Touching the Flesh

PJ Harvey and Nick Cave - Henry Lee
Photo by Rocky Schenck
See the sensual music video here

I learned in my photography class to think about how the model(s) touch skin is important to the photo. We need to see how lightly or tightly we touch the flesh of ourselves or others. This touching adds to the narrative of the story by showing relationship, emotion, alertness, and closeness.

In my work, there are three levels of contact between flesh. They are:

"Kiss the Flesh" - This is when one touches the flesh so softly it is like a butterfly kiss. It is the softest touch around. It can be sensual, comforting, or just getting someone's attention.

Discovering
Photo by Karl

"Caress the Flesh" - This is when you rest your hand, or other body part, caresses the skin, maybe even cupping it. This can be a reassuring touch, a sensual caress, or just resting your hand.

Sigh
Photo by Karl

"Press the Flesh" - This is when one presses into the skin. This could be a grasp, a push, or many other possible examples. This can be sensual hold, a violent grab, or just the photographer resting his chin and jaw in his hand.

Prosperina
Bernini

While there are three degrees of touch, not including pinching, scratching, and other types of contact, there are numerous different messages from each. They can communicate love, caring, anger, caution, arousal, ecstasy, danger, sympathy, and concern among many other messages.

I think showing the touch is a crucial part of the photo. It helps make it human.

Below are examples of the three types. You decide the message sent by it. As you can see, they aren't always erotic, or even caring.

Other Times
Photo by Karl

A Taste
Photo by Karl

Truman Capote, New York, 1965
Irving Penn

Adjustments
Photo by Karl

Richard Avedon
Photo by Irving Penn

"Self Titled"
Photo by Karl

" "

Photo by Karl

Ian Mckellen
Photo by Nadav Kander

Waiting
Photo by Karl

Arm Grab
Photo by Pete Colm

Glamour?
Photo by Karl
Katie 3
Photo by Karl
L and H
Photo by Karl

Couple
Photo by Photobunny

Candace Nirvana 103109
Photo by Karl

Massage
Photo by John Wright

Resting Between Cameras
Photo by Karl

Untitled
Photo from Getty Images

Preliminary Motions
Photo by Karl

Andy Warhol's Scars
Photo by Richard Avedon

Untitled
Photo by Peter Denman

"F O"
Photo by Karl