Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
**IMPORTANT NOTE- MM HAS SPECIFIC RULES REGARDING BONDAGE PHOTOS - PLEASE ABIDE BY THEIR RULES AND DO NOT POST ACTUAL BONDAGE IMAGES - MARK ALL LINKS 18+**
Note to readers, this thread is intended to inform anyone of the joys, pitfalls, concerns, questions, and all other sorts of things relating to getting into Bondage modeling. ** (If this is not for you, please refrain from negative postings) **
I am a "Bondage" photographer. I have been doing this style of Photography for years.
Do I "know" everything? HELL NO!
Am I "The Best"? - again, no (my opinion)
Is bondage for everyone? - NO
Anyone who is on MM and has any questions or comments that may help a "New" Model/Photographer/MUA/GWC (or someone new or curious as to this "Genre") Please share your insights.
To start, let's do some definitions.
Bondage - the act of being bound or tied. Prevented from moving.
Shibari - Japanese style rope bondage. (very artistic if done well)
DID - Damsel-In-Distress (Think the woman tied on the train tracks waiting for the cowboy to rescue her)
**Special note - Bondage is not for everyone (model or photographer) and can carry more risks than normal photographic work. Please do some research before attempting!**
Some common questions I hear as a "Bondage" photographer.
Answers are of course my opinion, and subject to disagreement.
1 - Isn't bondage just Porn?
No. No more so than "Artistic Nude" or any other form of "Art". The majority of Bondage work I know of is not meant to illicit a "Sexual" response.
2 - Do bondage models get hurt?
In my experience, no more than runway models. I have seen some crazy videos of girls falling off the runway!
3 - Are you really a photographer or just a pervert with a camera?
My favorite. I have been accused of being both (and many worse things)! I got into this business shooting a wholesale catalog for a leather company. The catalog was an actual print medium that was distributed to specialty store all along the east coast.
Some common mis-conceptions about "bondage" modeling/photography.
Anyone can do it!
Even though this is mostly true, like any other form of modeling/photography, it is not everyone that can do it well.
This is a specialty niche of the industry. Not everyone is right for it, nor is it right for everyone!
EDIT - No Longer adding to this initial post.
Photographer
Matrix Studio
Posts: 1957
Columbia, Alabama, US
FosterPhoto wrote:
Note to readers, this thread is intended to inform anyone of the joys, pitfalls, concerns, questions, and all other sorts of things relating to getting into Bondage modeling. ** (If this is not for you, please refrain from negative postings) **
I am a "Bondage" photographer. I have been doing this style of Photography for years.
Do I "know" everything? HELL NO!
Am I "The Best"? - again, no (my opinion)
Is bondage for everyone? - NO
Anyone who is on MM and has any questions or comments that may help a "New" Model/Photographer/MUA/GWC (or someone new or curious as to this "Genre") Please share your insights.
To start, let's do some definitions.
Bondage - the act of being bound or tied. Prevented from moving.
Shibari - Japanese style rope bondage. (very artistic if done well)
DID - Damsel-In-Distress (Think the woman tied on the train tracks waiting for the cowboy to rescue her)
**Special note - Bondage is not for everyone (model or photographer) and can carry more risks than normal photographic work. Please do some research before attempting!**
Some common questions I hear as a "Bondage" photographer.
Answers are of course my opinion, and subject to disagreement.
1 - Isn't bondage just Porn?
No. No more so than "Artistic Nude" or any other form of "Art". The majority of Bondage work I know of is not meant to illicit a "Sexual" response.
2 - Do bondage models get hurt?
In my experience, no more than runway models. I have seen some crazy videos of girls falling off the runway! Isn't the Newbie forum for help and questions?
Why proselytize here?
Modeling Techniques are in the Modeling Forum.
Photography Techniques are in the Photography Forum.
Are you making this the "Rope" forum?
Model
Fetibeth
Posts: 1089
Yelm, Washington, US
Matrix Studio wrote:
Isn't the Newbie forum for help and questions?
Why proselytize here?
Modeling Techniques are in the Modeling Forum.
Photography Techniques are in the Photography Forum.
Are you making this the "Rope" forum? This is to help new people who are interested in this type of work, and provide answers. So, yes, as you stated. "Help and questions"
If the Mod's in their wisdom move it to the Model forum, so be it, but I think it's a good idea to leave it here.
Again, as the OP stated, please NO NEGATIVE REMARKS. You have a problem with bondage? Make your on thread in OT to bitch about it there.
Model
Bridgette Banks
Posts: 100
Atlanta, Georgia, US
THANK YOU FOSTERPHOTO - I needed this!
Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
Matrix Studio wrote:
Isn't the Newbie forum for help and questions?
