Clyph

I don't consider myself to be an "artist". I just enjoy creating things that I find beautiful, in the hope that others appreciate them. If anyone chooses to call what I do art, I'll take it as a compliment.

My primary motivations are self-expression and personal growth, as well as helping others achieve the same. I am not in this for money: photography is my passion, not my job. You can't buy or sell passion - you can only inspire it or be inspired by it. As a result, I seldom charge for my time, and I rarely offer pay. There are exceptions to this rule, but they are few and far between.

My ultimate goal is to see my work hanging in a gallery, but I'm not in a particular rush to make that happen. In the meantime I am continuing to refine my skills and build a body of work that's suitable for my long-term goals.

I am always willing to collaborate with mature, reliable, drama-free individuals who have similar taste, values, and motivations. If this sounds like you, let's make something beautiful together. I believe in fair trades: I am more than happy to shoot whatever you want or need, even if it doesn't interest or benefit me, as long as you are willing to do the same for me.

I am interested in the unusual, the exotic, and the fantastical; my intent is to transcend the ordinary and escape the mundane. Mainstream fashion and pop culture hold little interest for me; I am drawn to the fringe and the underground. 

Please contact me if you are interested in shooting any of the following concepts:

Mini-FAQ:
Q: Where do you live/work?
A: Out in the boonies (Northern Shenandoah Valley).  Contrary to what most folks in DC/NoVA seem to believe, you won't fall off the edge of the world if you cross the Blue Ridge. It's a nice relaxing drive in the country.

Q: Your portfolio is mostly nude white women. Is that all you shoot?
A: No. I am interested in increasing the diversity of my portfolio in terms of race, gender, and subject matter.

Q: Do you allow escorts?
A: No. Mature, self-confidant adults don't take security blankets or babysitters to work with them. Legitimate stylists and MUAs with verifiable credentials are always welcome.

Q: Will you approve my friend request?
A: Only if I have met you in real life first.   

Q: Do I need to sign a model release?
A: Yes.   I require a signed model release for all trade shoots.  If you are not willing to sign a release or want all the photos kept private, I will reluctantly have to ask for payment.

Q: Will you pay me?
A: Probably not.  I will consider hiring exceptionally talented and experienced models who are agency represented, nationally published, or gallery exhibited.  Basically, if you want me to pay you out of my pocket, my minimum criteria is that the worst picture in your portfolio blows my best work away.

Q: How many photos will I get and how soon will I get them?
A: I give one retouched photo per look shot, licensed for non-commercial use. Portfolios are judged by quality, not quantity. I try to have images back to the model within 2 weeks for digital and 4 weeks for film, but I cannot make any guarantees - I have a family and a career that both take priority. I also have some other policies for trade shoots that you should read before contacting me. I really dislike having to be officious, but I've found that it helps avoid any misunderstandings.

I will be in Scottsdale, AZ From January through March 2012.