Text by Brian Hunt, Owner Ethimo Foto, Copyright 2025
.
A Classic Session With Lumen Foxx
.
My subject for this particular shoot is Lumen Foxx. She is a classically trained dancer who I chose for her ability to hold poses requiring strength and balance. The ceiling height and exposed beam at Tony Ward Studio allowed me to hang a heavy mooring rope for Lumen to create poses with. During lighting changes Lumen would study the portraiture on the studio walls, which also serves as a gallery space. Sometimes the photographs provoked her to ask questions about the work on display, which honestly enhanced our working rapport more than I expected.
Photo: Ethimo Foto, Copyright 2025
TWS is like visiting a gallery or a museum, the environment promotes a discussion of ideas, and the sharing of lifes stories. Quickly we found ourselves in a steady flow of poses as if we were trying to outdo the subjects who were depicted on the walls. Near the end of our time TW peeked in to check on us, and answered questions about several of the key pieces in the studio on exhibit. After hearing the backstories on a few of the pieces, Lumen and I rallied for one last set of poses that turned out to be some of the strongest material of the day. I can’t help but think that the vibes emanating from Tony Ward Studio and the and the visit from Tony himself attributed to a grand finale.
When she first volunteered to model nude for my Photography and Fashion Class, I knew it would challenge not just her sense of vulnerability but also the dynamics of trust and professionalism between myself, my peers, and my students. Seated in the center of the studio, illuminated by carefully angled lights, she learned that trust is not an abstract concept in such intimate settings—it is the foundation of everything.
As a seasoned photographer and instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, I began the project lectures with an earnest discussion about boundaries, respect, and the ethical responsibilities of capturing the human form. My words were reassuring, but the real test came when I stepped onto the set with my student. There is a rawness to standing unclothed in front of a camera, yet my demeanor and guidance made it clear that she was not merely a subject—she was a collaborator in the creation of Art.
From the outset, I emphasized precision: how a slight change in pose could transform a composition, how lighting softened the sharpness of vulnerability, and how every shadow told its own story. But the most important element, I explained, was the critical trust between artist and model. Each instruction that I gave was measured, devoid of intrusion or presumption. My professionalism reminded the student that this was not about exposure but about free expression.
One moment in particular during the instruction stood out. As I adjusted the angle of a spotlight, I paused and asked, “Are you comfortable?” It was a simple question, but it conveyed so much more: an acknowledgment of my autonomy and a reminder that this was her space as much as mine to photograph. That question made all the difference.
Throughout the session, I became acutely aware of how trust shapes the creative process. Posing nude is not about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about the willingness to be seen fully and the courage to believe that those seeing you—whether peers, an instructor, or an audience—will treat your vulnerability with care.
In retrospect, the experience transcended the act of modeling. It became a lesson in collaboration, communication, and the delicate art of honoring another person’s humanity. As much as this project taught my students about the interplay of lighting, setting, and pose, it taught me far more about the power of trust.
She walks with fire in every step,
A smoldering ember you can’t forget.
A cascade of hair, dark as night,
Tangled in shadows, chasing light.
Her latex clings like a lover’s touch,
Gleaming curves that promise much.
The shine, the sleek, the way it grips,
Hints of danger on her lips.
The room becomes her, a stage, a game—
She moves like smoke, untamed, unclaimed.
A whisper of power, a hint of tease,
She commands the space, brings you to your knees.
Her beauty, wild, it isn’t soft,
Her presence commands, held aloft.
Eyes like fire, deep, untamed,
In her gaze, you’ll be unnamed.
Her laughter—low, a wicked thrill,
Echoes in the air, bending will.
With each step, with each glance,
You’ll feel the pull, a wicked dance.
You wonder if she sees through you,
Knows the beast she can undo.
A primal call beneath the skin,
She stirs the fire, invites you in.
In latex tight and shadows deep,
She stirs the beast you cannot keep.
The hunger grows, it claws, it rages,
As she steps through, a queen of cages.
But know this truth, you are not free—
For you’ve unleashed the beast in me.
Slater. For The Vixen’s Series. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024
Ink and Allure: Why Tattoos Are Sexually Appealing
.
Tattoos have transitioned from taboo to trendy, capturing the fascination and admiration of many. While personal expression and artistry are often cited as reasons for getting inked, there’s an intriguing psychological aspect to why tattoos are sexually appealing. Let’s delve into the allure of body art and what makes it a captivating element of attraction.
A Mark of Individuality and Confidence
Tattoos are a bold statement of individuality. They allow people to showcase their personality, experiences, and values in a unique way. This strong sense of self-expression is inherently attractive. Confidence is often seen as sexy, and tattoos can enhance this by displaying a person’s self-assuredness and willingness to stand out.
The Element of Mystery
There’s an inherent mystique associated with tattoos. Each design has a story, a hidden meaning, or a personal significance. This layer of mystery can be incredibly enticing, sparking curiosity and a desire to uncover the story behind the ink. The act of revealing these stories can create a deeper, more intimate connection between individuals.
