With your picture for 365? Yeah. I just did. My first spooky shot, I went all out. What would scare me? My son looking like a zombie and all creepy. That's spooky.
My mom hated it. HATE. Asked me to delete it. It was like a panic attack moment. Oops. I didn't mean to do that, I was just trying to come up with a great pic for the theme.
Dang. Now I'm gun shy about this theme. (probably would offend her for using the word gun. crap. s*$%. I just can't win.)
yeah I can see your mother not liking this shot, but it was just that a snap shot! Your child was not harmed in anyway and your weren't photographing him while he was actually bleeding. I'm sure parents of child actors who play in scary films have a hard time, but it is an art form. And yes I did offend someone with a shot I posted on here for the breast cancer awareness thread, my husband was extremely upset and I did remove the photo- that however involved a photo of a partial nude portrait of his wife. If you feel like this is going to cause family strife I might consider removing it, but this is your project- do it your way. Probably just confused you even more so I will stop now. Good luck- hope everything works out!
@rebcastillo77 lol, nope didn't confuse me. I'm not going to remove it, I know that. Basically because of all the comments I've gotten saying great theme shot. They understood it, that was the point, you know? I just don't think my mom liked looking at him like that...I kinda felt like, 'should I feel guilty here?' but I don't. It's just a pic, like you said. Just some editing on picnik.com. And actually was laughing as I was editing, it was hard to do to his face (especially the eye bulge haha but at the same time, I remembered it was fake. It was all in the halloween spirit. And the name came from a student who said- oh man, that looks like he's saying, "Mommy...Help Me!" I knew that was the title immediately! I don't know. I guess I'm okay with pushing the envelope occasionally. ;)
That's no good about your pic you had to remove, but then I think my husband would react the exact same way. I definitely understand that one!
Long story, but I did a series on suicide after a college friend of mine committed suicide. Today one of my close friends saw the referenced photo and told me that it was in poor taste and that she didn't care for it. After i explained it to her in a calm conversation and showed her the other photos in the series she understood..... but it goes to show that a single photo out of context can cause issues.
You know what . . . it's art, not life. Go with your gut and if you're comfortable that's good enough. Sometimes you gotta push the envelope . . . there's enough that is offensive in the real world without worrying about what might be construed as offensive in "fiction." Just don't frame it and give it to your Mom for Halloween!
I really like that shot you did !! I'm glad you were able to explain it to your friend. @rossco088
Lol nope, don't think I'll be printing that one for her haha @lynnmwatson
When we did the eerie theme a while back I did 2 pictures that my mother in law did not like, she freaked out at them actually!
I used my husband and daughter in one and just my daughter in the other one, they were my only models! lol. I guess I can see why it would make her upset, but I thought they were really neat.
@rossco088 I saw your series and didn't think any of the shots were in poor taste- I did a shot similar to one of yours for the red theme: http://365project.org/rebcastillo77/365/2010-08-26
Suicide is serious stuff and needs to be brought to people's attention and I think that is what you accomplished with your series.
Maybe because it is her grandson. It's a fine picture. Given the theme and Halloween. Nothing wrong with it. It does convey strong emotions from everyone. That's shocking and complelling (sp?) piece. I would consider superstition and culture in the pictures. It's hard because she sees it as a direct link. It's not. I know that. You are stepping outside of the circle and she doesn't understand the art. That's all it is. Beyond that we have no personal connection and "we" will never see your children as anything other than children. Pure and special to those who love them.
@AshleyMiller - those are some stunningly eerie shots! Great work, but I could see how they would be off-putting if you knew the people, simply because they are so well made.
@amyhughes - Good luck with the mother, it sounds like a tough issue to address.
@AshleyMiller ooh Ashley- sorry I missed those shots when you posted them they are fantastic! a little eerie yes but heartbreaking at the same time. Well done!
