I don't want your money. Not the most profitable way to run a business. But if I were to take people's money they would probably expect something in return. Therefore I would have to create pictures I don't necessarily want to create. (Hence the particular image...'confined and restricted'.)

That has become unacceptable to me . I love to shoot, and I love changing those shots into my style of art. With that and learning new skills to create with and teaching others what I've learned, I'm following what I love most in life.

We all hope there comes a time in our lives where we can do what we love and not one other thing...well, except taking out the garbage maybe. I'm there.

Someday I hope to be good enough with my art that people might want to put it on their wall. Or other photographers use it for inspiration for their own work. I'm working on a body scape book so maybe I'll generate a little income from that. But frankly, the joy of knowing someone is enjoying my art is infinitely more important to me.

For the models and hair stylists and makeup artist and designers who have and will be working with me, thank you! Without your talents and ideas my art would be very limited indeed. Thank you all and I hope we work together for many years to come. I assume you are wanting the same outcome...art.

The other part of photography I truly love is showing others what I may have learned that may enhance their experience. One on one workshops are amazing and I love the personal sharing that comes with that.

So, bottom line is...

If you come to me and want a family shoot, or a baby, or a dog, of senior pictures, or a wedding, or your gold fish shot, don't be offended if I thank you for thinking of me but I decline. It's not personal, it's just not what I do.

I hope you all get to that point in your life where you can let your heart lead you to your joys and leave logic and the need to make money behind. Meanwhile, if you have any ideas for creating some art with me, most certainly chat with me about it. THAT is what I do!

Have an amazing life!!

Yeah, that's a trick title. They should be one in the same.

We see a lot of actors that would not make for interesting models because it's their presentation, their passion, their character presented 'in motion' that makes them stellar in their art.

Models have a slight advantage...or disadvantage depending on how you look at it. One frame. One walk down the runway. Just a moment to express that emotion, that glare, that slight smile, the tiny tilt of the head. As small a time frame that emotion or look has to be, it's still very important that it happens.

I'm not saying that every shot has to look like a Shakespeare tragedy.

It can be as simple as taking a lot of deep breaths, shaking your body like a wet dog to relax, run around the block once if it's fitness, something other than the OMG the camera is pointed at me look.

Models I love to work with know their jobs. And yes, we all have jobs in a shoot. Mine is easy...light it, compose it, and know what I want. If I tell them what I'm looking for I can go back to my job and they just flat out make it happen!

Tips for modeling...

When asked to move something like your head or hand, do it ever so slightly. Then the photographer can say a little more, a little more, until it's where they want it. If you make sweeping changes it's VERY hard to get together on where we want you.
While you are posed you have two things to be working on. Think about everything from the expression on your face, the tilt of you head to were your hands are to how your toes are poised. And, you have to think about what you plan to do after the flash. The next pose should be just slightly different. Again, no Kung Fu sweeps.
Always know where the light is coming from. It's not always obvious and don't be afraid to ask. There is nothing wrong with asking to see a test shot so you can do your job better.

Have fun!! Make art!

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