'George's approach to his craft is to serve the viewer as mirror, window, and door.'
One of the most interesting things about windows, mirrors and doors isn't just what they reveal, but also what they conceal. They also don't necessarily reflect a complete truth, instead a narrow glimpse into something only made complete by incorporating the viewer's perception. Some photographers guide you to exactly what they want you to see, others simply provide a map, leaving the destination a mystery. Photographer George Krause purposely avoids unveiling the full picture, instead, he provides a visual entrance for those who wish to peek forward and inward.
Photography and art is so much about perception and assumption. If you don't like men with red hair, tattoo's or who are hairy, can you enjoy an image of a model with these qualities. Some would argue that could with a skilled photographer with a well constructed and creative image. I would argue one's ability to appreciate qualities, ones you might otherwise ignore or discount, is more about what the image asks of you, rather than what you actually see.
George
The first images from George that I saw were of model Ivan Bohman whom I featured in 2016. (Mature Content Beautifully Enabled) George's images of Ivan were so erotically sensual with a clear appreciation of the almost sixty year old models physical and sexual allure and charisma. I made a note to check out more of George's work, and to contact him again about possibly featuring more of his imagery. Whenever I profile a photographer, one of my first questions is what led to them focus their camera on the male form. Upon returning to George's portfolio, I could see that question may not apply and was left wondering if the male form was his focus at all?
'My first experience photographing a nude model was a bit out of the ordinary. It was with a female model named Kamarose (above). We did the shoot in one of the hot tub rooms at the Berkeley Sauna. I think I was more nervous than she was since it was my first nude shoot and she had been modeling nude for several years. Not to mention that we would both be naked during that shoot.'
Ok, now before I explain why George was also naked, let me go back a little bit. Ending up in that Sauna at Berkeley, was in a way, coming full circle for George. George spent many years living and working in higher education, and loved the community atmosphere and the almost small city feel to life on campus. After retiring, he and his wife drove to California. For George, photography came about from his desire to get back on campus, something he'd been missing since he retired. One of George's friends, a life model who modeled at a few local colleges, had an interesting idea...
'My friend knew that I was a nudist and suggested that I look into nude art modeling. The modeling and photographing of the nude fit together hand and glove so I began pursuing both . As a nudist I have always appreciated the beauty, power and grace of the human form. As a bisexual I am equally passionate about photographing both women and men.'
Lately, I have featured a few artists who shoot both women and men. Usually, I detect a preference, but not with George's images. Some photographers are skilled at capturing the visual beauty of both the male and female body, not all capture the sensuality as well. George certainly achieved that with Ivan, and with Jesse as well. So much in fact with Jesse, some of the shots were a little too intensely sensual even for FH...
George's work with Jesse also occurred in Berkeley. George is always looking for new models to collaborate with and Jesse answered an ad George had placed looking for models in the area. Jesse was attending culinary school, and shared that he had never modeled in the nude before. Even so, Jesse seemed totally comfortable in front of the camera, so much so, he got an erection almost immediately, and to George's surprise, began masturbating during the shoot on his own inspiration. Although I didn't know Jesse's shoot had such a climatic ending, I chose to feature George's images of him due to how comfortable and organically sexual he appeared in front of the camera. I also especially love how his long curls frame his face.
'I prefer shooting with natural light. I love the play of light and shadow on the body and frequently include some "bodyscape" shots in every shoot. I also enjoy the use of masks and other props during a shoot. So my shoots generally end up being some of this and some of that rather than being confined to one predetermined concept. I shoot both fine art and erotic so whatever the model is comfortable from mild to wild is fine with me. As a matter of fact not all of my shoots involve nudity at all. I'm perfectly happy doing clothed/costumed shoots as well. And, lastly I do not limit myself to models of any particular age range or body type. It's all good so long as the model is of legal age, has proper identification and signs a model release.'
