One of the first lessons I learned as a fetish/BDSM photographer was that, when it comes to collars, cuffs, gags and other key elements, there is simply no substitute for quality. You MIGHT be able to get away with using a crappy flogger or whip in a shot, but no matter how beautiful the model or how hot the scene, a low-rent collar, harness or restraint will render perfection virtually unattainable.
Conversely, putting a very high-end collar on model can actually make an image come together. High-end kit can flip a switch in a model’s head and give them super powers. They understand the significance of what they are wearing and it shows. With a good enough collar, even a simple portrait can become highly erotic.
So, once it became clear that I’d be shooting BDSM and kink regularly, I began the quest for some of the finest leathersmiths in the business. As fate would have it, two of the three makers I found are right here in Portland. The other is in Canada. They are Church of Sinvention, Discerning Specialist and House of Wolfram. I use collars and restraints from one of these makers in almost every kink shoot I do, to the point where I have started referring to these companies ad the Knotty Photos Big Three.
Each take a very different approach to their craft in terms of styling and functionality, but their attention to detail, artistry and unique designs all set them apart as premium brands. Is there a best among them? I don’t think so. Each excel in different ways. Each provides me with a different look and, at this point, I always know which will work best a particular shot without really needing to think about it. All are hand crafted in North America using the best materials on the market.
Of course, quality comes at a price. You’re going to pay a lot more for a collar or play set from one of these companies compared to something you can get on Amazon or a lot of the Eastern European makers on Etsy. At first blush, they may seem similar, but when you compare them side by side, you realize there really is no comparison at all and that a lot of the cheap stuff is flat out junk.
Are they worth it?
Considering these are foundational elements of my work, they represent a massive value to me are more than worth the asking price. Even if you aren’t a photographer, if you’re going to collar someone important, you’re going to want to use the best you can afford. So if you have the money, a collar from one of these makers is totally worth it. If you don’t have the cash, the good news is there are plenty of great options out there, you need to be a lot more selective and, if possible, see what you are buying in person. For that, your best bet might be finding a small or local maker. I’ll be featuring some I’ve found in future posts.
