Hal Kahn

This quote from Rumi sums up my feelings about what I am trying to achieve here: "Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground."

I am new to portrait photography. In  a year, it has become my primary interest (outside of my daughter.) I want to improve every day in every way. I welcome your suggestions and advice about every aspect of photography. I have a soul-deep yearning for beauty that I try to fulfill through photography/painting/gardening.

I want  to create images that are feminine, romantic and natural. I strive for  shots   that capture genuine  character and authentic  feeling. I am looking for models who can express a wide range of emotions. But joy/laughter/happiness always come first.

This page is really a personal growth experience for me. Although there are plenty of nudes here, at  I am especially interested in finding women with upscale wardrobes that convey glamor.

A playful look is a tremendous asset.  Not looking for dark, brooding images. Not looking for "edgy." No guns, no pythons, no girls bent over cars, no girls in cages, no angel wings, no Photoshop!  I  believe that many times the most sensual images suggest more than than they reveal.  I disagree with the implication so often seen on MM that just because a woman has her breasts bared the photo is "art."  I want real photos of real people.

I spent 25 years as a newspaper writer and editor, doing a lot of pro bono  work along the way. Poor health forced me to retire early, and I took up painting and botanical photography. Although I have sold my flower pictures for a few years, I am an amateur at portraits.

I  joined this site literally for my health. I get tremendous spiritual nourishment  from a person's smile and laughter.

Current ideas I would like to execute:

* Models  with evening gowns, cocktail dresses, silk camisoles  and accessories that convey glamor  and wealth.

* Models  with 1930s era clothes, i.e., hats with veils, long black gloves, etc.

* A  bodybuilder. Ideally, with no tattoos.

* A ballerina.

I am not interested in  trick photography. I want to show nature as it is -- that is beautiful enough for me.  I don't create images that could not happen in real life. I'll leave that to Pixar.

If you want a specific shot for your portfolio, I will shoot  with you until we get it right.

I want every model who who works with me to feel safe and comfortable. Please feel free to bring along a friend, partner, parent, or the National Guard  if that will make you feel more at ease.

I  welcome your ideas and suggestions. I hope to some day publish a book of my images.   Let's work together and create something new!

My guest room is almost always available to shooters/models/MUAs visiting Santa Fe.

All shoots must be confirmed by telephone within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment. Everyone is treated with respect and courtesy. I expect the same in return.

Anyone listed below as a friend  is someone I have had contact with either in person or by email.

I would like to thank the following  models. Yes, they are beautiful and talented. But those attributes are gifts from the Fates. I thank them instead  for choosing to be good people and for kindly helping an old man learn a new craft. I don't pretend to be a skilled shooter. In many cases, you will see more sophisticated images of these women by visiting  their MM pages.
Ms Susie B #471468
Dana Box #1073584
Keira Grant #799498
Kinetic Alchemist #1047466
MO Rina #889123
Tia #441345
Titania  #504819
Xlcr Moon #536498