Nico Simon Princely

Yes that's me Above. I think it only fair that the models know what the photographer looks like. I was shooting all day and decided what the hell I'd see if I can pull off a self-portrait by remote control while I still had everything set up. I have a few more in my port.

Now I'm hooked and plan on doing more Self-Portraits as I find it both fun and technically challenging oh and did I mention I'm a Ham...lol

Update: New Self-Portrait soon as I cut off all of my hair and I now have a Mohawk.

MY VISION AND GOAL...
I consider myself an Photographic Artist more than a photographer and my goal is simple...

To find in my model or subject and what it is I'm looking for bring it out and capture it and then enhance it further in my digital darkroom to create art! To me the post work is equally as important as the photography. I blend photography with digital art it's mixed media to me. That's my style!

So if you're a purist or are looking for pure out of the camera photography you're on the wrong page...lol

When I'm shooting women my goal is to find the beauty, sensuality or erotic energy in the model I'm working with and capturing her in that timeless moment.

When shooting men it's generally to make him look as cool or bad ass as possible and capture the moment when that masculine energy is greatest.

My Art is my passion...
My creative process maybe different from what you are used to... I'm motivated by collaborative people and I like to be involved in all aspects of a shoot, from start to finish... I don't do rushed, unplanned, thrown together shoots.

This is a process you are welcome to be a part of... But don't expect to rush in and rush out to snap a few pictures... I meet and plan things out with my models and clients before a shoot and often even shop for wardrobe and props with them. If that works for you, great let's create something exceptional...if not there are plenty of other photographers to work with on here.

FYI: What I consider is my best work is NOT online and will not be until released as prints. If we meet in person ask me and I'll show them to you.

Comments & Tags:
I want to thank everyone for all of the positive comments and tags that I have received. I truly appreciate them and they often make my day and keep me motivated on working toward my goal of becoming a full time photographic artist.

I Truly Thank You!

RATES:
For Non-Commercial Model Portfolio/Zed Card/Headshots
$500 Per Look - Includes 3 Fully Retouched Final Images
(If you are willing to sign a model release so I can use the image in my Art Projects I'll cut my rate by 50% to $250 Per Look)
Additional Images Available At An Additional Charge
Multiple Look Discounts And Package Deals Available
*For local to me locations shoots at your location there will be an additional charge of $100-$300 depending on distance, travel time and equipment brought to the shoot.

When I say yes to one client I have to say no to another for that reason if the client does not follow though I lose money. So I require a non-refundable deposit of 33%-50% depending on what the shoot requires as far as location, special set up, number of looks, etc...

Signed & Numbered One of Kind Large Size Metal Prints Available At Special Model pricing.

As I'm a photographic artist first and a for hire photographer second. If the image is for commercial use my rates are several times higher.

I look forward to making art featuring you,

Nico

CODE OF CONDUCT AND PROFESSIONALISM:
I am here first and foremost to meet and collaborate with models and other artists in the field and also to find clients and generate business (Make Money.)

I'm a professional and an artist and I strive to create awesome images and art. But I'm fun to work with and have never had a shoot that was not a blast for all involved.

If this was not my passion and fun I would not being doing it. I like my shoots to be like a party with music (no hip-hop or country sorry, Rock, Pop, Trance, House Are All Good!), great energy and everyone laughing and having a good time!

I often socialize with my models outside of work, yes we actually become friends very often. I have a naturally playful and flirtatious personality...What can I say I'm fun to work and hang out with.

I Meet With ALL Clients/Models Before We shoot:
Both for paid work and TF for my Gallery Projects. I meet all clients and/or models in a public place to collaborate go over the Concepts, Ideas, Set Boundaries as far as poses and nudity and see if our personalities click and make sure everything is clear and understood.

I also sometimes take a couple of pictures just to see how you photograph. I do not work for or with anyone I don't click with or don't like, paying or not.

And I never bring anyone to my home or a location home or studio, where I often shoot unless I have met with them first in a public place. The practice has resulted in greater comfort for me and my clients/models, and the location home or studio owner and better images and also weeds out the flakes, non-collaborative, and nut jobs!

What I WON’T DO:
I will NOT hit on models during a shoot. While I have no formal policy against dating models. The shoot is no place for that it's my work and passion and I'm there to create art and the best images I can. I focus on my work and it's always been my attitude & experience that if a model is interested in me in some other way she'll let me know.

I will NOT touch models inappropriately. I only touch models with their permission during a shoot to adjust hair, clothing (in non-sexual areas), help them pose, get off or on props for safety reasons etc… Unless I have an MUA present who can help out.

I will NOT ask you to do things that you are not comfortable doing or that are unsafe. An un-comfortable model does not take good pictures. And I can always find another model to do what I want done if you don’t want to do it.

I will NOT try to talk you into posing nude over and over again during the shoot if we have agreed not to shoot nudes. In fact before we even shoot we will go over what you are comfortable with as far as clothing, implied nudity, nudity, poses etc... So there are no uncomfortable moments during the shoot.

I'm all about the shoot and I want happy models and to have fun doing what I love while creating exceptional images and photographic art. You can feel safe and comfortable when working with me in a group or one on one.

