Fetish Fashion photoshoot at our zoo

Lots of very talented people (photographers, makeup artists and models) came to our zoo last weekend for a very successful photoshoot. The shoot was done by Kindred's Muse photography with various models and one VERY talented makeup/bodypainting artist.

Everyone was a pleasure to work with... and I got to hang out with a bunch of fetish models... who can complain about that? I'll be working with them again in the spring, so I'll be posting more pics and video.

I'm posting the teaser video that was created for it, please let me konw what you think!

http://www.vimeo.com/29333850

Luke Halstead wrote:: 'please let me konw what you think'!

I think that this video would appeal to an adolescent 14 year old and I'm disappointed to see a 'contribution' of this kind posted on this site. Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

Couldn't watch it with your link, Luke.
Is this the same video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D1H_TH9d_U

I think it's a matter of taste and personal opinion...........
I like the models (all of'em, yeah!)
It's professionally done.
regards
Peter

Actually Peter, that's a different photoshoot with some of our animals and the same photographer and makeup artist!

Sorry you can't view the link. I'll see if the makeup artist (who created the video) has put it on youtube.

Nice bodypaintings, nice models - I'd like to see the pictures instead of the video.
Besides that I must confess that I strongly have the feeling that models and snakes should be photographed nude. Clothes are much to distracting with this kind of photography IMHO.

Gurenter,

I agree with you but it wasn't my photoshoot. It was for some fetish clothing lines so the clothes were a necessity!

The photos of the event turned out very well but since they are going to be copyright protected (at least some of them) I can't put them up yet... they look fantastic though.

Quote :: I think that this video would appeal to an adolescent 14 year old and I'm disappointed to see a 'contribution' of this kind posted on this site. Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

Sorry the video didn't meet with your tastes. I frankly am not too concerned what anyone thinks of the shoot its self (it wasn't my art, clothing or photography). I thought the video was a good way to display some of my reptiles to the members here. Personally I thought it was very good, especially the photos (which I don't have yet).

Thanks for your input anyway.

Luke Halstead wrote:: Sorry the video didn't meet with your tastes. I frankly am not too concerned what anyone thinks of the shoot its self (it wasn't my art, clothing or photography). I thought the video was a good way to display some of my reptiles to the members here. Personally I thought it was very good, especially the photos (which I don't have yet).

Thanks for your input anyway.

You're welcome. For me, it's more about context than taste. I don't like to see animals of any kind used as fashion accessories. This video shoot might, in my view, be better suited for the theater or Art school crowd- without the live reptiles, of course- rather than a web site such as this one which is ostensibly for individuals who have a serious interest in the natural history of venomous snakes. Perhaps a video or series of photographs that show your live specimens as you keep them at this zoo with information and images of their cages, substrates, temperatures, relative humidity, diet and feeding schedules, etc. might be a better way in which to display your animals to the members here? Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

I would provide pictures if indeed I had them, which I don't. And as I said before, they will most likely be copyrighted for the use of the clothing lines, photographer and makeup artist.

There are also plenty of other artistic photoshoots displayed on this photography forum. If I wanted to display photos of my setups, animals and husbandry details, I would post those photos in the species' forums just like most others on this site do.

The 'photography' thread has always seemed to me to cater to the artistic and creative side of capturing snakes on film. Where else on this forum would you suggest I post a video like this?

Luke Halstead wrote:: I would provide pictures if indeed I had them, which I don't. And as I said before, they will most likely be copyrighted for the use of the clothing lines, photographer and makeup artist.

There are also plenty of other artistic photoshoots displayed on this photography forum. If I wanted to display photos of my setups, animals and husbandry details, I would post those photos in the species' forums just like most others on this site do.

The 'photography' thread has always seemed to me to cater to the artistic and creative side of capturing snakes on film. Where else on this forum would you suggest I post a video like this?

I'm heartened to hear that you can understand the distinction between taste and context. I would suggest that you don't post a video of this kind at all on the site. Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

Luke Halstead wrote:: The photos of the event turned out very well but since they are going to be copyright protected (at least some of them) I can't put them up yet

A pity. If some of the photographers puts it online somewhere please provide us with the link.

Guenter,

I've seen your photography and I really like what you do. I think you of all people would be able to appreciate the photos when they become available.

I'll post them as soon as I can.

Jon Davidson wrote:: For me, it's more about context than taste. I don't like to see animals of any kind used as fashion accessories. This video shoot might, in my view, be better suited for the theater or Art school crowd- without the live reptiles, of course- rather than a web site such as this one which is ostensibly for individuals who have a serious interest in the natural history of venomous snakes. Perhaps a video or series of photographs that show your live specimens as you keep them at this zoo with information and images of their cages, substrates, temperatures, relative humidity, diet and feeding schedules, etc. might be a better way in which to display your animals to the members here?

Totally agree, Jon!

Jon, Peter ... I understand Your point of view but photographing with models is always a bit of a weird and sometimes childish thing. Photographers and models need to overdraw as actors need to. That is simply part of the job.
From my point of view one should only judge the results (i.e. photographs) - sadly not to be shown so far.

Guenter Leitenbauer wrote:: 'From my point of view one should only judge the results (i.e. photographs)...'

