The Martini Life

As sometimes happens in my world, my focus changes.  It tends to wander a bit.  Usually it’s MY focus & NOT my camera’s, but not always.  In the case of The Martini Life, it is definitely MY focus that has wandered.

Initially, I had this project mapped out to be something of a “Fantasy Guide to the Ultimate Martini” in book form.  Beautifully prepared/presented product shots of assorted Martinis.  A recipe would accompany each image – sometimes, the recipes would even be sincere…

Then one night I decided using a Martini as a prop in a model shoot would be a good idea.  That’s all it took to shift & widen my focus.  Pathetic, aren’t I?

Now “The Martini Life” is about all things “Martini.” 

“Shaken, not stirred.”  Frank & The Rat Pack.  Still Lifes.  Pinups.  Pinups in Martinis.  The Gibson.  Straight Up.  On the rocks.  Vodka.  Gin.  Apple-tini.  Chocolate Martinis.  The 60’s.  Themed portraits.  Cocktail parties.  Lifestyle captures.   Garnishes.  Olives.  Lemons.  Onions.  Shakers.  Strainers. 

Welcome to “The Martini Life.”  Cheers…

Goals/Intentions

As mentioned above, my ‘focus’ tends to wander a bit, but my intentions are rock solid.  I want to see my work published.  I want my work to be on display in a gallery.  I want to see people bidding for limited edition prints of my photos, both still life & portraits.  I want my images gracing calendars, and my coffee table books proudly displayed on coffee tables everywhere.  

Lofty?  Yeah, but there you go.  Dream high, right?  Right.

Model Requirements

This project is open to Males & Female Models of legal drinking age in Illinois.  Though there will be no alcohol on set, appearances matter.  

All Models must sign my Model Release and provide a copy of the state issued photo ID for my records.

Wardrobe

Wardrobe requirements are flexible.  I have concept Looks ranging from “Top Hat/Tails” formal to Blue Jean Casual to full/implied artistic/pinup nude and just about everything in between.  I want each session to be unique in concept and look… 

All of which is a long winded way of saying we need to discuss your session’s concept/Look before shooting…

The “N” Word, Nudity

Some session concepts require nudity in levels ranging from “barefoot all the way up” to the ever popular “wardrobe malfunction” of a certain Half Time show’s fame. 
 
No one, however, will ever be expected to bare it all for my camera unless the concept and limits have been fully discussed prior to shooting.

Compensation

“The Martini Life” is being conducted as a Trade Shoot:

Models will receive their choice of 10 fully edited image files (in full size printable and low resolution web display formats) to include in their portfolio and/or use for self promotion.

Non-models get the same deal, but may elect to schedule a family portrait session instead;

Location

Location is a variable that also will change from session to session.  Playgrounds, City Parks, State Parks, a back alley, the odd corn or bean field, your own home, a motel room – just depends on what specific “scene” we are working on when we shoot.

Miscellaneous

I am primarily an “Available Light” photographer, though I do occasionally use speed lights, light modifiers & the occasional reflector from time to time. 

My schedule is annoyingly open at present, so I am absolutely able to accommodate your busy schedule. 

Experienced and first time models both are welcome to participate.  You may be assured I will work with you to capture the best possible images and make the experience as fun as possible. 

A Few Possible Scenarios:

Tributes:  The Rat Pack, M*A*S*H, Mame…

Group Concepts:  Cocktail Hour; Park Sit-In, Granny Clampett’s Rheumatiz Party…

Individual Concepts:  5:01 PM, The Mixologist, The Bubble Bath, Biz Traveler…

Martini Girls:  A colorful series of pinup posters featuring Nearly Nude & Lingerie clad cuties superimposed on, in and around a Fantasy Martini Concoction…

Implied Nudes:  The Bubble Bath Martini, With A Twist; The Gibson Girl…

The 3 Martini Lunch:  Business Man/Woman drinking lunch;

Happy Hour:  Post work day chilling over Apple-tinis;

Martini Park:  A portable Martini bar in a gazebo;

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 cancelled immediately.  I hate surprises…

Please note:  I have zero tolerance for 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.  Name calling, threats of violence and similar nonsense will result in the session's immediate termination and the deletion of all images taken to that point.  If necessary, I will call the police and press charges to the full extent allowable under the 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...

Holiday Hunnies

New Year's Boogie

Holiday Hunnies began in January, 2008.  My intent was fairly straight forward; I wanted to shoot & publish a very, very sassy, Holiday themed pinup calendar.  My plan was to shoot 12 models, each representing a different Holiday, and the best of each set would be used in the calendar.

Sadly, as often happens, Life took an unfortunate turn and I was forced to “shelve” the project after only two sessions.  

I’ve had occasion to bring the Holiday Hunnies project down from the shelf a couple of times since – always taking care to blow the dust away from any nearby models – to shoot some additional Holiday themed sass.

Life, however, just keeps intervening, so here I am still a few Holidays shy of a full blown calendar.  Welcome to Holiday Hunnies…

The Promised Heart

Concept/Intentions

Put simply, as it was in the beginning, so it remains…

The concept is simple.  I want to shoot a calendar’s worth of very sexy, Holiday themed pinups.  Each month will feature a model celebrating the Holiday of her choice.  My focus is to produce high quality images that will capture hearts and minds of pinup lovers everywhere…

Please note the images I’ve attached to this post include lingerie, implied & partial nudes.  I term them collectively as “Very Implied,” meaning that there’s a lot of skin on display, but nothing too blatant.  I want fun and flirty, sassy and sexy; Sunday go to meeting finery need not apply…

Peep Rider...

Just for the record, my intentions are strictly honorable - so to speak.   I may be slow, but I’m consistent.  I intend to produce and sell this calendar, if it kills me.  Hopefully that’s simple just hyperbole…

Model Requirements

This project is open to female models only.  Neither men nor children are welcome to participate, but don’t despair.  There will be other projects suitable for y’all…

Hunnie Bunny Muggin'

Models must be of legal age to contract in their own name, and be prepared to provide a copy of her legal, state issued photo ID for my records.

Finally, since publication is the point to the project, all models are required to sign my Model Release allowing publication.

Toasting Punkin Seeds

A Few Holiday Concepts

Here are a few “standard” Holiday notions of mine.  Nothing is cast in stone, so if you have an idea in mind you’d like to try, talk to me…

New Year’s – Lingerie/Bra & Panty, champagne, party favors

Valentine’s Day – Red/Pink lingerie, bed, chocolates

St. Patrick’s Day – Short shorts, open blouse, green hat, green beer, bow tie…

April Fool’s Day – A woman pretending to be a man…

Easter – Topless in shorts/bikini bottom w/apron decorating/hiding Easter Eggs…

Mother’s Day – ‘June Cleaver’ wardrobe malfunction…

Memorial Day – The Merry Widow, Black lingerie, stockings, heels…

Flag Day – Daisy Dukes, bikini top and/or topless, posing w/Flag

Father’s Day – Daddy’s Li’l Girl, short shorts, halter/crop top, Cigar, Martini at ready…

A Christmas Tradition

Independence Day – Mini skirt/open blouse w/fireworks: Rockets, Roman Candles…

Women’s Equality Day (Aug 26) – Topless in jeans, boots hat outside…

Labor Day – Daisy Dukes, carpenter belt, hard hat…

Sweetest Day – Peasant skirt/blouse, bra-less, barefoot, giant lollipop…

Halloween – Sexy nurse, nun, cowgirl, witch, policewoman, w/Punkins, bats, etc…

Thanksgiving – Housewife, apron over bare breasts, short skirt, heels, cooking tools…

Christmas – Christmas sweaters, heels, no pants; Santa Baby…

The "N" Word:  Nudity

Holiday Hunnies is, as I mentioned earlier, what I term a “Very Implied” Nude project.  Participants should be comfortable working nude, though the end results will be geared towards concealing your “charms.”  Full exposure will be denied the camera by conveniently placed props, costuming, model & camera positioning.  We’re aiming to tease here…

A Promising Start

Compensation

I am conducting Holiday Hunnies as a Trade Shoot.  Participants may choose one of two compensation options.

Option 1:  Participants will receive their choice of 10 fully edited Holiday Hunnies  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, art nudes – whatever you want.  I will also include editing of up to 10 image files as part of the deal.

Nicole, The Sexy Witch...

Location

Location will vary from session to session, depending on content & Holiday being celebrated in pictures.  Some Holiday Concepts can be shot in public areas without raising too many eyebrows.  Others will require an indoor location.  If you’re comfortable shooting in your home, I’m happy to work with you there.  If not, there are other options including but not limited to motel rooms, rented studios, a nearby barn, etc.  

Miscellaneous

I style myself as an “Available Light” photographer, though I also use speed lights with an assortment of reflectors & modifiers for fill & key lighting 

My schedule is annoyingly open at present, so I am absolutely able to accommodate your busy schedule. 

Experienced and first time models are equally welcome to participate.  You may be assured I will work with you to capture the best possible images and make the experience as much fun as possible. 

Eye Gore, Chained Male...

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 cancelled immediately.  I hate surprises…

Please note:  I have zero tolerance for 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.  Name calling, threats of violence and similar nonsense will result in the session's immediate termination and the deletion of all images taken to that point.  If necessary, I will call the police and press charges to the full extent allowable under the law.

Got a question I didn’t cover here? Want to schedule your session? Let’s talk…

My Wish List

This is, as the title suggests, my 'Wish List' of specific images/shots I’d like to take. I suppose some of these ideas could turn into a full fledged photo series or project collection somewhere down the line, but for right now, they're simply a collection of photo notions I'd like to attempt for my own amusement...

...and possible enrichment. Yes, if I can find a market, I will offer them for sale, so a signed commercial model release is mandatory, boyz n girlz. The good news is that my 'Wish List' collaborators will also share in any profits derived from the sale of the images...

Oh, I'm including sample shots here and there (where I've actually managed a bit of "Wish Fulfillment) to more fully illustrate my notions. That there's a photo doesn't mean that particular "Wish" isn't still open to further interpretation...

Ready? Okay then, here we go...

Expose Yourself Once upon a time I saw a poster that showed a man & woman standing before a nude statue, backs to the camera, wearing long coats and holding them open. The caption read "Expose Yourself To Art." I'd like to recreate this shot and even know a few spots in which to do it. All I need is a model w/a long coat, wearing shorts (or a skirt) to do it with. No actual nudity will be involved and no statues will be offended. Promise!

(At right is an example from a recent After Dark session. Yep, I'm not too good to intermingle project ideas one into another...)

Live Bait I've seen variations on this particular theme: models portraying fishermen reeling in their catch. Sometimes that "catch" was a Triple D bra or a pair of "slightly used" briefs or maybe an old bike tire or other piece of flotsam. My thought is to shake things up a bit and create a humorous series of portrayals in which a young couple go "fishing" for their first grader, a "swinging single" uses her bra or his checkbook to "catch" their ideal mate... The series I have in mind would range from 'G' rated fun up to 'R' rated sexy shots...

Frame Job I have access to a rather large selection of Photo/Art frames in a variety of sizes, colors & style that I would like to incorporate into some model sessions. Without giving away too much, it occurs to me that these frames could be 'wondrously magical' or 'entirely wicked' in that the portion of the image contained within them will be altered dramatically from that outside the frame... There's room in this concept for Family Friendly as well as Delightfully Naughty versions in single, double and multiple model sessions. Who wants to see the view within, hmmm?

Feeding Frenzy During a recent exchange w/a model friend on Twitter concerning restaurants & cuisines it occurred to me that it might be fun to do a series on dining, with a bit of attitude. Something "tongue in cheek" along the lines of the "Do Not Feed the Bears" signs at the zoo... I''m thinking this is gonna be messy...

My Mug Book Another notion of mine, a collection of models (and real people too! ) making funny faces for my camera. The images included in the collection will be very tight close ups in a uniformly square crop. Oh, I should also probably mention that the collection will include both color and Black and White shots...

This notion may very well end up being published in either book or calendar formats, depending on how many collaborators I find who are interested and willing to "mug" for my camera. :snickers:

Oh, and for what it's worth, I'm also happy to include some serious/actual headshots suitable for hanging or use in your portfolios...

UP! This one's a free form series of silhouettes I'm considering taking on. Conceptually, it's still a work in progress, but the basic premise is to put my model up high - on a wall, a ladder, a set of stairs, fire escape, or handy hill top - with a strong, slanting light behind them. Since the focus is on the silhouette, models should plan on wearing close fitting attire that will showcase their figure to good advantage. Also, except in rare instances, most shoots will be conducted at either daybreak or sunset - that's when the sun will be positioned most advantageously for sharpest silhouette work...

The Snobbish Kudos to Dave Rivard for suggesting this one to me. I spend a great deal of time in several different libraries and have had run ins with several staff members who seem to think editing model images is both “naughty” and “dirty” and should be disallowed in these hallowed halls. Friend Dave suggested I consider a portrait series based on those experiences, so here it is.

I want to photograph a set of models (real people too!) dressed in their best biz casual who can really rock the notion of “lookin’ down their Patrician noses” at lesser mortals... This one’s open to males, females, children, family pets... Location is pretty much up to the model – your home, a nearby park, Navy Pier, the zoo, walking down a sidewalk, wherever works for you...

This one’s all about satirizing the “Holier Than Thou” set in “da Snobbery,” Friends. Ought to be a lot of fun to shoot...

Lilliputian Invasion... Everybody remembers Gulliver's Travels, right? The sailor who was the lone survivor from his storm tossed ship who got washed up ashore in Lilliput? A wondrous tale in which Point of View is run around the block a few dozen times... I got to thinking about POV this past weekend and decided I'd like to run it around the block a few more times. Hence the "Lilliputian Invasion."

Equal parts photography & Photoshop, this one's all about inserting my models into unlikely locations, such as peeking out of a coffee cup or roller skating on an overturned CD or rope climbing up a phone cord... You get the idea, I hope. So who's ready to be really, Really SMALL? Shoots are open to male, female, animal and even child models...

Want Fries With That... This is a Monster-land inspired (ask me privately if you must), multi-fetish shot that I’ve had tumbling around my head for a few months now. It requires 2 individuals, a bright sunny Spring or Summer day, a picnic table w/cheap plastic table cloth and a number of squeeze bottles filled with ketchup, (or mustard, BBQ sauce, Salad Dressing, etc.), safety goggles & very high heels...

Model #1 will kneel at the end of the table so just his/her head shows above table top. Model #2 will be wearing “Very High Heels” & standing on table top. Focus will be limited to views of her “Very High Heels,” table top, squeeze bottle & target head as Model #2 steps down on squeeze bottle pointed at Model #1. (Safety goggles will be provided.)

Goal: to capture the full condiment stream between squeeze bottle & target model in a single panoramic view. I expect to have to do some computer manipulations to accomplish this...

Parts is Parts Requires a single model who is comfortable in his/her own skin. I want to capture a series of body part close ups (hands, feet, navel, buttocks, chest, biceps, thigh, etc.). Those individual images would then be “processed” to alter coloration, texture, sizing, etc. before being combined into a single “Cubist-type patchwork” of an amalgam.

Ideally, I would like to do both male & female versions of this...

Eye On You Open to male or female models. I want to capture an extremely tight, full frame, high resolution shot of a model’s eye. Two versions: One of just the eye & the second with the model’s headshot superimposed into the pupil...

SteamPunk Casual Open to male, female or both, preferably models well versed in the SteamPunk Look/Lifestyle. I'm looking to cautiously dip my toe into this particular genre before going all out with the SteamPunk Wedding I'm planning to stage later this year. Anybody up for a bit of "trial & error" one of these weekend mornings? Get with me and we'll try our hand at something a bit unique...

Just these few for now. I will be updating with new “Wishes” from time to time, so if nothing listed appeals today, please feel free to come back & check my Wish List often. I never quite know when inspiration will strike me...

After Dark Project Detail

Welcome to The After Dark Project…

As you might guess, this project has absolutely nothing to do with daylight. It’s all about the night, and the inhabitants thereof. I plan on spending a number of Saturday nights wandering the Loop with my camera, shooting as I go. I’ll be grabbing some candid street photography, staged glamour sets, plenty of editorial views and most anything else that catches my eye, including the occasional humorous set up shot…

Initially, I’m planning on conducting model shoots with a high Fashion/High Society tone about them. Eventually I will expand the “After Dark” concept to include other looks up and down the societal scale…

All imagery for this project will be rendered as high contrast B&W images, though I won’t rule out the possibility of some sepia toning sneaking in here and there.

Goals/Intentions
The After Dark Project, is very much in it’s infancy. It is a work in progress, and as such, I expect the look and feel of the images shot for this project to evolve somewhat as I get further and further into the project.

I do intend to publish the Collection in a variety of ways and means, including but not limited to high quality art prints, calendars, and coffee table books

Model Requirements
This is an “equal opportunity” project. All models (male, female, other…) are welcome. All models must sign my commercial release and provide a photo ID demonstrating you to be of legal age to do so. Moms and Dads, your children are also welcome, but you must be prepared to sign a commercial release on their behalf as well.

Wardrobe
Ladies, for this particular stage of the project I need you wearing a skirt/dress and heels. Nothing too short, nor too snug, mind you. I'm looking for simple, classic elegance that also shows off your figure to full advantage without being blatantly slutty… Minimalistic jewelry – a single strand of beads or a matching bracelet & earrings is more than sufficient.

Gentlemen, as with the ladies, for this current stage of the project I need you in your best suit and tie. That includes freshly shined shoes and a pocket hankie as well. If you happen to have a Fedora or other hat that compliments your suit, by all means bring it along – but no ball caps, okay?

Compensation
This project is being conducted on a Trade basis. I offer all participants their choice of 10 fully edited image files in full size printable and low resolution web display formats.

For those of you who actually do model for a living (or are attempting to make the transition) I do have a profit sharing plan in which you will share equally in any profits derived from the sale of your images. Full details available on request, of course…

Miscellaneous Stuff
All model sessions for After Dark will be conducted on location in the Loop.
Sessions will be conducted on Saturday evenings beginning at full dark.
Sessions to date have averaged 3 to 4 hours in length.
This is a LOW LIGHT shoot, which means relatively long exposure times; there will be a lot of "do over" shots.

DISCLAIMER
I do not tolerate "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. Name calling, threats of violence and similar nonsense will result in the session's immediate termination and the deletion of all images taken to that point. If necessary, I will call the police and press charges to the full extent allowable under the law.

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...