On the possibility of working with me:
Money works best.
I'm not against TFP but take note.
Who I choose for TFP shoots will be highly selective. TFP is great for those starting to learn and build a portfolio. I've done that already. Now I look to improve on what I have already accomplished. Therefore TFP is reserved for models I have previously worked with or that have a strong portfolio and extensive experience. If your port has self taken myspace pictures in it. I will probably laugh that you even asked me to shoot TFP. If this is is the impression you want to make then know that it looks very unprofessional.
If you want to get my and other serious photographers attention then ditch the self taken duckface photos. Quality over quantity. It's your portfolio but the level of competence displayed by those types of photos is not going to get my attention. It might highly get the middle aged dude that just bought a camera at Bestbuy to ask you to shoot some implied nudes though.
I'm not always going to be inclined to shoot people just because they want to pay me either. I earn my living shooting commercial product photography. This allows me to pick and choose who, when and what I will shoot. Also refrain from pitching me your "ideas" for me to shoot. If your asking me to execute a idea for you then you should be paying me for my time. it comes down to if I'm interested in shooting you not your idea for TFP.
Bottom line. TFP work is going to have to provide me with something more than time being spent for your portfolio's benefit.
Also I work with my own MUA and my rate includes her services as MUA, hair and wardrobe styling.
I detest trying to organize and coordinate a shoot via messaging. It's a waste of time and really some people can be like pulling teeth to get confirmations going on hiatus for a few weeks then finally responding "Great let's shoot today!" If I'm interested in working with you then I'll just give you my cell number. Give me a call and we'll square everything away in 10 minutes. I want to shoot...not write small novella's....in all it takes...day's, week,s of going back and forth not to mention it takes me more time to type what I need to say than to actually say it.
A real gripe for once:
Ok. This happens too often to not address it here and now.
Photographers: I'm getting too many emails from photographers (usually inexperienced) asking me to tell them how I do this and that regarding my lighting, shooting and editing (especially the fire). Or asking if I give lessons. First, my time is money but I'm not interested in telling you how to make your work look or resemble mine. Here is my only free advice. Practice. Then practice some more. I haven't gotten to this point without doing alot of shooting, experimenting and trial and error. Your not going to learn photoshop in a day or a few lessons. Even if I showed you step by step what I do...you will probably still do it wrong. I've used PS for 17 years as a designer and still learning it.
Photoshop Wizards: Same as photogs. Seriously, if your calling yourself a "Wizard" shouldn't you know already? Also I am not interested in letting any one else hack around on my images. I have the editing covered.
Another good tip: The net is full of information try using google and look up tutorials about skin smoothing/editing or whatever your trying to learn. I seriously don't have time to teach or explain things even if I wanted to. Nothing is for free so try working for something for change.
It may sound harsh, may make me look like a jerk to say it but I get practicaly a email a day asking me these things. I just don't have time or interest in providing this information. I appreciate that others enjoy and respect my work but I'm not here to teach. I'm here to find models to work with.
If your within reasonable driving distance and can provide a place to stay or cover travel costs, we may be able to work together!
Sit back.
Have a nice beverage.
Enjoy.
This would be me. Amazing that you can Liquify 300 pounds off and clone out the Cheeto stains around my mouth and on my shirt.
Since some ask. I do my own editng and retouching.
www.silversfoto.com
http://www.modelmayhem.com/silversfoto
www.myspace.com/silversfoto
www.myspace.com/andysilvers
http://andysilvers.blogspot.com/
Let me be blunt. If you flake a shoot then don't bother asking to reschedule. Just don't bother me at all.
Looking to meet and work with talented models, MUA's and other creatives for collaborative projects. My focus is on fashion, editorial, commercial and conceptual photography.
Travel:
I get alot of comments requesting me to come here or there. I love travel but for a shoot it has to be reasonable. If you live within say 500 miles of me then it's a possibility. Really I can only shoot where travel by car is relatively easy. Flying for a shoot won't happen. Due to the amount of equipment I use I just can't travel by air with it. I'm not investing in cargo cases at this time and don't have an assistant to tote it for me.
