Sally Mann

I looked Sally Mann’s work which I think is extraordinary.

I understand the controversy created by the publishing of Family Pictures. The images are quite beautiful but I can imagine that some would be uncomfortable with the nudity. It’s a sign of the times that when I was researching the subject I was concerned about what others would think of my observing them. Interestingly, I found it quite hard to find anything on line that specifically criticizes them. There are articles that refer to the concern of others but little else. I expanded my search looking for Christian or Bible Belt references but again found none of the indignant rants that I was expecting. Could this be because the images have been in the public domain for some time?

Or perhaps there is a self-imposed censorship of the issue? I came across a forum discussing the hypocrisy about photography nudity. The post below was made in response to a photographers concern about making images of models below 18.

Im not worried about it because about 10 years ago, I made a business choice. I started shooting nudes and adult stuff ( since there is really only a difference to photographers and some people with a bit of skill),at the that time we stopped working with anyone under 18 for any reason or any project. 

It is totally silly and I will be the first to agree that it dumb as hell, but it has kept me out of trouble and so many people have gotten in trouble for doing nothing wrong, you will not believe until it happens to someone you know.

There are crazy laws on the books, about protecting kids, even if it is Non-Nude some people still thing it can be child porn. The pay and model release are different ( esc. in calf because of the abuse parents have had with kid actors)

Now if I shoot a nude girl that is artist.. You have to assume that not everyone is going to agree with your ideas of art or artist. Often (even if you don't agree with me in general).. it breaks down to this 

• if you shoot nude = you are a porn person and some people can't see the difference between artist nude and porn.. Since you are now creating porn ( artist nudes) then people think of you the same as you shooting hardcore PORN..you are viewed no different than Max Hardcore.When people see you as Max Hardcore.. They don't want you working with high school kids or wedding or **** like that. They will tell there friends "I heard you let a pornnographer take pics of your daughter for high school pics" or some other stupid ****.. "OMG.. you are having a PORN person taking pics at your wedding, I don't think I want my kids around at your wedding, so I will not be coming"I have known Max Hardcore for about 10 years. How many of you would let him work with your kids or work in your high school. Remember to a lot of people there is NO difference between Max Hardcore and artist porn.. not saying it is right or wrong.. it is just the way it is, I can see the difference, most people on this board can see the difference, but that doesn't mean everyone can, if they could then they would call ZchDnn a porn photographer..

Sally Mann seems generally to have been accepted as an artist (because she is a woman) where a man (Jock Sturges for example) is thought by some as a pornographer and is persecuted.