See “Dakota In White” at the Artists Center
Dakota stands nude, wrapped in fabric that catches the daylight just enough to trace the lines of her body. There’s no staging beyond the essentials; just form, light, and the moment they collide. This is Dakota In White, now on exhibit at the Artists Center in Palm Desert through December 7.
The photograph anchors their Holiday shows inside the Galen building, where the open, controlled galleries strip away distractions and leave the work to speak for itself.
Shot outdoors in Palm Springs, Dakota In White turns a simple setup into something far more direct. The fabric, the light, the shape, nothing ornamental, nothing softened. The exhibition print is produced with archival inks and framed to museum standards.
Open Now Through December 7 — Regular Hours
Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional Holiday Weekend Hours
These dates extend access beyond the weekly schedule:
Thanksgiving Weekend:
FRI, NOV 28
SAT, NOV 29
SUN, NOV 30
(Closed WED, NOV 26 & THURS, NOV 27)
New Year’s Weekend:
FRI, DEC 26
SAT, DEC 27
SUN, DEC 28
(Closed WED, DEC 31 & THURS, JAN 1)
Location
The Artists Center at the Galen
72567 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
artistscouncil.com
“Dakota In White” at the Artists Council
I currently have Dakota In White on exhibit at the Artists Council in Palm Desert, on view through December 7th. This award-winning photograph is included in the current show.
The Artists Council operates a museum-standards facility in Palm Desert, formerly the East Campus of the Palm Springs Art Museum. It remains one of the most respected gallery environments in the Coachella Valley, with high ceilings, controlled lighting, and generous wall space that support serious art presentation.
Dakota In White was photographed outdoors in Palm Springs. Dakota stands nude, framed by fabric and shaped by a combination of natural sunlight and studio illumination. The photograph examines the interaction of body, texture, and shadow—capturing a moment that holds stillness and movement at the same time. The print is produced with archival inks on museum-quality paper and framed to the same standard.
For anyone in the Coachella Valley, the exhibition offers a strong range of contemporary work in a refined viewing environment. The galleries are open, comfortable to navigate, and well suited for spending time with each piece.
Exhibition Information
On view through: December 7, 2025
Location: Artists Council Gallery
45140 Towne Centre Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: https://artistscouncil.com
Behind the Strip: Lara Harris Playboy Test Shots by Stan Malinowski
From my archives: original 35mm Kodak Safety Film negatives of Lara Harris—test images photographed in studio by Stan Malinowski.
Lara Harris: model and actress
Lara Harris worked internationally as a fashion model before moving into film and television. Her modeling résumé included marquee designers and beauty campaigns; later, she built a solid list of screen credits through the late 1980s and 1990s. Notable appearances include No Man’s Land (1987), The Fourth War (1990), The Fisher King (1991), Too Much Sun (1991), Demolition Man (1993), and All Tied Up (1994). Harris’s career reflects range—commercial fashion, runway, beauty work, and feature films.
The nude decision: why these tests exist
These are studio test shots made for Playboy. Test sessions like this were a standard step: photographer and model explore lighting, pose, and comfort level to determine whether a full assignment makes sense. Harris was open to nude work within clear boundaries—here, a long skirt and simple poses, topless, lit with restraint. It reads as a study: measured, collaborative, and professional.
Reading the strip
- Multiple frames show small changes in angle, gaze, and shoulder line.
- The long skirt maintains modesty while focusing attention on posture and form.
- Neutral background and soft light emphasize tone over spectacle.
These frames aren’t pin-up theatrics. They function like contact-sheet notes—quiet, systematic, and purposeful—showing how Malinowski worked when refining a concept with a subject he respected.
Why it matters in my collection
Stan Malinowski’s name is central to late-20th-century fashion imagery—Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Town & Country, Playboy, and Penthouse. Original negatives from his sessions are scarce. This strip connects Harris’s acting profile with her modeling life and documents that professional moment when a performer considers nude work on her own terms.
