“Photography was the first medium to truly open our eyes to the outside world, to show us its variety and beauty, and its injustices; in short, to reveal its secrets.” –Freddy Langer

The word ‘photography’ was coined by Sir John Herschel, who first used the term in 1839. It is derived from the Greek words for light and writing. But it is important to note that many years before there was a man who practically predicted that which we now take for granted. He was named de la Roche (1729-1774), and in his work entitled ‘Giphantie’ he wrote a tale wherein it was possible to capture images from nature on a canvas which had been coated with a sticky substance. This surface would not only provide a mirror image on the sticky canvas, but would also remain on it. After it had been dried in the dark, the image would be permanent.

All photographs are triggered by desire. How so? Surely, the person behind the camera desires to capture something, whether it is a delicate flower or a destructive volcano. The person in front of the camera is also motivated by desire. We have our photo taken in order to excite, to identify, and most of all, to preserve. Even before photography was a common practice, photographers began to capture what they loved. A collection of books, musical instruments, or most importantly, women. In the past 160 years, literally billions of photographs have been taken, and you would be surprised how many have featured the female form.

The definition of a nude is an unclothed model, or a work representing a person without clothing. The nude is a timeless and extremely personal piece of art, because it probes at the very nature of our being, our primal nature. Through photography, the nude and all it represents is captured for eternity.

It is difficult to find nudes that would be categorized as art. Or rather, it is difficult for people to transcend their prejudices and open their mind to new experiences. Beauty is an essential part of art, joined with the sensual and provocative nature of nudity; it is often confused with vulgarity. Nudity can be distressing and confrontational. Maybe this is why many artists consider it to be a link to the pureness of being. Sensuality evokes love, passion, and creation. All these are inspirations for creativity.

Nude statues have been found in Greece dating from 570 B.C. Almost every style of art has had some method of portraying the nude. Why is it that we can go to a museum or gallery and even the most provocative piece is considered art, and yet we can see the same work in a different setting and there it is considered vulgar? As the saying goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" so we will let you decide.