A Girl and Her Dress, Copyright 2000 Jeff Spirer

There was a comment by Christel about one of Tom's photos, something about the photo appealing to male fantasy. I do find that some photos have a very male or very female perspective. Oddly enough, I took this yet think that it has a very female perspective, something that I picked up on but don't understand at all, about being a child made to look like a woman, an awkwardness with it all. The deliberately uncomplimentary lighting seems to emphasize the difficult nature of the whole thing. At least that's what it seems like to me, looking at it six months after I took it.

To those familiar with Graciela Iturbide's work, it does seem like a pale imitation...

-- Jeff Spirer (jeff@spirer.com), September 02, 2000

Answers

Just getting rid of the centering.

Sometimes I really despise html.

-- Jeff Spirer (jeff@spirer.com), September 02, 2000.

I sign all my pictures "T.W.Meyer" and was reminded recently, that one of my motives for doing so, was to become gender neutral, at least, in my physical absence (although I have retained my girlish figure, even in middle age).

It didn't work. What could "T.W." be, if I were a woman? Tanya Wilma?...

Nice shot, Jeff, but missing those full shadows I usually see from you. I don't read a gender specific perspective, here. But then I already know you're a dude. How about a nom de plume: "Judy Spirer"? Then I'd never know... t

-- tom meyer (twm@mindspring.com), September 02, 2000.

I used to sign everything "ch" in a deliberate attempt to become gender neutral, because in my younger years I percieved myself as a victim of constant male oppression - there may still be a tendency to feminist gut reactions I4m afraid (I4m trying to suppress it - honestly, I am!) If I should try to be realistic - and naturally I can only base this on my personal experience - I4d say that there IS a difference, and not just physical, between men and women. Some believe that this is purely a cultural heritage which can be overcome. I believe that it is genetic, and neccessary, and good. Crossovers do occur, and they are mostly very enjoyable as well as educational. I find that one of the most rewarding experiences, artistically as well as emotionally, is to successfully transcend my usual frame of mind and get a glimpse of what is happening inside somebody elses head, if only for a brief moment. But again, this may be down to "female empathy" :) I doubt if total neutrality is ever possible. When it comes to taking in a work of art, be it painting, sculpture or photography, I would estimate that only around 10 percent has universal appeal, and that is mostly the technical aspects (and even they can be debated). Each of us is heavily influenced, not only by our genetic and cultural heritage, but by the sum of our experiences until this moment when we look at this photo. Tom Lehrer says: "Life is like a sewer! What you get out of it, depends on what you put into it." One of my favourite quotes - it can be applied to anything :)

What I get out of this photo is probably based mostly on recognition. I recognize the awkwardness of being very young and over-dressed. A confusing mix of princess consciousness and uncertainty about having your adolescent body exposed by clothes that don4t provide the usual secure cover of loose-fitting t-shirts. As such I can relate very well. I would be interested in knowing the male perspective...

-- Christel Green (look.no@film.dk), September 02, 2000.

i think this is a very successful piece of work. speaking for myself (as always) it clearly communicates the confused or even frightened condition of the young girl: discomfort, insecurity, a palpable tension is portrayed very effectively by the placement against the stark background in relentless midafternoon sun. she almost could be placed against a courtyard wall facing execution. with regard to the gender factor, i feel that being exposed to view in the unfamiliar trappings of adulthood is shared by both sexes; for me it is brought about by adolescence, not by gender.

-- wayne harrison (wayno@netmcr.com), September 02, 2000.

I sign all my photos "Mr Hunk" (but I'm optimistic!).

I like this portrait...the heavy shadows and harsh light add to the felling.

-- Todd Frederick (fredrick@hotcity.com), September 02, 2000.

While coming of age happens to both sexes (obviously), it seems that much of the photography about it comes from women. Why is this? I certainly don't have the answer.

Click here for one such example. Men tend to photograph little girls, in particular, as "cute." And when they grow up, as "beautiful."

-- Jeff Spirer (jeff@spirer.com), September 02, 2000.

gender

Jeff, I will be interested in seeing more of your Quince Anos project when you get further into it. I wonder if a woman would photograph this project differently? Back a few years ago I broached this subject on Alan's Philosophy forum. Interesting to reread the comments from that time. I have always felt that women and men have a different vision of the same subject matter but have no hard demonstrable facts to support my contentions. In PPA I see portraits a lot and see a subtle difference between those taken by men and those taken by women. And I agree with you Jeff. Graciela Iturbide does marvelous work. And I think Anne Geddes does very creative work too. Different genera but both very creative. James

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), September 02, 2000.