Photo Series Compares Contrast Between Everyday Clothes and BDSM Outfits

They say you never really know what goes on behind closed doors. This photography series, though, is shedding light on one of the most taboo sexual trends there is: BDSM. Here, one photographer shoots his subjects in both their everyday clothes, and their BDSM style.

The series was shot by photographer Michael Topolovac, in conjunction with Crave, who sells a line of "elegant, sophisticated and thoughtfully designed" sex toys. The partnership saw a make-do studio set up at their office during the Folsom Street Fair, an annual celebration of BDSM. Punters were invited to have their portraits taken, sporting the fetish outfits they arrived at the fair in. They were then invited back at a later date to have their portrait taken wearing their day-to-day clothing.

Crave co-founders Michael Topolovac and Ti Chang said:

The idea is simple: Two black and white photographs, side by side. One of a person or couple as they presented themselves at the Folsom Street Fair, San Francisco’s legendary celebration of sexual pleasure, and one as they present themselves in their daily lives. Our factory sits on Folsom Street, so we are perfectly situated to document our neighbours in both moments.

The series is credited with helping to provide people with a platform for self-expression, while bringing a sub-culture that is normally avoided in conversation, to the masses. Popular culture – most notably, the Fifty Shades franchise – has been helping to bring bondage fetishes to the forefront of the public eye in recent years.

One participant, named as Kamila, said she hoped that by taking part, she could help “destigmatizing things.”

View more on the project at Crave’s official website for the project.

All photos copyright Michael Topolovac/Crave, and used with permission.