Yikes! I just looked at the photo (after I read the thread). I was curious as to what the fuss was all about. Now I know! That is definitely a SPOOKY one. You really mastered evoking emotion with it. The title is creepy, the gory-ness is realistic, and yet it is impressively artistic at the same time. I like it. And, I can even imagine that I would have been having fun with the edits too. It's just hard to get past he is your son. lol
Hell I just have to wake up to offend people, so wouldn't be surprised if any or all of my shots offend... I look at it like this.... If we never did anything to offend ANYONE, then we would have to sit in a box, and not say or do anything, and even then we would be offending someone, somewhere. You can't please all of the people all the time, so please yourself.... Not trying to be flip, but spent too many years worrying about others, and finally started to worry about what I though.. Your shot is of your son is soooo understandable to me, I have a 5 yr old and pretty much everyday have the thought of "what would I do if this or that happened?" Its your job as a parent to worry..... I use my son in my project all the time, so why wouldn't I use him in the spooky theme???
I know my parents would be pissed if they saw the one I did on October 1st for Breast Cancer Awareness, but I tried keeping it as simple as possible. Other than that, I don't think I have offended anyone, mostly because I try to keep my photos bright and/or happy.
I believe I offended some people with this picture
It's understandable especially if you read my explanation but I think most people who follow my work expect to see something dark most of the time. It's part of what I do XD
I've offended myself often enough with the dire quality of some of my own shots, does that count? :)
I'm sure this one offended some people, possibly even twice. I seem to remember getting a comment on my line of coke shot enquiring as to its suitability, which maybe counts?
"Offending" people is a good thing (obviously, within reason). Challenge their positions, keep a dialogue open, explore new possibilities, expand some horizons perhaps. The most amusing thing is when people who feel they're "offended" by something presume they have a right not to be.
Whoa--not yet...maybe I need to try harder! I just took a look at your photo--yep, it's pretty edgy. I can see both sides of the dilemma. Some people are more sensitive to images and some see it as "just art." I would explain and just "agree to disagree."
Actually, I didn't offend someone--but one of my recent photos did make someone uncomfortable. (I put my faeriemoon nickname on a gravestone.) I totally respect that, though. @rossco088 I think your photo worked in the context it was presented (: @eyebrows Keep pushing the envelope, Steve--I happen to like what you do. It's always thought-provoking....or maybe just provoking, haha
@eyebrows Okay your Line of Coke picture to me is HILARIOUS. I love it. And the other one, well let's just say I agree with @clarissajohal FaerieMoon- keep being edgy I like what you do! @sarethephotos I think you did a great job with this shot and it makes total sense when you read all about it. I guess that kinda stuff just doesn't offend me. To me, it's art. Now if you were to have the caption say something like...I like dead babies....ok, well I'd probably unfollow you real quick. ;) lol
Thanks all of you for your encouragement about pushing the envelope with the pic. After a good nights sleep I've decided not to worry about it at all. ( My mother in law chimed in and her response was "Hate it hate it hate it! Noooooooo!") Well. That's ok. They can be upset with me. What I tried to do was make my son look spooky like a zombie out of a video game or something. Ended up, I made a pic that evoked emotions and controversy, that had people thinking of the spookiness of seeing your child that way, which is a great way to look at it because I do think of stuff like that often- what would happen if...could I help him....and so on. I'm glad there were so many ways to take it, and that lots of people saw it in different ways. To me that's what makes good art...so controversial or not...I accomplished something. :)
I really appreciate all your help and advice and comments. All of them. :D
I wonder what mother's think when they turn on the TV and see their child as an actor getting butchered in the stupid horror movies out today ? I would hope they realize it's pretend and their child is getting paid for it !! It's called art !!!! Ah well....you're always going to offend someone ! When someone has a complaint with a shot of mine, I laugh and walk away....it's MY camera !
I see a little kid with make up on in a staged shot.....does your mother see something else there ?