Why proselytize here?
Modeling Techniques are in the Modeling Forum.
Photography Techniques are in the Photography Forum.
Are you making this the "Rope" forum? My intention of this thread is in fact to help anyone new to this site, or this genre, to have open communication about this particular topic. I invite anyone to discuss what might be helpful to "newbies".
MODS If this is the incorrect location for this thread, please move it to the correct location.
Photographer
LaMarco
Posts: 904
Berwick, Maine, US
FosterPhoto wrote:
Note to readers, this thread is intended to inform anyone of the joys, pitfalls, concerns, questions, and all other sorts of things relating to getting into Bondage modeling. ** (If this is not for you, please refrain from negative postings) **
I am a "Bondage" photographer. I have been doing this style of Photography for years.
Do I "know" everything? HELL NO!
Am I "The Best"? - again, no (my opinion)
Is bondage for everyone? - NO
Anyone who is on MM and has any questions or comments that may help a "New" Model/Photographer/MUA/GWC (or someone new or curious as to this "Genre") Please share your insights.
To start, let's do some definitions.
Bondage - the act of being bound or tied. Prevented from moving.
Shibari - Japanese style rope bondage. (very artistic if done well)
DID - Damsel-In-Distress (Think the woman tied on the train tracks waiting for the cowboy to rescue her)
**Special note - Bondage is not for everyone (model or photographer) and can carry more risks than normal photographic work. Please do some research before attempting!**
Some common questions I hear as a "Bondage" photographer.
Answers are of course my opinion, and subject to disagreement.
1 - Isn't bondage just Porn?
No. No more so than "Artistic Nude" or any other form of "Art". The majority of Bondage work I know of is not meant to illicit a "Sexual" response.
2 - Do bondage models get hurt?
In my experience, no more than runway models. I have seen some crazy videos of girls falling off the runway!
3 - Are you really a photographer or just a pervert with a camera?
My favorite. I have been accused of being both (and many worse things)! I got into this business shooting a wholesale catalog for a leather company. The catalog was an actual print medium that was distributed to specialty store all along the east coast.
Some common mis-conceptions about "bondage" modeling/photography.
Anyone can do it!
Even though this is mostly true, like any other form of modeling/photography, it is not everyone that can do it well.
This is a specialty niche of the industry. Not everyone is right for it, nor is it right for everyone!
EDIT - No Longer adding to this initial post. 100% relative, because even vets might not have touched this genre due to the misunderstandings and taboo of it. I for one was just there today, so this is a great post. I say leave it here for vets to look over.
Model
Schoetze
Posts: 286
New York, New York, US
I recently completed my first bondage shoot (first two pics in my port) and was wondering if you know of any particular websites that buy pics of this nature?
Also since you are a more seasoned professional in this area, please check out my bondage pics if you have a moment, and let me know what you think. It was mine AND the photographers first bondage shoot!
Model
Bridgette Banks
Posts: 100
Atlanta, Georgia, US
FosterPhoto wrote:
Note to readers, this thread is intended to inform anyone of the joys, pitfalls, concerns, questions, and all other sorts of things relating to getting into Bondage modeling. ** (If this is not for you, please refrain from negative postings) **
I am a "Bondage" photographer. I have been doing this style of Photography for years.
Do I "know" everything? HELL NO!
Am I "The Best"? - again, no (my opinion)
Is bondage for everyone? - NO
Anyone who is on MM and has any questions or comments that may help a "New" Model/Photographer/MUA/GWC (or someone new or curious as to this "Genre") Please share your insights.
To start, let's do some definitions.
Bondage - the act of being bound or tied. Prevented from moving.
Shibari - Japanese style rope bondage. (very artistic if done well)
DID - Damsel-In-Distress (Think the woman tied on the train tracks waiting for the cowboy to rescue her)
**Special note - Bondage is not for everyone (model or photographer) and can carry more risks than normal photographic work. Please do some research before attempting!**
Some common questions I hear as a "Bondage" photographer.
Answers are of course my opinion, and subject to disagreement.
1 - Isn't bondage just Porn?
No. No more so than "Artistic Nude" or any other form of "Art". The majority of Bondage work I know of is not meant to illicit a "Sexual" response.
2 - Do bondage models get hurt?
In my experience, no more than runway models. I have seen some crazy videos of girls falling off the runway!
3 - Are you really a photographer or just a pervert with a camera?
My favorite. I have been accused of being both (and many worse things)! I got into this business shooting a wholesale catalog for a leather company. The catalog was an actual print medium that was distributed to specialty store all along the east coast.
Some common mis-conceptions about "bondage" modeling/photography.
Anyone can do it!
