Breastcancer.org photography

Options
B2Pictures
B2Pictures Member Posts: 4
edited June 2014 in Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests

Hi, I'm a photographer located in the Maryland area who is currently working on a project dealing with breast cancer. This site was one of my main inspirations, and I wanted to see what you all my think of my current work. Here's the first photo of the project:

I hoped breastcancer.org would like to, in some shape or form, use these photos as PSAs or something along those lines. Any feedback would be great.

I also did a more "lighthearted" variation inspired by the site savethetatas.com, which I may post in another part of the forums.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • anianiau
    anianiau Member Posts: 182
    edited January 2009

    Aesthetically somewhat interesting but the model appears to have perfect breasts--why?

    Also, I am bothered by the apparent tightness of the ribbon around the base of the woman's neck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hollyann
    hollyann Member Posts: 2,992
    edited January 2009

    Yea, I'm with ani........Aesthetically pleasing yet disturbing......The ribbon seems to be choking the model...Also her breasts are too perfect and too large.......Most BC women either have no breasts or have assymettrical breasts and we certainly aren't in such physical shape either.........The message to me seems to be saying Donate or I will kill myself......Just my humble opinion.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • yellowrose
    yellowrose Member Posts: 886
    edited April 2009

    Agreeing with others above.  Cancer isn't perfect and this model looks too perfect.   The model's expression isn't quite right.  Have you looked for models with a BC history?  Trust me the expression would be different and so would the attitude/stance with someone who has fought the beast. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • B2Pictures
    B2Pictures Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2009

    Thank you for the feedback. The concept wasn't so much that the models were people who fought breast cancer, as much as they were just supporting the cause and wanting others to support the cause. I've only worked with two models so far, but the second model actually had a mother who fell victim to breast cancer. As for the ribbon around the neck, we were initially just having trouble covering the chest properly both times, thus it did make it look a little tight, even though the models were comfortable. I'll try to make it look a bit more loose next time and create some better shots.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited January 2009

    I will echo the other women's comments. I feel you will show more impact if you show the 'true' look of breast cancer don't pretty it up. I am speaking from experience. my mom lost one breast in 2001. I had my first lumpectomy in 2005, 2nd lumpectomy in 2006 and bilat in 2007. Check out the new Mamm magazine. There they show a woman who had mastectomy without reconstruction and has a beautiful tattoo across her chest.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jader
    jader Member Posts: 223
    edited January 2009

    It would be an interesting and truthful pic if there was a missing breast but I have to say, I really like the photo!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    OMG Hollyann, I laughed out loud! Too funny but I agree!

    Depressing to think that we will never look like that model again as most of us are diagnosed when we are older.

    Let's see an older model... 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited January 2009

    Love the idea of the campaign.

    Yes Hollyann - very funny comment!  

    Maybe there should be different ages? All ages encouraged to be aware - young and older...  I think various ages AND stages would be fantastic.  But I suppose it depends on who your target audience is

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    I agree with most of the others - model has perfect breasts (not to brag, but what mine used to look like until recently), she is too young, and the ribbon is tied too tightly around her neck.  Beautifully done, aesthetically very gorgeous, but it does have a touch of Helmut Newton to it ( and I mean that as a compliment!)  but I agree with Hollyann's remark "Donate or I will kill myself!"

    But in and of itself, very beautiful photograph - you are very talented!

    Maria (still upset over mangled boobs)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited January 2009

    I think the photo is great.  What I see from the picture is that you're showing someone who could be everyone's daughter, sister, friend, mother, aunt. People who have breast cancer are already aware of the "cause". Some people erroneously believe they are too young to worry about it, but we all know women who've been diagnosed at young ages. Since breast cancer tends to be more aggressive among younger women, I think using a younger woman is appropriate. I think perhaps, it might be good to have similiar pictures with different racial diversities, particularly an african american  woman since that population tends to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease. I love the ribbon around her neck. Do you have a website with your work?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lucy47
    Lucy47 Member Posts: 183
    edited January 2009

    I personally loved the picture....it really catch my attention., and in the scheme of things that is what this is all about.....getting peoples attention.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • smithlme
    smithlme Member Posts: 1,322
    edited January 2009

    "the second model actually had a mother who fell victim to breast cancer." I don't consider myself a "victim" nor do I consider my fellow sisters who have fought, and lost, their battles, "victims." Yes, breast cancer affects all ages, colors, body types, etc. Try using a woman who's had a TRAM...that's a lovely scar. Heck, use someone with drains still in them. There is nothing beautiful about this disease and no amount of "pretty-ing it up" will change that fact...

    Hmmm...I could blame this rant on PMS but I have no hormones!

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi again -

    Here's a suggestion - my former boyfriend is a very talented semi-professional photographer.  He wanted to take "before and after" pictures of my breasts.  Of course, I said no, since once it's over it's overYell!!!  But, that may be an idea - show how a woman's breasts look before the surgery, of course, artistically done, and then the graphic "after" photos.  I think that would make a very strong statement.  Just a suggestion, of course.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    I agree about the after shots. I was never more aware of breast cancer than years ago when someone (who?) was photographed with her mast side showing. I'm darned if I can remember who, but I'm sure there'll be a flurry of posts...