@nyweb I totally agree, that's what I see too. I think my mom can't detach from the fact it's her grandson. I guess I understand that, but not enough for her to ridicule me for it, you know?
when i posted my "Concrete Angel" pic, ,
I briefly thought of using my son as the model, but decided against it because it would have involved posing him and then explaining too many things to him. I think my image was difficult enough for people to look at using me as the model. Also, my image would have involved manipulating the child rather than manipulating a photograph as yours did. I don't think people outside our "photo-editing world" always realize that it's a photographic image being manipulated not the child himself. I think your mother's response also reveals her own fears, so in that sense your photo rang true as a "spooky & frightful" theme shot. As an artist you are stretching yourself and looking into the darker side of things and that's your prerogative. It's your photo and you can do what you want with it. Some people will always be offended by our work - heck, if it's too happy some people are bothered.
btw ... I am quite skilled in the area of offending my mother. I did not show my picture to my mother (and I'm 44 years old!) because I knew the fall out would be terrible. She did see one of the photos in my "abuse" series and now calls me much more frequently to check on my mental state. lol.
@amyhughes - i have to tell you that one of my mother's favorite quotes is, "Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History" except when it applies to me. lol ... i love my mother!
Moms are really good at making us feel guilty! Bottom line, it's your work, your choice of subject matter and if she's uncomfortable about it, she doesn't have to look at it. Does that sound harsh? Don't mean to be!
@amyhughes I thought about zombie-ing up my one-year-old for the theme, but figured it might be a little morbid. You never know who has buried a child, and imagery like that might really upset someone. Plus, my mom would have totally freaked ;)
As a mom, I have to say how i feel about this one, and it might be an unpopular sentiment. I completely understand how freaked out your mom would have been. Not saying that you should limit your "artistic expression" in any way, but I just believe from a metaphysical perspective, to post such a shot (even tho it is unreal) is poor judgement. Also, we may all feel safe and comfortable with the 365 group, but since this is posted over the internet, we all know that there are many sick people out there. Your son is probably too young and nieve to understand that, you are not, and as a parent need to act in a way that is protective of him. Just my opinion.
@scarlett33 how is me making him into a fictional creature not being protective of him? If that was the case we should all not post pictures of our children at all for fear that some of the sick people you talk about might do something harmful with their pictures.
@scarlett33 and I'm not sure if I'm just being defensive here, but I don't appreciate the insinuation that I do not protect or care for my child just because I put a FAKE picture of him up on the project. I am a damn good mother and how dare you.
@amyhughes - did you take it down? I just saw this thread and went to look at the picture but I guess you took it down. I'm a mother of a toddler little boy too, and (even though I did not see the picture), I think you should've kept it. First - you liked it enough to post it for the theme. You said yourself that you got lots of "good theme shot" comments, so leave it. You are here to post photos that appeal to YOU! You are never going to please everyone. I agree that we should protect our kids, but there is no way to stop the sickos!! Even at a grocery store or while you playing at the park - with the power of zoom lenses these days, creepo's could be hiding anywhere getting pictures of your kids. I have a lot of different shots of my son on my project. I just don't put anything up of him swimming or times without his shirt on. I'd like to think I am a really good mom, but dressing my son up as a zombie for a theme shot (or even just because I'm bored) is something I could totally see myself doing. You liked the shot, so I think you keep it up and anyone that does not like it, does not have to look at it. I bet there are other photos in your project (and everyone's project for that matter) that do not appeal to other people. So what. Your purpose is not to please everyone, ya know.... because that'll never happen. ...... Just my two cents.
I've only just seen this thread so have missed out on seeing your photo Amy - I assume you have now decided to take it down. That's a shame that you feel you have to react to other peoples criticisms. If you feel what you are doing is right, you haven't broken the law and no one got hurt then go for it!!
To say that you are not protective because of a edited photo is just plain having your head stuck up your arse... The world is a shitty place, and sometimes we live in a bubble. Every so often we come across something that is unpleasant, and I totally relate to your fear that something bad will happen to your son, thats why you edited this photo the way you did. I DID a full frontal of myself for breast cancer awareness,knowing that it would offend some people, but hell if you dont like the realities of life, then go live in Disney Land. I feel that you have done nothing wrong by posting that photo Amy, and was saddened to read that you have removed it.... Sorry to rant, and will get off my soap box now. Looking forward to more wonderful photos from you..
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That's no good about your pic you had to remove, but then I think my husband would react the exact same way. I definitely understand that one!
