Cool on new toy. Lord knows I'm that way too
As to your important decisions - glad to hear it.
Regards your site/blog - hop over to [link] watch the homepage thing for 30 seconds or so, might get some ideas.
Incidentally I set up my own site because I got fed up with"different sites-different TOS" issues, so it's a central dumping ground archive would be a good way to put it, all my newest stuff goes there first for my subscribers.
~Stephen~

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---
"Infinite imagination; fueled by visions from the mind's inner eye, taking one on a perceptual magic carpet ride." ~Sazzart~

Yes I know about keyboard issues, my keyboard is a mini one hooked up via USB to a laptop, i don't think they designed it to be useable by anyone with normal sized fingers... ah well.

Thanks for the compliment. And I do understand what you're saying. The main reasons I would show anything here are for the community aspect and because I've already made some contacts that I am keen to further share my work with. I should have a better idea of how it's all going to happen pretty soon. I will most likely post images here first, then move across to the blog/website and store them here after a set amount of time. That way people can comment and see the shots in the first instance, then if they want to look at them further (and view my whole collection) they can come across to my site (and even bookmark my site in their browser, to make it nice and easy to return). People will also be able to comment my pics on my site/blog as well. Basically just means I can keep it all defined within my own site and customise it more the way I'd want it to look and feel etc. Anyway will post more about that once I have it set up. Just got a new lens (sigma 24-60mm f/2.8) so this website stuff might have to wait until I'm over playing around with my new toy

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

YES Hi,
I WAS REFER TO THE EARLIER, INTERIOR PICS - A LITTLE TOO DARKISH, drats, I'm having keyboard probs today - I understand about the tech comments/critiques - I expect most people would be afraid of stirring up a shite storm, hence leaving neutral comments.
I'm glad you're staying. If you ask for critique or tips, I'm sure our fellow photogs will be willing to offer their 2 cents worth.

Lastly, if I may; I respect people's opinions & their "artistic endeavors." I may not always agree; but I find the dialogs is more constructive on BOTH sides, when parties involved stay away from "judgmental labels", if you ken?

BTW,I added you to my DevWatch NOT to cause you embarrassment; but because IMHO, you do good work. Which I'm looking forward to seeing Remember, as Richard Avedon used to lecture: "It's all about the lighting, lighting & lighting."
Shalom(Peace)

--
---
"Infinite imagination; fueled by visions from the mind's inner eye, taking one on a perceptual magic carpet ride." ~Sazzart~

Indeed. Hence I was always asking for technical comments/critique, because it's easy for someone to write "great shot, she's beautiful", as opposed to writing "slow your shutter speed down" or whatever.

At the moment, I am working out how to remain in DA whilst maintaining the control that I need over my work. Should have something running within a few days. I don't see it as "running from conflict", simply finding an alternative way of showing my work so that I'm kept happy and people can still view it and add comments etc. It seems the majority of people that kicked up a stink would never resolve with me anyway. The people that are in a better place have said "we don't agree, but we're trying to understand, and we don't want you to leave". And I don't exactly feel the need to resolve anything with a lot of the people that had a whinge... they don't deserve it, in my opinion.

As for your point in your comment, I'm not exactly sure which comment you're referring to...?

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

Thanks. At this stage I'm debating between setting up a website or going through somewhere like "wordpress". Both offers its own advantages... I should have something going within a few days, so will let you know once that happens.

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

Its a shame it came to this indeed. But none the less, i think your images where pretty nice and i wish you and Sarah both good luck on ahead

I do hope that at least some good came of this in some way (how i am not yet sure) but that in either case change has happened and for the better

--
[link]
--
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
- Jack London

I'm sorry for haven't thanked you for your understanding attitude.

I'm sorry to see that you're leaving da...

Sometimes people should read comments and think about them instead of still bugging you with aggressive comments...

All that i can say is that i'd like you to let me know about your work when you will have published it in an other place.

I think that da wasn't the right place for the kind of control you expected on your work (which is really great)...

Good luck to you and your beautiful model !

Hello there, Matt, I'm your 4000th visitor.

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_{Please visit my blog at http://fabianfucci.blogspot.com}

It seems to me, & I have an Aussie brother-in-law, who agrees, that your experience and relative age, is a case of "different cultures - different strokes".
For example, deliberate or not, you missed my point in my comment, when in fact I was refer to the earlier photos.
In any case I witnessed the last 2 - 3 days of your tiff - I'm twice your age, been called a lot nastier things; so what. I CAN guarantee you running from conflict doesn't foster personal growth; neither does hanging out in places where it's mindless, unearned praising going on.
In any event, G'Day & G'Luck .

