*************************************************
(Oct 31, 2009) Happy Halloween!!! ...
October brought "normalc" to our lives again, after the focus on my wife's father's health. Photography again has my attention, as an avenue for expression and an escape from work stresses (plus the increased Bay Area traffic with the Bay Bridge closed).
Model-involved camera work will be revived in the days/weeks ahead, as well as other photo opportunities. I'll be contacting a handful of models to look at rescheduling the postponed or canceled photoshoots from the past couple of months.
I thank you for your understanding and patience, so far, and the support that has been shown to my wife and me...we are very appreciative.
> NOTE
When a 'friend request' is sent out, it is usually along with a direct message, or photo comments, or a tag. I appreciate the compliment of the request being answered...by more than simply approving the request. A response of a message reply, or a tag, or a photo comment to something in my own portfolio that may catch your eye, is far more attention getting by this photographer. I enjoy the acknowledgment of the request granted...I appreciate those willing to speak up and answer my words of thought with their own.
>> "Artist Statement"
My personal interest - excitement - of the art and craft of photography isn't confined to one style, one field of pursuit, one way of seeing the world...one means of expression Then again, my own personal interest in seeing the world runs a gamut from landscapes that explore nature, to cityscapes that find the little scenes in big cities and small towns, to night imagery in the absence of daylight, to the focus on 'people' with model-involved portraiture or figure study; from straight color photo-realism to sometimes surreal monotone photo-impressions that come closer to how I feel of an environment. It gets down to exploring the realm, and "seeing the light" where awareness gained through one particular style can easily carry over into another genre. It's a matter of the play of light and shadow. (1st paragraph added 08-15-2009)
>>> "AVATAR PIC"
...there, in the upper left is a holdover from January 2006 - That couple IS this photographer and my wife...I'm beyond the 34th-year anniversary since I first referred to Debbie as "my wife."
....I may keep rotating new photos into the portfolio, rolling older ones out, but I'll forever hold tightly to THAT one as my avatar, for very obvious personal reasons......when so many male photographers have lovely young glam models in bikinis for their avatar, I still enjoy this image representing "me" in this way-too crazy photographer-model world!
Hello to the cooler days of fall... ................ ................ ...I'm looking forward to returning to some long-favored settings with expressive individuals.
a fond farewell to the warmer days of summer gone by (almost)... ................ ................
of other things and places... ................
************** notes ************** I am selective about the models I'm choosing to WANT to work with here. I appreciate someone with the gift of life, with the self-confident passion to express it, and the desire to bring other aspects of their creative background - dance, music, drama, art, photography, writing, etc. - out to convey a mood, find an inspiration, or explore a concept. I appreciate the gifts of spontaneous improvisation and of imagination in building a collaborative rapport. I don't have patience for a model whose life is full of "drama" or "baggage." I like to be inspired, excited, jazzed about the collaboration. If we can't come up with something unique for a portfolio that stands out or stands apart from the rest of the photos, then there's something missing in the rapport or working interest...simply adding "just another empty or another pretty picture" isn't strong reason enough to schedule a photoshoot.
I'm also back on the teaching side of classes and workshops, looking at technical and aesthetic issues...
...as well as lighting and working concepts. * my teaching venue in Tracy...
..... ...I will sometimes work with models for instructional imagery.
Photographer-portfolio ideas:
* Be willing to explore and experiment with how you "see" things - there is a huge amount of cross-over in often unrelated styles of recording what's around us...the constant is light and shadow, regardless of the subject.
* Be willing to play with light...it's the mother of the image: tune in to what "momma" has to tell you about the subject in front of the camera.
* Take the moment to look all the way around the frame in the view-finder before pushing the little magic button. If you see ANYTHING unwanted or intrusive to the overall image, stop and fix it! It's far easier to "keep it out of the image beforehand" rather than "photoshop it out afterwards."
* You want to see what stands out in your portfolio? Print the pics off and toss them on the floor face up...see which ones you want to reach for first to pick up. Can't do this? Have someone else toss your pics on the floor, and see which ones they pick up first.
* Be willing to constantly question the "why" of everything you do, you choose to capture, you choose to edit.
* Be willing to have that constant sense of growth in how you see the world...how you record it - every image is some sort of an "impression" and/or "interpretation" of the scene/subject before your eyes.
* Be aware of when you stop looking at that cute young female wanna-be-model as highlights and shadow values and see a young sexy thing...you're using the wrong body part to see with, and you're not even acting as a "photographer" anymore. (...btw, they'll notice and probably stop trusting whatever camera skills you think you have)
Model-portfolio suggestions: [i]click here ~ a list of veteran photographers dedicated to helping "new" models build their portfolios. Current international membership is 600+. * Be willing to show some EXPRESSION in your modeling - smile, laugh, cry...something beyond 'just being there' for the camera.