So in short I'm NOT here to hook up. Well ok, maybe if hit on me and you're really hot and have a great personality and you promise to take me out to sushi afterward what can I say I'm only human and a whore for sushi! ;o)

Bag/Pocket Checks Are Mandatory:
To prevent theft all bags/Pockets of Models, MUA and Escorts or anyone else
at the location or studio will be checked to make sure nothing is being
taken accidentally or intentionally. Many businesses require this as a standard security measure and so do I. This is a business and I can not afford and will not tolerate theft. I will prosecute all theft! I don't care what's in your bag as long as it's not my stuff or from the home or studio we might be shooting in. Don't take anything that's not yours and there will be no problem at all and it will take just a couple of minutes.

RULES ON ESCORTS:
For TF and if I'm hiring you: I prefer to work without them. But if you need one I have no problem with you bringing a female MUA or female assistant to help you change and also if they are willing to hold a reflector get cold drinks/water for us while shooting.

No Boyfriends/Husbands Aka Managers, Aka Business Partners or Mothers. Don't need another Ego adding their input on the shoot nor do I want someone wandering around my place or a location home unattended.

Often I will have a MUA or another model present if I’m shooting more than one model that day. But often the best images seem to happen when It’s just me and the model sharing an artistic connection. In fact most models seem to feel most at ease when it's just me and them.

If you really feel you need an escort they are welcome to bring you to and pick you from the shoot and you can check in by phone hourly.

There exceptions to this occasionally for high profile or famous models as I feel they have a reasonable concern for safety as they are in the public eye. But I prefer to work without an escort when possible and checking in by phone is encouraged.

If you are hiring me:
If you wish you can bring an escort as long as they are either helpful or stay out of the way and we are at location shoot. I still prefer to shoot without one as it's less distracting for the model and the result is better images without escorts pulling the models attention away from the shoot. But if you're paying the bill you can bring one.

FLAKES/NO-SHOWS Do NOT Get Second Chances...
I do not tolerate that kind of disrespect of my time and the other artists involved in the shoot and this goes for MUAs also. You can always text, call, email or Facebook...THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR A NO CALL/NO SHOW!

To Be Nude Or Not To Be Nude That Tis The Question?

This is all personal choice and if you're paying me to shoot you it does not matter to me one way or another I'm equally comfortable shooting fully clothed models just as well as nude models. If you want to shoot nude you need to tell me.

The choice is yours...I personally feel that a well maintained female body is one of nature's (Ok, some had some help from the surgeon...lol) most beautiful creations...and that every woman should have the experience of seeing the photos of herself in a beautiful nude shoot at least once her life. Preferably when she is in the best shape of her life and to capture that moment on film forever. Even if no one is to ever see the images but her.

If you are considering to doing nude for your modeling career and for your portfolio  it depends on the direction you want to take in your career and in life...I will say that nudity has not hurt top model Kate Moss's career, nor has it hurt Pamala Anderson, Carmen Electra, Paris Hilton, Vanessa Hudgens, Vanessa Williams, or Kim Kardashian. In fact if done right it can boost a career. But that choice is up to you.

If you plan on becoming or marrying a politician, or some how feel it's wrong I suggest you do not do nudes...never violate your own principals.

Just so I know we are on the same page about what I'm talking about in the different kinds of nudes please go down to my lists and look at these list of mine so you know the difference between them and I do not consider any of what I shoot or want to shoot as porn...

Nico's Favorite Topless/Semi-Nudes
Nico's Favorite Implied Nudes
Nico's Favorite Nudes
Nico's Favorite Erotic Nudes

If you have any questions about anything or would like to schedule a shoot email me. I look forward to working with you to create art featuring you!

General TF RULES:
***CURRENTLY MOSTLY DOING TF WITH SELECT MODELS COMFORTABLE DOING ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING... FULLY IMPLIED, CREATIVE IMPLIED, TOPLESS, NUDES, FOR MY FINE ART GALLERY/BOOK PROJECTS/CONTENT PROJECTS***

I am open to doing a VERY, VERY,VERY limited amount of TF (with signed model release) with select creative models and make up artists as time allows between my other projects because...

My time is money. For me to do TF it has to be something I can recoup my investment on. Meaning pictures I can sell to a Magazine, or my primary goal of use in my Art Gallery Projects and I required a model release.

I don't shoot for free period. I value my ability and time too much to do that. I do shoot Trade For. What that means when working with me is you are giving me your time and a signed model release instead of paying me my rates. We are trading for each others services.

I will then give you 3 fully retouched pics from each look that will have my watermark and logo on it. That will give you some quality images for your portfolio/zed card. I don't give you copies of all pics and I do not release un-edited or un-retouched images.

I generally take hundreds of pics when I shoot so I only give out the best that make all involved look good, Model the MUA and I the Photographer.

For you this is a way to build a portfolio and possibly gain recognition and a credit by being published or have your imaged used in one for my Gallery projects.

For me this is a way to find models to work with for my gallery projects that will result in mutual benefit for us both.

If you would like additional images beyond what is stated above there will be a fee depending on the level of retouching involved.

