Shibari and Photography

I thought Shibari was just about sex. You know, one ties the other and then both have a blast, and that’s it. That’s why when the friend of a friend asked me to model for some Shibari photographs, I thought he was just trying to hit on me. Shibari and photography was a combination that didn’t make sense to me. I was wrong.

The Scene

When I arrived at his studio, I saw everything prepared for a photo, a professional photo shoot. He greeted me not as a friend, but as someone you’re going to work with, someone you respect. And then, he introduced me to this Shibari “master” (I had never heard anyone being called a master). And he didn’t seem like a freak. On the contrary, he seemed to be very serious about his art. He explained to me what he was about to do, all in great detail. Moreover, he devoted half an hour to show me how all possible safety measures had been taken to prevent all kinds of risks. Finally, he told me about the emotional experience we were about to have. 

Only then, after giving me all this background information, he asked for my consent. I read the pages twice. There was nothing sexual in it, even though I was going to be partially nude. I went to a dressing room, and then a girl applied some makeup on me. 

I thought I would be nervous as hell. However, it was a very calming experience, actually. These were professional people whom I could trust. We were doing a job. And not just any job, we were doing art.

When I was totally tied up, it was time for the photographs. It didn’t last long. Once we were finished, the master didn’t just untie me. He talked to me. He thanked me for my contribution, and when I replied that I had just been there, you know, like some sort of bulk, he got very serious and he explained to me all the things I had brought to the scene.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience. And the best part of it is that I made some good money. Shibari and photography is a good combination, after all.

This is my Shibari story.