In the ever-evolving world of photography, some artists manage to capture the essence of life through their lenses, bringing unique perspectives and emotions to the forefront. João de Castro is a visionary photographer whose work transcends the ordinary, inviting viewers to explore the world through his eyes. His nude photography stands out for its boldness and sensitivity, portraying the female form with an exquisite blend of intimacy and strength.
In João’s images, we see women in highly intimate moments, naked and alone but seemingly oblivious to anyone’s gaze. They are stark not only for their high contrast black and white and dramatic lighting but for the obvious free abandon they depict.
Let’s Give Them Something To Talk About transcends mere sexuality, capturing moments where power seamlessly shifts from photographer to subject, epitomising liberation and authenticity.
It is the unique relationship that João cultivates with his subjects that produces these deeply personal and affecting images.
In the words of the artist: “I want to say ‘You are beautiful in this situation, you are not ridiculous’. That’s a function of my work, I think, that I can do that for people.
“Sometimes I have fully formed ideas in the night and I write them down. Or I have something that sits in the back of my mind for a while. But the magic happens in the studio with the model. I stretch to wherever they want to go. A lot of models I work with tell me how they’ve been able to work through things affecting their life by us working together.
"It's a delicate balance of trust and respect. Some of my models are professionals, some are strangers I meet, some are friends, some are people who approach me. I’ve photographed the women I’ve been married to if that’s what they’ve wanted. But there is always a professional contract in place. Gaining trust so people feel comfortable in front of a camera involves using eye contact, acting confidently and showing you’re interested. It sounds easy but it only works if you are genuine. Once your subject realises you are not there to judge them, they open up to an energy between you, and you can achieve deeper meaning together during the session. You can produce something very honest but it can wake up fears and monsters, so it has to be a partnership.
“I know my work can be hard for some people to like. And some people will just see bodies. But for those who take the time to understand it, it moves something in them. It’s true that understanding the context of the work can make the difference between interpreting the images as empowering rather than objectifying. The images are edgy, but they never take advantage. They don’t carry any baggage.”
The results portray women in their rawest moments, exploring their true identities, and unleashing pent-up emotions that can only be released in a space where judgement does not exist.
🎥 Lights, Camera, Action 🎬: Behind The Scenes: What Models Say | Catarina | Ana | Vitória
Want to learn more about João de Castro?
Artist Interview, JaamZIN Creative, July 2024
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