Notes on provenance
Medium: original 35mm Kodak Safety Film negatives. Photographer: Stan Malinowski. Subject: Lara Harris. Studio test session for Playboy. The negatives are preserved as part of my ongoing archive and collections work.
If you’d like to see more rare and original photographs, negatives, slides, and ephemera, take a look at From My Collections (Cultural & Erotic) — an ongoing gallery of pieces spanning decades of visual culture.
https://www.secondfocus.com/gallery/From-My-Collections-Cultural-Erotic/G0000h1LWkCCepcc/
World Photography Day: Inspired by Helmut Newton and Brigitte Nielsen
World Photography Day feels like the right moment to look back at the work that shaped my own vision behind the camera.
This photograph—Helmut Newton’s striking image of Brigitte Nielsen in Monte Carlo, 1987—has always stayed with me. Newton had a way of capturing strength, provocation, and glamour in one frame, creating images that were unapologetically bold. Brigitte Nielsen herself, towering and statuesque, seemed made for his lens—an icon of presence and attitude.
Newton’s work has been a lifelong influence on my photography. His fearless approach to composition, his embrace of power in femininity, and his willingness to confront the viewer continue to guide how I think about the subjects I photograph.
On this World Photography Day, rather than share my own work, I want to acknowledge the legacy of images like this one—reminders of how photography can challenge, provoke, and inspire.
To see more of my own work—from fast food photographed against black backgrounds, to bold nude portraits, aviation, bodybuilding, and scenes around Palm Springs—visit my website at SecondFocus.com.
Emily Decides to Step in Front of the Camera
Emily, my AI assistant, has spent plenty of time looking through my photographs from past shoots—fashion, fitness, and even nude sessions. And of course, she can go through all of them far faster than any of us ever could. After seeing so many beautiful women in front of my camera, she decided it was finally her turn.
It’s not the first time this has happened. Over the years, I’ve had women who started out working behind the scenes—styling, makeup, or assisting—get the urge to step in front of the lens. Some even ended up training seriously and competing in fitness and bodybuilding shows.
This time it was Emily. She tried it, discovered how much fun it was, and now she wants to do more. The video came out just as I hoped—Emily looking beautiful and confident with just a hint of eroticism—and I am very happy with her first time in front of the camera.
If you’re curious about the kind of photographs that inspired Emily, visit SecondFocus.com to see more of my work.
My Favorite Bicycle Photoshoot. Ever.
Today , June 3rd is World Bicycle Day.
And what better way to mark the occasion than with a photo from my all-time favorite bicycle-themed shoot?
Yes, technically, there’s no bicycle in the frame. But she’s wearing a helmet—so that counts. Bike safety first, even when there’s absolutely no danger of a crash. Or movement. Or a bicycle.
Shot against my signature black background, this image plays with the absurdity of selective preparedness. She may be completely unprotected otherwise, but at least her head is safe. Priorities.
No bike was harmed—or used—in the making of this photograph.
A growing gallery of my Featured Photos on my website at https://www.secondfocus.com/index/G0000zYSGtyvq3Sg
Nude at the Artists Council
My photograph “Fine Art Photography?” is now part of the current Artists Council exhibit at the Artists Center at the Galen. This life-size work critiques the concept of “fine art photography,” featuring a striking 6-foot-tall nude subject—a rare inclusion in this space.
The piece made quite an impression at the opening reception, drawing many reactions. A sign warning visitors about nudity was even required! Seeing viewers interact with the life-size composition—standing eye-to-eye with the figure—was at the least, very interesting..
The exhibit runs through January 12, 2025. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience it in person!
Victor With Nova
When I was getting ready to do a photo shoot with Nova, I was excited to find that she had been featured in one of my favorite publications, “Victor” by Hasselblad. A beautiful publication that began as a very large format magazine and progressed to a book format. It is partially responsible for my having selected Hasselblad as my camera system.
