Photographer Nobuyoshi Araki

A photo blog without photographs is not very interesting. The reason I have not been posting lately is because I am not doing photography while in Hawaii due to lack of good models and lack of inspiration.

In this post I will review a DVD titled Arakimentari

Nobuyoshi Araki is Japan’s most controversial and celebrated plus the world’s most prolific photographer having published over 350 photography books. He also occasionally fondles his models’ breasts and rearranges their pubic hairs himself
during his photo shoots.

I love this guy because he is from a different culture and it is a breath of fresh air to watch and listen to him. He is direct and honest when it comes to his photography or his stories.
The way he conducts himself during his photo shoots would be unacceptable in the puritanical USA possibly causing him lawsuits filed by models. The documentary filmmaker of Arakimentari, Travis Klose does a decent job of following Araki for a whole month giving us a glimpse of the creative processes and personal life of this highly controversial photographer.
What is missing is the voices of opposition to his style of photography.

The documentary does not shed light on the struggles which pave the path of every artist. The subject of the death of Akari’s wife and their life together gives the DVD an added personal touch. Their relationship is illustrated with touching photos.
Akari is not only funny, he is also funny looking. Arakimentari showcases numerous photos but for my taste those photos change too fast on the screen while the viewer is trying to read the subtitles (pause button). There is one part which really stayed with me was during a casual conversation between the filmmaker and Araki which can be seen in the bonus materials section.

When Araki is asked by the director if he has any advice for artists who are just starting he said if you have talent you don’t need advice … if you need advice ask your mother! What an awesome guy and excellent answer!!!
Arakimentari is a must see DVD for anyone interested in creative female model photography unless offended by nudity. It is a rare chance to get to know a truly unique, talented photographer.