FINALLY IN JACKSONVILLE, FL!!!!
http://www.ldacostaphotography.com
To simplify my about me and not to sound so long winded, I decided to post most of my thoughts and hints on my blog spot. A good read for both models and photogs.
http://ldacostaphotography.blogspot.com
TRAVEL:
OCT 29-NOV 1 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
NOV 25-29 CHARLOTTE, NC
TBD: SAVANNAH, ORLANDO, DAYTONA, FT LAUDERDALE, TAMPA
Hello Mayhem, THANKS first of all to all those that have come by and left comments and the new friends' requests. Its always great talking to and meeting new people. The shoots have been fun, and I have been fortunate in working with great models with
great attitudes. I like what I do. I have been doing photography for over 15 years. I am using this forum as a showcase to promote a hobby. I do all kinds of photographs, and always looking to expand.
DON'T LET YOUR VANITY BE YOUR DOWNFALL!
So now I just moved to Jacksonville not too long ago, and will be here for the rest of the year finishing up some flight training. I travel often, so anywhere in-between and beyond is always on the schedule.
***GETTING ON MY SOAPBOX***
I have a question though, when did a "first impression" mean nothing? When did we lose respect for not just photographers/MUA's/Models, and whomever else's time? I think some of us need to be a little more courteous not to be labeled as "flakes." People ask, why do I limit TF Shoots. For the most parts, its the TF shoots, that seem to have the trouble with being on time, or even showing up. Its the TF shoots that seem to not call, or want to bring the whole family to "work." Its the TF shoots, that want to be called Professional, but are far from it. Now I am not saying this about all TFs, because I have done several and have gotten good results. But often its the something for nothing that gets taken advantage of. So I ask this out here to everyone. If your actions, affects someone's day, at least be courteous enough to let them know that you might not be coming or are going to be late. Then again, the ones who are "serious" will do that anyways, so let me get off that soap box.
PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH ME TO DO A TF* SHOOT UNLESS WE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER BEFORE, OR I HAVE SPECIFICALLY CONTACTED YOU TO DO ONE.
I would like to meet with serious minded individuals who are positively motivated. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU WILL DO, NOT WHAT YOU WON'T!
Sometimes a photo shoot is like a potluck. Everyone has to bring something to the table to make it GREAT! Bring your looks, Bring your ideas and creativity and leave egos and attitudes at home!
Thanks for being understanding MM! You guys are the BEST!
TFCD Policy.
Unless previously discussed, TF* opportunities will be limited to those previously worked with. I rarely shoot nudes for TF, but due to nature of upcoming projects, if you have a problem with topless, nude artistic or implied, please do not ask to shoot TF with me. I need those who are willing to give 100%. NO TF WILL BE DONE WITHOUT AN MUA provided at the model's expense. I will not bend on this. If this is to add to our ports, I need for us to look our best. Also, no travel TF* unless previously discussed, OR I am already in the area. I do not give out unedited shots unless its either for work PRODUCT of a Test Shoot, are PAYED for, or are for PUBLISHING. All shoots, TF* or Paid are contracted with terms and release.
UPCOMING PROJECTS:
OCT 2009 - JAN 2011 Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Calendar
(Will be primarily black and white/pink. Some shots will be "Dove" style.)
Also, all shoots scheduled out of area will require a non-refundable deposit before confirmation.
TFCD
My TF* policy is as follows: The trade is to benefit both parties. Come to me with an idea that you would like to do as well. And we can go from there. There is also my 5-1-1 rule.
1 outfit
1 hour
5 finished edits picked by you. (often I do throw in more if they are there.)
TFCD SHOOTS WILL BE SECURED BY A REFUNDABLE $25 DEPOSIT. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR DEPOSIT.
THESE ARE THE ONLY TFs I AM DOING AT THIS TIME:
Editorial
Artistic/implied nudes
Fashion (5'7 and taller)
uncanny and different ideas/themes (come to the table with something)
***ESCORTS***
It is your right, when you first meet me to have a escort for your protection and comfort. I feel though that if you are not comfortable with me as a person, then you will not be comfortable with me as a photographer. If you feel the need to bring an escort to a shoot, I request that it is not a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife....etc. Most photogs feel that way, and so do I. I don't mind your mom, father, rabbi, ninth grade teacher coming along, but other than that, everyone at a shoot should function for that shoot.
ONE LAST THING....
I am going to put this out to all Photographers and Models, but its aimed at a select few. While I am still learning, retooling, and refining my work, I have had the opportunity to shoot in 31 states, 5 countries, and countless cities. I am fortunate to have a GREAT job which provides me the financial ability to support my hobby. And I am happily married to a woman who is not only beautiful inside and out, but is also my best friend. ALL THAT BEING SAID, its a shame that I would have to say this, but I will not participate in small town, small minded, small time pettiness.
I am not here to date, "steal," or sleep with models. I am not here to beef with other photographers. I am here to NETWORK! While in that course, I do expect, and hope to make friends, and I feel I already have. But if there is a question of my professionalism, I ask you bring it up to me. I will never criticize another photog's work, even if I might not personally like their style. I will never tell a model NOT to work with a photog unless 1 of 2 things exist. Either that photog has SERIOUS personal complaints from people I know (i.e. physical bodily harm) or their work/style, might not be in the direction that person is going. Even in the latter, I would REFER them to another photog, not down the other.
I have learned a lot from other photogs, and I offer my knowledge to other photogs. And to my knowledge, there is not one person who I've shot with who WOULD NOT shoot with me again. I must have been doing something right.
