Erwinosticism

I'm new, and I'm working on my portfolio. I'm interested in photography as art. Art is all about risk!

It's been a while, but I'm shooting again.


*****Models Who'd Like to be Paid for Working with Me*****
I expect models to be creative, energetic, and fearless! It's all about pushing limits in one way or another, and challenging ourselves to go someplace we never planned!

I only shoot when I can obtain a full release from a model. My work hangs, and sometimes the framed versions sell. If you don't want to sign a release, then we can't work together. Sorry.

Escorts/body guards don't bother me at all. Bring your MMA fighter boyfriend. I'll supply the beverages. If he doesn't mind holding a reflector, even better.

If I hire you, it's to help me express a creative vision. I will always treat you with respect, and I expect to be treated the same way.

If I pay you to work with me, you're welcome to say no to certain ideas -- I'm pushing limits, searching for the line, and ways to cross it. I'm also open to your ideas. Collaboration rocks.

If you were turned off by the movie Grindhouse, or any of the fake trailers that were shown with it, then you probably do not want to shoot with me. If you think that stuff is hilarious, then we've got common ground. 

One other thing -- you know how some models put a big note on their profile that they're not here because they are looking for dates/sex ... that also applies to photographers. Although I may be photographing you in your underwear or less, I'm still a human being. When I spill beer on myself, it's because I'm a slob. It's not a cue for you to pull off my clothes and have your way with me. If I eat cake and it doesn't all make it into my mouth, that's not an open invitation for you to pin me to the ground and slurp frosting off of my face. Please remember that there's much more to me than just handfuls and handfuls and handfuls of succulent, yielding flesh.


****Group Shoots*****
As far as group shoots go, if it's a group shoot that does not allow releases - then I'm 100% not interested.

If the group shoot is a communal event, a bunch of photographers working with a bunch of models for less than it would cost for any one person to hire all the models for themselves (ala Gary's Select Models shoots), then I might be interested. The key is I have to have the freedom to break from the pack and do my own thing.

I'm not a hobbyist who just wants to have fun taking pictures of pretty girls ala an SI Swimsuit issue, a Victoria's Secret catalog, or Playboy. If the group shoot is strictly oriented around GWDC fun, and there's no room for individual creativity, then I'm probably not interested.


*****What I Shoot*****
I like models who want to do something besides wearing a bikini in a serene pool with a fountain ejaculating in the background. Everyone loves a pretty girl in a bathing suit, but it’s pretty hard to find something new to say in that territory. 

I do like to poke fun of glam photography by mixing 60s psychedelic exploitation in with glam imagery. I think a pretty girl in a bikini is much more interesting if she's holding chainsaw or a machete.

I'm into politics and I like to do political editorial work. This stuff may involve some shock value. If it takes bare breasts to get someone's attention, the photo will be topless. Typically my approach isn't very subtle - it's more like a sledgehammer.

If I'm mixing in nudity or sexuality into anything I'm doing, chances are I've calculated exactly what I want and why I want it. When we shoot, you're welcome to ask me any questions you want about why I'm putting things together the way I'm doing it.

I wish more MUAs would get in touch with me and friend me. I have enormous respect for what you do.

A couple of models that I want to mention:

Stacey S -- Stacey is the perfect example of how there is a difference between being a very pretty girl and being a model. She's beautiful, but when you photograph her she has this kind of magical level of charisma that makes your photos look spectacular. Check out her profile and you'll see what I mean.

Charlie Kristine -- no one rocks a corset like CK. What I love about her is that when she does a group shoot, even if its a hobbyist shoot, she makes it into something unique and cool. Her personal club group shoots usually include experts to help you hone your craft, and that's very cool. And she couldn't be nicer.

Cowgurl Hardware -- those dimples above Jen's spectacular ass are not Photoshop. She's got a knack for rocking everything she does, even just posing with horses on the farm. Again, super nice and super cool.

Select Models -- Gary isn't a model, but he puts on group shoots (under the name Select Models) that are a very cool way to get your feet wet and learn how to use your camera. His group shoots are so cool that they draw photographers who are highly skilled, have their own studios, and in some cases literally wrote the book on how to do great work. Also, the Select Models shoots are usually very reasonably priced.

And for the record -- I don't get discounts or credit or even free beer for my endorsements. Those are just some opinions of folks that I wanted to share just for the joy of it.