My Bio:
Professional Photographer with more than 20 years experience. I use Nikon digital SLR cameras primarily.
Specializing in models portfolios, portrait, fashion, casual, glamour, artistic and fine art photography. I love trying new techniques and styles, and working with different models to create a very diverse and unique portfolio. I love to capture the laughter of a child, the playfulness of a kitten or puppy, a lovely flower, or the essence of a beautiful woman. I like my shoots to be fun, lighthearted and professional. I treat all I work with, with dignity, respect and consideration, and expect the same in return.
Mostly I work with models for my group shoots or studio workshops.I like to help develop new model portfolios for those that I feel have potential and am often willing to work TFP/CD with those that may be potential workshop models. Participation in these puts you in direct contact with some the top photographers and models in the industry.
My Workshop Profile:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/GreatLakesWorkshops
My Glamour Workshop Photography Group:
http://photo.meetup.com/813
GENERAL POLICIES:
FRIENDS-If I "friend" you that usually means either I am interested in shooting with you, either here in the Milwaukee/Chicago area, or at one of the areas that I occasionally visit on the East Coast of one of my "on location" shoots in Arizona, Florida or Mexico. It may mean that I like your work and would like to work together if our paths would cross. My workshops draw photographers from a three state area so it is a great way to network. Many times I hire top models from out of state for my workshops. As I have many casting calls and workshops in different areas, I am often searching for new models for different projects. If you "friend" me, and I like your work I will usually approve you. Always good to have "Friends"!
ESCORTS-I prefer shooting models without an "escort" being in the studio when I am shooting, especially a boyfriend or husband, because of several unpleasant experiences I have had in the past. The "pressure" showed in the expressions (or lack of) of the models and the images were mostly useless. If your escort is other than that, then I will gladly consider it, on an case by case basis. The vast majority of the models I have worked with were without escorts and the images reflect exhuberence and playfulness in them, which is paramount to a great image. Otherwise, I am very happy to meet your "escort" and show them the studio you will be in and you can check in with them by phone during our shoot, as well as meet them when we are finished, naturally! If you are modeling at one of my group shoots or workshops, I am fine with an "escort" bringing you and being in the general area, but not in the immediate shooting area. The attending photographers pay to attend these events, and are all top quality and professional in their demeanor. It causes a disruption in communication if your husband/ BF/ manager is looking over their shoulder or your focus is looking at them. If you care to contact models I have worked with, mostly all without "escorts", you will find their experiences very satisfactory. If you feel you want one, please bring a female friend or relative, and someone who is not "romantically" connected to you and will remain outide of the immediate shooting area. I require that this be discussed ahead of time so there are no surprises for either of us.
SHOOTS-I will NOT schedule a shoot with just an email. It is important that we at least talk on the phone to discuss the shoot in detail beforehand and exchange telephone numbers as well as confirm the date a day or two in advance. I ask that you be on time and prepared to shoot, both with outfits and make up, unless a MUA is present at our shoot.I have a Make Up Counter and Changing Room if you need to arrive earlier at the studio. Other than a "check in" by cell I expect the cell phones OFF during our shoot. If a last minute emergency happens or you are running late, please just give a call on my cell phone and let me know.PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ME A TEXT MESSAGE TO CANCEL AT THE LAST MINUTE. Please have the courtesy to talk with me directly to communicate the situation.Otherwise, it is just plain rude and inconsiderate. A cancellation a few minutes before a shoot is basically a no call, no show in my book. I expect you to be there! If it is a group shoot or workshop I expect at least 72 hours notice. If you cancel without at least 24 hours notice or an actual emergency, that is inexcusable! Fair enough?
REFERENCES-I have worked with over 200 different models to date, and several many times.Many of them are among the top models in the US. If there are any questions about anything, please fell free to contact me. PLEASE ASK ME for references and I will provide MANY, both photographers and models that I have worked with in the past. I want our shoot to be mutually beneficial and mutually enjoyable. Having worked with 200 + models in the past, there are just a couple that were unpleasant for one reason or another, but I prefer to concentrate on the positive and not name them. There are some trouble makers "out there", both models and photographers, that try to sabotage a successful group and are resentful and jealous, so be warned if an unsolicited "reference" comes your way. You will find that I am easy to get along with, fun, professional, and reliable. If we don't have some fun in this, why are we doing it?
TOP 12-These are mostly models that I have worked with in the past or ones that I am planning to work with in the near future.
UPCOMING EVENTS/SHOOTS:
MILWAUKEE AREA WORKSHOPS
Sunday, November 29, 2007
Bodies in Bondage
Studio MLP
Racine,WI
http://photo.meetup.com/813/calendar/11137139/
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Nude Workshop with LT Smash (Ashley Graham)
Studio MLP
Racine,WI
http://photo.meetup.com/813/calendar/11372410/
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Nude Body Painting Workshop
Studio MLP
Racine,WI
http://photo.meetup.com/813/calendar/11821963/
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Nude Workshop with Russian Model Vassanta
Studio MLP
Racine,WI
http://photo.meetup.com/813/calendar/
LOCATION SHOOTS
February,2010
Cancun/Isla Mujeres Beach Shoot
Cancun,Mexico
Details TBA
April 9-12, 2010
Arizona Desert/Pool Shoot
Phoenix, AZ
http://photo.meetup.com/813/calendar/117389881/
