|
Forums >
General Industry >
Photographer's Opinions on tattoos
Considering getting a side piece tattoo that will glow under black light, what are some photographer's opinions on models with large and unique tattoos? I figured with a tattoo that can glow in the dark, you can make a photo shoot around that one concept, but once it's done, you really can't do the same thing with other photographers, it's almost like copying an idea. I just wanted to know what other's opinion on the matter is. Thank you  Jan 03 13 07:29 pm Link I love tattoos. I never heard of glow in the dark ones though - that's sounds pretty wild Jan 03 13 07:34 pm Link As far as I am concerned, it would be more of a gimmick than something to use to market yourself with. If you want a tattoo, get what you want and if it helps or hurts your career, that's just something you have to work with. Jan 03 13 07:35 pm Link As the type of cameraman everyone here hates, I gotta say, I love it. I like tattoos and I like blacklight. I'd be all over that idea in a heartbeat. But as you said, it's kind of a one trick pony. And soon there will be the real photographers who are going to tell you tattoos are bad, and they'll give you reasons. But as I said, I think it's awesome. Jan 03 13 07:36 pm Link I adore nicely executed and tasteful body art I tolerate a scattering of disjointed and ill conceived body art a tramp stamp right above the behind, not so much - especially "Daddy's Little Girl" who wants to be looking at that when, well - you know..... Jan 03 13 07:43 pm Link I like big tattoos; sleeves, chest pieces, full side pieces, etc. They usually can add to the image. I don't like little tattoos, they usually don't look like much in photos, so I usually edit them out. Jan 03 13 07:43 pm Link If you want the tattoo look get it. For my type of work I find them time consuming to remove and limiting in my shooting options if they have to be hidden in the picture. Many models I have worked with who got them regret having them once they try and start modeling on a commercial basis. Many clients just don't want to have to deal with it. Jan 03 13 07:45 pm Link Dolce Acido wrote: My ideal is no tattoos. You hit on the reason. They dominate images, and they tend not to change. So, you're taking pictures of someone else's art, just like every other photographer. Jan 03 13 07:45 pm Link It simply depends on the target audience for the images. For some shoots it would almost be required, and others it wouldn't work. I personally have ink so I have no preference. It all depends on the client. Scott Jan 03 13 07:47 pm Link A tattoo lasts forever, body paint a day. Be a blank canvas and don't get stuck for life with something that is out of style in a year or so. Jan 03 13 07:54 pm Link I also already have two smaller tattoos that stay pretty well hidden, I just didn't know if a larger piece would hinder or help. Jan 03 13 08:07 pm Link Dolce Acido wrote: First, let me tell you that I love tattoos, I am heavily covered by a traditional Japanese design myself! Jan 03 13 09:02 pm Link I dearly love tattoos. I have about 6 I want to get done on me!  Know that there is a difference between a "Tattoo Model", and a "Tattooed Model". One can help your career, the other can help or hinder depending. I shoot a lot of models with tattoos, but I'm asked to do so. Big tattoos can be nice, but only having one, well, is just boring, same as a few small tattoos. Now, a back piece, with a breastplate, and at least half-sleeves, now you're talking! This model has it right. She has enough ink to be interesting. She got a tear sheet...  This one has a nice look, and was local and easy to shoot. She got a tear as well.  Jan 03 13 10:06 pm Link I love tattooed models. The problem is, most of my clients don't and since THEY are the ones who ultimately are paying the bills and signing the check to hire models for a shoot, it's their opinion that matters, not mine. Jan 04 13 01:17 am Link I did a shoot a few weeks back where the model had a colourful rose bush type tattoo on her leg from knee to ankle. It worked out very well because the tattoo blended perfectly with the furniture that happened to be on the set and it looked great. It's a one shot deal though as you said, it can't be done twice. My advice to you is if you want a tattoo get one. But do it for yourself only, as in don't get one with the intention of doing a particular photo shoot with it. Jan 04 13 01:26 am Link I typically wont shoot models with visible tattoos. Jan 04 13 01:30 am Link Dolce Acido wrote: I do on occasion use models with tattoo's, but always as a special project. Usually, a model with a tattoo, is a one time only.. For markets that do not overlap, maybe a model will get a second exposure.. Jan 04 13 01:34 am Link In general any tattoo (except - maybe - the proverbial one inch butterfly at your ankle) reduces your marketability as a model. Because there are a lot more photographers and customers who will say "our model must not have tattoos" than those who say "our model must have tattoos". It's as simple as that. If you rate your personal interests over your model marketability this should not matter for you. It's as simple as that, too. Jan 04 13 01:34 am Link Not a problem with tats if the artist did a proper job. Jan 04 13 01:40 am Link udor wrote: There are alot of reports on reactions to the ink aswell, its not been approved for usage Jan 04 13 01:44 am Link From what I understand, UV ink just isn't a good idea. I had looked into them for a while myself. I did, however, get my first tattoo in white ink (which is quite interesting to watch in its change). Either way -- your body's not going anywhere. If you're serious about modeling, I would say take as much time as you need to make it work for you without any unnecessary hindrances. But don't let modeling hold you back either. I'm just itching for a chest piece, and willing to deal with the consequences. Jan 04 13 04:22 am Link Everybody has tattoos these days. You are more original without one. Jan 04 13 04:33 am Link Here is my opinion: I love tattoos. However they are a passion for me in all aspects rather than just having them done. So, it grinds me when I see really badly done tattoos or little tattoos with the likes of devils, tweety pie, betty boop etc. Blah! Yuck! Now, as you can see from my port, I have tattoos. I have two large ones and a few small ones, the smaller ones were done for charity including a breast cancer ribbon and a British legion Poppy. Anyhow, my tattoos are a part of me. I thought long and hard before having each one. Each one represents ME. Wether it be actually me (i.e the pin-up on my thigh was based on myself..I was a red-head at the time and it represents my need to be feel sexy, be a good wife and mother, the snake represents my hard child-hood.) or wether it represents my passions like my Victoria Frances inspired arm sleeve as i'm a sucker for both her work and fantasy in general. I do not regret any of my tattoos and never will as they have deeply ingrained meanings. I have alot of Photographers lined up for shoots that are based on 'showing off' my tattoos because they are very artistic tattoos. However there are some that won't even let me join in various forum games because I have tattoos. Thats cool, I wouldn't have my tattoos, bright hair and facial piercings if I minded negative opinions of my image. The point is, if you really want this tattoo and it isn't just for getting some edgy images, then do it. Find Togs that do want to work with you and don't take it personally if your passed up because of your tattoos. I do think that a glow in the dark tattoo will be regretted as you seem to be getting it simply because it glows. It won't always glow. I wouldn't change my tattoos for the world. JMHO. Leone P. x Jan 04 13 05:05 am Link Tasteful art is ok in the right place. I think some people just go way overboard with them and it just begins to look like a big sloppy mess that no one understands at all!...What happens when you are eighty and it looks like a bruise? lol.... Jan 04 13 05:21 am Link If I had a choice between two models, one with a tattoo and one without, everything else being equal, I would choose the model without tattoos every single time. Jan 04 13 05:22 am Link From a photographic perspective, I actively try to find models without tattoos these days. They are rarely the centrepoint of any shoot I do and generally detract from the mood or visual effect I'm trying to create. Also, due to models without tattoos being seemingly endangered these days, I'm also more inclined to pay a model not covered in ink. Having said that, I've got nothing against tattoos on a personal level. I just don't want to photograph them. Jan 04 13 05:26 am Link Lithium Imagery wrote: I'm 100% with you. I had an art professor in college who frequently reminded his students that there is no such thing as a neutral element in any composition, that eveything either adds to it or takes away from it. For artistic nudes, I have rarely seen a tattoo that wasn't a distraction. The same goes for body piercings, especially nipple hardware. Jan 04 13 05:43 am Link It all depends on the design and the model - not only must the designs be 'good', the 'canvas' must also be appropriate. A great figure with great tats is still a great figure. But a bad tat just draws attention away from the figure IMO... So 'nice' tattos, yes:  Amy Winehouse-style jail-tats, not so much.  