I have experience working with a number of semi-pro and professional photographers but I would still say that I am an experienced amateur who has had the opportunity to meet a lot of photographers, make-up artists, and models while traveling.
I am willing to travel but having just relocated from Berlin, Germany to Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and now to Samsun, Turkey (on the coast of the Black Sea) my resources are tapped out so I won't be able to travel on a TFCD basis and would have to have at least expenses covered. I'm teaching English at a local High School, so it'd have to work around their schedule as well.
Between my wife, Kira Hagen, doing travel and model photography and one of our Moscow friends being the photo editor for Blacksquare, a Russian art and fashion magazine, I started modeling in a more professional context. I wouldn't object to a paying gig, honestly, but I know how much work and luck goes into making money from art so for now modeling is a side-project.
I have some theater experience and am easy going and have enjoyed all my shots. My favorite genre to work in is historical and fantasy shots. I end up doing all manner of shots and looks from Vikings and Hitmen to Hippies and Jesus (of the King James variety) although I've just as many comments that my (casual) photos make people think of Odin more than any other god, and he's the one I'm closest too so that's fitting. But for the sake of art and whimsy, I'm not limited to any pantheon, mythology, or story. So whether you're looking for a hero, a villain, or something in-between, I'm willing to entertain your ideas.
My personal/professional background is medieval Scandinavian literature, viking period living history reenactment, and ESL Training and Tutoring.
Photos are a mix of modern fashion, travel, historical reenactment, and a bit of costuming and fantasy. I have a lot of viking-period gear, garb, weapons, and jewelry available.
As an artist, I've also done theatrical costuming and prosthetic makeup. I have some pics of that work somewhere but they were all done with amateur pocket cams and will need some cleaning up.
Since I'm not doing this to pay the rent, I willing to collaborate on projects that interest or amuse me on a TFCD basis.
My hair is naturally a curly reddish-brown/bronze and I was undecided as to whether I should go with "brown" or "red" but my beard is always pretty bright red with a bit of blonde so that brought me off the fence. I have no piercings, tattoos or other body art. But like my viking ancestors, I have plenty of jewelry.
Credits
Most photos taken by Kira Hagen -- MM#671204
Others taken by Vladimir Vasilchikov, a photographer for Blacksquare Magazine (Moscow, Russia) (he doesn't speak English but many others at the magazine do ).
