A Journey into the Art of Sensual Shibari

Creativity & Inspiration

Sensual Shibari – the art of Japanese bondage seen through the creative eye of intimate portrait photography.

I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Josh Guthrie, a skilled shibari rope artist from Texas, on creating a new perspective of exploring the sensual art of shibari. Together, with a select few clients, we spent two profound days exploring the concepts of trust, intimacy, sensuality, and surrender through the medium of intimate portraiture. Our instant collaborative connection set the stage for the freedom to explore unique styling concepts and a loft-like set design in my Easton, Maryland studio. The experience, deeply moving and transformative, unfolded with three incredible women—Joyce, Danah, and Michelle—each resonating with the ethereal energy of Shibari.

black and white photo of woman in fishnet body suit and sensual shibari ropes tied around torso

Beyond the Ropes | A Spin on Sensual Shibari

In exploring the rich history of Shibari, we sought to redefine its narrative. Moving beyond the mainstream view that often associates it with pain and BDSM. Embracing a more sensual and artistic perspective, we dove into the beauty of the art form. Celebrating its intricate ties as expressions of vulnerability, trust, and creative exploration.

a woman posing half on the floor and bed with sensual shibari robes tied around waist
a woman standing by a bed holding one end of the rope tied around torso

Tailoring Artistic Vision and Style For Each Sensual Shibari Session

Our journey began on a Wednesday with Joyce’s session, continued with Danah in the afternoon, and concluded with Michelle on Thursday morning. Before each session, Josh engaged with the women, sharing insights into the history of shibari, the art form, and ensuring a clear understanding of safety measures. Collaboratively, we customized each session, working closely with the women to weave their personal style and vision into the artistic tapestry of their shoots.

sensual shibari session of a rope tied around a womans neck and ponytail
shibari artist tying a pink rope around a woman's torso
a woman in a fish net body suit with ropes tied around her torso during a sensual shibari session

The Client Experience

The sessions extended beyond the art of sensual shibari; they were immersive experiences where learning and shooting harmoniously merged. Each session, lasting around two hours, provided a space for an hour of learning, exploration, and ties. Followed by an hour of capturing the raw beauty of the shibari-infused moments. The women, aligned on the same wavelength, bravely embraced a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, leaving the studio transformed by the profound connection between artist, model, and the ancient art form.

shibari artist tying a rope around a woman's whole torso and arms
black and white of a woman in fishnets holding the rope above her head that's tied around her body
a woman at a sensual shibari session sitting in the shadows with light playing across her

Words From Josh 

“Incredible photographer. I’m a Shibari artist and Emily captured my ties with incredible depth and dimension. Easy to work with, collaborative, and great energy.”

black and white of a woman tied up on a bed with a fierce look on her face
black and white of a woman sitting with her hands tied during a sensual shibari session

Looking Ahead | More Specialty Sessions in 2024

As we embrace the unique perspective of sensual shibari within my artistic style, I invite all levels of interest in this enchanting art form. Whether you’re a newcomer, a curious explorer, or a practitioner of shibari in your own life, the studio doors are open to you. It’s a captivating journey of creative exploration, vulnerability, and celebration of the human form. Stay tuned for my next specialty session in February 2024, where art and soul will converge in another dance of beauty and empowerment.

If my artistic view and style speak to your soul, inquire to book a session on my website. Whether it’s boudoir or motherhood it will be a transformative experience you will always remember. 

a woman being tied by a sensual shibari artist
a woman being tied by a sensual shibari artist
black and white of a woman laying on the floor with shibari ropes around her torso
bright pink ropes tied around a woman's neck and torso during a sensual shibari session
a woman's back with bright pink shibari ropes tied around her
an artistic view of a woman with pink ropes tied around her torso
black and white of a woman laying on the floor and bed with ropes tied around her
a woman's behind tied in ropes while laying on a bed
a sensual shibari session where the woman is sitting on the floor tied in ropes
delicate ties in a rope covering a womans torso during a sensual shibari session
a woman with shibari ropes tied around her back
shibari artist tying a rope onto a woman
shibari artist tying knots onto a woman
the back side of a woman leaning against a wall with ropes tied around her waist and torso
a woman sitting in a chair with ropes tied around her
a woman on her knees kneeling onto a bed with ropes tied around her hands
a woman laying half on a bed and floor during a sensual shibari session
a woman propped on a bed with ropes beautifully tied around her torso
a woman laying on her back with her arms above her head tied up during a sensual shibari session
a woman on her side with ropes tied around her waist
a close up of sensual shibari ropes tied around a woman
a woman tied up laying on the floor with her arms above her head
a woman with ropes tied around her wrists and neck looking at the camera
a woman half on the bed and floor with her neck and wrists tied in sensual shibari ropes
a shibari artist tying ropes on a woman's neck
black and white of a woman with ropes tied around her neck and ponytail
a woman with ropes tied around her neck and ponytail
a shibari artist tying ropes around a woman's waist
a shibari artist tying ropes around a woman's waist
a woman in a fishnet bodysuit laying on a couch with shibari ropes tied around her whole torso
a woman in a fishnet bodysuit laying on a couch with shibari ropes tied around her whole torso
a woman in a fishnet bodysuit sitting on a couch with sensual shibari ropes tied around her whole torso
a woman in a fishnet bodysuit laying on a bed with shibari ropes tied around her whole torso
a woman standing next to art holding the ropes in front of her face that are tied around her body
a woman standing next to art with sensual shibari ropes around her
shibari artist tying ropes to a woman in a sheer dress
woman in a sheer dress with her arms and back tied up
a woman sitting on a bed in a sheer dress with her arms and back tied up
a woman sitting on her knees in a sheer dress with her arms and back tied up
black and white of a woman in a sheer dress with black intimates underneath standing in the shadows with light streaking on her body
a woman holding her sheer dress while her arms are tied around her torso
a woman tied up, sitting in the shadows with light streaking onto her body
a woman sitting in the shadows with light streaking onto her body during a sensual shibari session

Vendors

Shibrari Artist, OA Shibari: @oa_shibari

OA Shibari Website: https://www.oashibari.com/

Photographer + Creative Director: @_emilyzoe

December 7, 2023

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I left a career in tech to be immersed into this world of photographing women. I love connecting and talking about this stuff. Even if you're unsure, reach out! I may not be the right person for you, or I may be exactly what you need...

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@_emilyzoe

emily zoe

intimate photographer