Even though this is mostly true, like any other form of modeling/photography, it is not everyone that can do it well.
This is a specialty niche of the industry. Not everyone is right for it, nor is it right for everyone!
EDIT - No Longer adding to this initial post. Hey I do have a question... what is the difference of bondage and fetish?
Model
JoJo
Posts: 26560
Clearwater, Florida, US
As one of the more experienced Shibari models here on MM, this is an informative posting. I would love to see some of the experienced Shibari photographers and riggers get in here and add to what the OP has started.
Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
Bridgette Banks wrote:
Hey I do have a question... what is the difference of bondage and fetish? Excellent Question
Fetish is normally referred to as a "fixation". Many definitions are out there, but in the modeling world it might refer to things such as Bondage, Latex, Feet, Food, BBW, Corsetry, etc. Any number of "individual" aspects of an item, object, or appearance.
Bondage can be described as a fetish itself, and a sub-niche of fetish work itself. Bondage always refers to some form of immobilization.
Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
Schoetze wrote:
I recently completed my first bondage shoot (first two pics in my port) and was wondering if you know of any particular websites that buy pics of this nature?
Also since you are a more seasoned professional in this area, please check out my bondage pics if you have a moment, and let me know what you think. It was mine AND the photographers first bondage shoot! Yes, there are sites out there that do purchase this type of material.
It is not my intention to promote any specific sites or companies that do in fact purchase content. If anyone representing or working for this type of company is on MM, please chime in so that this aspect can be further discussed.
Photographer
JSVPhotography
Posts: 4897
Madison, Wisconsin, US
In this early stage I will consider this thread to be positive and informative and hope like hell it stays that way.
I'll start out with just some things I know about my end of it and then perhaps will get back in to discuss other things later.
I always had some interest in bondage photography. This does not mean I started out planning to get into it at all. In reality I started taking pictures way back when to simply build up an inventory of images I could use as reference images for drawing pinups. People would send me images without arms and legs and want me to draw them with arms and legs. I soon realized my photography skills sucked and began to learn more about photography, invest in better equipment and found that eventually I was taking more pictures for picture sake rather than reference sake. Everything evolves.
Bondage images intrigued me. I was not so comfortable with the torture types of images and wondered if there was a way for me to produce an image that had the elements of bondage along with that of something like artistic nudes and try to develop some kind of style. I did not want to just mimic other people and I was not looking to provide images to any kind of site or offer anything for sale. It was just kind of a personal mission and interest that I had and continue to have.
I started pretty lame with rope. I always had people who were willing and interested. I have to thank all of them for allowing me to work with them in this manner. Bondage work is a little different than other modeling work. For those models that are creeped out by a photographer touching you - this is NOT for you. You are going to get touched, moved, spun, pulled on and probably experience some discomfort from time to time.
How did I get where I am with it now? I practice. I practice on people. I practice on other stuff like tubes and bars and 2x4s. I look at other work. I look at bondage sites. I attended shibaricon. I read bondage how-to books and articles. I look at blogs.
I have a desire to have the rope work look a certain way and feel like if I allow myself to do sloppy work, I fail. I also do sloppy work from time to time. Sloppy work is rope, lighting, anything I did wrong to fail to get the image I was looking for.
When I am working with someone with rope, I take it seriously. I am responsible for someone's safety. GOOD communication is key when planning bondage photography. In my case, I usually have a pretty clear discussion about what we will do and what to expect.
Let me sidebar this a second and say that what I am talking about here is bondage photography. This is not to be confused with bondage for any other purpose.
A bondage shoot for me usually goes pretty quickly. The rope work actually takes more time. I sometimes feel as though it is similar to a model having to stand for body paint. The paint takes a while and the shoot takes very little time. I usually start with a chest harness and then build down off of that. Prior to any rope work, I have my background, lights, extra cards, extra batteries, ROPE SHEARS and anything else I need ready by my side so that I do not have to leave any model unattended for any time. In an attempt to show models more freely bound, I will often not tie arms or pin legs in order to allow them to move and flex and pose more for the shot. In some cases there is extreme restraint and I devise ways in advance to plan better shot angles in my small studio. The Table series worked well as I could turn the table and move people around. My lights stayed in one place, I was in one general area but I could reposition the models and the table easily. With a suspension I can turn the model while suspended and shoot different angles from the same vantage point.
The photography part usually takes 10 - 20 minutes. 20 is really stretching it, I doubt if I have ever had anyone totally confined for that long. Maybe.
Once done, rope comes off and we take a few rope mark shots. That is about it. Everything else is post production work.
