"I Gave you power"
-NaS
On Nas' sophomore album, It Was Written, he had a song by the title of "I Gave You Power." In this song he took you on a journey through the life of a gun. Nas had the genius idea of presenting every word spoken as the gun itself. I found it to be some of the greatest ways of expressing another look at his environment and those in it. He described the gun, what its gone through, how it had been handled, who had handled the gun, and the look on those faces the gun had come across in their last moments.
Fast forward to my time as a photographer, I found myself attempting the same thing through objects in photographs that a client may have brought to their session. I've also done it with items I've brought along because I felt it gave the viewer another part of the story I was trying to convey. I still do this from time to time in hopes that the viewer can connect with one single thing in an image. My most recent session was definitely filled with this.
I had the opportunity to capture Toni, a rope artist in San Diego, and founder of The Rope Collective. I've shot her before in the summer of 2020, a weird time for everyone, and then a handful of times thereafter. I had the honor to capture her while she worked her magic with her rope and those she tied. I had only seen images of this art online, but getting to witness it first hand was such a great experience. Toni's gentle touch and confidence made every session that I was a part of, one of the most raw and gentle moments I've witnessed as a photographer. I got to see the connection before, during, and after the rope sessions and how those folks she tied had every ounce of trust in her. Of course they would. How could they not? This is Toni. The most gentle, honest, and safe person I've met in my time here in San Diego. Safety has been something I value and when I can feel safe with people, I allow myself to open up completely. Toni brings safety to the table, amongst other great attributes. But safety is also a first priority in all she does when it comes to her artistry with rope. This is also why we decided to incorporate all the rope I could find throughout her studio and have her move around it as if she were one with the rope. She, in my opinion, gives life to the rope and the rope returns the favor right back. If you ever get to meet her and have the honor of being tied by her, I know that it will be an experience you'll never forget.
For her photo session, we shot at The Rope Collective studio, where all the magic happens. I remember when the place was a mere idea in Toni's head. I've seen her go through it, doing the most to make that idea, that vision, that dream, come to life. Getting to see it bloom from the first day she opened the studio, to the newest additions to it, have been so energizing for me. I'm sure that those people that visit her studio have felt the same energy. She has kept a light lit under me, even though she may not know it, through her actions and bringing her dream to reality.
I can go on and on about how great Toni is and what she has done for the kink community, but I'd prefer to keep some things to myself, in hopes that these images and words inspire you to reach out to her and follow her journey. Enjoy!
-Frank
Follow the links for more info:
https://www.theropecollective.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theropecollective/
