Masculine & Feminine: The Sexual Undertones of this Image

This week I wanted to do a breakdown of an outstanding conceptual photo I shot for a client.

An underlying theme of erotic symbolism has connected art, architecture, and monuments throughout the western world and beyond. From Washington DC to Paris to London, to Rome, Mexico, Sydney, etc., all link back to their origins in ancient Egypt, where it's all intertwined with the symbolism of gods, goddesses, nature, earth, and the universe. While that history is beyond the scope of this blog, I wanted to highlight it briefly to show one aspect of inspiration for the flower concept below.

I shot the image with my Rolleiflex on Kodak Portra 400, outside in the elements with all-natural light. The flower is a Lily, and if you break down the actual anatomy of a flower, it's pretty spectacular. The male and female parts create the whole, and each half has a specific job and function. The female part (pistil) protrudes out from the center of the flower from an ovary that contains unfertilized eggs and seeds. The tip of the female pistil is sticky to the touch so it can catch pollen. The multiple male parts (anther, filament) surround the female and contain pollen. "The flower's primary role is to attract pollen matres to the plant to ensure the reproduction and survival of the plant species." Sound familiar? Relatable?

Knowing all this, I went with a more romantic nighttime tone with erotic symbolism for the flower opening herself up (womb) to the world to be penetrated by the light, playing off of the masculine & feminine. Yin & Yang. The light penetrates the flower/female beautifully, which was all captured in camera in a way that can't ever be replicated. I purposely exposed the film roll to light, creating light leaks. Taking that risk and ruining 85% of the film roll was worth it because it made a truly one of one image for the client, who was more than happy with the results.

The concept was uncomplicated, classy, and erotic all in one. I had no idea it would turn out the way it did before starting, but that's why you take risks, experiment, and stay open to the present moment.

Hope you all enjoyed a deeper dive into one of my photos. There is always more than what meets the eye in the world around us. Just have to learn to see.

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Have a great week ❤️‍🔥🌊🌙

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