During the tie I am constantly asking if they are ok, comfortable, not comfortable. Sometimes we need to adjust something. Some people actually do not get a sensation of losing circulation in a hand or foot, so I check these from time to time. Some people will not tell you if they are uncomfortable.
Other things that help are knowing in advance if someone has any medical issues and if there is something I need to know if there is a problem. I have had people with pacemakers, diabetes and other things that could have been issues.
Rope work is not for everyone. For those that do work with me, I have found that they have placed a great deal of trust in me that I am not here to hurt, molest or humiliate anyone. I have a great deal of respect for these people.
Photographer
NjKolby
Posts: 221
San Mateo, California, US
Cool thread. I like the artistic bondage work and wouldn't mind getting into that type of photography at some point in my developing career. I'll definitely BM this thread for future returns to see how it it coming along. Hopefully I can learn a little.
Photographer
SLE Photography
Posts: 68937
Orlando, Florida, US
JoJo Suicide wrote:
As one of the more experienced Shibari models here on MM, this is an informative posting. I would love to see some of the experienced Shibari photographers and riggers get in here and add to what the OP has started. Well I have a point to add. "Shibari" is used as as catch-all term for Japanese bondage but it's actually a new name for an older style, the original being kinbaku. 
Kinbaku is the word for "erotic bondage" or Kinbaku-bi which literally means "the beauty of tight bondage". Kinbaku (also Sokubaku) is a Japanese style of sexual bondage or BDSM which involves tying up the bottom using simple yet visually intricate patterns, usually with several pieces of thin rope usually hemp or jute (generally 6 mm or 8 mm in diameter).
The word Shibari came into common use in the West at some point in the 1990s to describe the bondage art Kinbaku. Shibari is a Japanese word that literally means "to tie" or "to bind". It is used in Japan to describe the artful use of twine to tie objects or packages. Some people actually separate these 2 in to separate styles, as there are point of difference between them. For instance, in some strict traditional Kinbaku (or for practitioners of the martial art of Hojojutsu) it's considered an insult to use knots.
But it's good to know both words, as there are traditional artists like my friends Professor Oni (aka Lifestyle Images) and Jimi Tatu, who use the other term & we wouldn't want anyone getting confused.
Photographer
Matrix Studio
Posts: 1957
Columbia, Alabama, US
Fetibeth wrote:
This is to help new people who are interested in this type of work, and provide answers. So, yes, as you stated. "Help and questions"
If the Mod's in their wisdom move it to the Model forum, so be it, but I think it's a good idea to leave it here.
Again, as the OP stated, please NO NEGATIVE REMARKS. You have a problem with bondage? Make your on thread in OT to bitch about it there. Who said anything negative? You? I just asked if he found this the right spot. If Models are involved it goes in Model Colloquy. If Photographers are involved, we have a forum for Photographic Talk. Perhaps this is the only non-model, non-photographic place where the OP may enlighten us all!
This is a tier one forum. Loosen up!
Model
Bridgette Banks
Posts: 100
Atlanta, Georgia, US
SLE Photography wrote:
JoJo Suicide wrote:
As one of the more experienced Shibari models here on MM, this is an informative posting. I would love to see some of the experienced Shibari photographers and riggers get in here and add to what the OP has started. Well I have a point to add. "Shibari" is used as as catch-all term for Japanese bondage but it's actually a new name for an older style, the original being kinbaku.
Some people actually separate these 2 in to separate styles, as there are point of difference between them. For instance, in some strict traditional Kinbaku (or for practitioners of the martial art of Hojojutsu) it's considered an insult to use knots.
But it's good to know both words, as there are traditional artists like my friends Professor Oni (aka Lifestyle Images) and Jimi Tatu, who use the other term & we wouldn't want anyone getting confused. WOW ...bump
Photographer
JSVPhotography
Posts: 4897
Madison, Wisconsin, US
Something I have noticed lately is that there are more and more fetish and/or bondage workshops out there. These are the ones that suggest that they are bondage PHOTOGRAPHY workshops. Some are a day or more long and usually will cost you a few bucks... a hundred or more and up and up.
I would suggest that people interested in this type of photography, models and photographers, go to one.
I would also do the following: really take a look at the workshop and see if it is what you need and if it can offer you something. Many times I see these event threads and go to take a look at the info - only to find advertised models who have absolutely none of this kind of work in any of their portfolios. Some of the workshops do not mention anything about safety, risks, liability or anything else that may be negative. Many of the thread responses are like a hoot and holler party event from a bunch of juveniles. I feel that these are not the kind of events that are really going to teach you anything other than make you go out and look for real information on the subject after you have attended, and spent your money.
I don't mean for this to be negative on all of them, just do some prior research.
Photographer
Mike Kelcher
Posts: 13322
Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
I agree with the OP and have two things to add.
1. Suspensions (model suspended off the floor) should only be done by people who really know what they are doing.
2. Even if the model has his/her feet on the floor, if he/she loses his/her balance while restrained, they fall over like an oak log and usually get hurt.
The bottom line: Be careful above all other things and don't do things beyond the ability of the people involved.
Photographer
PF Dark
Posts: 946
Ypsilanti, Michigan, US
JSVPhotography wrote:
Something I have noticed lately is that there are more and more fetish and/or bondage workshops out there. These are the ones that suggest that they are bondage PHOTOGRAPHY workshops. Some are a day or more long and usually will cost you a few bucks... a hundred or more and up and up.
I would suggest that people interested in this type of photography, models and photographers, go to one.
I would also do the following: really take a look at the workshop and see if it is what you need and if it can offer you something. Many times I see these event threads and go to take a look at the info - only to find advertised models who have absolutely none of this kind of work in any of their portfolios. Some of the workshops do not mention anything about safety, risks, liability or anything else that may be negative. Many of the thread responses are like a hoot and holler party event from a bunch of juveniles. I feel that these are not the kind of events that are really going to teach you anything other than make you go out and look for real information on the subject after you have attended, and spent your money.
I don't mean for this to be negative on all of them, just do some prior research. agreed, and ask questions. I asked those questions about one of those and couldn't get a straight answer. The photographer is very good but I need to squeeze every nickle right now. Try to get at least an outline of the topics covered.
Photographer
Ashwell Fine Art
Posts: 102
London, England, United Kingdom
Thread very much appreciated by this newcomer to the genre.
Model
Bridgette Banks
Posts: 100
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Don't know if yawl are awake yet... I never sleep  ....but I also want to get some differences between gothic and alternative modeling as it relates to bondage/ fetish.. Hope I am not hijacking thread (?)... but I thought it was all the same - just NOT mainstream. However, from some of what I've read, there is a world of gothic people out there for whom this is a lifestyle. Example: I was on a site for scream queens and models (don't remember which, I study online for HOURS), and 1 model/ actress had several bondage photos. And she called herself a 'gothic, alternative' model. She was beautiful, I thought her pictures were excellent. However several comments were left for her that there's "nothing gothic about you..." and "you're a POSER". Perhaps it doesn't matter and they were just idk 'jealous' or something but I thought I'd pose the question here. Just want to keep the thread going so I can learn more too
Model
Bridgette Banks
Posts: 100
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Mikes Images - Mike #4 wrote:
I agree with the OP and have two things to add.
1. Suspensions (model suspended off the floor) should only be done by people who really know what they are doing.
2. Even if the model has his/her feet on the floor, if he/she loses his/her balance while restrained, they fall over like an oak log and usually get hurt.
The bottom line: Be careful above all other things and don't do things beyond the ability of the people involved. I'm a former gymnast, and just very flexible and open-minded. So does it not just depend on the model's abilities?? I'm always up for trying new things, but not sure what to ask photographer to see if he's really 'qualified' to do such suspensions..... (?)
Photographer
D-O-N-S-I-R
Posts: 1121
Norwalk, California, US
Where "bondage photographers" are concerned there seems to be two types: photographers who rig and riggers who shoot. The ones who stand out tend to be those who are good at both.
As stated before there are different sorts of bondage, but it's categorized as western or japanese. Even among those who practice rope bondage for fun and enjoyment there is a fusion of western and japanese styled rigging derogotorially refered to shambari. Riggers by themselves are elitists (not to mention photographers), they believe their knowledge of shibari or kinbaku sets them above and apart from the american DID stylists. One thing's for sure though: DID pays, shibari/kinbaku doesn't. DID is very popular on the pay sights both here and in europe. I have friends who make videos for clips for sale who have quit their day jobs because they can support themselves with what they contribute to that and other sites.
No matter how artistic the rope or photography is, it still just a labor of love. I've gotten used to people saying they love my work, but no one has asked me, "how much you want for a print?"
Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
Janice Marie Foote wrote:
I'm pretty new to it. Two images are in my https://www.modelmayhem.com/janicemariefootedressed and I'm hoping to do a suspension shoot! Janice,
the two images i looked at in your profile are excellent examples of what i would refer to as "artistic" bondage. The use of rope for these pictures was for dramatic visual effect.
The Headshot with the light buld in particular caught my attention. Shots like this (In My Opinion) are beautiful. Limited use of "Bondage" to actually detract from the appearance of the model, and to increase focus on the striking element of the entire image.
The "Lamp" shot is also wonderful. This also shows how "bondage" can be artistically involved in the creation of images.
