of the moment. Stunning, jealousy inducing stuff, in short.”
“Quello che mi piace di queste fotografie è la semplicità, la naturalezza che ne traspare, le modelle donne e non bambole, la loro “presenza reale” nelle immagini.”
“I like so much that natural naturality of Demetrius' photos and his models”
“This mans work is amazing! He has ways of capturing a women’s beauty like nothing else I’ve seen in so long or maybe even ever. He ranks high with other artists of his genre present & past with the ability to create & capture beauty within beauty. I always look forward to whatever he posts next, it’s always a delight. A true spectacle to the minds eye.”
“Demetrius is a master. His photos are very balanced. They are not flashy but natural. Not obscene, but very desirable. It is obvious that when one looks at Demetrius' photos, one sees not just the master taking great passion and pride in his works, but also the models themselves who have a spirit of l’amour de la vie.”
“I’m learning a lot just by looking at Demetrius' photos. There’s a certain quality to his work, i’ll call it delicacy, until I can think of a better word. Always beautiful stuff, with a mastery of photographic technique.”
“I have to tell you that I’m one of those who rarely gets the time to view the work of his contacts, yet it seems whenever I do, your work jumps off the page and into my mind. You have a unpredictable sense of humor and a real talent for bringing out the unusual aspects of your models. When blended with the masterly skill of your technique, this makes for some very powerful photography.”
“Demetrius is a star! It’s rare to find a guy who takes pictures of beautiful girls and who lets their personality shine through beyond a mere pose for the camera. These pictures are works of art, but also works on humanity; that makes these gorgeous pictures just so special! And if it’s not stunning girls you want to see, his heart is big enough to take pictures of many other things.”
“Demetrius' photostream is always one of my favorites. It is a source of inspiration and appreciation. Really a wonderful ever-expanding body of work I continue to find new enjoyment in.”
“This man captures beauty with an unmatched eye. His passion for the female form is apparent. His photos make me proud to be a woman.”
“your photos seem to dance with joy and celebration of life…..medicine 4 me…thank you”
“One amazing photographer. A maestro”
“Demetrius has a sense of style that he brings to the women in his photo shoots. He builds them up instead of tearing them down as some nude photographer’s unfortunately do. Take a look through his photo stream to see the artistic ability that nude photography should always portray!”
“Demetrius has a wonderful way of bringing something different to nude photography. He is able to bring out a very personal sense of intimacy with his models, something that allows the viewer to connect in a special way….to feel involved. Sometimes quite erotic, and other times boldly innovative (but best of all are the times when the two are combined), Demetrius' stream is delicious and inspires me to step outside of my own photographic comfort zone.”
“FINE, WITH A TECHNIC THAT SHOWS NO TECHNIC, I ENVY YOUR MODELS, I ENVY YOUR WORK BUT MOST OF ALL AND IMPORTANT IN EVERY IMAGE I LEARN, THANKS FOR LET ME SEE YOUR WORK.”
“Demetrius and his beautiful partner __________ were pretty much the first people I discovered on Flickr, in that lovely way that we stumble across images by accident. I have been so touched by the wonderful energy between them that I feel better and more loving myself through enjoying their work. Excellent architectural and model work too. Thank you, you two, for sharing your world with us.”
“A dear and trusted friend. One hell of a photographer. Demetrius is one of my Flickr heroes.”
“Almost every time i have a new shoot, i look to Demetrius' stream for inspiration.”
“Amazing, beautiful work appears on this photostream on practically a daily basis. Demetrius is a major talent, and he works with such stunning models. You cannot afford to miss this.”
“One of the most prolific fine art nude photographers on Flickr! Not only is he able to capture the essence of a woman perfectly, his love for architecture and the pics inspired by it leave me constantly perplexed as to what I like more…his architecture or nudes….regardless, Keep it up!”
“I can’t say enough about Demetrius. His work is inspiring. Studying his photographs has improved my own work, and he’s been very gracious in sharing insights and tricks whenever I have asked. He also allows his sense of humor to show through in his work, something too many photographers are afraid to do. For these, and innumerable other reasons, he has become one of my favorite photographers.”
“Great guy! Fabulous photographer to work with: totally relaxed, fun and comfortable. And his work is just gorgeous!”
“fucking master of female nude photography!!!! and a charmer with his lovely eyes LOL!”
“My favorite photographer! What a joy to work with (and to dance with).”