Long story, but I did a series on suicide after a college friend of mine committed suicide. Today one of my close friends saw the referenced photo and told me that it was in poor taste and that she didn't care for it. After i explained it to her in a calm conversation and showed her the other photos in the series she understood..... but it goes to show that a single photo out of context can cause issues.
Lol nope, don't think I'll be printing that one for her haha @lynnmwatson
I used my husband and daughter in one and just my daughter in the other one, they were my only models! lol. I guess I can see why it would make her upset, but I thought they were really neat.
We seem to both like The Band Perry too! lol
http://365project.org/rebcastillo77/365/2010-08-26
Suicide is serious stuff and needs to be brought to people's attention and I think that is what you accomplished with your series.
@AshleyMiller - those are some stunningly eerie shots! Great work, but I could see how they would be off-putting if you knew the people, simply because they are so well made.
@amyhughes - Good luck with the mother, it sounds like a tough issue to address.
It's understandable especially if you read my explanation but I think most people who follow my work expect to see something dark most of the time. It's part of what I do XD
I'm sure this one offended some people, possibly even twice. I seem to remember getting a comment on my line of coke shot enquiring as to its suitability, which maybe counts?
"Offending" people is a good thing (obviously, within reason). Challenge their positions, keep a dialogue open, explore new possibilities, expand some horizons perhaps. The most amusing thing is when people who feel they're "offended" by something presume they have a right not to be.
Actually, I didn't offend someone--but one of my recent photos did make someone uncomfortable. (I put my faeriemoon nickname on a gravestone.) I totally respect that, though.
@rossco088 I think your photo worked in the context it was presented (:
@eyebrows Keep pushing the envelope, Steve--I happen to like what you do. It's always thought-provoking....or maybe just provoking, haha
@sarethephotos I think you did a great job with this shot and it makes total sense when you read all about it. I guess that kinda stuff just doesn't offend me. To me, it's art. Now if you were to have the caption say something like...I like dead babies....ok, well I'd probably unfollow you real quick. ;) lol
Thanks all of you for your encouragement about pushing the envelope with the pic. After a good nights sleep I've decided not to worry about it at all. ( My mother in law chimed in and her response was "Hate it hate it hate it! Noooooooo!") Well. That's ok. They can be upset with me. What I tried to do was make my son look spooky like a zombie out of a video game or something. Ended up, I made a pic that evoked emotions and controversy, that had people thinking of the spookiness of seeing your child that way, which is a great way to look at it because I do think of stuff like that often- what would happen if...could I help him....and so on. I'm glad there were so many ways to take it, and that lots of people saw it in different ways. To me that's what makes good art...so controversial or not...I accomplished something. :)
I really appreciate all your help and advice and comments. All of them. :D
"Art should offend people because art should challenge people." - Eriq La Salle
"The secret to success is to offend the greatest number of people." - George Bernard Shaw
Your image is offensive, just edgy.
I see a little kid with make up on in a staged shot.....does your mother see something else there ?
I briefly thought of using my son as the model, but decided against it because it would have involved posing him and then explaining too many things to him. I think my image was difficult enough for people to look at using me as the model. Also, my image would have involved manipulating the child rather than manipulating a photograph as yours did. I don't think people outside our "photo-editing world" always realize that it's a photographic image being manipulated not the child himself. I think your mother's response also reveals her own fears, so in that sense your photo rang true as a "spooky & frightful" theme shot. As an artist you are stretching yourself and looking into the darker side of things and that's your prerogative. It's your photo and you can do what you want with it. Some people will always be offended by our work - heck, if it's too happy some people are bothered.
btw ... I am quite skilled in the area of offending my mother. I did not show my picture to my mother (and I'm 44 years old!) because I knew the fall out would be terrible. She did see one of the photos in my "abuse" series and now calls me much more frequently to check on my mental state. lol.
maybe i should get this t-shirt for Thanksgiving dinner. LMDupaO
http://skreened.com/render-product/n/e/t/neteafveyymqfucinoga/well-behaved-women-rarely-make-history.american-apparel-juniors-organic-tee.cinder.w760h760.jpg