As for suspension, as stated above, please take your time in selecting the photographer/Rigger. Suspension is not for the faint of heart. Aim for safety first, then visual impact.
Good luck and I look forward to future images!
Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
Bridgette Banks wrote:
Don't know if yawl are awake yet... I never sleep ....but I also want to get some differences between gothic and alternative modeling as it relates to bondage/ fetish.. Hope I am not hijacking thread (?)... but I thought it was all the same - just NOT mainstream. However, from some of what I've read, there is a world of gothic people out there for whom this is a lifestyle. Bridgette,
Gothic and Alternative modeling are a seperate aspect of modeling which I am not the best to explain. They are both "Styles" of appearance (somebody else please?).
As for the relationship to bondage/fetish, I can speak a bit. In my experience, given the cross over of some fetish wardrobe fitting into the gothic/alternative style, you may encounter models who are also comfortable with bondage work. Not all Goth/Alt models are comfortable with this type of modeling, nor are all bondage models Goth/Alt.
Many of the best DID models are in fact "Vanilla" in appearance. As this type of work tends to be more of the "Girl Next Door"
Having said that, it points out another special aspect of Bondage. Any type of model can get involved in it. Also, photographers who shoot many different genres can lend their creative eye to "bondage" themed works.
Photographer
Knotie Photography
Posts: 45
Dentsville, South Carolina, US
I am able to sell some shibari/kinbaku prints, but they tend to go to private collectors.
The actual schism between the two words is more along traditional bounderies, shibari being more fusion than classic Japanese bondage, but both have an appeal.
Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
D-O-N-S-I-R wrote:
Where "bondage photographers" are concerned there seems to be two types: photographers who rig and riggers who shoot. The ones who stand out tend to be those who are good at both. Must also add this one note. There are "Bondage" phographers who are smart enough to know that they can't "Rig" worth a crap and actually have someone do the "Rigging" for them!
Rig/Rigging - refers to the actual bondage work itself. Commonly rope for this term.
Rigger - The person who "Binds" the other party. Well trained "Riggers" are sometimes specifically asked to prepare the subject for photography (or fun).
Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
Bridgette Banks wrote:
I'm a former gymnast, and just very flexible and open-minded. So does it not just depend on the model's abilities?? Flexible and open minded helps. The safety comes down more to the photographer/riggers abilities. Your comfort will come from yours.
Bridgette Banks wrote:
I'm always up for trying new things, but not sure what to ask photographer to see if he's really 'qualified' to do such suspensions..... (?) As with any photographer, ask for references! Not saying "Don't be the first" for a photographer. But you probably don't want both of you to have your first "suspension" experience at the same time! If a model and photographer have never done this type of work, I would suggest getting in contact with a local "Lifestyle" organization for some actual training. Or find a reputable "Rigger" to do the suspension for the photographer.
A web search of "BDSM Community (insert your city here)" can normally provide some decent links to local organizations. There are many, so I refrain from listing any particulars.
Photographer
Marcus J. Ranum
Posts: 3247
MORRISDALE, Pennsylvania, US
Since bondage is fetish/taboo and may offend some people - all the more reason to do it. One other observation - S&M imagery can be considered to be different from bondage, though it's very debatable. People who like bondage but not S&M would obviously consider them separate, while people who dislike both would consider them the same. This is relevant because the US Department of Justice keeps trying to end-run the 1st amendment by attempting to define various kinds of images as explicit or obscene and needing control. The current battleground (USC 2257 http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/us … -000-.html ) places undue prior restraints on your ability to communicate certain content defined as "explicit" and including: (iv) sadistic or masochistic abuse; So if you are concerned about the law (It was struck as unconstitutional but has since been reinstated on appeal) you should be careful with this stuff. Especially if your images include any representations of the crucifixion. 
Photographer
Cogito Ergo Zoom
Posts: 5105
Alpharetta, Georgia, US
So where do I learn to rig if I were going to become a bondage shooter?
Photographer
Fotographia Fantastique
Posts: 17339
White River Junction, Vermont, US
Bridgette Banks wrote:
Don't know if yawl are awake yet... I never sleep ....but I also want to get some differences between gothic and alternative modeling as it relates to bondage/ fetish.. Hope I am not hijacking thread (?)... but I thought it was all the same - just NOT mainstream. However, from some of what I've read, there is a world of gothic people out there for whom this is a lifestyle.
Example: I was on a site for scream queens and models (don't remember which, I study online for HOURS), and 1 model/ actress had several bondage photos. And she called herself a 'gothic, alternative' model. She was beautiful, I thought her pictures were excellent. However several comments were left for her that there's "nothing gothic about you..." and "you're a POSER".
