Rod (he/him) 2024
This was my third photo shoot with Anastasia over a five year span. We spent the ride over to a unique outdoor space near the Pacific coast that is very special and magical for Anastasia. After a short hike uphill and through some trees there was a clearing with a pond, hills and a grazing site for cows. From here I was able to roam through the hills and trees completely nude and free while Anastasia was able to document the afternoon with her camera. It was wonderful to be in the sun scrambling up a hill nude. Lots of opportunities to go through the trees and be in the field with the cows. I had the opportunity to lie out on the ground surrounded by nature communing with nature and the earth. We had amazing engaging conversation completely connecting with the environment. It felt great to be out in the sun with the cool air. The next time when we return we are going to take photos in and around the pond to commune with the water and mud. Anastasia is an amazing photographer with an eye and an ability to strip away layers, both physical and mental.
Rod (he/him) 2023
I first met Anastasia over three years ago after I had admired her work and had a chance to meet her and be photographed by her. We had a chance to talk over wine and cheese over a wide range of topics. I appreciated the honesty of her photographs of untouched nudes revealing themselves. I knew that I wanted to be part of this work and reveal myself through her camera. I have been a physician and executive for many decades but wanted to remove all the layers and expose myself with all my flaws. I was at ease immediately and over the hours loved the conversation and freedom of being photographed nude.
After the session we kept in contact and followed each others lives over the last three years. I fought through the Covid pandemic leading our health system and its doctors and nurses. Through the exhaustion and fear associated with the pandemic we had to figure out how to care for patients and their families. Anastasia was a support to me throughout this time. Meanwhile she was also on her life journey from a farm to a journey through Alaska. I knew eventually we would get back together again.
I was able to get to Oakland to get back together earlier this year to catch up and continue the conversation in person. Both of us compared notes on the last few years. Her project has expanded with diversity and with follow up sessions like the one we were ready to have. It felt wonderful to be back together and in a setting that was relaxing. It felt so comfortable be nude and having great conversation. When I saw the photos they reflected a true reflection of myself.
Rod (he/him) 2019
As we go through life we put on our armor and defend ourselves against all the challenges, disappointments, and trauma that is part of all of us. Life is also punctuated by successes, joy, and happiness that helps us find our balance. Our ability to develop resilience and recover is crucial but often is easier to say than to achieve.
As a physician we face our own success and demons but our society almost requires that we keep our emotions hidden. The burnout rate and suicide is very prominent in the healthcare community but particularly among physicians. The Covid 19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated this situation and the concern is how long will this last. We now have to put on more armor to care for our patients and making it harder to have the human touch. Often we have to be the only people supporting patients at the end of their lives when even their family cannot be present. Science is trying to counter politics to make the right decisions and are the voice for racial inequities in healthcare.
About a year ago I met an amazing artist who has been creating written and photographic interpretations that allow individuals to literally strip away their armor and reveal some of their inner soul. I happened upon Nothing But Light and knew that I had to meet the creator of this project. When we met, we started a dialogue that dug in deeply into issues that have effected both of us in different ways. She often thinks I deflect but I have reflected deeply on many of our subjects. I felt comfortable being photographed nude by Anastasia as we continued our discussion in front of her camera. During our session we spent time inside and outside drinking coffee and snacking. I felt completely comfortable nude with her working her magic with her camera.
Our dialogue has continued and her project has continued to blossom with diversity and depth of souls revealing themselves. This is such important work that shows us who we are and how important it is to strip away all the superficial layers. Anastasia has an amazing way of having people reveal themselves while they shed their clothes and their inhibitions. She has done this for me and hopefully more individuals to come.