Jessica and I have worked together several times now, and each time I have learned something new. The first, a better understanding of my work and process through the eyes of another, then an exploration of photographic style, and most recently a chance to be more relaxed with my tying and try out some techniques I gleaned from sources documenting a traditional Japanese martial art’s style of binding with rope.

When I do photographic work with people multiple times, it becomes easier and more natural to get into a flow state together, as we have already built rapport and learned how to work with each other. You may find it hard to believe, but even I have some feeling of nervousness when practicing shibari with someone new. I’m an introvert and I tie more reservedly with someone new, so its always a joy to work with someone who I already “know.” In this case, it was easy to dive in and just focus on tying.

I had the idea for a somewhat minimalist approach compared to what I did earlier in the year, and that took shape in the form of a polygon-back tie (this was inspired by a historical method), and a decorative pentagram harness. Aesthetically, my work tends to reflect my current mood, lighter or darker. It has been dark times lately, and I look forward to that pendulum swinging back.

If you need some respite, I’d like to invite you to join me in the Garden with Jessica.

I’m planning a trip to Boston and New York later this year, please reach out if you are curious about booking a session or want to try to get a coffee while I’m in town.

Thank you for reading, to see the full session please visit my journal:

https://shanefkingphoto.com/blog/2022/7/20/minimalist-shibari-session-in-black-and-white-with-jessica

Hi, I’m Shane F King.

Yup, that’s my real name.

I’m a photographer, and I like making people look cool by creating intimate artwork that you can get lost in.

My favorite thing about the work I do is helping a client see herself in a totally different way, and feel confident in front of the camera even if its their first time doing any kind of shoot.

I also do shibari, which is Japanese style rope bondage. It started as a way to bind prisoners, then become a scandalous erotic art form, and recently evolved into a practice for intimacy and emotional connection. Personally, I love it as an experiential performance art for two, how it accentuates the human form, and how it has taught me to be better at communicating verbally and reading other people. In my photography it symbolizes a loving embrace, in a way that is freeing rather than constricting. I incorporate flowers into my shibari sessions as a representation of the joy of loving touch, as well as the fleeting nature of time.

I tag my work #shanefking , feel free to share my work and try to keep it easy for others to find me if they like it too.

Reach out if you are curious about what a session of your own might be like.

You can see more work on my blog and website, and I’m on most social media as @shanefking