alberich

IF YOU CONTACT ME WITHOUT BOTHERING TO READ THE FOLLOWING, I WILL NOT TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY. I am inundated with volunteers who would know they do not fit the project if they actually read further ...

These days I'm mostly doing photographic work although I'm always wishing for the time to paint. I've quit doing bronzes although I still have a studio set up should the occasion arise. I've still sold more oil paintings than photographs ...

While I am somewhat pleased that people don't always seem to notice, all of my work is nude figure studies. While I often put models in the water with props and wisps of fabric, I am in general not interested in dealing with the limitations of models uncomfortable with their own skin. I've been on TV full frontal naked myself, so I'm not speaking from a lack of experience.

I am not interested in TFP; I pay my models cash. While I am perfectly happy for the model to use the resultant images in their portfolio with appropriate attribution (as it promotes me as much as them) I cannot afford to have the outtakes circulating on the net.

I greatly prefer that prospective models contact the other models in my portfolio to learn what it is like to work with me. I discourage bringing an entourage, especially boyfriends, to an underwater shoot. You should not need protection from a professional. (Although when you're going to meet an unknown GWC, I think it actually quite wise to drag someone along.) Bringing your husband or another prospective model is fine if you're sure they'll stay out of the way and not try to give you advice and encouragement. My opera singing wife likes to come along unless she's in rehearsals; she can entertain them by singing arias. She'll be performing in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte this spring ...

I cannot stress enough how physically demanding working underwater is. You must simultaneously control your breathing, your position and your expression and make it look effortless. On some occasions I don't end up with anything I can use, but I always pay the model as agreed. (Another reason not to do TFP - I can't guarantee that there will be any results.) Ask the models - they'll tell you it really is that difficult.

Models will need to sign a typically obnoxious release so that I can include their images in my book project, assuming I can accumulate enough material of sufficient quality.

People (Australia) issue dated 9/18/06, two page layout and bio

Featured in documentary by CityTV (Toronto), aired 3/31/07

Solo show Lupin Lodge, Los Gatos up 4/14/07, reception 4/22/07