Jan 04 13 05:45 am Link Herb Way wrote: Exactly. Your art professor said it a bit more eloquently than me but that's the point I was trying to make. Jan 04 13 05:53 am Link RKD Photographic wrote: It also depends on what you're trying to achieve. For this image of mine I would not have used any model with a tattoo that spread across her shoulders and down her arm. Jan 04 13 06:02 am Link Lithium Imagery wrote: True - it would be as out of place as a modern hairstyle and mass-produced modern furniture...oh wait... Jan 04 13 06:07 am Link I will shoot a model with tattoos. But as others have said, I prefer either nothing or A LOT done really well. None of that "randoml placed stickers" business. I have turned down requests for TF for models with that going on. Too much work to 'shop out and not good enough looking to keep. Jan 04 13 06:14 am Link A permanent response to a temporary fad. I liken tats to someone getting a "permanent mullet" back in the 80's. I work with the models who decide to work me tats or not, and have had any specific requirements. Jan 04 13 06:38 am Link Good Egg Productions wrote: What's your reasoning behind that? Jan 04 13 06:39 am Link Marin Photography wrote: No offense, but I would hang out with other 80 year old woman with tattoos and be fucking awesome! Jan 04 13 06:40 am Link Leone P wrote: I totally get where you are coming from, all my tattoos have meaning behind them, including the side piece I would like to get, I think the glow ink was just for extra flair, but it sounds like I need to do more research on the glowing ink. I take my time with each tattoo I get. I have been thinking about this side piece for a little over a year now and still tweaking the style of it, but the meaning stays the same. I just wasn't sure how togs felt about one giant piece and two smaller tattoos, all kept well hidden when necessary i.e. for work. I like to try to keep my tattoos as unique as possible, but I'm quickly finding out that it's hard to keep up with. My first tattoo I placed behind my ear, only having seen ONE other person EVER with it behind their ear. Now that seems like the one place every one gets a tattoo now...but as you said, I don't regret any of my tattoos, I love them and they are apart of who I am Jan 04 13 06:47 am Link Dolce Acido wrote: It is never easy to be unique i'm afraid. You just have to be yourself and hope for the best! Jan 04 13 06:52 am Link In my opinion tattoos will limit your marketability. It's all about what the client wants and most clients don't want a tattooed model. Something small could be edited out fairly easily depending on placement, but then again that is just an extra expense for the client or photographer. Like others have said there is a niche for tattooed models but that is small compared to the rest of the market. If you are comfortable limiting yourself to this niche, are getting it for the right reasons, and have done your homework on the type of ink and the artist that would be doing it then go for it. Jan 04 13 06:54 am Link For the most part:: Modeling is a TFP hobby = Tattoo is OK Modeling is something you wish to make money at = No Tattoo Jan 04 13 07:14 am Link Ugh.... Tattoos.... I used to love them. You'd get a girl's clothes off (for bed, pool, photos, or whatever reason) and there'd be this tiny decoration hidden somewhere like it was a surprise she had in store. That was when it was happening no more often than 1 girl in 10. Now, though, tattoos have become so commonplace that all I see anymore is a blob of blue, green, or black discoloration on a girl's skin. I find them always distracting, usually ugly, and virtually never an improvement. They're not original. They're not unique. They're barely even trendy. They've begun to feel like a way for bland, boring people to make themselves beautiful and unique snowflakes, just like everyone else. Jan 04 13 07:28 am Link |
however if you want to get it id say go for it. But If you do go for the invisible ink that as the above said does go a dirty brown colour after a while the go for it. You can also get a coloured uv ink that you cans ee in normal light but then glows unver a blacklight aswell 