NOTE: If one of the images we shoot is good enough to be used in my Art Gallery projects you will NOT get a copy of that image until it is released as art.

So don't even ask as I can't have images floating around that have not been released yet. You will get a chance to participate in the show and promotion of the image, which will also get you exposure and possibly a signed and numbered print if the image sells well and an opportunity to get commission on any buyers you refer which would amount to much more than your day rate. But I will make sure you get some good images from the shoot.

Models & MUA that have TF with me or have Hired me are the first I call on when I have paid work. As we have already worked together.

CASTING FOR MODELS TO TF AND BE FEATURED IN GALLERY SHOW...
I am planning a gallery show this year with large size prints to showcase my work as a photographic artist. I'm looking for models that are very comfortable with their bodies and take direction well. Im shooting mostly fully implied or nude is very likely in many cases but not required in all as some will just be head shots or body shots...

Experience is a plus but not required. If you have the right look for one of my artistic visions and we click personality wise then we can work together to make some amazing art! Read more in my casting section below.

If You're a Model With A Following Or Fan Base Read The Casting Below To Find Out How We Can Make Some Money Together!
I'm looking for models to work with for my Gallery Project and to make commission on any buyers they refer. So if you have fan base, or large following contact me and let's talk about working together and making some money.

REGARDING FRIEND REQUESTS:
I generally only add people I'd like to or have worked with, this means some models, MUA, designers and a select few photographers. I don't add retouchers as I DO MY OWN retouching and it's half of what I do. please do not contact me soliciting your retouching services or I will block you instantly.

I use my friends list as a database to pull from for projects so having a bunch of random people slows things down. If you'd like to hire me or work with me add me and email me.

HOW DID I GET THAT LOOK?
I'm getting asked that question more often these days. The answer to that question is... I don't give away my secrets.

It's taken me hundreds of hours of study, research and trial & error to get the look(s) my images have and I often spend several hours on an image to get the look I want for it. If I ever decided to teach what I have learned I'll sell it as a course.

Safety Tips for Models:
If your worried about safety in this industry I suggest you call and check in when you get there and let someone know where you are and how long you will be and check back periodically and make sure you check back ON TIME. Maybe buy a Tracking Device/GPS so someone always knows where you are. http://www.proximiti.com or http://www.spectrumgpstracking.com

Also don't drink anything that you didn't open yourself unless you know the person.
(If I hand you a bottle of water it will still be sealed.)

And always trust your gut feeling it's usually right.

This industry is relatively safe and people are generally good.

And if you shoot with someone who's port is filled with bloody gory stuff of dead girls check references & bring an escort or two...That's just my opinion and what I'd tell my sister if I had one.

ATTENTION MODELS WITH TATTOOS:
If you have a unique tattoo designed by a tattoo artist. You need to get release from the artist assigning you all right for use in photography and film. YOU DO NOT OWN the copyright on the tattoos the tattoo artist does.

Both you and/or any one using the images commercially can be sued by the artist for violation of their copyright unless you get a release and then assign the rights to the photographer that shoots you.

Otherwise the photographer or company paying for the photos needs a release from the tattoo artist. For this reason if you can not provide either of the above I'm no longer doing TF shoots with models with large or excessive tattoos that can't be photoshoped out. Too much hassle.

I am still taking paid clients that want me to shoot them and their tattoos, but my rates are higher as tattoos require more retouching work to make them look like they do in my pictures.

For those not knowledgeable about the laws or cases regarding Tattoos and Copyright law here are some links that go over the cases.

http://legacy.lclark.edu/org/lclr/objec … arkins.pdf
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/ … attoo.html
http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_stor … columnists

The cases are generally settled out of court for undisclosed amounts of money. Add that to legal costs (which I have seen read from $5000 to Hundreds of thousands of dollars in copyright infringement cases even if you win and if you lose GOD help you!) and you will see it's just not worth the risk under current laws. Always get a release if it's for commercial use.

About Me As A Person...
I am very creative multi-talented person... My list of abilities include, web design, internet marketing, copywriting (writing sales copy), I have written a few books and done a few other things, and I have some other businesses also but my passion right now is my photographic art.  I can do almost anything that requires imagination and creativity.

I love doing almost anything physical like Lifting weights, Martial Arts, Kickboxing, swimming. I just feel so alive when I feel my blood pumping through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest, and feeling so energized and alive. I work out several times a week generally and I am into a healthy lifestyle.

Then of course I blow it by wolfing down a dozen Dunkin Doughnuts and a pint of Ben & Jerry's Phish Food, while watching True Blood, Californication, Game of Thrones on Cable on Sunday night!

Being a big believer in positive attitude and energy and I'm attracted to positive motivated people. I create my own reality (we all do) and live my life from that prospective everyday.

On a side note while I am here for business I'm always looking to network and socialize with other fun, creative & business minded, photographers, entrepreneurs, marketers and models, as connections are everything. No one does it all alone.

If you're anti-social and just looking for a paycheck or just some free pics look some where else. Because I only work with collaborative minded passionate people that know the value of social networking.

Well that's why I'm here and who I am in a nutshell so if you'd like to work with me or network with me or are like minded...hit me up.

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