Celebrate the Day: Sunglasses Day

The past few years I have been compiling a list of real life Holidays few have heard about, let alone celebrate. At present, I have 1600+ recognized Holidays on my list. I suspect that number will increase. These holidays commemorate relationships, professions, cultures, technologies, crafts, food, animals & far too many more subjects to list here...

My Celebrate the Day project is all about celebrating in photos as many of these holidays possible. I have had many “serious” photo projects thru the years. This is not one of them. This is a project dedicated to creating images that are fun and even whimsical. Care to join me?

Concept/Intentions

June 27^th every year is “Sunglasses Day.” It has occurred to me this particular holiday would be an ideal opportunity to do a series of Sunglasses themed portraits. Said series to include individual, couple, group sessions as well as composited images including elements of all of the above...

Towards that end, I'm looking to capture as many people modeling their “fave shades” in as many situations as can possibly be contrived. I'm happy doing standard portraits posed before a standard backdrop or wall, but I'm far more interested in shooting Environmental Portraits.

“What's an environmental portrait,” you ask? Imagine your Little Leaguer standing at the plate waiting on his pitch, a family or couple picnicking, sitting on a fence rail watching the crops grow, exercising/riding a horse, in the bleachers, sitting behind the wheel, sunning at the beach or in your backyard, cocktails on the veranda...

...endless possibilities and they all include sunglasses.

Model Requirements

This project is open to everyone. Males, Females, Children, Cats, Dogs & Other. In short, anyone may participate so long as that individual poses with a set of sunglasses of some sort...

Inasmuch as I intend to publish the Collection when complete, a signed model release is required of all participants as well as a copy of your State Issued Photo Identification. All models must be of legal age to contract in their own name or, in the case of Minor Children, have permission of a parent/legal guardian, who must sign a model release for said child. Again, a copy of your State Issued Photo ID is required as well.

Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by Parent(s) or Legal Guardian while shooting.

Wardrobe

Wardrobe requirements are simple: Wear sunglasses. That's the only apparel that's mandatory to this series. Beyond the sunglasses, dress as you like. Or don't. It's entirely up to you...

The "N" Word:  Nudity

If you’re comfortable with & desire to pose in the buff, I’m happy to accommodate you. I'm open to shooting Full, Implied, Partial & Anonymous Nudes. Some Sunglasses can actually be a great boon to the “Anonymous” option. It is important to note, however, that nudity is neither the focus nor the point of the “Sunglasses Day” Series I'm working on. Just the same, if that's what you desire, we can & should discuss it in detail prior to scheduling your session...

Compensation

All sessions are conducted as Trade Shoots.

Subjects will receive 10 fully edited image files of their choice from our session, rendered in full-size print ready & low resolution web display formats. As an alternative, subjects may elect to schedule a family (or other) portrait session in lieu of receiving “Sunglasses Day” image files. The subjects may then choose 10 images from our alternative session for me to edit & forward when finished.

Location

Location is a variable that 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. If you've a favorite location in which you'd care to shoot, please let me know...

Miscellaneous

I do not have studio space nor do I employ studio lighting. I do “Location” shoots using speedlight(s) & whatever modifiers seem appropriate to the session. I Photoshop freely and without shame. Sometimes obviously, sometimes not. Simply put, I'm a practicing believer in the KISS (Keep It Stupid Simple) school of photography. It works for me...

I always welcome your questions, thoughts, ideas & suggestions.

Standard Model 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 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...

…and - - - Go!

Drool House Publishing

Kitchen Spice...

Welcome to Drool House Publishing, my newest Project in which I blend the beauty of literacy and portraiture together in a variety of ways and means.

So. Are you up for a good read? Come join me...

Concept

The concept is simple enough: fashion a variety of scenes using Photoshop that celebrates literacy and beauty in equal measure.  In some cases, the model's image will be inserted as part of the book's cover art.  In others he/she will be posing with the book, "Lilliputian" style.

For every modeling/portrait genre there is a perfectly matching book or magazine.  Want to define a "Pinup?"  There's no better authority than a dictionary.  Have a penchant for repairing/rebuilding cars?  There are multitudes of repair manuals out there.  Planning a wedding?  How'd you like to be on the cover of Modern Bride or similar?  Into Fashion?  Cooking?  Science Fiction or Fantasy?  There's a book for that!

Pin Up; (adj.)…

Models will be inserted into scenes featuring books, both singly & in groups.  Standing, sitting, opening the book, posing fetchingly next to it, on top of, lying on the pages, etc.  The possibilities are endless...