If you live outside of whats reasonable then you would have to come to NC if you want shoot with me. Believe me. I would love to jet set off to LA or Canada and shoot....just isn't going to happen at this point.
Things I gotta know:
1) Whats up with the freaking fuzzy cave man boots? It's like Uggs meets the troll doll. Mixed with a bikini?
2) Why do some obviously young models state their age as 102 (or other high number) and older modles say they are younger than they appear to be. The second is the tradition but the former...WTF??
3) If a photographer retouches the models face on a lingerie or swimwear shot...even a nude then why not retouch the other 80% percent of the skin being exposed? Looks a little weird with a plasticy flawless face and a splotchy textured body. Just sayin'
4) Whats up with fishy face myspace pics. It isn't sexy and def not flattering.
5) Members talking about themselves in the third person. Your not that important...noone is.
6) Stripper heels are for strippers not models. Nothing kills a nice out fit like cheap clear stripper heels. Why not go all out and get the ones that light up and have fish in the soles.
7) Those announcing comments for comments. Why don't you go first?
The other infamous list:
A few things I've noticed on MM.
1) 3 out of 5 models will flake on you. Only one of the three will have a legitimate reason. The other two will have mysterious cell phone or email issues.
2) People who guarantee to return comments never do.
3) Most guys portfolios look like test shoots for gay porn.
4) You get more comments if you show skin. Sad but true.
5) Photographers that give glorified critiques of cell pictures are probably GWC's looking to score with inexperienced aspiring models.
6) Models with cell phone pics and crappy snaps from their friends digicams think MM is an extension of myspace. just another venue to whore around and beg for validation of good looks.
7) We would all prefer to get paid for our services.
8) 80% won't even read this.
9) Some models post pics of their kids. WTF?
9.1) Models with pictures with their Boyfriend at a bar or prom. WTF? This isn't myspace. If it isn't modelesque then it shouldn't be in your port.
10) Some models contact me expressing their love of my work and how they really want to work with me....for a rate. Hold on. Rate? If you love my work and really want to work with me...shouldn't you be paying me? Thats just tacky business. I'm not some GWC that will pay girls to take their clothes off and provide them shots worthy of Huslter's "Beaver Hunt". If I want to throw money at girls to get nekkid I'll go to the titty bar.
11) DIEGO VALDEZ is friends with 76.8% of the female models.
12) Fake baking makes you look orange. Orange only looks good on a oompa loompa.
This list will grow.
What drives me crazy:
1) messages written in all caps or wRiTten LiKe dIs....yelling at me is not going to impress me nor is typing like a 12 year old girl.
2) Last minute cancellations.
3) Text messaging to set up a shoot. Sorry I grew up in a era where phones are used to talk on. A text to say one simple thing is ok.
4) Speaking of text messages.....cancellations via text message...kinda cowardly. Don't bother texting me to ask if we can reschedule.
5) I'm not big on the whole "goto
www.photocontestsite.com and vote for me" messages, tags etc. I don't ask people to vote for me or comments. Attention should be garnered by the merits of the work. Not because you have"more friends" to help you out to win something. Just doesn't seemed earned to me. I can't vote for anyone if I don't feel their image(s) is the strongest one.
6) People writing me to complain my profile is too long. No one is forcing you to read it so don't complain to me.
7) Models trying to guilt me or think I'll have pity by telling me how broke they are and if I'll do TFP. Camera's, Lights, modifiers, computers etc don't grow on trees either. If your broke but look like Meagan Fox I'll shoot you. If your broke and cute enough then offer a trade. I can always need someone to clean my apartment.
I want people to notice my work because the avatar caught their eye. Not because I have to beg people to check my stuff out and tell me if I'm good or crap.
On Escorts:
Doesn't bother me one bit. I know I'm not a psycho but should I expect you to take my word for it. I certainly wouldn't want my child meeting up with some stranger alone to shoot pictures. Besides I can always use extra hands on shoots and have yet to have someone get in my way or distract me...well one exception. No stage Mom's....had one of them and she did distract her daughter constantly making her look away from the camera....
Whats not for me:
1. Lists. I don't pay attention to them nor have any of my own.
2. Shootouts. I don't do them.
