dcsmooth

People often ask why I like to create unique images using ordinary people as models.
Because I can.  You can too.  Don't believe anyone who tells you that you can't!  Run from anyone who tells you that you shouldn't!!  Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and comments!

Currently taking a break beginning 12-10-11 for a couple of months but will check in from time to time and will be scheduling more photo sessions in the spring.

Photography is a long time interest which I have never done full time. As you can see by my low MM member number, I have been here since almost the beginning of this great site, and plan to continue doing exactly what I have been. I truly enjoy the creativity and endless possibilities for concepts to photograph, and always try to make photo sessions fun for the models.

There are some examples inside of artwork created using my photos as reference.
My avatar is one example of that. I wish I were talented in drawing and painting, but since I'm not, I leave that up to those who can do it the best. I enjoy sharing my images with artists of all skill levels, and those who create art digitally or the old fashioned way.

Self-taught with inspiration from other photographers and artists and over 30 years experience in film and digital work. My style has been described as documentary, journalistic, natural, and realistic. I don't have or want a studio because that's not my main interest. Since I use a minimum of simple equipment, you could also call my style minimalist. I go out of my way to create images that look like they could have been taken by anyone using the most basic camera and using ordinary people as models. Most of my work is done on location (usually at the model's home) or outdoors.

I am currently only doing TFP/TFCD work with models, unless I have a paid commission to create specific images for use by an artist or I am working on a special project and need a model with a specific look or style. I do not give out CD's of all unedited images on the day of the shoot, but later I will review everything that has been shot and then select a number of images for the model to use. I'm not one for doing much serious editing or retouching either, since I like the unedited look. I will consider sending specific images to a professional retoucher in special cases.

Models must sign a release permitting use in my various online and print portfolios, by artists to create derivative works, and for public display. Sometimes I make presentations to college classes, and my images will be shown to those present.

I work with models of all sizes, shapes and ages. Beginners, tiny, BBW, and older models are all truly encouraged. The only requirements are to be over 18 and able to take direction. You don't have to fit the common image of a model, in fact I would rather you didn't. I prefer those who are completely natural and don't go for a lot of makeup, or tattoos, body piercings, or extreme hair colors. I like to represent the reality of the human form at various ages and to show contrast in appearance by using a variety of models.

My favorite images are classic artistic figure studies and pregnancy photos, but that is not all I do. I'm also interested in lifestyle work both indoor and out, recreating classic fine art poses from the past, retro-style pinups, girl-next-door lingerie, bikini, or boudoir style, and many others. Some of these do not always require full nudity, or only implied nudity. I will also do classic fine art figure studies of unclothed male models, either individually or posed with another model.

I can do pregnancy images or boudoir style work for those who want some artistic intimate photos for themselves or as a special surprise for spouse or significant person in their life. This can also include the opportunity to commission drawings or paintings of the model's favorite pose.

A female chaperone will be required, with NO exceptions on any shoot involving nudity, and I will always provide the chaperone on those days. She will also serve as my assistant during the photo session. We always meet with all models that we haven't worked with previously in a public place before committing to do a photo session together. If you feel that you need someone else to accompany you during a photo session, it must be discussed well in advance. That person must also be willing to pose with you in the same genre and they must also help out if needed, there are no exceptions to this rule. While some photographers do not allow husbands or boyfriends to attend photo sessions, I know from experience that they make great couples shots once you get them comfortable with nudity. If you request permission for your husband or boyfriend to be present he must be willing to get out of his clothes and pose nude alongside you. There will be absolutely no exceptions to these rules.

I am not interested in XXX type work, nor am I interested in working with models who show that type of images in their portfolios, or who work in any adult oriented field. 

Note that my friends list consists of those whose work I admire, those who have sent messages commenting on my work, and those who I would be interested in working with. I see no point to random friend adds just to increase the number.



The above image of a beautifully pregnant model is typical of my style, shot next to a window with natural light, and not retouched.



A new project! That's Maureen, MM #56180 kicking off the Blue Sock Project, in which a variety of models will be posing wearing blue socks. There will also be one other item in each image, which will be chosen for each model. That could be a prop or a second article of clothing. In the example above she has chosen to wear a blue sweater as her other item. If we choose a prop, then the model will be unclothed other than the socks. Even those who wish to preserve some modesty in the final images can participate, but under those restrictions it gets very challenging to create poses during the session.