* I'll take it on faith you have a camera-phone or web-cam - don't feel compelled to show off what it can (or can't) do on here.
* If you can't make a photoshoot, for whatever reason, let the photographer know...if they're honest, they'll appreciate your contact.
* If you are contacted about a shoot, and you DON'T want to go, for whatever reason, let the photographer know..."no" beats "no reply" any day.
* Don't be afraid of the word "no" in answering anyone's unwanted posing or other suggestion.
* Follow your instincts...use your head...don't offer an unknown individual your "blind faith."
* Be willing to collaborate and contribute whatever imaginative ideas are dancing in your own mind's eye...if your life comes equipped with a background in art, music, theater, dance, writing, athleticism, or any other genre requiring time and effort to grow a skill set, understanding practice and determination, you have a huge internal resource to convey sides of you through the process of modeling, and finding a sense of "characterization." Have a little passion...find the faith of self-confidence.
* What do you expect your modeling to do for you? (...what do you HONESTLY expect this modeling to do for you? ...where do you want it ti lead you?)
* You want to see what stands out in your portfolio? Print the pics off and toss them on the floor face up...see which ones you want to reach for first to pick up. Can't do this? Have someone else toss your pics on the floor, and see which ones they pick up first to study or comment on. Which ones get forgotten and left behind?
* Be willing to NOT rest on your laurels and what you've done before...keep challenging yourself, nudging yourself in the ass to push forward, to explore, to grow, to learn - and convey - something tomorrow you couldn't have possible done yesterday.
Credits
* referrals * From Sasha V (MM #48966)...
..."I like the feel of your photos. They are not just empty shots of pretty girls, like most of the stuff I see on this site. You seem to have a more personal touch and that is what I'm interested in doing with my portfolio."
From Farzad, photographer, in reference to a 2007 workshop/photoshoot...
..."Today I realized how fortunate I am to be around you and other people doing stuff like we did today. You are a very generous person. And you have naturally been encircled by generous models. Thank you again and again, Richard. I am very fortunate to know you."
from Ana Maria...
"Where do I begin?? I have "worked" with Richard on numerous occasions now... and, it's really not "work" at all. Richard has a very open mind and heart and has an amazing gift to be able to capture beauty, whether it be the beauty of nature and natural things, or a deep human emotion. Every photo tells a story, and if you ask nicely, he will tell you the story! Richard has become a very close friend and I am SO honored that he will be shooting my wedding in June! No words can really describe the amount of respect I have for this man. He has become like family!"
instructor - East Bay Regional Park District, 2004-'06;
Mono Lake State Reserve, 1984-'89;
Livermore Adult Education & Livermore Park & Rec District, 1980-'89.
published - Mono Lake Committee newsletter (multiple times), throughout the 1980s;
Western Portrait and Figure Group, SF Bay Area, writer/editor, mid-1990s->2004.
photo shoot coordination/producer, Western Portrait and Figure Group (WPFG), mid/late 1990s->2004; president of WPFG (and one of its most active and productive members), 1999-->2003, before the need to separate grew stronger than my interest to stay there.
Wow, thanks for all the comments and love. I appreciate it.
sm-photography
Photographer
2009-09-28 17:06:25
Thanks so much for your kind comment!! :) It's very much appreciated! Keep up the great work yourself. =]
Kris Joal Photography
Photographer
2009-09-26 20:43:22
Best Wishes to you and your family Richard!
Nancy Ashley
Model
2009-09-21 18:00:15
thank you so much for all your kind words! id love to work on a project with you. im living in turlock right now, but will be moving back to san diego in late october. i know you have some personal stuff going on so let me know when you're available for a shoot!
Ingochka
Model
2009-09-20 20:24:29
Thanks you! When the timing is better for you, I would love to shoot with you.
Great portfolio.
Fleur deLys
Model
2009-09-19 18:46:57
You are absolutely welcome. I will continue to wish the very best for all of you :)
Fleur deLys
Model
2009-09-15 15:15:37
I am so very sorry to hear about your father in law. I hope that his condition improves, and I'll keep a candle lit for you and your family.
Miss Ariel Marie
Model
2009-08-27 12:45:09
Thanks for the list.
Andrew Gabriel
Model
2009-08-27 10:13:44
hey, thanks for the Cm's. good luck in the future.
-AG
Jessica Frahm
Model
2009-08-27 08:48:24
Thank you for all the photo comments and lists! ~your love and support is appreciated ~ I"m glad a I had friends near by willing to give me honest advise! Keep up the good work!
KMThomas
Photographer
2009-08-24 16:06:18
Yes she is and yes I am. Actually getting back into it. So far so good.
Kristalyn Worth
Model
2009-08-24 14:57:37
Thankss! and yes i am a dancer.
Mia Jordan
Model
2009-08-24 09:51:32
Thanks for all the pic comments and the tag Richard!!
