In this photo, a young girl is naked, stretching after a dip in the body of water behind her. There is a clear controversy for a photo like this as it shows a minor in the nude.
From the photographers perspective, I believe that there is an appreciation for the human body, and that the nudity is not a concern because people viewing it have a pure mind. The girl seems to be at peace, not concerned that she is being photographed. There is a sense of bliss and beauty.
In juxtaposition, there is a clear moral dilemma taking photos of a minor. Although she may be accepting of being photographed, as an adult, we should have our limits when working with children. We should respect their purity and their youth and sacrifice art at times for their own well being. Although the majority of viewers will see this as art and see the little girl in a respectfully fashion, there are those who will abuse her exposure and disrespect her vulnerability.
“Family Pictures.” Sally Mann, n.d. https://www.sallymann.com/new-gallery-1/bff3p861tnkr8ynhoig2ep2y5e4gxe.
This is the center of the controversy over Sally Mann’s photography of her children and you have written about it with sensitivity and a clarity concerning both sides of the issue. Well writtten!