This shibari session portrays Kuje bound to a hashira.
Kuje is a shibari model with all kinds of experiences. She has tried her hand at traditional shibari sessions and also, for example, at performances with artists who love innovation. In this hashira binding we see her challenged by a series of very tight ropes pressing her against the vertical wooden pillar, called hashira. In other words, shibari begins with an extremely constricting introduction and continues in a gently erotic manner.
The position exposes a glimpse of the panties, grazed finally by the foot of the rigger. During this shibari session, the perfect shape of Kuje’s breasts is enhanced by the tight ropes around her chest. In addition, the bright hue of the nipple stands out against the very pale skin. The binding is very intense, and we can appreciate its effects in Kuje’s gaze, at times lost in the void, at others absorbed and submissive, or intense and winking. We can capture all these transformations experienced during the shibari session through the story that is told by the development of the images.
Shibari session photography
To make these shibari photographs, we used soft light modeled with softboxes of different shapes depending on the model’s pose. For example, we used strip for vertical figures, parabolic for more closed shapes. To achieve the low key effect, and given the rather frontal position of the light, we kept the light source as close to the model as possible. In this way we take advantage of the law of the inverse of the square of the distance to keep the background dark. Two additional lights placed behind the subject detach it well from the background, also enhancing the beauty of the blond hair, bordering on platinum.
Kuje’s trip
The photo shibari session lasted about two hours, and took place during Kuje’s trip to Milan in April 2023. Kuje left Finland and stayed in Milan a few days, appreciating the city’s artistic attractions and Italian food. During these few days she was tied up several times, and was finally portrayed in the photographs on this page.