Everyone needs inspiration for the creative works they do. I try and draw from all sorts of mediums to come up with the concepts and “look” I try to impart in my photography. One of my favorite people to draw from is none other than Charles Bukowski. Who is Bukowski, aka Hank Chinaski? His written works span from short stories to poetry to some powerful novels.
I won’t sit here and write a short biography of his life as you can do a little Googling and find more than I can ever convey here, but in short, he was a master of the written word. A habitual drinker. A lover of women, stockings and thick thighs. The first disgruntled postal worker, and a self proclaimed King of the Horse Players.
I had the chance to shoot a boudoir session with a look through the lens of Bukowski. Karen, my VALD, assistant, partner, and biggest supporter (who will be referenced from now on as The Duchess of Fstopdown) helped me bring alive a project that had been a long time in the making. We actually met over a shared love of Bukowski so it was only fitting a photo session with both of us would incorporate a little love for one of our favorite authors.
I didn’t want to just shoot a boudoir session in the classical sense, what I really wanted to shoot was a style that wasn’t my own, but instead what someone might have found if Bukowski himself had taken my camera and snapped off a few rolls of film.
The shoot was a success.
It’s an idea I hope to replicate for some other willing participants. Bringing something from their life into a session that combines the reality of life and the naughty of seduction.
I’m sure this won’t be the last time.
This set blessed me with Picture #3 on the all time favorite photo list.
