models vs. girlfriends - happy ending

Hello to everyone on the Open forum - I just wanted to complete the "cycle" that got started on the original thread a few years back.

To make a long and almost very unhappy story short, last year I met the lovely lady of my dreams, asked her to marry me and she thankfully said yes. Of course, I remembered all the advice people here gave me and showed her all my pictures, including the model shots, before popping the question. To my surprise she said shooting models from time to time is fine with her, as long as there was no hanky-panky going on. My original response was "Great, now I can continue shooting ladies like I did before."

But honestly, now I just don't feel that need, like I did before. Its like something in me just sighed and said "Well, maybe its time to just look, not necessarily shoot." (I know, I know, what happened?)

Luckily my wife not only makes a darned good model herself, but also enjoys very much going shooting with me. (she has her own D70s) She's a designer by trade and has lots of great ideas about how to shoot a scene - most of the good shots in this gallery were thanks to advice she gave me. http://www.pbase.com/fujioriginals/china2006

She's just a great partner and I find myself really thinking twice about shooting any ladies now. Of course, every once in a while you see a gorgeous face that you know would be so much fun to shoot. But I also want to respect our relationship and remember the advice "You'll never make any points working with the competition." Looks like I'll probably restrict things to 1 or 2 carefully explained shoots a year, and of course, ask for her help with them. I don't want to give up doing something I really enjoy, but with a partner this special, I don't want her to feel "He thinks models are beautiful, but I'm just the boring wife". Its also exciting to think of working with her as my model - I already have lots of ideas I'd like to try.

So, I guess I'm just very very lucky. And I am looking forward very very much to married life with her.

Last, it would also be great to hear from all the others who contributed in the first thread. I wonder how they are alll getting along now.
Oh, and a few pictures. (We got married in her home town of Xian, China)
http://www.pbase.com/image/70917955

and some from a studio in Shanghai (they got a little carried away with the retouching)
http://www.pbase.com/fujioriginals/image/74331832
http://www.pbase.com/fujioriginals/image/74331834
http://www.pbase.com/fujioriginals/image/74331831
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Just another happy 5D user

You say you no longer feel a strong need to do model shoots now that you're married.

It's understandable. When you were single, a model shoot was a great way to meet lovely young women.

Great wedding pictures of a beautiful couple. If those smiles are an indication, you're in for a very happy life together.

Congratulations

Congradulations on finding your life partner......

I recently turned down an "artistic nude" shoot of a very lovely lady....and I feel the same way you do.......

What if your model shooting took off like hotcakes....a little stressfull I'd say...I was thinking the same with the nude shoot......

Very beautiful lady Jeff. I'm sure you two will be very happy. It never hurts to want to please your wife. And if you don't have to try, thats even better.
Kind Regards
Ed

PS. Is the suit your wearing on the last image from China?

This probably sounds weird but especially with the Japanese ladies who have been kind enough to pose, I have not had any romantic interest in them. Its purely her as a model, and how beautiful she would look in a shot with the right angle and lighting. To me she is "art", not someone I'm scheming on. And in the rare case that I DO have an interest in a lovely lady, the shots are ho-hum at best. (not that any of my others rise above that level anyway )) I just can't seem to see the interesting angles or light. And if anyone has found a good way to explain this point believeably to one's girlfriend, please let me know how ;(((

I heard from someone once that portrait artists have that problem too - if they know the "face", they can't do as good a job. Its best to see, draw, and then afterwards talk and become friends. The photogs I really admire are those who can be charming and friendly enough to get the model to relax, but not lose that important objectivity.

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Just another happy 5D user

Yes, I believe we have a lot to look forward to. Very unexpected and very very appreciated.
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Just another happy 5D user

Right, I'm used to working very hard to please my partner, but this time the feelings are so mutual that it seems to open up a whole new world.

But arrrgh, I have always wanted to do an artistic nude shoot! I've seen some really good galleries online and they really inspire me. But yes, when you think a few steps down the road I can see why turning it down was a good idea. (Wish I was so lucky as to have that dilemma!)

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Just another happy 5D user

This is the one I'm talking about: http://www.pbase.com/image/70917955

Congratulations on a happy marriage. When a marriage is good it is great! My wife and I recently hit on 25 years; it has all been a blast.

Regards,

Joe Kurkjian, Pbase Supporter

http://www.pbase.com/jkurkjia



SEARCHING FOR A BETTER SELF PORTRAIT

your photo in the chinese costume reminds me of of Dashan.

congratulations, you two have a strong fuqi xiang.

I feel like I've been climbing a mountain and finally reached the top - yes, that's the way it should be! A fun-filled blast! Not an evaluation where you're trying to get the most for your money. My feeling about photography too!
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Just another happy 5D user

I really liked that costume (and I was also very lucky that the dragon has five claws!) I had no idea that I would be asked to wear it, but as soon as I put it on I loved it. For some reason China has been incredibly good to me and given me a wonderful, beautiful partner - I hope my pictures can in some way repay that kindness by showing some of China's great beauty to the world.
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Just another happy 5D user

Yes, we married in her home town of Xian China (the ancient capital - a wonderful city). The wedding picture in the red costumes is the traditional style used in a Chinese wedding. You can see pictures of Xian in the first pages of the china2006 gallery. I recommend everyone get married in China at least once!
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Just another happy 5D user