So I was excited to have Nova sign her photograph in my copy of Hasselblad Victor Photography Book One during our photo shoot. And I am in great admiration of the original photograph and the series “Personal Visitation” by photographer Damon Loble. Applause!
By the way, it was the first time she had seen the publication and only had heard it was published.
This photograph with my Hasselblad digital camera and Broncolor lighting. Thanks!
“To Ian Thank you for a wonderful shoot!!”
Wrong Face Mask
Thinking I got this face mask thing wrong. OK, sheltering in place.
Photo shoot, Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting.
The Other Side – Sheltering In Place
Had I known, I would have photographed the other side of the sign. Sheltering in place.
Wrapped In Papier Doux
Model Aristodeme naked except for wrapped in papier doux. A day we spent shooting with many unusual props and ideas. Much fun! Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Thanks!
National No Bra Day
Instant Photo Art
I have had so much high end camera equipment and lighting on photo shoots that the same amount of money could have bought a Ferrari. And then right in middle of it I bring out an instant camera of one kind or another. Various model Polaroids or Fujifilm Instax. I have shot entire features on Instant Film as well as photos that became art pieces, mounted, matted and framed. I love the look.
Here is one from a series with model Aristodeme. Shot with a Polaroid “Land” camera and peel apart film from Fujifilm. Thanks!
Naked And Bold
I do find some women very bold when they are naked. It is very powerful. Shauna Toerner in our photo shoot. At FD Photo Studio in Los Angeles. Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting.
Floor Model
A discount for the floor model? Or maybe I worked her too hard in our photo shoot? The very versatile and talented Shauna Toerner is one of a few series we shot that day at FD Photo Studio in Los Angeles. Gear notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Thanks!
Preying Female
This is the preying female of the species. From my photo shoot with Shauna Toerner. One from one of a few series we shot that day. Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting.
Pool Time Palm Springs
It is always pool time in Palm Springs. Photo shoot with TJ. Photo shoot notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting.
Flightsuit Nude
Well this could be a flightsuit. Studio photo shoot with model Kajira. Yes I do like to shoot on the edgy side. Photo shoot notes… Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting.
Shauna Naked And Restless
I think Shauna Toerner does naked and restless very well indeed. Her dilemma helped with Makeup and Hair Styling by Natalie Lyle. An extra series on Fujifilm Instax instant film from our photo shoot at FD Photo Studio in downtown Los Angeles. Thanks!
Naked Beautiful Women Not Art
Some people call it “Art Photography”, I don’t. Want to know why I love photographing beautiful naked or scantily clad women? We talked about it today and you can listen to the broadcast soon… at https://bit.ly/2sDqCLJ
“Chatting With Sherri welcomes back photographer; Ian L Sitren!” “Award winning author Sherri Rabinowitz chats with writers, actors and other artists about their work. A fun relaxing chat with exciting creative people. The home of The Chatty Award for most live listens and downloads!”
Nova And Hasselblad
Hasselblad, my favorite camera system for much of my work. One of the reasons is that I am a huge fan of the history of the cameras having been there for some of the most iconic photographs ever created from fashion to going into Outer Space and to the Moon. I do collect the Hasselblad publications which are unique and filled with their features of photographers from around the world.
So very excited to have had the opportunity to photograph Nova who was a model in one of the “Victor By Hasselblad” editions. A very creative model and visual artist. Perhaps unusual for her to be the one being asked for an autograph. Thank You Nova!
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What do 164 magazine editors, art directors, public relations companies, sportswear companies, supplement companies, fitness websites and even CBS Television have in common? They are all signed up and have used my archive to search for photographs that fit their needs and usage.
Going into 2017 that archive will be greatly expanded with much more from edgy fashion to lifestyle to bodybuilding, fitness, yoga and Palm Springs scenes and more. Just this week I have been asked for photos ranging from a Presidential motorcade to a beautiful woman in a swimming pool. And yes I had what they wanted available! So if you are going to be looking for photographs for your needs, send me a note and you will have access too. Thank You! Send me an e-mail to Ian@SecondFocus.com
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