Alex Wilson

June 29th, 2009:  Currently "between" studio spaces at the moment.  I hope to be set up in a new space in the next few weeks, but until plans are more firm, I'm not scheduling dates for studio sessions.  I'm still available for outdoor or other location shoots.

I'm a professional art photographer located in Waterloo, about an hour west of Toronto.  I'm a combination of very easy going and relaxed while still having a professional attitude.


There are a number of themes that tend to show up in my work:  Focus and its ability to direct attention, near-abstraction, figure/form, and implied/ambiguous/multiple meanings are common elements than tend to show up often in my various projects.


I have *tons* of images up at my main site, alexwilsonphoto.com
The site also has lots of information for models interested in working with me.


Current projects:
-I've self-published two books.  The first is a collection of studio images from 2004-2005.  The second is a collection of motion-themed images. Both are available through lacunal.com
-The current plan for book three is more figure/form/fine-art images, so I will be actively shooting for this project for the next while.
-In addition to the figure/nude work, I do a lot of model portfolio development, mostly through Gemini Models in Kitchener.  In my portfolio you see a mix of art and beauty/fashion images.  I'm happy to shoot both genres.
-I've got a couple new/different themes I would love to work on, including working with very freckled models for figure and bodyscape images, as well as working with pairs of models for more intertwined bodyscape, near-abstract, and bleached images.



I'm happy to work with both new and experienced models, and for most projects I can easily work with models with tattoos, piercings, scars, etc.  Models are always quite welcome to bring a friend along to the shoot for their own safety and comfort, and I advise all new models to be wary of photographers who don't allow a chaperon.


TFP/TFCD:
I currently have a limited number of TFP times available, but I will do my best to make myself available to models interested in my work. I'm happy to pay experienced models for their time when working on my projects, but for new models and those wishing to include work for their own portfolios, I will work in trade.
What do you, as the model, get?  Generally, I make web images available for portfolio use as soon as I work on them, as well as make prints available at a reduced price.  I can provide a CD if requested.


I enjoy working with models who have ideas for images they would like to add to their portfolios and who are also interested in my ongoing projects. Follow the link to my website for more details if you are interested in working with me. Please contact me if interested in details, and I will reply promptly.



Advice for new models:
If you are new to both Model Mayhem and modelling, I have a few (hopefully helpful) suggestions to make your entry here safer, more pleasant, and more rewarding.
- If you do not already personally know a photographer, insist on bringing a friend to the shoot.  There is no good reason for a photographer not to consider your comfort and safety paramount.  Be extremely cautious of working with anyone who is not comfortable with you have a friend present for the entire shoot.  On the flip side, be sure to bring a friend who will not be a distraction to you.
- Be careful about what personal details you put on your profile.  Using the MM message system is the best way to get in touch with other people, from there you can give out other contact information if you plan on working with someone.
- Be clear about what you are wanting and willing to shoot in your profile.  If you aren't comfortable doing nudes, state so, and ignore or report anyone asking you to.
- You should always talk about what you are shooting before the shoot, and be prepared to walk out if you are asked to do anything you are not comfortable with.
- Your portfolio is only as good as your worst picture.  Post your best work.  Post varied work.  Post images that are along the lines of what jobs you are looking to book.  If you don't have images like that, then post other ones with the intention of replacing them with better ones as quickly as possible.
- Look carefully at a photographer's portfolio. Are their images actually good?  Really good?  Are they in styles you would like in your portfolio?  Be critical.  If you don't yet have a critical eye for images, ask the opinions of friends.
- Check a photographer's references.  Contact other models the photographer has worked with.  Do those models use images from that photographer in their portfolios?
- Be safe.  Modelling can be fun and exciting, but only if you are cautious and careful enough to avoid the bad apples.



Thanks for taking the time to read my comments, I hope you enjoy my pictures here and will visit the galleries at my website.

Model development photographer for Gemini Modelling Agency
"Bodyscape" feature in Digital Photgrapher magazine (UK)
Twice winner of Photolife "Showtime" contests for two different themes
Published monograph:  Lacunal Vol. 2
Published monograph:  Lacunal Vol. 1
"That Figures" -- group show (London, On)
"Multiple Exposures" -- group show (Cambridge, On)
Images in multiple magazines (PhotoLife, Whiplash)