I launched my studio, GravityLens, in 1999 after moving to New York. Since then, I've specialized in animation, design and photography for print and television. My photographic work includes commercial and non-commercial projects focusing on natural and built environments and the human figure. My commercial clients include ad agencies like Ogilvy, BBDO, and JWT. Video clients include Showtime, PBS, and National Geographic. My non-commercial, artistic work has been shown at the Brooklyn Museum, the Kitchen, the Boston Center for the Arts, the Pelham Art Center, Rare Gallery, and others.

The work I am posting here represents a range of what I do — not just my work with models. I like to play with light and color. I like abstraction, confusing the eye, obscuring the world, making it more mysterious.

In any work with any model, I'm the director of the photo shoot, the model is the director of herself or himself. I will say what I want, but I work to respect the model absolutely and for the model to feel comfortable. I hope for open communication.

I strongly believe in paid work. That may _include_ prints or digital negatives. But unless the model _specifically_ wants to do a trade, I will always negotiate a fee or agree to the model's standard fee — assuming I can afford it, for course! : ) This is part of respect for the model. Modeling is work, and it's hard work. I understand that. I do ask for a signed model release and for a signed receipt acknowledging payment, even if payment is in cash.

My preference is for natural lighting in natural settings. I strongly dislike studios. For figurative work and nudes, I prefer models who are natural and unshaved. When not working indoors, I'm partial to industrial or rural locations — not much in between for me. As of 2014, a lot of my recent work has been indoors. (But I've also been pretty dissatisfied with a lot of my recent work, so maybe it's time for a change.)

Hugh Sansom | GravityLens

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