LOS ANGELES — Legendary erotic photographer Suze Randall, taking offense to a Los Angeles Times letter to the editor saying "pornography equates to prostitution," has written a letter herself to the Times, saying that porn shoots are legal in the state and that the adult-film biz is "the safest place to have sex."
Randall's letter, published in the Times today, includes the headline, "Protect Who?":
"Wow, I've been hoping someone would ban pornography — forbidden fruit is so much sweeter!" she says.
"Unfortunately, and contrary to the letter writer's view that pornography is prostitution, the California Supreme Court ruled precisely the opposite in 1988 (California vs. Freeman), so it is legal to shoot porn in California. The case resulted in everyone and his aunt grabbing a camera — to the detriment of my business.
"Ironically, the adult-film business is the safest place to have sex. Actors are screened and tested monthly, and problems only occur when they perhaps wander into a bar and pick up an infection from the general public. Pornographic actors should be protected."
Randall got her start in photography in the mid-1970s after a stint as a nurse and a model. She has been a staff photographer for both Playboy and Hustler and has shot many Penthouse Pet feature layouts.
She is perhaps best known for photographing top-tier talent early on in their careers, including Jenna Jameson, Tera Patrick, Aria Giovanni, Sunny Leone and Aimee Sweet.
Randall operates Suze.net, which includes high-quality photo galleries and videos in fan-friendly previews.
