THE PANTYHOSE PHOTOGRAPHER

 

Webber is obsessed by "shiny pantyhose" and likes to photograph them on pretty women in miniskirts.  Are female handlers who show legs instead of dogs at risk?

 

July 1, 2010 | TheDogPress

Barbara "BJ" Andrews, Editor-In-Chief

 

When Bob Webber called, we thought it was a joke.  Obsessed by stockings?  He doesn't own a dog.  He explained he's an amateur photographer who goes to dog shows to take pictures of women handlers with pretty legs – in shiny nylons.

 

Webber is obviously well educated, well-spoken, mannerly, and weird! He named a dozen female handlers whom he talks to. He admits he’s been called “creepy” and some men resent him for taking photos of their wives or girlfriend’s legs. Some don’t. It gets stranger…

In his letter below, Webber says most of the women are flattered and complimented. He takes notes and phone numbers so he can “call the women and give them compliments.” Some female handlers want copies of the photos. Webber told us “some are receptive to a photo shoot, apart from shows, when they are not busy.”

He’s in New Jersey but plans to travel to California to take photos there. He doesn’t work, has “money left to him.” Asked why he doesn’t go to tennis matches to photograph legs, Webber quickly replied “because they don’t wear shiny stockings.”

Webber says he doesn’t photo shop or enhance the pictures. He just enjoys looking at them.  They are his “own personal collection, like a stamp collection.” Webber is good-looking, has “no trouble getting girls” and doesn’t think there is anything wrong with a pantyhose obsession.

I discussed this with staff and a couple of dog show friends. Feedback ran from “he doesn’t sound dangerous” to “must be as charming in person as he is over the phone” and “what does this say about dog shows today?” What do YOU think?  click here and blog about it.

The image projected by dog shows gives pause for thought. Call me old fashioned but don’t call me jealous! There was a time when I could have worn mini-skirts and “shiny stockings” but I chose not to. Dog shows are a sporting event and whether running barrels, riding to the hounds, or competition dancing, I believe the outfit should be traditional and appropriate. If you feel differently, let us know in TheDogPress Blog.

Excessive cleavage, overly tight or short skirts are NOT APPROPRIATE for dog shows. It doesn’t matter whether the mini skirt is on a shapely young thing or an overweight woman living in a fantasy world. Male or female, handlers have to bend over and/or kneel down in order to show the dog. The image presented to ringside can be downright disgusting!

Men do not remove their sports coat unless the judge does so. They used to wear ties. Female handlers wore skirts and “sensible shoes” and finally came the day when sporty pants suits were accepted. This year the blistering Myrtle Beach shows were sensibly billed as “beach wear” attire which to the pros meant short sleeves and no stockings, but certainly not shorts and flip-flops.

Today’s dog show often looks like the street in front of a singles bar or hip dance club. Sorry, but it does. When women handlers first began showing legs and cleavage, some judges were offended and those who awarded them were marked as suckers or crooks.

The shiny pantyhose problem is indicative of how our sport is currently perceived. When Bob Webber called the second time to “see if The Dog Press had received any complaints” about him, I asked him to send an email and explain why he does this. What follows is his prompt and reasoned response:

 

“My name is Bob Webber, I would like to address some comments that were made on a dog handler's Facebook page concerning a photo album and phone calls I've made to dog handlers. First off, I am not "creepy". I am an ordinary guy that likes dog shows, attractive women, and yes, pantyhose. These calls were made in an effort to compliment the handlers on their nice outfits, including their shiny pantyhose, and to wish them future success in their upcoming shows. I don't believe anything inappropriate was said. I'm not a stalker, I'm just a fan of the handlers, a lover of pantyhose, and it seemed like the perfect match, since so many handlers wear shiny nylons. I meant no harm. I have a long list of handlers that I've contacted that appreciated and thanked me for the compliments. Once again, I apologize if I've offended, or even just bothered you.

 

“I agree, there are certain parts of a woman's body that a gentleman doesn't address to an unfamiliar lady. The breasts and the buttocks are areas that have to be covered in public... by law, even. Complimenting a woman on these parts could be seen as lewd, or inappropriate behavior. But the legs are like arms. If you told a woman her full-length satin gloves were a nice touch to her outfit, would that be crossing some line? Of course not. So why then, is it inappropriate when you tell her that her shiny nylon clad legs are a great addition to her ensemble? Is it because pantyhose are considered an undergarment? Perhaps. But a compliment on a woman's shiny nylons are a reference to the legs that are exposed, not the part that is concealed by clothing.

 

“I've been a fan of shiny pantyhose ever since I was a kid, and I hate when people try to shame you into thinking it's weird or creepy. There was a time when a man could compliment a woman on what she was wearing, without it being odd behavior. Remember the "Gentlemen Prefer Hanes" ads from the 70s and 80s? There was even a jingle with lyrics too. Women look good in skirts and pantyhose... sorry for noticing."   Bob Webber phbob@mail.com

 

How do you feel about this? Are some of us out of touch? Women once paraded their little dogs wearing big hats, heels, and long full skirts with bustles!. Do you feel our sport, like polo or rodeo has tradition that should be respected by appropriate clothing? Do you think women handlers are at risk?

Go to The Dog Press Blog and share your opinion, and please, mention how long you’ve been in the sport, your primary breed or group. You can sign your comments as “anonymous.”

#107145 https://www.thedogpress.com/DogSense/Pantyhose-Problem_Andrews.asp