A series of photos have been in the news lately and have sparked quite a huge controversy.

I do not want to minimize any of the underlying issues surrounding these photographs.  I would however, like to draw attention to our reactions to some great fashion photos featuring a young model. Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau is the 10 year old model and daughter of 2 celebrity parents. She has been modeling for a few years, but her recent spread in Italian Vogue has drawn some negative attention.

Below are some of the photos as they appeared in Italian Vogue. I invite you all to draw your own conclusions. I personally don’t understand how a television show like “Toddlers in Tiaras” doesn’t fall under the same scrutiny as these photographs.

Here are some links to the publics reaction:

Daily Mail – UK

Lovelyish.com – blog

Fashion Telegraph – Mother speaks out

ABCnews

I think the context of the photographs are important. Fashion photos are meant to be about fashion. Context is everything!

I could also give links to things like Brooke Shields in the movie Pretty Baby or even fine art links to great photographers like Sally Mann but I’m not sure that this would help to clarify the issues. I’ve even had family photographs taken by National Geographic photographer Joe McNally censored on Facebook because someone got offended because our 18 month old was nude in the photo.  Child safety is always the root of this argument, and it’s totally valid. However, I think we have bigger fish to catch that are way more devious in their dealings than Vogue or Sally Mann.

I would like to hear your feedback, please leave your comments below.

Thanks to everyone for reading, and have a great Sunday!

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Written by: syx on August 14, 2011.