Lori in Ropes and Spring Flowers
Lori is an artist and business owner who reached out to me for a floral shibari session, and we met for coffee to discuss working together. She had done some modeling in her youth and wanted to be in front of the camera again. I was a bit hesitant at first because my work is a stark contrast to the work she has done before in tone and style, but she assured me that she was eager to do something new and was inspired by my work. We chatted about art and the history of shibari, and afterwards she invited me and my girlfriend to an art show she was hosting in downtown Los Angeles.
A few weeks later, we met up to shoot at my studio in Los Angeles. I always find sessions to be deeply personal experiences, and I prefer to let them unfold at their own speed. This session started slowly, with snacks and a fair amount of coffee, before we started shooting in the garden. She wore a white and blue summer cotton Yukata complete with a red silk Obi, which perfectly echoed my red hemp ropes.
As the session continued, I set up a camera to get behind-the-scenes photographs of the tying process. Gradually, we got comfortable with the flow of the session, experimenting with more provocative ties and incorporating flowers. I always prioritize my clients’ tastes and levels of comfort, and it was refreshing to work with someone who was eager to explore without preconceptions.
I think anyone who looks at the photographs can see that something changed during the course of the session. The power of an unhurried session is its ability to unfold: there is time to adjust to the camera, allowing the veil fall and be one’s natural self. I like to think of my photographs as a glimpse into an imaginary world, one full of flowers and devoid of judgement or shame.
After the session, I followed up with some questions:
1) Why did you to want to try a shibari shoot?
Even though I was born and raised in Japan, I didn't know the world of Shibari. When I saw your work on Instagram, I thought it's beautiful and wanted to collaborate with you.
2) Why did you want to work with me specifically?
It's because I liked your approach to Shibari Art. Shibari can be very dominant sometimes, but the way you described to me was different from other artists and I felt respect from you.
3) Were you worried or nervous about anything, and how did that change during your shoot?
I wasn't worried at all since we had a meeting in person before. Also you came to my art & music show, so we kind of knew each other already!
4) What was your favorite part about the experience?
Talking about art and our experience in the art field. Both of us are artists and I enjoyed getting inspiration from you.
5) How did you feel after the shoot and seeing the photos? Did you discover anything new about yourself or feel more confident?
I had never thought I could be a shibari model and I'm usually more quiet so I'm glad that I discovered a different side of me.
6) What would you tell a friend who is thinking about doing a shoot but feels nervous about it?
I would tell them to enjoy the conversation with you. I believe that good photos can be created from trust between models and photographers. Don't think like you have to be good from the beginning. Shane will guide you!