Perhaps it doesn't matter and they were just idk 'jealous' or something but I thought I'd pose the question here. Just want to keep the thread going so I can learn more too I'll tackle this one.
They are two entirely different subcultures... and yet there's more to the story. I'll try to explain briefly.
The Gothic subculture emerged in the early '80s from the Glam, Punk and New Romantic scenes. With (initially) an emphasis on things dark spooky and romantic.
The Fetish subculture largely came out of the fetish clubs in places like San Francisco and London, especially when BDSM and latex aficionados dressed up for their special events, such as the "Rubber Ball" in London.
BUT, even from the beginning the lines have been blurry between the two groups. Fetish types for decades had been incorporating things spooky into their scene play. The vampire mythos, for example, are rife with power/sexual dynamics. The witch/dominatrix theme is another one that has a long pedigree.
Goths, for their part have strong roots in the punk subculture - and bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees were incorporating bondage gear and fetish wear into their wardrobes from the beginning. The Sex Pistols themselves were initially bankrolled by Malcolm McLaren and Vivien Westwood's BDSM/Fetish supply shop "SEX".
And the two have co-evolved ever since, borrowing back and forth from each other. The two scenes were practically destined to get intertwined anyway, as they both have a penchant for black, both tend to go for non-traditional fabrics (leather being a big common denominator), and then with the fusion of so many sub-cultures that happened in the late 90s/early 2000s (skate-punks; rasta-hippies; acid-jazz-funk-ravers, etc. etc.)...you get the idea, crossover was bound to happen.
Now there are people who are into one style, and people who are into the other, some who are into both, and some who are into neither. The problem comes when people from one group who really don't like the other style try to claim that their style (Goth or Fetish has nothing to do with the other). One example comes to mind is a group of Goth type girls who I knew that were raised on "My Little Pony" toys - they started incorporating pony stuff into their look - ponytails, pony falls, eventually even actual horse tack. And then they got offended when fetish people thought they were ponygirls (a fetish that had been going on for ages in the fetish scene, and had evolved along nearly the same lines).
The fact is, individuals can claim that their scene has nothing to do with the other one - and in their own mind - and the way they tend to view their style and their scene - perhaps they are right, but historically speaking, they are wrong. Goth and Fetish have both overlapped probably since before anyone started to use those names to define them.
Photographer
FosterPhoto
Posts: 569
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, US
Cogito Ergo Zoom wrote:
So where do I learn to rig if I were going to become a bondage shooter? Check your local BDSM community. Google the term with your location for specific results.
Another good starting reference point would be Bondage.com (Ironic)
Wikipedia actually has some decent information on rigging with links to some known industry folk.
Take the time to check around. There are soooo many aspects that it will often come down you what style and apearance appeals most to you.
Photographer
Michael McGowan
Posts: 3829
Tucson, Arizona, US
From the U.S. Attorney General:
"One comment requests that the Department define ``sadistic or
masochistic abuse'' because some people believe that safe and
consensual bondage is not abuse, and requests that the Department
distinguish between actual and simulated sadistic or masochistic abuse.
The Department declines to adopt this comment. That term is not a
subject of this rulemaking. Moreover, actual sexually explicit conduct
depends on the content of what is being displayed, not on whether the
content is subjectively considered to be abusive."
Fact is that for purposes of identifying participants, the new law appears to lump all bondage and S&M depictions, real or fake, under the same requirement.
No matter how ridiculous it seems, there are people in our government who think that putting handcuffs on Mel Gibson is the same thing as hardcore S&M. (Only, they give the major movie studios an "out" by letting them fall into a special category that keeps them from having to keep records.)
So, for all practical purposes, the OP's first question/answer is dead wrong. Right now, the Justice Department considers all bondage to be porn. The law specifically states that artistic merits don't matter. That means you can have art that is porn in the government's eyes.
Photographer
D-O-N-S-I-R
Posts: 1121
Norwalk, California, US
FosterPhoto wrote:
Check your local BDSM community. Google the term with your location for specific results.
Another good starting reference point would be Bondage.com (Ironic)
Wikipedia actually has some decent information on rigging with links to some known industry folk.
Take the time to check around. There are soooo many aspects that it will often come down you what style and apearance appeals most to you. Or...
Contact someone who posts bondage work in their port, ask them if they did the rigging, and then ask if they'd be willing to teach you. Don't be surprised if they quote you an hourly rate or a flat price for basic rope instruction. Anything beyond that expect to pay for, especially suspension bondage.
Or...
Check out youtube. Twisted Monk has some basic rope bondage tutorials on there as well as instructional dvds on his site twistedmonk.com.
Good luck.