Sign of Rebellion and Strength
Historically, tattoos were often associated with rebellion and counterculture. Even today, they carry a hint of defiance against conventional norms. This rebellious edge can be sexually appealing as it suggests a person who is daring, adventurous, and unafraid to take risks. Additionally, enduring the pain of getting a tattoo is seen as a sign of physical and mental strength, traits that are universally admired and desired.
Aesthetic Enhancement
From a purely visual standpoint, tattoos can enhance the body’s aesthetic appeal. A well-placed tattoo can accentuate muscle contours, add a splash of color to the skin, or draw attention to particular areas of the body. Artistic tattoos are often seen as wearable art, making the body itself a canvas of beauty and creativity.
Cultural and Tribal Connections
Tattoos have deep roots in various cultures, often symbolizing rites of passage, status, or belonging to a group. This cultural richness can add an exotic appeal. Tribal tattoos, for instance, can evoke a primal connection, linking back to ancient rituals and practices that are intrinsically linked to human sexuality and identity.
Conversation Starters
Tattoos can be great conversation starters, breaking the ice and providing an easy way to connect with others. Asking about the story behind someone’s tattoo can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations, paving the way for emotional and physical intimacy.
Symbol of Passion and Creativity
People with tattoos are often perceived as passionate and creative individuals. The dedication to choosing a design, the commitment to the process, and the artistic expression involved are all indicative of a person who values creativity and passion. These qualities are highly attractive as they suggest a depth of character and a vibrant personality.
In conclusion, tattoos are sexually appealing for a multitude of reasons, ranging from the confidence and individuality they exude to the mysterious and rebellious undertones they carry. They enhance physical aesthetics, foster deeper connections, and symbolize a blend of passion and creativity. Whether you have tattoos or admire them from afar, there’s no denying the magnetic allure they possess in the realm of attraction.
Finding myself naked on the roof of a gentleman’s club in Athens, Greece, was certainly not how I envisioned spending the summer of ’96.
The journey to Athens started while I was working the feature circuit in Canada. I had heard from fellow dancers that one could make substantial money in places like Japan, Macau, or Greece without compromising one’s personal boundaries. Tempted by tales of earnings over $30,000 a month plus tips, and enticed by stories of dancers returning with piles of cash and the latest gadgets, a few girlfriends and I auditioned through our agency in the plush executive suites of Vancouver hotels for a three-month stint abroad.
When an opportunity arose to meet a talent scout for a Japanese club, my friend Misty—who was absolutely stunning with her petite frame, long blonde hair, and natural beauty—and I attended the audition. While she was immediately selected, I faced a request from the scout to undress to my comfort level, which did not include removing my panties. Ultimately, I wasn’t picked for Japan, which was disappointing as Misty was the first real friend I had made in Canada. She had an impressive work ethic and aimed to own a franchise of the Original Pancake House, a place she adored. Misty was the one who introduced me to Dutch Baby pancakes, which remain my favorite to this day.
Instead, I landed a three-month gig at a club in Athens, accompanied by Georgia Peach, a colorful character with a tough exterior whose estranged husband was part of a famous motorcycle gang. Georgia was fiercely independent, the first wife in her husband’s chapter to get her own Harley Davidson—a rare feat at the time. She advised against getting too involved with the bikers, a tip I took seriously given her insights and my own prior knowledge of the organization.
Our trip included a 10-hour layover in London, where Georgia and I explored the city on a double-decker bus, taking in sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, and sampling some classic fish and chips before continuing on to Greece. Upon arrival, we learned we’d be staying in a small guest house behind a large residence less convenient than a hotel, it required expensive taxi rides to the club and adherence to a strict curfew. One morning, returning late, we narrowly escaped an encounter with the estate’s guard dogs, thanks to the separating distance of a large swimming pool.
Rehearsals filled our weekdays. While some dancers easily picked up the routines due to their experience, others like myself found it challenging, especially since I wasn’t skilled in pole dancing, making group choreography mandatory. The club was often quiet—a result, we later learned, of the owners not paying off the local mob, which explained the sparse clientele. Despite efforts, the earnings were far below expectations. The regulars knew of the club’s tip policy and discreetly passed us cash folded into small squares, which I learned to stash in my knee-high boots—a wardrobe choice that soon became a daily necessity.
We had a diverse group of dancers from Canada, America, and Eastern Europe, who all bonded well. My heart went out to those who couldn’t leave or chose to stay because even a little money was better than none. Most of the girls sent money back to their families. During my stay, two sisters introduced me to a charming man named Dragon—indeed, his real name.
Increasingly wary, we were often pressured to hand over our passports for “safekeeping.” I knew better than to relinquish mine. One night, just after a performance and while clad only in my boots, we were tipped off about an impending police raid. In a frenzy, we were led along a hidden path that took us up to the roof where we hid for hours, shivering and fearing arrest for working illegally.
Lying there under the stars, naked and cold, I resolved to find a way out of Athens. Little did I know that escaping to surprise my boyfriend, Dragon, in Yugoslavia would be my way out. It turned out that while club security was searching for me at the airport expecting me to return to Canada, I was at another, heading to a completely different destination. This move effectively marked my escape from the club and its questionable practices, and unknowingly, set me on a path to a new chapter in my life.
.
Portrait of Alex Foxe by Tony Ward, Copyright 1996
