Solomon Abrams (author of The Abramatic Laws of Connected Rope, head of the Greystone Dojo and Urban American Gallery) is back with Kish Abrams, his ropetop, for a candid debrief on a suspension photo shoot where he stepped out of his usual role and into the harness. For "scientific purposes," he wanted to feel what his bottoms feel, and he came away with a lot to say about it. The two break down the shoot from both sides of the rope: what worked, what didn't, and what each of them would change next time. It's funny, blunt, and full of practical takeaways for riggers, bottoms, and anyone picking up a camera at a rope session. In this episode: The harness debate: Was the chosen harness right for the shoot? Solomon and Kish disagree on minimalism vs. the original pick, and on whether white-on-white rope and white underwear actually worked visually (neon green might have been the move). Honest ratings: Solomon puts the intensity at about a 4.5 to 5 out of 10, and the two compare how nylon rope's round profile would have changed the sensation. Lessons for the bottom: Don't stall mid-suspension, and don't argue when you're upside down. Either you're doing the pose or you're not, because every extra minute of debate is a minute longer in the rope. Breathe, keep your eyes closed if movement is making you dizzy, and ask for a blindfold during inversions and spinning. Lessons for the rigger: Communicate more, and be mindful of where hitches land, especially near hip flexors and pressure points. Tell your bottom up front where it's going to hurt. Silence while someone is suspended can feel like abandonment, even when you're standing right there. Tips for rigging bodies with male anatomy: Pay attention to the groin area and check for hair getting pinched on the inner thighs. Choose the right underwear or a jockstrap, and use careful technique when placing rope near the thigh. Be aware of the arteries in the area. Photography on a rope shoot: Kish's confidence as a first-time photographer lagged behind his rigging confidence. They discuss planning a shot list of poses in advance, so nobody is improvising mid-suspension. About 5 of 15 shots were keepers, and Solomon's verdict is that it's a solid start. Fancy drawers review: A teaser for a future episode where they rate suspension-friendly underwear, including the great "cheeking" controversy. Aftercare and how it felt: Physical check-in (no numbness, no tingling, only sore hips and noodle legs), plus an energetic check-in. This session felt more intense than yesterday's singing bowl session, and Solomon makes his case for aftercare, charcuterie included. Retirement announcement: Solomon officially retires from rope bottoming, though self-ties will continue. Who it's for: Riggers, rope bottoms, models, and curious beginners who want honest, experience-based lessons about communication, safety, and the realities of suspension photo shoots. Note: This episode contains explicit language and frank discussion of rope bondage and anatomy. Intended for adult audiences.
