I've had more than 40 years of shooting photos for fun and profit.* Considering this place is called 'Mayhem,' I decided to add a little to the scenery. I'm a very selective shooter, but if you think there's some way we could help one another, feel free to contact me.
*First paying photo job was in 1966.
DEAC4 was about as much fun as I can handle. A little chaos rained down, but by and large, the shoots were great and the people were better. Thanks to everybody who contributed to a fun time. More photos at
http://www.femmefete.com/.
The CAC shoot was an absolute delight. For every disappointment, there were two or three fabulous moments that more than made up for any of the not-so-perfect situations. The people were wonderful and warm to a geezer from eastern Ohio, and the models were way better than any of us deserved.
Some of the models were equally nice in their assessments of the shooters, for which I'm sure we're all grateful.
As of February, 2009, I have taken a buyout from my former employer. Now, I'm available more hours a week for shooting. Of course, I'm looking for projects that can make me (and, for model photography, the model) some real money. Weekend, weekdays, you name it, for the next few months, I'll be willing to shoot.
While I don't object to shooting people with tats or other body mods, that's certainly not my entire area of interest. Likewise, I enjoy shooting with the fetish crowd. But that isn't all-consuming.
Themes I'll be shooting: Sensuality, physicality and limits to both (special talents such as extreme flexibility always appreciated). Also, I've always been fascinated with really tiny women. And I'm shooting for a showing of sensual ladies of "a certain age." Since these are personal projects, there isn't a bunch of money just waiting around for people, so don't expect to get rich off of me. But if any of them "takes off" and starts generating income, the people who participated will share in it.
In particular, it would be great to find a muse locally who would be available on a semi-regular basis.
Want a slot? Contact me through MM or at contactsheet@femmefete.com. Thanks.
"Skin Deep"
A showing of a baker's dozen of prints along with 30 electronic images opened May 4 at The Butler Institute of American Art here in Youngstown. The show was held over till July 4. But all things do come to an end.
This show provided an intriguing look at how the Internet, modeling sites and artistic opportunities can work together.
Nearly everybody in the show is (or was) on Model Mayhem. And while these are the PG-13 images at their raciest, they do reflect the attitudes of the individuals chosen for the show.
It's called skin deep because the people photographed for the show all express themselves outwardly, whether it's tats, piercings or just costumes. All of them want to present a very specific face to the world.
My appreciation goes out to all who helped with the process.
Here's an excerpt from an article by Dorothy Shinn of the Akron Beacon Journal on Realism at The Butler Institute:
"What about incandescent studio light on tattooed skin?
"That's certainly a topic rife with realism, and the subject of 'Michael McGowan: Skin Deep,' an exhibit of high-definition photographs that take an unblinking look at people who express themselves through the tattoos they wear.
"This exhibit looks at what was once a tiny subculture in this country, but, through the magic of Hollywood coupled with the culture of celebrity worship, this form of ''body art'' is becoming increasingly widespread and accepted.
"McGowan examines this phenomenon through his lens, including the dump truck driver who's a semi-pro wrestler by night, the redhead whose cartoon-colored tatts are blindingly bright, and the fashion model with facial piercings.
"You can't get more real than that."
And now for some of the shots you couldn't see in the "Skin Deep" show. Vanishing Tattoo has an article by P.J. Reece about erotic tattoos — at
http://vanishingtattoo.com/erotic_tattoos.htm — which quotes several photographers and artists as well as displaying their photos and artwork. Kara, Cyndie, Savage Nigh and Mandy are all featured in the images. Yes, there is nudity.
