Grace Notes Photography

The first project I'm looking for models for, is an ongoing exploration of fantasy, pre-Raphaelite and Victorian classicism inspired images.  The end results often look more like paintings, or frescos, than photographs, are usually in costume, and are heavily influenced by painters like Waterhouse, Godward, Alma-Tadema, Burne-Jones and Lord Leighton.

For this project, I am looking for very young women with very fair skin, a look of innocence and sweetness, high cheekbones, large eyes, and long hair--the longer, the better.  Body type is not as important as facial type--but since many of my costumes are vintage, and quite small, small and delicate builds are ideal.  A timeless look is a must--if you look too modern, you simply won't work for this project!  (And if your hair is obviously dyed, while it's possible that I'll still want to work with you--it's not terribly likely.  Nothing wrong with dying your hair, but for this project, I need a very natural look--and bleached blonde is pretty, but not usually natural looking--nor is harsh black, wine red, obvious streaks, blue, pink, green, etc.  I don't care if your hair IS dyed--as long as it looks like you were born with that color.  )

Women of the Bible
Open Ended - As Inspiration Strikes, and Time Permits

Senior Portrait Shoots - Summer/Fall 2009

This is a bit different from my normal thing here.  I'm looking for a very small number of boys and girls who will look like they're seniors in high school, to come in and do some senior portrait type shoots with me.  If you actually ARE going to be a senior in 2010, and want to be a senior rep, building up portrait credits for referrals, that's a possibility, as well--but I'd be happy with just the senior practice sessions. 

Casting for Fall/Winter 2009 Shoot
"Magician's Nephew" Shoot - 1 Boy, 1 Girl, 1 Adult Male

I'm currently looking for the following, for a series of illustrations from CS Lewis' "The Magician's Nephew" (the prequel to "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"):

Children - both age 10-12

*   Digory - Boy - very English looking - fair skin, delicate features, either blonde or dark hair - prefer green or blue eyes

*   Polly - Girl - very English looking - fair skin, delicate features, possibly freckles on upturned nose, large eyes, preferably blue; hair, at least to shoulder blades--prefer mid-back - natural blonde or brunette (blonde preferred)

Adult Male - late 40's to 60ish

*   Uncle Andrew (the titular Magician) - Male - age 60 in the book, but I'll stretch the point, for the right person - tall, skinny, gangly, angular, intense, with a bit of a mad scientist look; longish grey hair preferred, but could use a wig; extremely expressive, with penetrating eyes (blue, preferred) - actor preferred (Actors who have qualities that are ideal for this role:  Bill Nighy; Geoffrey Rush; Michael Jeter; Sir Ian McKellen; Jim Carrey (in Lemony Snicket))

*  Guinea Pig - a real one.  I don't see an option to search for them on MM, though... 

For this, I am likely to hold auditions/short test shoots, to determine the best fits for the roles--so if interested, send me an email, with a link to photos showing me how you fit the role you're interested in, and include your email address, so that I can notify you when I'm bringing people in for auditions/test shoots. 

While looks count more than usual for this shoot (I need each model/actor to blend with the others who are cast,) intelligence, acting ability, expressiveness, and familiarity with the "roles" in question will make you stand out, to me.  (It's a short children's book--it's in the library--and with the internet, there's really no excuse not to have at least Googled the story, and gotten a general overview of it, and the part you're interested in.  )

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What's In It For You?
I offer TFCD for these projects.  I'll send specifics of what my current offer is after your initial contact.  (I'm not being intentionally secretive--but the number of images I offer today might not be what I offer three months from now...and if I am not looking for models until three months from now, I don't want you assuming you get today's offer.  I do not, however, provide a CD with all the shots from a shoot, except under rare circumstances.  )

Oh, and I feed you during the shoot--snacks, if it's short, lunch, if it's a long one. 

Please note that at the moment, I only offer TF shoots.  I do not offer kit fees or travel costs, unless you are equally willing to pitch in for studio rental, wear and tear on my equipment, electricity, costumes, sets, props, makeup and food.

Since that would likely cost almost as much, if not more than an equivalent paid session with me, I like to keep it simple--we trade time and services--not money. 

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Where Will The Shoots Be Held?
At the moment, all shoots are in my studio (4 blocks from South Station in Boston), so the working conditions are comfortable, and include a dressing room, background music, and light refreshments.  :-)

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Also Looking For...
I am also particularly interested in working with makeup artists, set designers or costumers who are skilled at creating vintage and period looks, and interested in long-term collaborations/relationships.    (My costumer has moved away!  )  Anime costumers and period recreators, as well as actors with access to costume-y pieces are also welcome--you get pretty pictures of your costumes, and I get pretty pictures for my portfolio.

