I've been a photographer off and on for over 40 years. At one point I made a living at it, but I got sidetracked into academia and business. I sold my beloved Bronica (medium format) and my SLRs and lenses and gradually stopped shooting anything but family snaps.
Now I'm (semi-)retired and I've rediscovered the old creative joy of making pictures. I'm still making the transition to digital technology. I'm finding that there is a lot to learn, but in many ways it is easier than film. I'm also discovering that the old skills of composition and lighting are eternal.
Photography is my avocation, but I take it seriously. I prefer natural light and candid portraiture, preferably on location. My goal isn't to make "art." It's to make pictures that make the model look good.
PROJECTS
One of my priorities this year is mastering the art of shooting a good clean commercial headshot. If you're a new model and you're interested in commercial photography, but can't afford to pay a headshot expert, send me a PM. If you have the patience to work with someone a bit less experienced, I'll do my best to get you a killer headshot you'll be proud to use!
Besides the headshot project, I would like to work with both new and experienced models and HS/MUAs on projects that will help you build your portfolios. If you have an idea or concept for a shoot, tell me about it. Since I have no particular need to publish or fill out a portfolio of my own, you can consider that I am working for you even if it is a TF* shoot.
I am also interested in doing an extended series with a single person. This will consist of a series of candid shoots over a period of time showing different activities in daily life. I'm looking for a model (or reasonably photogenic non-model) who is also doing something exceptional - a scholar/athlete, dancer, actor, musician, artist, teacher, or whatever - who is willing to document that part of life along with others. The goal is to produce an extended biographical photo-essay about a special person.
If you want to participate, please send me a PM with a little bit of information about yourself. If you have a friend or relative who would make a good subject, please suggest it to them and direct them to this page.
What I don't do: fashion, glamor, nudes, goth, gore, art for art's sake. I don't have any objection to those genres, but I'm basically a portraitist at heart.
PERSONAL
I've been a soldier, anthropologist, college professor, school district administrator, programmer, tech company founder & CEO, author, and game designer. I currently teach one course a year at a local university. I once spent months living with a tribe of headhunters, doing all of my photographic developing and printing without electricity or running water. (Yes, it's possible!) I've written five books, one of which is still in regular use after 30 years. As a game designer/programmer I received six "Best Game of the Year" awards from GAMA, the Game Manufacturers Association. Finally, and most important, my wonderful wife still puts up with me and laughs at my dumb jokes after 40 years.