Agreed; However, in my view, such fetish/fashion type videos- which use live reptiles as a novelty act and are copyrighted for the use of a clothing line- would be more appropriate for another web site. Again, context is the issue here for me, if Venomland is to remain a site for individuals who have an academic interest in venomous snakes. Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

Sure Jon, but that's just a definition of the thematical width of a discussion board like this and therefor an admin decision.
Consequently thinking this over I then should remove my shots here too, because it is similar to this. But I'd prefer to leave some sections of the board a bit more "open" if You don't mind.

Guenter Leitenbauer wrote:: Sure Jon, but that's just a definition of the thematical width of a discussion board like this and therefor an admin decision.
Consequently thinking this over I then should remove my shots here too, because it is similar to this. But I'd prefer to leave some sections of the board a bit more "open" if You don't mind.

If some of your more conceptual work that you've posted on this site were using copyrighted images of live reptiles to promote clothing lines and makeup artists then Yes, perhaps those images should be posted on another web site. Please keep in mind that I've offered my point of view on this topic at the urging of Mr. Halstead. I have no influence on administrative decisions here on Venomland; although clearly, the quality, context and relevance of this site will ultimately depend on the contributions of the members. Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

Quote :: and therefor an admin decision.

Thanks for leaving me holding the baby, Guenter.

Quote :: if Venomland is to remain a site for individuals who have an academic interest in venomous snakes.

I cannot see any danger for that because of one single thread in the photography-section, Mr. Davidson.
I think we have more problematic tendencies with more influence on the forum's "right way" here.

best regards
Peter

Peter Zürcher wrote:: I cannot see any danger for that because of one single thread in the photography-section, Mr. Davidson.
I think we have more problematic tendencies with more influence on the forum's "right way" here.

I certainly hope that this is the case, Mr. Zurcher; Although, perhaps a member could post a video here on the site of Justin Bieber with his live snake at the recent MTV Awards. Apparently, Mr. Bieber had the snake with him as a fashion accessory to promote a line of clothing. I'm not certain that I understand your second comment... Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

What I do like in this thread is that some of us may have differing points of view and opinions and still the discussion is respectful and friendly.
Thanks for that Gentlemen, we all know that it has been different in a few threads recently. But luckily the stirrers are not participating in this very thread so far.

I personally don't see what all this fuss is about. I have just as much an academic interest in venomous snakes as anyone else on here. I was just posting the teaser video of an artistic photoshoot in it's appropriate place on this forum. Having a section on this forum where people can express their artistic interests makes it a better, more inclusive and interesting place without detracting from the many high-quality academic discussions that define Venomland.

There is a place for things such as this and it's in the 'photography' section. I'm not the first person to have done this and I'm sure I won't be the last.

Guenter,
I may be getting the photos in the next week or two. I'd be interested to know what you think of them. According to the photographer, they came out so well that they may not even need to be edited in photoshop at all!

Luke Halstead wrote:: I personally don't see what all this fuss is about. I have just as much an academic interest in venomous snakes as anyone else on here. I was just posting the teaser video of an artistic photoshoot in it's appropriate place on this forum. Having a section on this forum where people can express their artistic interests makes it a better, more inclusive and interesting place without detracting from the many high-quality academic discussions that define Venomland.

There is a place for things such as this and it's in the 'photography' section. I'm not the first person to have done this and I'm sure I won't be the last.

Guenter,
I may be getting the photos in the next week or two. I'd be interested to know what you think of them. According to the photographer, they came out so well that they may not even need to be edited in photoshop at all!

I don't see a fuss here with this discussion. I wish you well with both your reptile/snake inspired line of fashion clothing and makeup and your academic interest in venomous snakes. With kind regards, Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

Very cool Luke! Also I like the link Peter posted Smile

Luke Halstead wrote:: Guenter,
I may be getting the photos in the next week or two. I'd be interested to know what you think of them. According to the photographer, they came out so well that they may not even need to be edited in photoshop at all!

Sure, I'm looking forward with interest!
BTW ... I have to admit that we photographers always tend to .. hmm .. well ... bend the truth ... when we tell people "No editing at all!" Very Happy

Nothing at all wrong with the shoot or posting it here Luke. Yes, both videos were good. As long as the animals are not hurt, there is nothing wrong with using them in a promotion or just a photo opportunity as below. Those photo shoots are positive exposure for snakes, irregardless if some people think snakes should not be used for this kind of thing. To each his own.

I know someone here will have a problem with the photos below, but I don't care. We were at King Cobra Village last week, and after the show this guy came out on the stage and was dancing with this King. When he was done he asked me if anyone wanted to hold it, so I said yes. My buddy took the photos.

Fetish Fashion photoshoot at our zoo King_Cobra_Village1

Fetish Fashion photoshoot at our zoo King_Cobra_Village1

Fetish Fashion photoshoot at our zoo King_Cobra_Village2

Fetish Fashion photoshoot at our zoo King_Cobra_Village3

I didn't realize it until the King was around my neck and my buddy had taken several photos, but it had a piece of clear tape around it's mouth, haha. So then I felt safe enough to kiss a strange King on the head. It was tongue-flicking the whole time the guy was dancing with it, and when I first starting holding it, and I didn't notice the tape.

Randy,

Is that king venomoid? It looks accustomed to being handled because it doesn't appear to be trying to hood up at all.

I agree with what you said about giving reptiles (snakes in particular) more positive exposure and less fear-mongering. When people begin to see that the 'Snakes on a Plane' stereotype is complete nonsense then perhaps they'll develop a greater respect and understanding for these animals and (hopefully) nature in general.

» Photoshoot at a friends - mostly hots