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Disclaimer
Please bear in mind that for at least two of these projects, I am searching for very particular looks--so if I don't choose to work with you on one of them, it's not because I don't think you're attractive (I assure you, I most likely do--I rarely see someone I don't find attractive in one way or another!), it's because you aren't the particular physical type I need for that project.  Since my time is limited, and I am contacted by more prospective models than I can possibly work with, even if I really WANT to work with you, I may not be able to fit you in.  (I am not trying to drum up paying customers on this site, but if you're really dying to work with me, and I can't fit you in for TFCD, or haven't contacted you yet, you always have the option of contacting me as a client.  Clients ALWAYS take precendence over TFCD work!  )

Also--and this is important!--I don't do edgy.  Period.  If you're looking at my work and thinking it would be cool to work with me and do something dark and grim with insane looking women in period clothes, or something fraught with deep meanings about the decay of society and the way it objectifies women--I'm not your girl. 

Nor do I do "in-your-face" sexy.  If you want to do images that involve you eating fruit in a thinly veiled sexual metaphor, making suggestive faces or showing off your thong, belly ring and your amazingly long legs--again, I'm the wrong photographer for you.  I'm sure you're very hot and have a lovely body--but I don't find that particularly interesting, artistically.  Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent photographers here who do find this artistically satisfying or fiscally rewarding, so you should have plenty of other professionals to choose from.   

My work is about innocence.  And timelessness.  Grace.  Sweetness.  In a world that's full of loud noises and ugliness and in-your-face commercialism, with bad news everywhere you turn, my work is about small, gentle, quiet things--about the beauty that is hiding just around the corner.  I like to tell stories with my images--but not dramatic stories--just quiet, gentle ones.  Even when I'm not doing costumed work--when I'm doing "street clothes"--the message is the same.  So just be clear on what your interests are in modeling--and whether or not what I'm doing is really something that you WANT to be doing, before asking to work with me! 

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Can I Bring A Friend?/Safety Considerations
Over 18 Models - I always suggest my over-18 models  bring a friend with them, to either your initial meeting or a first shoot--particularly in a situation like this, where you don't know me already!  You don't have to...but it's a good idea, for your own comfort.  If you're worried that I'm an axe murderer, or have unsavory intentions, you'll be stiff and uncomfortable in front of the camera, and it'll take longer for us to start getting useful shots.   

Also...If you look like you might be close to 18, I'll ask that you provide some ID--and will photograph you, holding the ID.

Under 18 Models - If you are under 18, you MUST have a parent or guardian with you at all times--no exceptions.  A good friend--even an adult, is not an acceptable substitute--it needs to be a parent or guardian who can legally sign a model release for you.

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Are You Accessible By Public Transportation/Is There Parking?
Yes, I am T accessible (4 blocks from South Station), two blocks from a Silver line stop...and there is also metered parking and relatively inexpensive parking lot parking within a 4 block radius. ($9-13 a day)  There is SOME free parking...but you'll have to have more patience than I have, to find it.

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So...if you're interested--send me a note, mentioning which (if any) of my projects interest you, and why you want to work with me!  Do not be discouraged if I don't get back to you immediately...I often "save everything up" for weekends, and am often very behind in responding--but I do try to respond to everyone who contacts me, eventually, whether I think we can work together or not!  :-)

Looking forward to hearing from you!  :-)

(Oh...and for those who are wondering why "Grace Notes Photography"--it's a musical reference.  I first encountered grace notes when learning to play "Fur Elise", as a little girl...and I asked my mom why there were some notes in it that were tinier than others--what "count" were they supposed to get.  She explained that they were grace notes--musical embellishments that you didn't HAVE to play--but that playing them made the music more interesting.  And that's how I see my portraits.  Life would be just fine without 'em...but having them around adds a bit of depth and interest to living.  )

Email

I prefer to connect with people via email, after initial notes are exchanged on MM, and all correspondence once you are cast in a shoot will be via email--not MM. 

When I provide you with my email address, please make sure your email account knows it's not spam!  Yahoo's spam filters, are particularly aggressive, and unless specifically told my email's okay, it'll mark it as spam.  Gmail, on the other hand, doesn't have a problem with it--so if you have multiple accounts, using a non-Yahoo account might be easiest.