Lets Shoot!

If you're reading this we are either discussing shooting together, or we've already agreed to do a shoot together, and are now working through logistics. I put this page together to help give you a better understanding of who I am, what I'm doing, and answer as many questions as I can up front. Also, I got sick of sending this info out over and over so let's call this efficient laziness :)

I had a successful studio about 10 years ago. Yes, the following images are from 2009 working with models back then while I built out my boudoir portion of my business.

I loved working with models, but I hated working with my customers. Weddings, family portraits, even boudoir was soul sucking so I shutdown my studio, and sold my gear and just walked away.

I loved creating the art, and building all the business stuff out, but I hated dealing with the customers. Bridezillas, OC housewives doing boudoir, etc.

When I decided to come back and start shooting again in 2019, there were 2 main reason. I was curious how much the model/photographer sub-culture might have changed (not much), and how has social media changed photography (back then there was only Facebook).

Trust and Transparency

I understand the crazy stuff every woman has to deal with. A large part of creating great imagery depends on your comfort so here are some key things to help you better understand the shoot, and my approach:

• Absolutely everything we do will be based on your comfort level, and I will make every effort to make sure not to cross any boundaries, but you have to let me know what they are.
• The concept/look we discussed upfront is exactly what we will shoot, and I will never ask you to "try" or "show" more.
• If we are planning to shoot a sensual or provocative concept I'll ask you what your boundaries are before we shoot, but any time you're not comfortable with anything simply let me know.
• Ask me anything, anytime, and I'm happy to answer
• I will explain nearly every aspect of our shoot and the effect it has on imagery. I've learned that the more you understand how we are shooting or posing, the better the content we create!
• Our shoot is a collaboration. I will experiment while we are shooting, and share what I am trying, and why, but I'm all about trying things you want to try out too. Don't be shy about throwing something out there, I'm game!
• I will geek out on the lighting, the shot, and the science and psychology of the images we're creating. Seriously, feel free to shush me as I start blabbing.
• I may get a little colorful with my language, but it will never be in a manner meant to disrespect you.

We Are NOT Taking Portraits

Something happens to everyone the moment the camera comes up. Some deep instinct gets triggered, and everyone locks up into some weird and awkward pose and stares into the camera. Some smile that school picture day smile, some stare blankly. It's as if we were programmed to do so.

What is a Portrait?

Below are examples of portraits. Portraits are what you give your family to put in a frame and hang on the wall. A portrait focuses primarily on the person's face/eyes. The goal of a portrait is to capture the subject in a way that is flattering and/or interesting. We will take some portrait shots, but I will ask you not to look into the camera for a majority of the shots. The rule of thumb I use is to look into the camera once every 5-10 shots.

We Will Create Artistic Imagery

We will use the lighting, shadow, and your posing to create an emotional response with the viewer. I'll explain every detail of the pose, lighting, set, lines, angles, etc., and how you direct the viewer's gaze. This is where most models I work with get the biggest kick out of working with me. Feel free to ask me anything, but I will very likely geek out and explain the science and psychology of it all. Feel free to shush me if I ramble on a little too much.

Below are some examples of evocative imagery we will attempt to capture:

The Portraits We Capture

As I mentioned, we will take some portrait shots. When I do ask you to look into the camera I may ask you to think about what you want the viewer to think/feel. Whetherto pull the viewer in. n be a come hither look, or any expressive look. Simply have in mind what you are attempting to install in the viewer.

Explaining Everything as We Shoot

None of what I explained here is hard, and you will understand it all as I explain it. Just so you know, dramatic images are all about lighting and shadows, and how they fall on the body and scene. I will start with a basic explanation of posing for lighting, and shadow from the first shot we take, and review images with you to see for yourself. In a studio I will bring a laptop to shoot tethered so we can see each shot on it in real time.

In my experience most start to really understand things 15-30 minutes in, or about the 3rd set. Then the shoot really starts moving fast because you know how to change your look or pose for effect. I promise you, regardless of your skill and experience level, you will be adding some very advanced concepts and skills to your repertoire.

Creating Desire and Sensuality

If the concept we will be shooting is sensual, we will discuss ways to pose to "Manufacturing Desire". I will share details on on the science and psychology of different elements of what we create, and how they add to the visual emotional response. The tease and the build-up of anticipation are very powerful in visual art and something I have always been fascinated with.

Wardrobe

I highly suggest bringing at least 5-10 changes. In a typical 2 hour shoot it is not uncommon to capture 1,000 images that are all great. There's nothing worse than getting so many great images, but having them all of 2 looks/outfits.

Some considerations for your wardrobe:

• Bring form fitting, or skin revealing clothing. Light and shadow work best when cast on the form of the body.
• Try to stay away from loose and flowy outfits. A large and loose dress will catch all light and create a boxy frame of dull darkness.
• Keep wardrobe to solid colors and/or minimal patterns as possible. The focus of will usually be the entire look of you, lighting and shadow and most clothing patterns break the eye flow patterns, and pull attention away from where we'll be intentionally creating focus.
• Want to bring shoes? Go for it, but they'll be for you more than anything. Rarely noticed in the images, but a great prop.
• These are not aboslute rules! They're guidelines, so don't overthink them.

Hair and Makeup

Don't go crazy with your hair style at all. Clean and neat is all we need. If you have a lot of loose/flyaway hairs, maybe bring a ponytail holder? I'll have baby oil that you can use to tame flyaway hairs too.

Keep your make up as clean, neat, and natural as possible. Avoid thick eyeliner, deep lipstick, etc. We can add as we progress through the shoot, but too much can potentially detract from the overall image.

Want to Bring Someone?

If you want to bring an escort to help you feel safe? Absolutely! Even better if they can model, and I'll likely ask them to help. The only thing I ask is if this is your escort's first time seeing you in a shoot please spend time explaining what to expect to them before you arrive.

Bring a Picture ID

I will need a model release from you, and will need to take a picture of your ID. This means I'll learn your real name, but just tell me what you prefer. I need the model release to submit any images we capture to publications, or to awards submissions. I make sure you get credit if I do, and would never use your release or image for anything you may not be comfortable with.

Need to Cancel?

All I ask is to have professional courtesy and give me at least 1 days notice if you need to cancel. I get that life sometimes just happens, but nothing worse than not being considerate. I will do the same.

Inspiration and Posing

I have most likely shared some inspiration images with you already, but just in case you want to study, here's a number of posing references, and inspiration galleries that I will likely have up on the TV while we're shooting so you don't struggle with any model's posing mental block:

• Chair Posing
• Standing Posing
• General Posing
• Abstract Posing
• Floor Posing
• Nude Art Posing
• Dance and Motion

You Get All Raw Images The Same Day

I never understood why some photographers are so stingy with images captured together.

Nearly every image will look great out the camera. I'll create a private online gallery to share full sized raw images from our shoot and send them to you. Use them however you want! Process, edit, post, share, whatever. I just ask to tag me when you do publish.

Processed Images

A couple days after our shoot I will also create a processed gallery, and share this with you. Same unrestricted access applies to these too! However, I tend to process images in spurts so I may process a handful one day, and then not get to another batch until a week or more later.

Exception: There's one exception to the processed gallery. Some publications and awards do require an image to not be previously published. If I submit for these, I'll let you know and just pull it from the processed gallery.

I hope this info helps, but if you have any questions at all don't be shy and ask!

If we do shoot together I have no doubt we will get great images! When I reach out to someone to do a shoot it's because I see something that will be amazing in an image.

Celebrate your uniqueness!

Let's create!