The Harlequins Mask wrote:
I'll go back to trying to shed my image as Australia's worst landscape photographer instead. I'll have no further on-line presence at all, at least for a while.

Perhaps consider reverting to a free account with fifteen of those stunning "worst" landscapes that showcase a beautiful woman.

The weathered rock formations, in particular, would be a great loss.

The Harlequins Mask wrote:
For someone who went through the old systems, it's a little frustrating to see how many people take an average shot and than post process the blazes out of it to get something worthwhile. I don't grudge it, it's just one of those little speed humps that are annoying sometimes.

In my storeroom, I have a Durst with a dichroic head, nikkor lens, etc, etc, but none of that adds up to creating something like this (18+) https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/37932470 or this (18+) https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/16512466 , so try not to sell yourself short.

The Harlequins Mask wrote:
like the model I booked who asked for a deposit up front and after receiving it deleted her account and refused to answer her phone or emails - I have really enjoyed being here.

I really wish you would post an account of this incident in another thread

The Harlequins Mask wrote:
I've had a bit of a bad run of late with cancellations, no shows, and whatnot.

Hey, I hear you.

I'm doing much the same thing for the same reason. However, I've decided to hold on to my free accounts. I used to have two paid accounts but things just got too slow to hold on to them for reasons you've stated. Just too many weekends wasted. I've decided to move on to other endeavors.


Wish you the best : )
Bare Essential Photos

Brooklyn Bridge Images wrote:

I really wish you would post an account of this incident in another thread

I did notify a few people, and with the mobile number of the model it wouldn't have been too difficult to track her down via the usual law agencies. But it would have been a case of spending $1000 to get $125 back. That was the "half up front" deposit to cover travelling expenses and incidentals. I have done that before with no hassles on one or two occasions.

The only thing that concerned me was how many other people did she scam at the same time? But she is gone from here, and I haven't seen her shots pop up anywhere else.

- Warren B.

The Harlequins Mask wrote:
Folks;

Thank you very much for the feedback. I have considered remaining with a free account, but I don't really know if I want to take that path.

As someone who learned photography at a TAFE (Technical and Further Education) College back in the days of a wet darkroom, safe lights, paper safes, and the like, I could never step away from photography completely. And the point about the ease of creating good work with many of the new digital cameras has already been well made. For someone who went through the old systems, it's a little frustrating to see how many people take an average shot and than post process the blazes out of it to get something worthwhile. I don't grudge it, it's just one of those little speed humps that are annoying sometimes.

It would be hard to become more of a cranky old (well...middle aged) fart than I already am, too. And with only one or two notable exceptions - like the model I booked who asked for a deposit up front and after receiving it deleted her account and refused to answer her phone or emails - I have really enjoyed being here.

I think it's time for me to go, and turn the camera to some of Australia's landscape features to see if I can make something worthwhile. I have a 5DMkII, some L-series lenses, a tripod and a shutter release; will travel!

Again, my thanks for the kind words.

- Warren B.

Still no need to throw it all away Warren

I started on film 25 years ago but gave it away after 5 years in the trade in lieu of a more profitable venture.
Up until 12 years ago I was building homes for young families ...that is until a roo found me at high speed on my sports bike.
Almost two months in hospital with a hip reconstruction to go, I found a lot of time to reflect.
Knowing I could never return to my trade physically, I decided to get back into photography ...and the only way my wife would let me back on a bike is if I did it professionally.
I ended up doing both. I became a motorcycle instructor with HART and joined up at a well known photography college to gain an advanced diploma (mainly to scrub up on digital work)

My point is, don't give up on what you love. Life is for living, not merely surviving.

I think we've all had shitty experiences in this trade/hobby and it will probably only get worse.
Everyone is out for themselves more and more these days. But don't give up my friend ...if it's what you love, continue despite the pitfalls.

Wish you well.

Rik Williams wrote:
My point is, don't give up on what you love. Life is for living, not merely surviving.

Ahh, mate you put your finger on the nub of it. I've had a few disappointments with model photography of late, so for the very reason you point out, I'm walking away. Not without a glance over my shoulder, I admit, but if I keep trying to do this and failing, then I probably would end up giving it all away, and fall out of love with it all.

At the very least, I need a year or two to take my soul out and look at it. Who knows, maybe I'll come back after a good long break - but I doubt it.

Thanks again.

- Warren B.

The Harlequins Mask wrote:
Well, this is it folks. Wednesday afternoon, Aussie time, will see me gone.

Thanks very much for all the help and feedback.

All the best,

- Warren B.

Just go.  How many times to you have to say goodbye??

I don't understand why people have this need to announce their departure for weeks.

Good Egg Productions wrote:

Just go.  How many times to you have to say goodbye??

I don't understand why people have this need to announce their departure for weeks.

It's the death scene in a Greek tragedy.