Obsidian Visual

NOW - FEBRUARY:  I will be working on 2 projects.  Stock and Lifestyle photography is ongoing.  Please read the details on this, below.  The other project is deeper and more artistic.  12 models will be chosen.  Please email me for details, if you will be in the Nashville area any time in the next few months.  The project is about strong women, who have been through abuse, trauma or tragedy.

Thanks for viewing my page!  I am a photographer, interested in creating many types of images, from artistic and  experimental to commercial and lifestyle (stock) work.  Additionally, I have also been a model, as well as an actor, and my policy is that when I make money, the model makes money.  Photographers do some projects for money... so that they can do others... for love. 

I welcome models interested in the following types of modeling and photography:

Artistic
Fashion
Glamour
Stock
Lifestyle
Commercial
Artistic Nude
Erotic
Industrial
Architectural

If you aren't familiar with all of these areas, just ask me about them.  In addition to commercial work (which can sometimes limit creativity, depending on what the client wants), I photograph models, landscapes, scenery, interesting people in their natural habitats, animals, etc.  To some degree, I allow models to bring their own creativity into the photographic process, when they have ideas to share.  I greatly appreciate purist photography, and try to create any necessary effects through lighting and other means, as part of the original photo.  However, I also enjoy using Photoshop (on a limited basis) to do some wild editing... FUN!!

Here's the scoop on TFP / TFCD versus PAID assignments...

TFP / TFCD:

If you are interested in TFP / TFCD to add another dimension to your portfolio, you will find me to be very generous.  I want BOTH of us to have images that will help us to move our careers forward.  So, in deciding on different looks, locations, props, clothing, etc. I will consider what would cause agents, clients, and casting directors to want to use you for their projects.  I am not only interested in shooting many different models, but also in building ongoing connections with those who like working with me, and whom I am continually excited about photographing.  If there are certain looks that I would like to shoot, I will ask for those, and in turn, if you want a certain type of look or theme, I will be open to that.

You will have both High Resolution images for your portfolio and for printing, as well as Low Resolution images for web, emailing, etc.  I prefer to have my mark remain on the images, however, I may make exceptions... just ask.

I sometimes transform some of the images with Photoshop, so you can have some dramatic color and effects, also.  If you have special editing requests, then let's talk!  I love to play!

2 TYPES OF PAID ASSIGNMENTS:

When a client calls, sometimes, they are having a modeling agency help them to choose models for the shoot.  When this is the case, I have no control over who they choose.  However, on some occasions, they will ask me to email a few photos of models that I recommend for the look and specific shots that they need.  Having some exceptional photos to show them is one way that I may be able to get some paid work for you.

Stock Photography...

...is a niche of photography that involves taking specific types of photos that can be sold to advertising agencies, website developers, authors, editors, and others who need images of very specific things.  These images may be used as the cover of a book, as a background for an ad for a hospital or store, as a header for the top of a website, etc.

We can have fun and be spontaneous when taking some of these, but for the most part, I will be taking these photos to sell... therefore, there will be a plan and most of the props, scenes, and locations will be chosen before the shoot.  You will be able to see the website that they are sold through, and also see how many times these have been sold (just like you can see when someone views your photos or leaves comments on MM).  What makes me different from many photographers who do stock photography is that I will share the money from the stock photos with you every time one of them sells... and the same photos can sell one  time... or a THOUSAND times.  Please be aware that modeling, photography, seeing your work in various places, and making money can be FUN, SEXY, ARTISTIC, and INTERESTING... but they are also HARD WORK!

Nudity...

...is not a requirement for 60% of the projects that I do.  In fact, I prefer not to plan for nude shoots with models until we've met, and they ask me to shoot them nude or implied.  Some models are so comfortable with nudity that they could walk in, drop their skirts, and produce really great shots... but most of the time, we need to talk, become comfortable with each other, and make a plan for the images. 

Some projects just happen to need that component, because of the client's specifications or the theme.  If a photograph does not gain something from having nudity, then it was not necessary to have it.  Too much nudity becomes boring... but well-placed, it is magical.

My position on nudity is that it can be beautiful and that the human body is something that, when well-lit and well-posed, is interesting and powerful.  Sometimes it is sexual or erotic, and sometimes, the photos are more about shadows and lighting.  Each of these has its place in photography.  Some people, because of preconceived notions or their family upbringing, think that all nudity is wrong or vulgar.  I don’t judge anyone.  I want all models that I work with to be comfortable, because if they aren’t, then the photos won’t be good.  If a model wants to do nude photographs the first time that we meet, the second, or the tenth, it’s her choice.  I don’t push for that, and I don't cast models who aren't comfortable with nudity in  projects that require it.  However, it is an area of photography that is, in some ways, levels above fashion, stock / lifestyle, and the rest.  Artistic nudes and erotic nudes are both challenging to do well... and things to feel good about when they ARE done well.  So, if photos are erotic in nature, my intention is to make them PURPOSEFULLY erotic.

Keep in mind that most serious models will have some nudes in his or her portfolio.  This goes beyond being shy and reserved, which are qualities that are almost nonexistent in the personalities of almost any successful model, actor, or rock star that you can think of.  Willingness to make your body vulnerable to the camera, in the case of a model… your soul vulnerable to the camera, in the case of an actor… or to take the risk of making a mistake on stage and embarrassing yourself in front of thousands of people… in the case of a musician, are all necessary for success to happen.  So, I’m not saying that nudity needs to be a large portion of your portfolio, but if you have no nudes in it at all, then find a photographer whom you are comfortable with and take the risk.  There is no success without risk.  Besides, what beautiful person wouldn't want to have their beauty captured, to look back on when they retire?

Personality...

...is important when you're working with someone.  I've met both photographers and models on both ends of the spectrum, as far as being professional and also, simply being NICE.  I am not "The Angry Artist," but more of the open-minded guy with a desire to collaborate and create art and something stunning... special... different... interesting.  I have a lot of patience, and want to bring the best out of everyone, so I can just about guarantee that you'll enjoy working with me.  If you share some of those goals, then let's talk!

Wishing you SUCCESS!

Daniel


NOTE:  Of course I appreciate comments, and everyone knows that part of the reason most photographers take photos is to cause those who see the photos to have a feeling, thought, or reaction.  When I receive a comment, it tells me that I'm affecting someone, in some way.  That's very helpful, because I want to continue to do what works, and drop things that don't.  It helps me to grow.

When I leave a comment, it is genuine, and I truly believe whatever I'm writing.  I welcome comments, and will usually return them, but am not big on just leaving patronizing words.  I find something that I like in almost every port that I see.  Please don't feel the need to comment on my photos, if you don't genuinely get a feeling from one of them.  I look at ports often, for inspiration, and if I leave you a comment, I don't do it with any expectation of one in return... it's a gift.