--
---
"Infinite imagination; fueled by visions from the mind's inner eye, taking one on a perceptual magic carpet ride." ~Sazzart~

Have seen, and do appreciate.

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

I have reapologized in the other thread.

No, I was referring to "outsiders" that don't quite "get" the whole idea of nudes in art, and associate nude with sexuality and porn. I have heard from a few people in KD's journal that they get told all the time how their nudes are porn and wish people could see the bigger picture... this is what I was referring to. You were probably not one of those people, based on your reaction. So therefore it doesn't apply to you, just view it as a generalisation about the people that have spoken up in KD's journal.

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

"What is the "wrong way"? How can we judge what is right or wrong for other human beings?"

Again this comes back to relativism. I prefer to think that there is a higher truth that relates to "right" and "wrong" and that we can't just work it out for ourselves or others, because we are all flawed in our existences. Unless you or someone you know isn't a flawed human being...? In which case, do share.

If you think that you know the right way, but I think your way is the wrong way, then who is right, according to your argument? It's like the story of the blind men feeling the different parts of the elephant.. they all thought they were right, but of course the right answer is that it was an elephant, plain as day to someone who could see it. Instead their answer (collectively) was more along the lines of "a wall attached to a tree, with a fan at one end and a rope at the other, some big spikey spear next to a long snake". Which is basically a whole lot of words and not much meaning. (the story finishes

"And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!"

Profound really.

Moving on.

A lot of people in here seem to believe that "the freedom to do whatever you want" is the answer to the world's problems... Let me tell you, that without limitations, chaos would reign, and people would suffer. Why do governments exist, laws exist, policing and essential safety related services exist? It's all part of the bigger picture, which is what we were trying to uncover in saying the things that we did... it seemed to backfire, unfortunately.

In reference to what you've said, I basically won't be posting any more images here. This isn't my way of retreating because i'm some kind of "victim", I just don't feel inclined to post anymore. There are some nasty people and nasty images in this place, I'd rather not waste my time with those things. Shame really, there are also some nice people and nice images on here, but as usual the minority spoil it (well and truly) for the majority.

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

I have never said that people see nudes as porn. That is your own baggage.

"...beings are not instruments of pleasure, here to be stared at and thought of in the wrong way..."

-What is the "wrong way"? How can we judge what is right or wrong for other human beings? Trying to control how others think is what usually leads to repression, and in the case of sexuality, later on the healing expression which is manifested for many in the form of pornography- where that same pendulum gets to swing the other way while human beings learn about the freedom to be themselves.


As long as we each try and control or limit another, we're going to find conflict and problems in our lives. If it hurts us we have options- we can leave the situation, attempt to change the situation or move on somehow.

There is a lot of evocative imagery on this website. There is also a lot of non-evocative art here. The issue with legitimacy is always up to each individuals preferences, opinions and ideas- or ideals.

It's good to stand up for what we believe in, and to uphold our own principles, but to ask for others to limit themselves defeats the freedom of self.

I think the fears of legitimacy in work were overblown here- that's too bad. One could get a lot of explosure on this site!

Good luck with whatever happens!

Peace.

-JP

--
What if we are all angels who have simply forgotten our true selves?

haha, a glorified image dump... I think your boyfriend and I would get along quite well in "real life".

Anyway, don't worry, I have already ascertained the importance that is placed on being able to fave whatever you want in this place. As an artist, of course I love the exposure and recognition... as a man and boyfriend, I just couldn't see the benefit of having my work alongside photos containing a subject matter that I don't agree with... I am obligated to protect my work and my Sarah, I'm sure you understand. Thanks again for taking the time out to offer a contribution of substance to this discussion, I appreciate it.

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

It is possible [to stay true to oneself] if you're strong enough, and you establish your grounds firmly.
It's going to be like this in most places. Artists can be bitchy, judgemental and incredibly self righteous. Not to mention that dA is, as my boyfriend calls it, "A glorified image dump" and it's true, there's a lot of just, bad, meaningless stuff out there, with vacuous, shallow people behind it.
But I still don't believe that you can request someone to "unfave" your work just because you don't agree with theirs, or you don't want your "clean" work beside theirs. It's like taking back a picture you've sold to someone who genuinely liked it, and they happen to have fetish prints in their living room.
As I said before, if they've chosen to fave something they wouldn't usually create, then I'd take it as a compliment. It means something you've created has stood out to them.

