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…