Details

Model Mayhem #:
2937527
Last Activity:
Mar 13, 2024
Experience:
Very Experienced
Compensation:
Any
Joined:
Feb 09, 2013

Friends (97)

Lists (16)

Beautiful models with great props

1 Photos

Black and White done right

3 Photos

Eyes that anchor a scene

37 Photos

Fantastic Ink

1 Photos

Finding Alt

0 Photos

Great photos

2 Photos

Great use of a fan or wind

0 Photos

Ideas for shooting in the country....

1 Photos

Inked Models Captured Well

20 Photos

Light or shadows

1 Photos

Models and weather

3 Photos

Models I'd love to work with....

16 Photos

Photos that tell a story or show emotions

2 Photos

Retouchers I need to remember

1 Photos

Super Creative

1 Photos

Water and reflections

22 Photos
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About Me

** Update: I'm now fully vaccinated (Pfizer, both shots), so I am once again available for shoots **

About Me: 

I’m a Vancouver-based photographer. Photography is my favorite way to be creative.  I’m very comfortable collaborating with people. I spend most of my time inventing things and consulting with companies about how they can innovate better.  I’ve received than 200 issued patents.

Turnaround Time:

I get the first few images processed and to the model on the day of the shoot. It is really important to me that I work on the images while the creative vision is still fresh. I normally get nearly all of the images done within a few days. For really great models and great shoots, it is not unusual for me to return to the raw photos later and process more of them. I’ve only missed the “some shots on the same day, the majority in a few days” goal once, and that was because I was injured and hospitalized a few hours after the shoot.

Collaboration is Fantastic: 

There is nothing more fun than a photo shoot where the model is actively participating in the creative process.  This is something that you, as a model, really can’t do wrong.  Just share your thoughts and ideas and we’ll get fantastic results.  I’m not a fan of over planning my shoots – I’d rather innovate on the fly in a way that creates something we both love.

I want to go beyond routine shots or mechanical reproduction of common photos.  I am very open to working with models with creative ideas -- I work best with other creative people.  If you have an idea for photos you'd like to model for, but you worry that they're too unusual, let's talk.  Most great ideas start out just that way -- almost thrown aside as "too unusual to try".

Projected Light:

One of the things I am pioneering is projected light photography.  As you can see from my portfolio (and my site http://www.sightworthseeing.com/Models/Projector/ ), this is photography where I project images directly onto the model’s skin.  This makes it possible to take shots that look like the most elaborate body paint ever, but without the mess. 

I’m compiling a book and show of projected light images, so I’m always interested in shooting projected light. I invented a few devices and methods that make my projected light results reliably good.

Creative Results are Important:

Ultimately, I hope to bring elements of my innovation and inventing work to my photography -- and elements of my photography to my inventing.  This crossover between different creative fields means that if we work together, our photos may be quite different compared to what is already in your portfolio.

I checked off quite a few genres as things I'm willing to work with, but don't look at that as limiting.  Projects that don't fit easily into a category are particularly interesting to me.

Meeting prior to shoot:

Bring your personality and humanity:  This isn’t a requirement, but whenever possible, meeting first (usually at a public place like a coffee shop) increases our comfort level, is a good safety step, and lets us figure out what kind of shoot would be meaningful and successful.  I’m not looking to shoot a blank slate or a model who functions like a prop.  Bring your personality, tattoos, and attitude.  I’m looking to shoot with you, the full human being.

Professional relationship: 

Photography is not a dating service. This isn't a limitation on the type of photos I'm willing to shoot, but the relationship is professional.

Safety:

I have kids and would not want them taking risks, so I totally understand others wanting to stay safe.  If models feel more comfortable bringing a friend, meeting first in public, or looking into my background, that is all fine and I'll do my best to facilitate it.  Yes, having a friend there can sometimes impair a shoot, but not nearly as much as having a nervous model will.  If you want background on who I am, you can visit http://www.shuster.com

Equipment, Technology, and Images:

I use professional level equipment. Normally any copies of photos I provide to models are provided via web link (I can also upload the raw images in a password protected, low-resolution form on request). 

Expectations of Models: 

Models have lives, families, jobs, etc., and I don't expect a photo session to take priority over everything else in your life.  I expect courtesy, so, for example, calling me if you aren't going to show up.  I don't expect models to be perfect or even experienced, but I do encourage models to participate in the creative aspects of the shoot.  If I can learn from you, great.  If you can learn from me, great.

Good communication: 

If you really want to try a particular kind of shot, when I ask if there is something different you'd like to try, please don't say "no, I'm good".  Tell me "I'd like to try this....".  If something isn't working for you, tell me.  We will both be a lot happier with the results of a shoot if we're communicating during the shoot.

** boring part follows **: 

Releases, copyright, and money:  Going without a written agreement is a sure way to end up with an unhappy model.  Unless there is an agreement otherwise, the photographer owns the copyright to the photographs, can use them in certain ways, but the model can't use them at all.  Not good for the model, not good for the photographer's reputation.  I use a written agreement to make clear what the deal is up front so nobody is surprised or unhappy.  If you want to see the agreement before agreeing to a shoot, just ask.

This is all negotiable, depending on the details of the shoot.  Normally, if I'm paying you, you would get to use a copy of some of the photos for self-promotion (i.e. your portfolio) and I would get the rights to use the photos however I wish.  If we're exchanging time for photos, normally I would give you a copyright license that lets you use the photos in the same way that I get to use them (so we both get the same rights).  Normally, if you are paying me for the photos, I would get to use a copy of some of the photos for self-promotion (i.e. my portfolio) and I would assign the remaining exclusive copyright rights to you, so you could use them however you wish. 

In any of the situations where I have the right to use the photos, the agreement would also include a statement that I have permission from the model to use the photos.  None of this is set in stone, it all depends on the details of the shoot.

Thanks!

Gary

Verified Credits (11)

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"I had a fantastic time working with "A sight worth seeing" he was professional , creative and well organized! We got fantastic results--definitely someone to work with again and I highly recommend this artist!😊" Read less

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"Very fun photographer! He's super quirky and helps you feel comfortable despite the fact you're in the dark and nude. I really enjoyed the shoot and would love to work with him again. Also, very knowledgeable about what he is doing, which just makes everything easier on everyone. Great shoot!" Read less

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"Gary was professional and courteous. He was very patient with me as i adapted to his unique photography style and the images are an asset to my portfolio." Read less

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