rp_photo

   

Unlike many photographers, I am just as comfortable shooting males as females. Alternative models or those outside of traditional ages and weights are also welcomed. For legal and ethical reasons, work with models under 18 is limited to organized events.

For now, I only offer TFCD, and am not paid for any work arranged on Model Mayhem or elsewhere. This limits my ability to pay for things such as studio rentals, MUA's, wardrobe, and long-distance travel.

KISS principle and opportunism

I recognize that many models face similar limitations, so the goal is to follow the KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly) principle and take advantage of special opportunities.

A few examples of opportunities are nearby street construction sites, home and yard repairs or renovations, unusual weather events, and carnivals. In most cases, I will be relying on interested models to bring these to my attention.

What do I have in mind?

Since I'm asked this often, I'll get to the point. Unless you are responding to a casting call, all I have in mind is that the shoot will be casual, fashion, glamour, alternative, or swimwear at a proven outdoor location appropriate for the outfit style.

From there, we will discuss specific locations and styles that suit both our needs without "breaking the bank". I bring photography skills and location knowledge to the table, and will be looking to the model for outfit, makeup, and prop ideas.

I am open to shooting at model-arranged indoor locations and styles such as lingerie, topless, implied, and nude (both female and male). This would be at the model's request only, and preferably not as the first shoot. I'm open-minded and the only things I won't consider are hardcore adult, bondage, gore, trespassing, and risky locations.

In general, my availability to shoot and edit images is dictated by my day job schedule, out-of-town business trips, weather, time of year, and other photography commitments.

A typical shoot takes 2 hours and yields 300 images, with about 25 selected for editing.

For most outdoor shoots, suggested starting time is two hours before sunset. Of course the weather is also important.

Why shoot with me?

I've been shooting models once a week on average since 5/2005. I'm in this for the long haul, and most likely will be around for years to come.

I take myself less seriously than many photographers, and I strive to keep things lighthearted yet professional.

I rarely cancel shoots, and won't flake after the fact by failing to deliver images on a timely basis.

I shoot at locations that are safe and legal to the best of my knowledge. I invest considerable time into finding and exploring new locations, and I make web preview galleries available. My general philosophy is "New model - familiar location and new location - familiar model".

I provide high-quality images made with reasonably portable equipment ranging from flashes to full studio lights.

I offer generous terms per the TFCD image policy below

my site assures high visibility through credited display of at least 1 image on the first page of my VIP portfolio, avatar usage, top 12 friend placement, and a link to the shoot gallery. I am a long-time MM member who participates actively on the site, keeping my profile well-viewed as evidenced by the flag counter below.

Expectations of those I work with

I don't share information on upcoming shoots, and ask the same of those I work with. Advance information invites meddling, and can be embarrassing should the shoot not happen.

Ideally, models will either decide not to work with me early on or go through with the shoot. Conversations and planning that end at advanced stages are frustrating!

A completed model release which can be printed and filled out in advance (link available on request) or provided at the shoot.

I do not have an escort policy, and have not had any major issues to date either as a result of their presence or absence. I normally don't require assistants, but will expect that escorts pitch in.

I'd like see at least one image from the shoot given a chance in the model's portfolio. I do understand that the stingy 10-image limit can make this difficult.

If the model enjoyed the shoot, I hope that they will be back for another. I place high value on "regulars".

TFCD image policy

Web-sized proof images will be made available online within hours after the shoot. These proofs are OK for use on Myspace, Facebook, etc., but should not be used for MM and other model portfolios.

These images are of too-low resolution for quality editing, but if the model wishes to do their own editing before finished images are received we can make arrangements.

I offer up to 4 priority images and around 25 total images per shoot, and will immediately begin work on the priority images regardless of editing workload. Models are encouraged to make selections, including designation of priority images. I generally will not publically post any images from the shoot without indication that the model is happy with them.

Web-sized images will be made available for online download once finished, and a CD will be sent which contains web and print-sized images, the web proof galley, and medium resolution versions of all images taken.

All images are redundantly archived indefinitely, and I am open to reasonable requests for additional images from past shoots.


Group events

TFCD group events have played an important role throughout my progression, and sadly, there seem to be fewer and fewer in my area. I would appreciate being advised of any such events that are being planned.

To those that got here from the forums

I am proud of my high level of participation, perhaps bordering on obsession. I believe in sharing knowledge and learning from others while trying not to take things too seriously. I enjoy lame puns, pertinant references to classic rock song lyrics, and typo-taunting. I also like letting others know that their stuff has a smell too when need be.

Deep thoughts

If traffic laws were like photography regulations, speed limits wouldn't be clearly posted, police might make them up as they saw fit, private vehicles would be considered commercial class for superficial reasons, you'd need a driver's license for each city, and minimum auto liability would be $50M.

Nickname for a hard drive: Photographer's grandmother.

Shooting for recreation keeps me from going postal.
I have a feeling that shooting for a living would have the opposite effect.

If as an American citizen I'm to have European-style healthcare, carbon trading, and taxation forced upon me, then I also demand European-style open-mindedness towards art and nudity along with it. Seems perfectly fair to me.