<<< o >>>on desire 5 comments + add yours
chromasia.com

I should say that my aim with this shot was to produce a tacky image (e.g. the harsh glare was intentional), because I think the message is tacky. I don’t know if this is the same in the States as the UK, but there are numerous shops in this country that sell ‘novelty’ lighters such as these. And invariably, they seem to be decorated with one of three motifs: naked (probably silicon enhanced) women, gothic/mystical imagery, or cannabis leaves/plants. And, personally, I think their appeal is rather limited – but I guess they must sell.

My other reason for including this shot is that it bridges yesterday’s and tomorrow’s images, both of which are (in one way or another) to do with masculinity. Yesterday’s said something about (stereo)typical visions of being male, today’s, sadly, neatly summarises certain aspects of (typical) male desire, and I’m not really sure what tomorrow’s says (it’s another self-portrait that marks a bit of a departure from my usual style), though I’ll attempt to summarise it tomorrow.

On a side note: my slightly irreverant self-portrait for last week’s Photo Friday challenge was awarded a noteworthy – many thanks to everyone who voted. The other noteworthies were from photojunkie, K8te, Tilnox, Szilvia and eyematter – all of which are worth a visit.

camera
capture date
aperture
shutter speed
shooting mode
exposure bias
metering mode
ISO
focal length
image quality
white balance
 
Canon G5
12.59pm on 26/4/04
f3.2
1/50
aperture priority
+0.0
evaluative
50
20.7mm
RAW
auto
 
 
4x3
comment by Rool at 03:17 PM (GMT) on 27 April, 2004

I guess you forgot the Harley-Davidson lighters, which are pretty popular too...

Great picture by the way, as always.

comment by davide at 03:39 PM (GMT) on 27 April, 2004

Come on baby, light my fire!

comment by gwen at 05:04 PM (GMT) on 27 April, 2004

Dude, we invented those. Here in the U.S. you can get them at truckstops, headshops, convenience stores, and many, many other places, though I haven't seen any making Monty Python references.

I'm pretty convinced that the majority of men don't actually get off on this sort of woman in real life (e.g. they're as frightened by the barbies as I am, prefer their breasts squishy rather than rock solid, would take the natural over the whorish stylings, and don't enjoy the bony hips digging in) but profess to because of some sort of twisted desire to fit in by pretending to like what they're supposed to. Maybe I'm mistaken.

Congratulations to your behind, it deserves all accolades.

comment by djn1 at 09:57 PM (GMT) on 27 April, 2004

Gwen: I remember reading that if Barbie (proportioned as she is) was increased to life-size she'd be around 7' tall - which would be scary ;-) As for what men like ... I don't know, I guess, despite being one, that I'm a bit cynical.

And thanks: my behind is very grateful ;-)

comment by john at 12:01 PM (GMT) on 26 June, 2004

I love this photo. Makes me wonder what the design is on the zippo that was sold, and if it was paid for or stolen by a kid.