Photographer
Cogito Ergo Zoom
Posts: 5105
Alpharetta, Georgia, US
FosterPhoto wrote:
Check your local BDSM community. Google the term with your location for specific results.
Another good starting reference point would be Bondage.com (Ironic)
Wikipedia actually has some decent information on rigging with links to some known industry folk.
Take the time to check around. There are soooo many aspects that it will often come down you what style and apearance appeals most to you. I'm gonna do some investigating.
Model
Bridgette Banks
Posts: 100
Atlanta, Georgia, US
Fotographia Fantastique wrote:
I'll tackle this one.
They are two entirely different subcultures... and yet there's more to the story. I'll try to explain briefly.
The Gothic subculture emerged in the early '80s from the Glam, Punk and New Romantic scenes. With (initially) an emphasis on things dark spooky and romantic.
The Fetish subculture largely came out of the fetish clubs in places like San Francisco and London, especially when BDSM and latex aficionados dressed up for their special events, such as the "Rubber Ball" in London.
BUT, even from the beginning the lines have been blurry between the two groups. Fetish types for decades had been incorporating things spooky into their scene play. The vampire mythos, for example, are rife with power/sexual dynamics. The witch/dominatrix theme is another one that has a long pedigree.
Goths, for there part have strong roots in the punk subculture - and bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees were incorporating bondage gear and fetish wear into their wardrobes from the beginning. The Sex Pistols themselves were initially bankrolled by Malcolm McLaren and Vivien Westwood's BDSM/Fetish supply shop "SEX".
And the two have co-evolved ever since, borrowing back and forth from each other. The two scenes were practically destined to get intertwined anyway, as they both have a penchant for black, both tend to go for non-traditional fabrics (leather being a big common denominator), and then with the fusion of so many sub-cultures that happened in the late 90s/early 2000s (skate-punks; rasta-hippies; acid-jazz-funk-ravers, etc. etc.)...you get the idea, crossover was bound to happen.
Now there are people who are into one style, and people who are into the other, some who are into both, and some who are into neither. The problem comes when people from one group who really don't like the other style try to claim that their style (Goth or Fetish has nothing to do with the other). One example comes to mind is a group of Goth type girls who I knew that were raised on "My Little Pony" toys - they started incorporating pony stuff into their look - ponytails, pony falls, eventually even actual horse tack. And then they got offended when fetish people thought they were ponygirls (a fetish that had been going on for ages in the fetish scene, and had evolved along nearly the same lines).
The fact is, individuals can claim that their scene has nothing to do with the other one - and in their own mind - and the way they tend to view their style and their scene - perhaps they are right, but historically speaking, they are wrong. Goth and Fetish have both overlapped probably since before anyone started to use those names to define them. Thank you so much. Wow this is GOOD STUFF. Yes as a newbie to these genres I definitely see overlap, so this is good to know. I read a lot too.. had a book by Michelle Belanger that talked about the vampire ?subculture (culture) and there were articles about them being seperate from goth and wiccan cultures. I remember the punk scene very well too as a child of the 80's Also.. BDSM is different from bondage I've heard.. although not exactly sure how (?) Bottom line I am happy that ALL of these cultures and modeling forms are being accepted so much more. Saw another forum here with GREAT pictures of latex.. bondage.. alternative.. from mainstream photographers and directors...
Photographer
Merlinpix
Posts: 7118
Farmingdale, New York, US
Max in Seattle does some great classes: www.bondagelessons.com Some of the best instruction to be had is at events Like ShibariCon,TesFest, etc. The rest study and practice, practice, practice. I've been tying for years and don't consider myself a rigger If your a kinkster and on Fetlife, there's a schedule of events worldwide with lectures demos, play spaces to practice in, etc.
Photographer
D-O-N-S-I-R
Posts: 1121
Norwalk, California, US
Bridgette Banks wrote:
Also.. BDSM is different from bondage I've heard.. although not exactly sure how (?) BDSM is an anagram for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism. Each category worthy of its own thread. It's basically all kink related and can be even further broken down and categorized. But that's the big lump right there.
Photographer
Cogito Ergo Zoom
Posts: 5105
Alpharetta, Georgia, US
So what's considered TRUE bondage to the purists? Do you have to have a dungeon and use ropes and leather cuffs? Are certain items and devices off limits as to what is considered REAL bondage? I figure most all of the bedroom bondage items you see in adult stores or sex toy websites is considered fake bondage paraphernalia and nothing more than a toy.
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....but I also want to get some differences between gothic and alternative modeling as it relates to bondage/ fetish.. Hope I am not hijacking thread (?)... but I thought it was all the same - just NOT mainstream. However, from some of what I've read, there is a world of gothic people out there for whom this is a lifestyle. 