Among the publications I intend to include:  Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Reference Manuals, Classics, Mysteries, Poetry, Fiction & Non, Children's books & even the occasional text book.  Even notebooks are fair game if I can find any - or find the time to fill one of my own out.  Individually and in groups, on tables, shelves, the floor, the bathroom (home library), under full sun & in the shade of a tree...

And, oh yeah!  Photoshop will be involved.  A lot!

The Enlightened Ones...

Intentions

At present I simply wish to create a seriously fun collection of fantasy scenes both I and my subjects will enjoy showing off.  Eventually, as the project "grows legs" I'd very much like to publish.  I can see a Calendar or two, perhaps even a book.  And if the Gods above are kind, perhaps even a gallery show where visitors can purchase their favorites...

This is a fairly fluid concept I fully expect to evolve with time.  Eventually I may even offer the concept as a private sitting option for Family & other Portrait sessions.  For a nominal fee of course...

Model Requirements

1. Models must be living, breathing creatures willing to work with me in bringing the concepts to life; the dead need not apply.  Put another way, everyone is welcome to participate be they Male, Female, Child, Family Pet or Imaginary.  Everyone...

2. All models of legal age must sign my release allowing publication. In the case of minor children a parent or legal guardian must sign the release on their child's behalf as well as be present while we shoot...

3. In my experience the very best results are achieved thru active collaboration; a free exchange of ideas, concepts, approaches, etc. etc. etc.  Communication is essential. Whatever it is, be it a favorite book, a concept that will lend itself to this project, a Look you want to try, a mood we should aim for, a special prop - any & all suggestions are welcome.  Talk to me...

The Temptress Confessions...

Wardrobe

Wardrobe is the model's responsibility and should reflect the scene concept being shot. For example, jeans & a T-shirt, complete with red "grease rag" and a few wrenches is far more appropriate than a Tuxedo/Formal Gown if we're shooting a mechanic with a repair manual or "Car & Driver" magazine. Similarly, dressing as a "grease monkey" would be a wee bit off putting for a shoot centered around "Today's Bride..." 

Concept attire will change from one session to the next. Fashions will include everyday casual, full formal, glamour, pinup, uniforms, swimwear to "Sunday Best." There may even be some nudity (full, partial or implied) included in the project. It all depends on the Concept Publication for which we're shooting...

The "N" Word

Since mentioning it in passing above, I'll touch on the matter briefly here.  Some session concepts may require some nudity. Most will not. No one will ever be expected to bare it all for my camera unless the concept & limits have been fully discussed to the satisfaction of all involved prior to shooting. 

The Round Balling Diary...

Props

Props are not an absolute requirement, but they always come in handy. Whether a grease rag & a few wrenches, a distinctive hat, an old cane pole, a child's favorite toy, a deck of cards, a piece of jewelry, a Martini glass - the list of possibles is without end.  Some I can supply & some I may ask you to bring along.  Sometimes we'll do without entirely.

Session Locations

My shoots are almost exclusively conducted "on location." In a case such as this where we shoot is completely immaterial to the images we'll be crafting. This is because you will be "inserted" into a background image of the Book or Books we're shooting against that are located in the dark depths of my computer's confines...

We will most likely be shooting in public locations in and around Springfield. The Old State Capitol Plaza, Lincoln's Home, public parks, streets - almost anywhere at all will work. There are exceptions, however. Anything involving nudity, guns or liquor will need to be shot away from the general public. Your house, my house, a secluded corn or bean field, the woods - anywhere a certain degree of privacy may be found.

Compensation

At present, Drool House Publishing is being conducted as a Trade Shoot. Participants may choose one of two compensation options.

The Inspiration Behind The Book...

Option 1: Participants will receive their choice of 10 fully edited, standard image files (in full size printable and low resolution web display formats) to do with as they see fit. I will also include a single Drool House Publishing composite in the same image formats;

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 the participants. Family portraits, fashion, editorial, swimsuit - whatever you want. Editing of up to 10 image files is included.

Escort Policy

I have had a few bad experiences with "Escorts/Managers" so have adopted the following policy: Models are allowed to bring a single escort/companion to the shoot - providing I'm told ahead of time they will be present. I hate surprises. I expect & require everyone present (myself included) to behave at all times. At the first sign of unnecessary drama I will terminate the session. Threats of violence or retribution will be referred to Law Enforcement - and I will happily testify at trial AND sentencing.

