Trevor Christensen Strips Down Behind the Lens
Upon first glance, there appears to be no nudity in Trevor Christensen's series of so-called "nude" portraits. However, judging by the subjects' expressions -- ranging between amusement, bewilderment and discomfort -- it's very obvious that someone in the room is not wearing any pants, and that person is Christensen himself.
This is not merely a tactic to coax hilarious facial expressions from his subjects, however. Actually, Christensen is attempting to leverage the inequality between the photographer and subject, a relationship he deems to be rooted in a structural power imbalance. He admits, "Despite my best efforts, subjects often feel a sense of vulnerability during the process."
In order to combat this, Christensen puts himself in an even more vulnerable position than the subject by shedding his clothes.
This is not merely a tactic to coax hilarious facial expressions from his subjects, however. Actually, Christensen is attempting to leverage the inequality between the photographer and subject, a relationship he deems to be rooted in a structural power imbalance. He admits, "Despite my best efforts, subjects often feel a sense of vulnerability during the process."
In order to combat this, Christensen puts himself in an even more vulnerable position than the subject by shedding his clothes.
