It continues to be a mystery to me why Chess Life keeps publishing pictures like this (from the January 2010 cover story):
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Steve Eddins
Class C club player trying to learn how to play the game
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6 Comments
Ever since I’ve been involved with chess and glancing through chess life I’ve been more or less embarrassed by the low quality of chess photography. Years ago it was just plain bad due to having no real photographers covering events, etc, but they’ve moved on. Now it’s bad because someone thinks that the right way to improve the state of things is stuff like this. I remember from a few years ago that absurd photograph of Jen Shahade with a chess piece sitting on her shoulder. I really don’t understand. Someone, somewhere thinks that this will improve the standing of the game, but I think we can agree it just makes us all look idiotic.
Thanks, Steve. I’m with you completely.
Timmy—This is my blog space and my rules. Rude comments not allowed.
Definitely not enough cleavage.
In a misguided attempt to attract more readership, the editors at CL are taking a page from the book of the mainstream media and appealing to the baser, fevered natures of the mostly male audience by using these slightly slutty images.
They should be ashamed.
More to the point, chess-playing women (such as the subject of this photograph and Alexandra Kosteniuk) who clamor to be taken seriously yet allow themselves to be objectified in this way should be ashamed.
Steve,
You want some chess photography? Here you go, check out this link: http://www.thephotographysmith.com/Portfolio/Events/2010-Continental-Open/13383926_vzuoY#973477353_JywH4
Bringing back a little credibility to legitimate chess photography!