Clear Nude: The Lens + the Nude, Issue IV, Summer 2015 ClearNude: The Lens + the Nude, Issue IV, Summer | Page 13

Orgasm Photographs
and Interviews

by Helene Williams
& Allicette Torres

M

asturbation as an erotic subject had

pher Marion Schneider entitled Orgasm: in-

been a magnet for interest and fas-

volving women of different ages, nationalities,

cination for centuries. The photog-

cultural and sexual backgrounds.

rapher Linda Troeller has tackled the

subject visually in her book, “Orgasm Photographs

I was touched by Linda’s sensitive way of

and Interviews.” In her project she interviewed women

working with these women, accomplished in

of different ages, nationalities, cultures, and sexualities

the approach that she used to gain their trust

from straight, bi- to lesbians and pan-sexuals, as well

and confidence before being photographed:

as sex workers; their ages ranging from 18 to 88. She

for example, she used the experience of

created a visual dialogue about this maligned subject.

shopping with Maria as a fait accompli before the photographic shoot. I believe it is this

Exploring Linda’s work, art psychotherapist Helene

down-to-earth approach that set the scene

Williams, discusses below the project further by se-

for Maria to pose in such an empowering and