NEW PROFILE, NEW DIRECTION, NEW PORTFOLIO! PLEASE LOOK!
BIO
Before I was even ten years old I was working in my father's darkroom, learning the smell of Dektol, experiencing the thrill of seeing an image bloom on a blank page under the red safety-light. Now a part-time professional in Bellingham, Washington, I work all-digital.
I shoot fasion & portraiture in the editorial and commercial style, as well as some art portraiture. I absolutely
LOVE to shoot with corsets and with long elegant gowns. I am also especially interested in doing conceptual shoots which involve a story or situation.
I shoot both on-location and also in my studio which is in Bellingham, Washington, two hours north of Seattle. Before you contact me, please be aware of the distances involved.
YOU NEED TO KNOW:
1. I produce quality, not volume.
I am
not a volume photographer. I pay attention to every finished shot and invest time in each one. This is how I always work. Most successful shoots yield 4-6 finished photos. A really exceptional shoot can yield 8-10 finished images.
Do not expect volume;
do expect quality.
2. If you want me to shoot TFP/TFCD, you HAVE to bring something special to my portfolio
If you want to shoot something that I specifically need/want for my portfolio, I'll probably be happy to work with you. It helps to have a really good idea for a shoot. Being an experienced model -- or just a total knockout -- also helps, of course! In short, offer me something special -- a great idea, your own experience, fulfill one of my shooting needs (see below) -- and I'll probably work with you TF*.
3. If you want me to shoot TFP/TFCD, you HAVE to sign a model release
I have a standard release. If you have done a few shoots, you have probably signed one just like it in the past for other photographers. Download
the release, or if you are under the age of 18 use
the release for minors. (If you want to make it really easy, you can download, print and sign the release before the shoot and bring it with you.)
4. I will work in trade
I need female clothing for shoots (especially vintage), old cameras, props, or other goods. Will also shoot in exchange for services, such as if you can do hair & makeup for other shoots.
5. Bring your own brilliant ideas to shoots
I love models who are full of good, original ideas. I also love models who bring cool props to a shoot. If you want to shoot with me, come up with a few original ideas for photos, such as a concept, theme, or at least a good prop we can work with. Browse through a few magazines and catalogs until something gives you an idea. Or just dig around in your own closets -- not just for clothing, but also for props such as accessories, antiques, musical instruments, etc. Don't just say you want to work with me; say that you want to work with me and you have a couple great ideas...
6. BYO MUA/stylist
Unless we have explicitly agreed otherwise, you are responsible for your own makeup and hair styling as well as wardrobe.
7. Bring valid photo ID
I require a valid photo ID for all shoots now. I will either take a clear photo of the ID at the shoot, or I will otherwise make a copy for my legal records.
8. Leave your "escort" at home.
I used to allow escorts, but I have learned through extensive experience that having an escort there -- no matter how good and well-behaved they are -- hinders the shoot and changes the outcome in a negative way. I will occasionally make special exceptions and allow escorts, but such exceptions are rare. Your comfort and safety is the top priority, but escorts are no longer permitted in my studio as a general rule. If you are an experienced model and you want to shoot with me but are nervous about not having an escort, sent me a private message and we'll discuss it.
9. Read "Foundation", and follow it regularly!
I write the blog "Foundation" at
foundation.daveward.net to pass along useful information, insight and anecdotes that can help models of all experience levels. Follow the blog, and subscribe to stay current. And pass the URL along to other models, too. I aim to help models by sharing "inside information"; you will benefit from keeping up with the Foundation blog.
SHOOTING NEEDS/WANTS:
Commercial, catalog, fashion, glamor, art portrait, conceptual, pin-up & cheesecake (à la Gil Elvgren), historical/vintage/aged (esp. Victorian and Edwardian era), mythology/fairytale, new pictorialism (à la Ann Brigman etc), bridal (both formal and "trash the dress"), on location at abandoned buildings, on location in nature (North Cascades, Mount Baker, etc), Steampunk, Gothic, Art Nouveau (à la Alphonse Mucha), Pre-Raphaelite (à la Waterhouse), cosplay, and so much more.
SPECIAL NEEDS:
I am currently
especially looking to shoot
* Elegant gowns
* Corsets
* Authentic period clothing from 1800s to 1950s
* Art nudes
* Schoolgirl
* Victorian
* Vintage & classic cars
If you are interested in any of those and you have (or can get) the clothing, please contact me! I am particularly interested in shooting
elegance; if you have long gowns, corsets, or other
elegant clothing, drop a line!
Right now I am particularly looking for models to shoot elegant, dramatic art nudes; these
examples from other photographers should show you what I have in mind. Please have a look and let me know if you'd like to work on some fine art nudes in that style. Please see
my current casting call for fine art nudes.
NOTE: I am reducing the amount of "cheesecake" pin-up work I do, and I am also reducing my work with "alternative" models (women with tattoos, piercings, etc). I have not stopped either altogether, but I will be
very selective for the foreseeable future. I am putting less energy into those genres.
YOU SHOULD SEE:
My website: www.DaveWard.net
My Facebook (add me!): www.facebook.com/dave.ward.photography
My MySpace (add me!): www.myspace.com/dave_ward
Dave Ward Photography interview #1,
interview #2
Do you use Firefox? Then check out my
Model Mayhem Rich Edit script and
Model Mayhem Makeover script.
CALENDAR:
Contact me to set up a shoot! And check out my current casting calls below!
