American Postcards Project

Once upon a time, long before Hefner came along with his magazine and bestowed all sorts of "social respectability" on pictures of nekkid ladies, there were these things called

French Postcards:  Single image cards proudly showcasing nekkid ladies in all their glory. 

The images were harshly lit.  Quite often they were poorly composed.  No two cards were ever uniform in size or finish.  The women featured were “real,” complete with curves and rolls and sags and all manner (by today’s standards) of flaws and NOT some fashion designers' notion of anorexic beauty. They rarely smiled.

They were magnificent!

Concept

American Postcards is inspired by those French Postcards of yesteryear, but is intended to be a unique, eclectic even, look at “Today’s Woman.” 

By ‘eclectic’ I mean the Collection will be greatly varied in appearance. There will be “classic” figure studies, multiple genres, lighting styles & editing techniques. I anticipate including Artistic, Implied and Partial Nudes as well as Glamour, Editorial & Pinup Nudes. The imagery will be largely Black & Whites, with a few sepia toned and full color captures included as well.

Intentions / Goals

I intend my Collection to be flirty, fun, edgy, somber, moving, humorous, and if I do my job right, thought provoking as well. I want the viewer to see beauty as being more about confidence, attitude & self respect than size, shape or even color.

When complete, I will be publishing the Collection, initially in book & calendar form, but also as Gallery-quality prints available for purchase. If the Powers That Be are kind, I hope to see my work featured in a Gallery or two. One day, if I live that long...

Model Requirements

1. Models must be of legal age to contract in their own name & provide a copy of their State Issued Photo ID for my records.

2. Models must sign my model release allowing publication of the images we create;

3. Models will be posing nude, though not necessarily fully exposed to view.

There are no other requirements. All women are welcome to participate. None of you are too old, too

heavy, too thin, too pierced, too inked, too pale, or too anything else.

You are Woman. You are Beauty. You are welcome. Come roar with me!

Session Locations

I anticipate shooting in a variety of locations both indoors and out, including but not limited to motel rooms, basements, the occasional photo studio, farms, industrial parks, woods, corn fields, back alleys, & even my subjects' homes.

Variety is a key element to the Project.

Wardrobe / Exposure

This is a nude project. Wardrobe is NOT a large concern, however, I do plan to include a few implied, partial & lingerie nudes in the Collection. Models should expect to be working nude, though full exposure to the camera lens may be limited by artful use of props, clothing, draping and positioning.

I do request all models remove any clothing with elastic at least an hour before we shoot. It takes that long for elastic marks to disappear from the skin. Bras, socks, panties, sweat pants – even some watch bands – can leave impressions/marks on the skin. For best results, your skin should be clear of all such impressions, as unmarked by externals as can reasonably be managed.

Also, I suggest bringing a robe to slip into between shots and during breaks.

Miscellaneous

I do not have a studio. I enjoy the challenge of shooting in varied environments and conditions. If you're expecting a typical studio session, this ain't where that happens...

In that same vein, I do not employ “studio lighting.” I don't have any. I do use a pair of speedlights with wireless triggers quite often, with & without a variety of modifiers to soften, broaden, and yes, restrict their output. The advantage in portability and cost effectiveness works for me.

I employ Photoshop in my editing freely and without shame. Purists may decry that as being unworthy or somehow soiling the capture, but I find it to be a most effective tool in fleshing out my “vision.” You see the results posted in the images I've shared in this blog. Decide for yourself...

Compensation

The American Postcards Project is being conducted as a Trade Shoot. Participants may choose one of two compensation options.

Option 1: Participants will receive their choice of 10 fully edited Anonymous Nude image files (in full size printable and low resolution web display formats) to include in their portfolio and/or use for self promotion;

Option 2: Participants may instead choose to schedule a second photo shoot of equal duration, the results of which will be theirs to do with as they see fit. The type of shoot is entirely up to you. Family portraits, fashion, editorial, swimsuit – whatever you want. I will include editing of up to 10 image files as part of the deal.

Escort Policy

Models are welcome to bring a companion/escort along for moral support, costuming assistance, protection (whatever) as long as I’m told in advance.  Surprise me with an unexpected guest and the session will be canceled on the spot. I hate surprises…

Please note I have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to “high school drama” on my shoots.  I go into each and every session with the full expectation that I am working with adults fully capable of discussing any and all issues that may arise.

Sadly, I have had session in which escorts have resorted to name calling, threatened violence & similar nonsense. The “Sluggo Effect” I call it. Be assured such behavior will result in the session's immediate termination. All images captured to that point will be deleted. Actual violence will result in the Police being summoned, charges being pressed, and if I have any say in the matter at all, a guilty verdict with as much jail time as allowed by Law.

Got a question I didn’t cover here? Want to schedule your session? Hit me with a message.  I’m here, camera at the ready waiting on you...