Kimberly P, MM#367127 is very proud that she just lost 110 pounds and is making a new start in modeling. That's her awesome back as she teasingly lowers her jeans on a nature trail. I can highly recommend Kim if you want to shoot fashion with a slightly bigger model, she would absolutely love to get some assignments in that genre.





The older model MatureModel seen in some of my portfolio shots is proudly 59, and has many years experience. She models for artists doing life drawing and painting, as well as for select photographers. She is available for paid work, also some very selective TFP will be considered depending on assignment. She loves doing art and photography projects with college students and will be more likely to TFP on those or others resulting in gallery display of the artwork or images. If you are local (generally in the area from Ann Arbor to Toledo) and interested in working with her, feel free to contact me.

Seeking a very specific look for a sensitive series about love and protection shown between a mother and daughter  This project may require more than one session, and revolves around sensitivity, intimacy, and protection of a mother for her daughter. MatureModel pictured just above will portray the mother, and the model chosen to work with her must be able to pass for her daughter.  A "traditional" girl next door look would best describe the model we are seeking, to pass as her college age daughter.

Must be comfortable with extended periods of nudity and physical interaction such as cuddling and hugging. Must be physically expressive and able to convey a variety of emotion through body language and facial expressions. Previous experience acting in community theater or school plays could be helpful along those lines.

Some poses will be done in PJ's or basic cotton underwear but partial to full nudity will be required in most of the scenarios to create the innocent sense of intimacy we are trying to portray.

The model should be in the range from 18 at the youngest to early 20's at the oldest, preferably with a younger appearance, with medium to dark brown or black hair. Any weight is OK, and a figure that nicely complements hers and must be 100% natural. Height 5'7" or less and the shorter the better. No tattoos unless very small and able to be covered with makeup, no tan lines. Preferably no body piercings at all, but will consider a model with nothing pierced other than her navel and/or nipples. Unshaved/untrimmed preferable, but will consider a model shaved/waxed completely bare. No facial piercings, no more than one or two piercings in ears. Conservative glasses are a plus, as are very small breasts (AA or A cup size would be awesome) and short hair, but a girl with long hair or fuller in the bust or hips would be OK if she has the right look. Little to no makeup and no nail polish etc. will be worn as the images will be along the lines of casual at-home lifestyle. Basically how you look in the morning when you get up, or when you lounge around the house or your room when you aren't going out, but with your hair combed.

Seeking a very specific look for a figure study: This will be an ongoing project requiring multiple sessions and many different models. Those chosen must be on the heavier side, totally natural with very full hips and legs. A hip measurement at least several inches larger than bust would be great. Preferably with no tattoos, or only a few small ones, and no tan lines. No facial piercings other than ears, but pierced navel and/or nipples OK, anything else must be removable. Weight should be at least 150-160 pounds for a short model, and proportionally heavier based on height, probably clothing size would be 14-16 or larger. No upper limit on weight, 300 pounds is exceptionally beautiful too, and height does not matter. Pale skin, very long or very short hair in your natural color, red hair, freckles, very small breasts, natural look (unshaved/untrimmed) are all a big plus for this project, but other looks will be considered. Some poses during the sessions will include one or more additional nude models as a contrast in size, shape, age, or appearance. Must be comfortable with and casual about nudity during photo sessions and interaction with other models! Physical flexibility such as yoga, gymnastic, dance or ballet experience would also be very helpful.

Testimonials:

I did have a very enjoyable time yesterday. You and your assistant made me feel very comfortable and helped build my confidence as we went along. Thank you for both the opportunity and for being so easy to work with. I am looking forward to the next session.  Rebecca

Thank you for the wonderful time I had doing photos yesterday! I really like the previews and I'm sure the prints will be great. Your directions were really appreciated. MsK

Thank you so much for the awesome shoot yesterday! I had so much fun and you guys made me feel comfortable Look forward to our next session and boy did my husband go CRAZY when he saw the pictures! Kimberly P May 2011

I want to highly recommend Maureen, MM #56180 if you need a very serious fine art figure model with a classic Rubenesque look. She is totally awesome and easy to work with. I have done several photo sessions with her and she is exceptionally talented, and can present wonderful poses without direction.