Nicolas Hall

After two years here at MM, I feel it is time to better define some of the oft asked questions when it comes to my work and the role shooting others/models plays in it.

The following will, undoubtedly, offend some. . . I offer no apology. If you are offended we are simply not meant to be working together and I wish you nothing but success, love and luck in all of your work.

Those who understand what I am saying and feel similar, let’s talk.

  *what I do*

I am not, nor do I wish to be considered, a photographer. I do not possess the equipment or the studio to fit that in a professional role by any stretch. I THINK different, WORK different, SEEK what is different and make no compromises in my work. I am one boy with one raw-image-shooting camera and enough imagination for a dozen lifetimes. 

But you can see the results.
They are, in my mind, unquestionable.
You can like them or not. That does not change the direction of my work either way.

I am trying, with every creative effort, to tell a story. Sometimes through a single image construction and sometimes through a full series. I have, at last count, about 15 projects going in various stages. I also create multimedia work from my images which means often they are paired with words and or music. Those I also create myself. This is a lifetime pursuit for me. I am never on a time restraint and, in truth, I never “move on” from my ideas. They are with me always.

This means: I do not shoot and finish work in any given time frame. If you are looking strictly for a quick portfolio piece, I am likely not the one for you. I MIGHT have your image done in a week, but honestly it could be a month or more before I even get to it.

Anything created without pure energy and strong intent
Says nothing
Leaves nothing
Inspires nothing


*inspiration*

All of my images are inspired by emotion. By truth. By what I see moving through my own world and those around me. Darkness is prevalent but it is the inner darkness. Don’t we have enough to work with in reality?

I have no desire to shoot fashion or glamour. There is enough of that at every damned turn to last millennia. If your only goal is to live the model/party life, be a suicide girl, pin up, sex kitten, vogue cover girl. . .  keep moving. You’ll have photographers falling
at your feet here. Just not me. 

I want those who want to really dig deep inside and show things no one else will. Facets of life that are personal, painful and truthful. People who are truly inspired also inspire me. It’s always mutual.


*image processing*

I filter and change everything I shoot. Day shots turn to night. Settings and backgrounds are shot to suit the frame. I add and subtract light, tone, shadows, colors etc etc.  That first image in my portfolio, the beached bride, is 11 separate photos made into one. That is how I work. If you do not want to be “photoshopped” do not seek to co-create work with me. I am not trying to “perfect” you. . . I am trying to create a solid story.

*compensation*

I consider visual art, like any art I do, to be a labor of love.

I have no problem with a model or photographer wanting paid for his or her work. Especially commercial work (and it can be hard work, I know!)  but I feel the idea of paying to create art is truly a bit odd to me. Like an author saying they will only write a poem or story if they know they are going to get paid for it. Or an aspiring actor wanting paid up front for acting in a community theater project. Really?

It just doesn’t work that way at this level.  While I respect those who are able to present beauty and energy through just a look, I much prefer the unmodel-like. The real. The unrefined.

As surreal as my images may be, they are often about real life, real emotions, real experiences.  I prefer to co create them by getting to understand YOU. Asking what moves you. What your heart wants to speak about. If you do not know what that means, then please move on.

Of course, I create a lot of mythical and surreal work too. But even those are tied to the here and now. Modern mythology. Modern desire.

All that matters is the conveyance of emotion or. sometimes, a lack thereof. 

This year, I am moving in a direction which will see my work published, displayed, and yes, hopefully, sold. I am willing to make project deals based on the possible money to be made and I always honor those contracts. But I do not always know when that work will “enter the world” so to speak. I make no commitments to a time frame for its release.

  *schedule/time*

I do not have enough hours in a day to do all that I want. I do not spend time in bars, at clubs, watching tv, etc etc. I CREATE. That is all I care to do. I try very hard to schedule and keep to what I agree to with each person. But, I fail sometimes.

I also own a very unpredictable business and I am not always as free as I would like to be. It does not mean I do not respect your time. If you are a punctuality freak, you should keep moving. Art does not work that way my darlings. It never will. 

I don’t mind cancellations. It usually gives me a free block of time unexpectedly. So no problem. I do not try to control time. Simply do all I can with what I have.

  *escorts/friends*

I shoot in my apartment, or yours, usually against a blank backdrop for easy editing later. You are welcome, ALWAYS, to bring someone along. 9 out of 10 times I will include that person in an image or two. Or shoot them as they are watching. That is not negotiable. No one watches for “free”!!

  *nudity*

My previous post about not having an interest in nude images brought several rather harsh emails. Of course, they didn’t change my thoughts at all. I will, instead, elaborate here, and prepare for the onslaught yet again! J

Take a look at the portfolio of any model or photographer who shoots nudes.

The views, comments and lists under that image are usually many-fold more than on most non nude images. Of course, the only way to account for this is (do I even need to say it?) the preoccupation (or “appreciation” shall I say?) that so many have with viewing the body. It is certainly not about a compelling story. Not truly about making art. Not often about image quality, composition or emotion. It is, simply about a body. I would expect that those who create these images get something from the experience. . .  I just don’t get it.

In fairness, there are those I’ve come across here who do truly excel at it.
They create beautiful, figurative works.
Truly beautiful.

But to those who ARE great at what they do in this niche, I still have to ask, as an artist, “Seriously, how long can you work the same damned vein????”  “Do you have a creative and meaningful idea inside that expands on that form at all???

Like so many others I definitely find the body incredibly beautiful and sensual. I won’t lie to you. I dwell in sensuality as much as creativity. It’s a wonder with a brain like this that I get anything done sometimes . . . so let’s not pretend otherwise.

I have many ideas for using the human body in my own art. But I have yet to meet the figure model who actually thinks in a way that would bring those ideas correctly to life.

One who can tell a true story with their body.
BEYOND their body.
Even if it is the main instrument of form in the image.

I remain open to it all the same. Beyond that I won’t even go into the issues of many of those who need and crave that attention through those images and who feed off of it. 

There is, of course a place for you in this medium.
But make no mistake and don’t kid yourself . . . it is very limited.
And it is not a mindset I wish to represent in my images.

End of discussion.

  *wrapping it up*

All of this basically says:

I am in this for the creation of art. Period.

I am not interested in the modeling/photography business or the idea of shooting a model with no concrete purpose or story in place.

And this is NOT, though it may be hard to believe, a criticism of any other person working in this medium. It simply says that I have spent far too long trying to work without compromise and find my way.

Now, that path is clear. And I am determined to live it daily. To do anything outside of that is simply a waste of time. Shooting my hours straight in the head.

My hours and yours.   

Iwant to capture:
Beauty in the shadows
The surreal and unknown
The alchemy of darkness and light in the human soul
The desires, repulsions and the space between in the heart

Let’s not waste time. . . let’s make beautiful things together.

Til then, I hope that you find IT in everything that you see. . .

nicolas