Zhen Images

SUMMARY

I picked up the camera in college in the 1980’s. I learned everything on my own including black and white film processing and enlarging.

I majored in graphic design for a while which really helped me to “see” shape, color, composition, and other design elements that I was able to incorporate into photography. To this day I look at how the entire image looks vs. just the model.

What happened, though, is that I decided to go the “responsible” route, got a master’s degree in business, and sold all my equipment in 1990. I’ve had a great career in business and picked up the camera again about four years ago when my father passed away and left me his Canon camera and lenses.

At that point I bought a Canon 5D MK II body for those lenses and began shooting again. Since then I have upgraded all of my equipment and use only Canon's "L" lenses. The combination results in superb clarity, color and contrast. It’s been quite a wonderful experience working in the digital world and with Photoshop! All those drawing and graphic design classes have greatly helped me to finish images to perfection!

Since then I've been shooting all over the U.S. and Italy. I have been fortunate to be published in print and on websites.

My wife is a make up artist/hair stylist so we work as a team when I am shooting locally or when she can travel with me. If she cannot join me, I have make up artists, stylists and designers I work with.         

I continue to learn a lot from other photographers, models, designers, make up and hair stylists. I've learned that successful photography is really a team sport!

Rate: Quoted based on shoot requirements and use.

Trade: On request for concepts I am interested in. I am currently looking for creative clothing designers to work with.

STYLE

I chose the images included on this site to show the many genres and styles that I shoot. Personally, I love more complex and visually intriguing creations. I really enjoy dramatic editorial images or those that convey a story or mood.

For instance, though I shoot "Victoria's Secret, Maxim or Playboy" style lingerie and nudes for clients, those tend to be more formulaic; the publication or client expects a very specific look and the focus tends to be the subject herself.

When I have more creative leeway, I apply more of my personal style which introduces more background context, visual complexity and mood. "The Emperor's Gift" shows a woman who only has a Chinese robe barely covering her. Is she the gift to the Emperor? Is she waiting for him as her new lover?

"Desert Heat", appropriately shot in Las Vegas, Nevada, is an art nude shot as the sun was setting. It celebrates the shape of the model's body while at the same time conveying erotic tension. Her softness is in contrast to the sharp hardness of the desert floor and the backlight.

"Ponte Rialto", which I shot in Venice, Italy is a study in color, contrast, and composition rather than a simple shot of a woman in a gondola. It is a modern interpretation of old Venice as indicated by her dress and surroundings.

MY SOURCES OF INSPIRATION

I have been greatly inspired and influenced by renaissance masters such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo and the use of chiaroscuro (lights and darks). One purpose of my trip to Italy was to further study their work. One can see their influence in many of my images which use a lot of dramatic shadows and color.

For 1930's and 1940's genre photography, the work of George Hurrell shaped how I shoot those portraits. Olivia De Berardinis and Alberto Vargas are my go-to references when I work on pinups.

Studying the work of Annie Liebovitz has helped me look at light in a different way. And amazing photographers such as Ellen von Unwerth have shown me the power of subtle eroticism behind some image concepts.

Great locations have sometimes gotten my creative juices flowing. During a shoot, a model who really “gets” the concept and knows how to “be” the character creates tremendous chemistry and inspiration.

OTHER NOTES

Escorts welcome as long as he/she is willing to lend a hand and is not distracting!

I am very detail oriented during shoot preparation. So be prepared for lots of emails and discussions regarding location, styling, wardrobe, etc. The better prepared we are, the better the images will be.

For trades: 2 finished images per look. I am a perfectionist and take a lot of time finishing each image.

I look forward to hearing from you.