    People tend to think you either die or are fine with breast cancer. They don't see what goes on underneath the pretty clothes and protheses. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi Barbe -

    Very nice picture of you!  I agree with you also - but I wonder how many will agree about the dramatic difference of the "before" and "after" photos - it's like, okay, here's what you may look like now - and here's what you may look like if you get BC - DONATE!

    Just an idea, anyway.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • smithlme
    smithlme Member Posts: 1,322
    edited January 2009

    Have you seen some of the ant-smoking commercials? If they ran ads like that for BC they'd terrify people. The truth is more difficult that glossing it over in pink...

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    Thanks Britt (2 weeks post-op!) I'm not suggesting before pictures. I think most adults know what a female breast looks like. I think the impact would be the mastectomy without reconstruction. If you have recon, it would just look like a new breast and not have much gut effect. Kind of what Linda is saying, the incision, the infection, the horror! Cigarette packages used to (don't know anymore) have pictures of sick lungs and all, didn't they?

    Not necessarily a sick looking woman either. Could be the model above, but with just one breast! Like I said above, I think once the surgery is over, the cancer is over for those not looking at our naked bodies every day. They forget we carry the scars, literally, to our graves! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • B2Pictures
    B2Pictures Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2009

    "I think the photo is great. What I see from the picture is that you're showing someone who could be everyone's daughter, sister, friend, mother, aunt. People who have breast cancer are already aware of the "cause". Some people erroneously believe they are too young to worry about it, but we all know women who've been diagnosed at young ages. Since breast cancer tends to be more aggressive among younger women, I think using a younger woman is appropriate. I think perhaps, it might be good to have similiar pictures with different racial diversities, particularly an african american woman since that population tends to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease. I love the ribbon around her neck. Do you have a website with your work?"

     That is more of what I went for. Showing that everyone should be aware, and those who are aware should donate. Also, the second model I worked with was African American. I can post that picture as well (actually, we have several), but the ribbon still, admittedly, looks a bit tight around the neck. We hope to make it look a little looser next time, while still properly covering the breasts. I really do want to get all races, but I've been getting mainly Caucasian and African American models, as Asian, Hispanic,and other races have been difficult to find. Also, most are younger, in their early to late 20s, as there are few "older" models to find. As for a website, I hope to create one once the project is finished. I even dabbled with the idea of a calendar that we can sell, with all proceeds going toward breast cancer research. I know there are a lot of charities and donations related to this, but even one more tiny one from a photographer in the town of Bowie can at least help a little more.

     "I don't consider myself a "victim" nor do I consider my fellow sisters who have fought, and lost, their battles, "victims." Yes, breast cancer affects all ages, colors, body types, etc. Try using a woman who's had a TRAM...that's a lovely scar. Heck, use someone with drains still in them. There is nothing beautiful about this disease and no amount of "pretty-ing it up" will change that fact...

    Hmmm...I could blame this rant on PMS but I have no hormones!

    Linda"

    My apologies, as this wasn't meant to be a deragotory term. Her mother unfortunately passed away, and wanted to work on this as a tribute. As a matter of fact, I am sincerely sorry if my work might've offended anyone here.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited January 2009

    Hi Barbe!  Well, your picture is wonderful, you look great and positive and glowing and appear to be healing  quite nicely!

    Ok - let's get to business:  when I was first diagnosed, I of course was totally freaked. Please forgive me if I offend anyone, but I checked out a website called breastfree.org. and checked out the post-operative pictures.  I remember I was up all night in a frenzy about those pictures.   But, after that, nothing scared me anymore.  Although I was fortunate enough to have a lumpo and snb so far (although my path report had a typo - I will refer those who may be interested to "Typo in Pathology Report" under the Surgery, Before, During and After thread) those pictures are the truth. Post op mast women with the drains and the scars, etc. 

    And you have a point - everyone knows what a "normal" female breast looks like- and there are so many sizes and shapes one cannot categorize what is "normal"  - but a graphic picture of a bilateral mast patient with the drains would be a major wake-up call.  However, I don't see it working in the US, where we like everything pretty - perhaps in Europe and  perhaps Canada, where everyone is far more civilized  and worldly.  Just my opinion.  Thanks for allowing me to vent and to share my feelings.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 2,298
    edited January 2009

    Sorry....I don't like it. At all. JMHO.

    Linda, your post cracked me up!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    I don't think the drains or bruising or dog-ears, or seroma, or septic wounds or lymphedema would be appropriate....I just remember being very moved by this beauitful woman on the cover of some magazine in a gorgeous dress with the shoulder dropped down showing she had no breast on that side.

    It was a long time ago and, obviously, moved me very much!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • yellowrose
    yellowrose Member Posts: 886
    edited April 2009

    B2Pictures,  I believe that your heart is in the right place but maybe you need to do some more research before the picture.  With such a emotional topic you need to have more emotional insight as the photographer so that it will show in the photo. 

    People must empathize with the photo or otherwise all it is is a nicely made picture without impact.

    BTW there are some beautiful older models out there, don't limit yourself because you haven't located them yet.  A true composite of BC would include a spectrum of ages, races and even sex.  Men get BC too.

    I don't mean to hurt your feelings, just my take on it.  This has potential, keep at it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited January 2009

    I do love the black and white with the pink bow even though I don't "do the pink" thing...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories