Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Anonymous Nude

"There is nothing quite as erotic as a bare naked mystery..."  No clue who said it.  Hell, it may even have been me; I have been known to wax poetic in the wee hours of the night. 

Regardless, welcome to my newest project, "The Anonymous Nude."  Here, I seek to collaborate with women and men who revel in both the allure of a Mystery & the creation of Fine Art...

Concept/Intentions/Goals
It's long been a theory of mine (and others) that being 'naked' is not necessarily erotic nor beautiful.  It simply denotes a lack of clothing, & quite possibly poor judgment, depending on the environment - a snowbank, for example… 

…although shooting a nude in a snowbank does have some wonderful Fine Art possibilities.  Which is neither here nor there; another time.  Perhaps...

There is a difference between naked pictures and Fine Art Nudes.  There are even differences between Art Nudes and Art Nudes.  Don’t think so?  I suggest you look at Helmut Newton’s work.  He always shot nudes with an edge, but his focus and technique altered both subtly & blatantly as his skill matured over the decades, yet his early work is as fascinating as his most recent…

In my experience, the Nudes that truly stand out are those images that incorporate a “visual tension” into the overall capture.  It is that tension which elevates a simple “nekkid picture” to the level of “Art.”  And in far too few instances, to the level of “Fine Art.”  Creating, infusing & capturing that “visual tension” is a challenge unto its own self…

The Anonymous Nude is a celebration of “The Tension.”  The celebration, in this case, is quite literally a mystery common to every image in the Collection.  That mystery?  The assured anonymity of each subject photographed.  Though fully nude, each model will be positioned and lit so as to preserve any hint of identity from view.  Ideally, each image will be so well crafted that the viewer will not have any clue the individual standing next to him is in fact the subject of the photograph being viewed…

I intend The Anonymous Nude to be an eclectic collection of beautiful, alluring and even erotic imagery celebrating the mystery and allure of full anonymity.  When complete, I plan to publish the Collection.  Initially as a calendar, then a book, and if the fates are kind, I will eventually offer gallery quality prints for sale. 

Model Requirements:
…must be of legal age to contract in your own name;
…must provide a valid copy of your state issued photo ID;
…must sign my release allowing publication;
…will be posing nude.

That’s it, the full list of requirements for participation in The Anonymous Nude.  
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, weight, body modifications, complexion, race, religion or political affiliation. 

Locations
Location is a variable that will change from session to session.  Given that this is a nude project, most sessions will be conducted indoors.  Most likely in your home, a motel room, possibly a rented studio if I can find & afford the fee. 

I also have a few outdoor locations in mind for the more adventurous minded.  Please let me know how adventurous you would like your session to be…

Wardrobe / Exposure
This is a nude project.  Wardrobe is NOT a concern as all models will be photographed in the nude.  That is a constant of the project.  The other constant within this project are my models’ identities.  The same devices – lighting, positioning, POV, props – that protect your anonymity will also serve to adjust exposure from fully nude to merely suggestive.

It is strongly recommended models bring a robe to slip into between shots and during breaks from shooting.

Compensation
The Anonymous Nude 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;

Option2:  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 even include editing of up to 10 image files as part of the deal.

Miscellaneous
I am primarily an “Available Light” photographer, though I occasionally use speed lights & reflectors for fill, and the odd modifier to soften output.   

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

Experienced and first time models are both 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. 

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…

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Lilliputian Invasion...


Among photographers there are two schools of thought concerning image manipulation. 

Puritans to the craft look askance at anyone’s use of Photo Shop (and other editors) for anything beyond minor, basic tweaking.  They feel that a true photograph should be captured in camera.  Post work in the computer or dark room is cheating, and the results are NOT to be considered photography.  There is a certain justification to this viewpoint.  Most of those holding it have invested years of their lives learning the craft; first in school, followed by an apprenticeship of sorts with established photographers before moving on to make a name for themselves. 

The second school of thought, however, recognizes that progress in technology offers not only new methods for accomplishing specific tasks, but make possible entirely new viewpoints unavailable previously.  So it is with image manipulation software (PhotoShop, etc.) and digital imaging.  It’s possible to create images of bikini models hiking the Sea of Tranquility, cowboys riding wild rabbits, and to create a photo documentary of the Lilliputian Invasion…

Concept/Intentions/Goals
Ever wonder why Gulliver’s friends, The Lilliputians, never came to visit?  What if some of them did…

As you may have guessed from the intro above, my Lilliputian Invasion relies heavily on photo manipulation.  Simply put, I will be “shrinking” each model to “fit” in and around common items found in day to day life (a coffee cup, desktop computer keyboard & mouse, bathroom toiletries, etc.) with the goal of creating a “scene” that is humorous, unexpected and quite possibly though provoking.

While I do intend to eventually self-publish in Calendar and Book form, my main goal at the moment is to have fun.  And I would very much like to include you in that fun!

A partial list of some of my conceptualized scenes may be found below…

Model Requirements
Models must be living, the dead need not apply.

That’s pretty much the only requirement for participation.  Everyone is welcome, be they Male, Female, Child or Family Pet.  Models of legal age must sign my commercial release allowing publication.  In the case of minor children, a parent or legal guardian must sign the release on their behalf. 

Session Locations
I’m pretty much shameless when it comes to conducting model shoots.  I’ll shoot virtually anywhere at all.  In a public park, on the street, in the model’s home, in a rented motel room.  Location will vary by session & purpose.

Wardrobe / Exposure
Wardrobe will vary from session to session, but will always be “scene appropriate.”  If we’re shooting you portraying a Cowboy or an Auto Mechanic or a French Chef, you’ll be in attire a Cowboy, Mechanic or Chef would typically wear, which does not include Armani or Speedo. 

Some concept shoots (a lot of them actually) involving Female models will be of a Glamour/Pinup nature.  Not all, but a lot.  Attire will be both “scene appropriate” and discussed fully prior to shooting.  It makes life so much simpler if we’re all on the same page from the “gitgo” don’cha think? 

This is NOT a nude project, though some glamour sessions may require partial or implied nudity.  If Nudity has not been discussed prior to shooting, it is NOT expected during your session.

Compensation
Lilliputian Invasion  is being conducted as a Trade Shoot.  Collaborators will receive their choice of 10 fully edited, ready to print image files from our session, or, as an alternative, you may choose one (1) composited “Lilliputian” image file, also ready to print. 

Escort Policy
I allow models a single escort/companion on set when shooting, providing I'm told ahead of time the escort will be present.  (I hate surprises.)  I expect and require all individuals present (myself included) to behave as adults at all times.  At the first indication of unnecessary drama I will terminate the session & all images captured to that point, if any, will be deleted.

Miscellaneous Concerns
I do not have my own studio, nor do I employ studio lighting, per se.  All of my model shoots are “on location” sessions using available light, modified speed lights, or some combination.  If you are expecting a studio session, it most likely isn’t gonna happen here...    

All model sessions are conducted during weekends & holidays only.  Weekday sessions are occasionally possible, if not very likely.  It doesn’t hurt to inquire…

Got a question I didn’t cover here? Want to schedule your session? Please let me know…

A Partial List of Concept Scenes…
The Arrival – A collection of Lilliputian spelunkers climbing up out of the Holiday turkey…
The Spice Rack – Models in swimwear/lingerie complementing each spice in the rack…
Pencil Jungle – A Lilliputian “hiding” in a pencil holder…
Digital Skater – A Lilliputian skating on a CD…
The Tanning Bed – A Lilliputian “sunning” himself/herself on a CD under a desk lamp…
The Chess Board – A collection of Lilliputians posed in/around chess pieces…
The Checker Board – A collection of Lilliputian children playing ‘Leap Frog’ on a checker board…