Mia
Dei Silva
Model
2009-08-23 18:48:30
Thank you for the kind comments on my photos and for adding my photos to your lists. I will make sure to return the favor :)
Andrea Silva
Photographer
2009-08-21 20:59:13
Thank you for being one of the first ppl to visit my new profile and thank you again for the kind comments.
Emily Cowart
Model
2009-08-20 16:42:14
thanks for the kind words
Kylie Lynn
Model
2009-08-20 08:51:08
Thank you for visiting my page and giving me some feedback. I really appreciate it!
=)
-Kylie Lynn.
Ashley Bri
Model
2009-08-18 21:35:49
Hey there, Thanks for the hello! I hope all is well with you too... we do need to try and set up a time to do a shoot together finally!
Ashley
Classic Exposures
Photographer
2009-08-16 17:17:02
Thank you so much for the kind words- Best wishes to you!
Manuel Ortega-
Classic Exposures Photography
Alysha garrett
Model
2009-08-15 22:17:10
love your work :)
julia stewart
Model
2009-08-08 17:56:26
Thank you i am pretty new here :p
and your photos are great i would be interested
Kris Joal Photography
Photographer
2009-08-06 17:50:20
Hi Richard! Stoppin by to say hi! Also I am "branching out" photographically speaking and would appreciate your feedback, not sure if i should continue the direction I'm going with the most recent set......thanks for any insight! Much appreciated!
Kris
-Sindra-
Model
2009-08-04 07:15:52
hello richard! thank you. and thanks for the comments as well. i wish you lived closer your work is wonderful. keep up the good work! [:
<3Sindra
Summer Morris
Model
2009-08-01 07:33:49
Okay I have to say it... it was 50 degrees outside pluss the costal wind chill!! And I was in a dress!! Freezing. Glad you enjoyed the shot though. It was a lot of fun and once I got past being numb it worked.
A Valentine
Model
2009-07-29 08:42:13
You are too sweet to list and comment on so many of my pix!! Thanks!!! I am HIGH FIVING you back!!
~A
P.S. I am always willing to be the monkey ;)
A Valentine
Model
2009-07-29 08:19:53
Capitola is a great "just because" area....especially if she grew up there. Did she go to Soquel High....if so, what year did she graduate?
Thank you for appreciating my art as well as reading my super-duper long bio. Hit me up if you ever need a model with my look ;)
Take care new friend
Xoxo
~A. Valentine
Melissa Jo
Model
2009-07-27 19:50:15
Thank you for ALL of your kind compliments, Richard. I appreciate this from someone with all of your experience.
Warm regards, Melissa
Leia Michelle Thompson
Model
2009-07-26 12:31:51
Thanks for the comment! I appreciate it!
PIA V
Model
2009-07-24 21:12:50
Hey!
I know you haven't! :D
August sounds great, maybe August 8th?
We'll figure something out!
talk to you soon!
PIA
Jes Baby
Model
2009-07-22 20:16:16
thanks for all the feedback! i really appreciate it!
Brittany Cervantes
Model
2009-07-22 18:43:13
aww thanks!
which jes do you know?!?
adeutsch
Model
2009-07-21 19:08:21
Thank you for the comments, it was a blast setting up and shooting that photo... glad you enjoy it. :)
johngoyer
Photographer
2009-07-18 09:38:03
Thanks for the nice TAG Richard - looking forward to seeing your shots with Megan - it would be great to do a shoot together with you sometime at your locations in Tracy - they seem very nice and I'd like to get more experience with outdoor shooting - all the best - John
PIA V
Model
2009-07-17 17:59:56
hey Richard!
happy Friday haha, even though I work tomorrow :/
let me know what days your open! and we can set a date! :DD
Victoria S Photography
Photographer
2009-07-17 14:54:13
hah: "* You want to see what stands out in your portfolio? Print the pics off and toss them on the floor face up...see which ones you want to reach for first to pick up. Can't do this? Have someone else toss your pics on the floor, and see which ones they pick up first."
nice~
Ninette Brown
Model
2009-07-11 00:37:49
thank you for the wonderful coments.sry took so long to respond.very buzy life but very blessed to have supporters
echo renae
Model
2009-07-10 19:28:21
Haven't been on in a while. thought i would say HELLO :]
Cristina Hoyle
Model
2009-07-10 09:58:12
I love your portfolio.
I would definitely like to shoot with you sometime.
Please let me know if there are any available days we could do this.
Thank you.
Katt9
Model
2009-07-02 08:30:36
Thank you :-)
High Five!!!
PIA V
Model
2009-06-30 03:18:12
hello Richard! :)
how are you? sorry for not contacting you, I have been working like crazy since I got back, I have a trip to morro bay this week but I would love to shoot soon! let me know :)
[i]click here
