I am all things art. Complicated, simple, provocative, imperfect, beautiful, evolving and dangerous. I consider myself most humble and I dislike talking about my accomplishments. But since this industry is all about getting your name out there and leaving a lasting impact on people when they see your work and get to know your experience then I must speak.
So here goes...
I studied art and photography in Florence Italy back in 2000. Since then I have been involved in numerous projects that deal with everything in art and design to photography and now film production. I've been published in a dozens of magazines as an artist and photographer. My breakout was getting published in Maxim in 2006. The Maxim story is an important one because it happened as the result of a TFCD/trade shoot. Models need to realize that a "PAID ASSIGNMENTS ONLY" strategy is a poor approach to making it in this business, especially for new models. I've probably done over a thousand trade shoots, the knowledge gained from these shoots is invaluable and can not be learned in any school. Models need to concentrate on getting experience first and establishing contacts. Perfect your craft, gain knowledge and then worry about getting paid later, it will happen just be pattient. I was not paid for my first time being published in Maxim but the exposure and credentials are worth much more than the money. Many doors were opened to me and the paying jobs came. So never pass up an opportunity to work with a good photographer, you never know what could come of it!
HOW I WORK
I'm pretty much a one man band at my shoots. I rarely use an MUA, especially for the first shoot with a model. My experience has been that for my particular style make up is not so critical. Not to take anything from all the talented MUA's out there, they are indeed vital to some projects but my ninja Photoshop skills is all the MUA I need. While editing in Photoshop I've replaced a model's tooth, moved eyeballs, taken away 30 pounds lol
So my approach to shoots is to focus on things like the eyes, the body and the environment. I prefer to keep the shoot very simple so that more emphasis is placed on the model's posing ability, style, and chemistry with yours truly. Which brings up my next point.
ESCORTS
Some models stress the need for escorts because of safety reasons. Well, here is a Model Mayhem first for you, I need protection from escorts!!! I can't count the number of "Headhunter clones" there are on this site as a result of being a so called "escort" for a model on one of my shoots. They watched me work, studied my lighting techniques, made notes of my shooting style and now suddenly they think they can do it too! WTF??! Yes models have the right to feel safe, I also have the right to keep my photography techniques private or share if I want to.
A few escort and other WTF highlights:
- A model brought her best friend and new puppy to the shoot, not to be involved in the shoot but just to have them there (her security team??) Anyway, the damn puppy pooped all over the studio! I think that's a bit of a distraction don't you???
- A model brought her sister and 10 minutes into the shoot started an argument with her boyfriend on her cell phone. 10 minutes later she's uncontrollably crying. Ummm lady, couldn't that drama have waited until after my shoot???
- My favorite! A model brought her drunk mom and she kept hitting on me during the shoot. Trust me, every guy likes the attention of the woman but when she is drunk, weighs more than you and looks like she was ridden hard and put away wet, then ummm... yeah, it's not so nice.
- The usual: A model brings her "friend" for safety. Usually he is an undercover wannabe photographer too. After several escorted shoots, I noticed many people on MM using the same ideas, background, etc as me. When I realized it was the "friend" well I was a little perturbed. I have no problem sharing ideas and techniques when people ask but seriously, isn't it more honorable to not steal and stop pretending to be someone your not!
Bottom line, leave the escort at home and bring your grandma instead. If I get out of line then your grandma can beat the living snot out of this big scary negro.
THE FUTURE
My thoughts these days are more about establishing my own thing. As an artist you are always seeking validation, especially early on from someone you perceive to be bigger and more powerful than you. But it's all BS. Once you realize the power YOU have to establish your own mark, to be the one that influences and stop seeking acceptance from people on pedestals then you will be more happy. In other words, stop sweating these magazines to get published, start your own magazine! Stop nagging that director for an itty bitty part in a movie, create your own movie and be the star! Make Hollywood come to you, if your serious, truly appreciate your art then the work will show it, success is guaranteed to follow. If models want to do magazine submissions then I would be happy to help but keep in mind, my thoughts are on my own brand first and what I can do help us both establish our own mark.
At this point in my photography career it's more of a labor of love. I shoot purely for the fun of it so I prefer to do more edgy artistic themes. I enjoy helping models out with a weak portfolio, update their look with images that grab attention.
Film is my new chocolate! I'll always love still photography but learning how films are made is so interesting and challenging. It's tough work but I'm gaining great experience and eager to learn more.
***A few more notes...
- If I sent you a friend request it means I want to work with you.
- If I sent a photographer a FR then it simply means I respect and admire your work.
- Nothing is original, it's all been done. When you see something that you think is fresh and new then I suggest you find the source for the real inspiration behind it. Everything is a remix of what was already done. There could be no Hip-Hop without Jazz, R&B and other influences. So there is no shame in copying an idea, especially in the beginning. Imitation allows you to get familiar with what you like and dislike. The goal should be to have a break through eventually, put your own unique spin on an old idea. My style in photography is the result of studying other photographers and artists that I like, taking a bit here, using a technique here, creating a remix, it's all salad!!!
Other names I go by:
-Midnight Mousse
-Big Nasty
-Chocolate Thunder
Many thanks to the creators and members of Model Mayhem. I've watched this site grow into a power and creative tool.
My favorite bunny, deal with it!
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