But if you don't want to stay, then, no one's forcing you to.
All the best though. For you and your lovely girlfriend.

--
...I want to learn how to disappear completely...

Couldn't comment on your one photo- 'She's Watching'- (think I missed it!!) lovely piece though! Just wanted to let you know!

Hmm. I can agree with some of what you're saying. I don't quite see it like that, but that's ok, I think you have a decent attitude to it. I thought this whole process would be a bit more clean cut, I guess I was wrong. I will probably leave DA, it is not the environment in which I want to raise my "children", if you get what I mean. Just need to stay true to myself, and that isn't going to be possible in this place.

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

I have nothing to apologise for. You all say how much you hear it "all the time" that people see nudes as porn, and yet as soon as I say something, everyone has a cry about it. Re-read it mate. "I just don't see any artistic merit" - with the emphasis placed on "I". It seems my opinion counts when I say something that makes you all hurt and cry, but when I say something that isn't what you want to believe you dismiss my opinion. What the heck? If he doesn't like my opinion, he can ignore it.

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

You said
" I just don't see any artistic merit in the softcore and fetish works that pose as art on DA, so want to keep my work well away from those things. If someone sees my photo next to a softcore or fetish photo, it's too easy for them to lump the photos into the same category. I work too hard at this and only ever want to be seen as creating art."

How was he supposed to take it?

Maybe, it wasn't what you meant, but it sure sounds like you said his work is softcore porn with no artistic merit. If you didn't mean that, why don't you apologize?

One can find beauty in many things.
I find it in things you might not like Mr. David. But that doesn't mean someone like me doesn't appreciate your art. It doesn't make me a hypocrite or anything. I just have eclectic tastes. Like my Mp3 player just finished playing "Prison Sex" by tool, and will now proceed to something a little more soothing, like Apocalyptica, Mouldy Peaches, or even Beethoven. Later on I may even wish to listen to some Placebo, or even some random vulgarities by Rev22:20.

I appreciate your work I really do.
But I can also find attractiveness in the work of your "opponents."
I create work of both types, and in one photo shoot, you can find me posing nude, all natural, femenine and real.
in another, I might be strung up in japanese bondage rope and some six inch fetish heels and smudged makeup.

So KnightDigital took some interest in your work and faved it.
It's not about who faves it. Or even who's work it sits beside.
No. It's the fact that your work stood out to someone, enough that they would want to place it with their other favourites.
I wouldn't feel ashamed.
If you are truly so dedicated, and proud of your craft, then you wouldn't care about who liked it right?

I've shown work like yours to fetish photographers, pornographers, Au naturale photographers, and even commercial photographers.
If they are truly appreciative they would have said "I like it, it's great. Good work"
That's all you need to hear really.

There's no need to adopt such a sour attitude and feel like your very morals are being insulted.
People have a right to their opinion, and if you are a true artist of any kind, then you shouldn't be afraid of it.

You're in the world of Nudes, and the woman you love was brave enough to put herself in your creative hands and be used as a vehicle (A very stunning one) to express the beauty you see in the world.
I think you have overreacted, and you have to realise that you have placed your work here, on dA of all places, where opinion (good and bad) runs riot.
It's going to be like this anywhere.
and you can't pick your audience.
Otherwise, what's the point of exhibiting anything?

Rather than being easily insulted by all these rough comments, stand proud and say "yeah? I'm glad you like it."
Whether you know it or not, your work touched some of these people.
And that's something good art is supposed to do.

--
...I want to learn how to disappear completely...

Bit of a double edged comment... interesting. If you are referring to Knight Digital, he chose to take it as an insult, because he is petty and insecure, and displayed this clearly through his action of posting my "private" comment to him, publicly. I've heard it enough times from everyone else, that if you can't handle the criticism, leave DA. Same words apply to him. As for me, I have had more than criticism (I have no problem with constructive criticism), it's when people mock, insult, ridicule and tear me to bits personally because of some comments I made where I showed the world an opinion, I find it a damn shame. It should never get to that point, it just seems that a lot of people in here don't know how to conduct themselves with an appropriate level of tact.

Matt

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"

Takes character to come in here and say that...
Thank you. Much appreciated.

--
"Life wasn't meant to be sleazy"
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"