Miscellaneous

I do not have a photo studio, nor do I employ studio lighting. If you are expecting a studio session, this ain't the place. One day perhaps, but that day is not yet...

I regularly use "Available Light" to good effect when shooting, but there are times it needs to be modified, softened, augmented or even restricted. To this end I use light modifiers as needed, and if you bring an escort/companion along, I may well put him/her to work as a lighting assistant.  I thank you & your escort/companion in advance...

These days my schedule is far more flexible than it was once upon a time. I find I am able to accommodate almost any scheduling request...

Got a question I didn't cover here? Want to schedule a session?  Let's talk, shall we?

Slippin' a Quick Nip...

The Orange Crush Project

Crush The Sky...

I have in mind a series of surrealistic images focusing on Oranges.  Some will feature a model or models interacting with oranges in a variety of what may be safely termed “odd” or “unconventional” scenes. There will also be more than a few surrealistic still life images, just to add variety.

The project will rely heavily on Photoshopping.  Model scenes  will require a great deal of Behind-The-Scenes cooperation getting the appropriate “back up” shots necessary to the creation of the primary Model shots.

If all goes well, I hope to publish the finished composites in a variety of print & digital media, including but not limited to posters, calendars, books & even gallery quality prints suitable for framing & hanging in your home…

(Shoots begin Late April/Early May, 2016)

Concepts

Strange Weather...

Orange Rain:  Picture if you will, a fine spring/summer day downtown (…in a park, your backyard, wherever…) when all of a sudden you’re being struck by orange sized hale stones. Only thing is, they’re not stones, but actual oranges, raining down all about you.  Furthermore, you appear within the scene in a multitude of positions, ducking, dodging, catching, hiding from and even being struck my the oranges. 

Sunshine:   I’m probably dating myself, but so the Hell what?  Some 3-1/2 or 4 decades back there was an Orange Juice campaign with the tag line:  “A Day without OJ is like a day without sunshine.”  That’s the inspiration for this particular concept.  This is a bit of surrealism with an orange playing the role of the Sun, a model posing with a glass, pitcher, bucket or just a bikini standing under a stream of falling OJ sunshine, and finally, a well manicured hand squeezing said :Sun,” or pulling a plug, or tripping a valve… 

The Navel Pucker...

Orange Smiles:  A collection of extreme close-up shots of a model’s lower face, with a slice of orange inserted in place of teeth.  I know I did this as a child growing up and have only recently remembered just how much tasty fun it can be…

Peel Out:  Ever seen the rooster tail behind a fast boat?  How about behind a motorcycle or funny car?  Just imagine the surface of the very Earth transformed into an orange hemisphere, with all manner of sports scenes playing out over the world’s largest Slip n Slide ever…

Anonymous Dude Afield

To be continued:  More concepts as they get fleshed out.  Honest 

Model Requirements

This project is open to males, females, children, cats, dogs and other family members.  In short anyone may participate. 

Adults must be prepared to sign my commercial release and provide a copy of their state issued photo ID for my records. 

Children may participate in the project with parents/guardians present only.  Said parent or guardian must sign a release on the child’s behalf as well as provide a copy of their own state photo ID for my records. 

The "N" Word:  Nudity

As of this writing, this project does not entail any nudity.  That’s not to say I won’t come up with a bit of surrealism requiring a display of skin, but I haven’t yet.  Should that change, and I need a nude model for a specific scene, I will, as always, discuss that scene fully with the model prior to scheduling a session…

Compensation

Orange Crush is being conducted as a Trade Shoot.  Participants may choose one of the two Trade compensation options listed below.

Option 1:  Participants will receive their choice of 10 fully edited Orange Crush  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 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 even include editing of up to 10 image files as part of the deal.

Note:  I respectfully request participants post only the web-display images I provide online with no alterations.  Thank you.

Angie's Day in The Park - A Multiplicy Sample

Location

Location is a variable that 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

Wardrobe requirements are shoot specific.  If you are portraying a Business Professional, Tourist, Cook, Jogger, a family on a picnic – please dress the part. 

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

My schedule is annoyingly open at present, which means I am absolutely ready & able to accommodate yours.   

Experienced and first time models are welcome to participate.  You may be assured I will work with you to capture the best images possible & make the experience at least three times as much fun as a visit to the dentist… 

Escort Policy

Imagining some Orange Kisses...

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...

…and - - - Go!

Sunshine On Demand...

Overlays & Blendings

Grooming Day

If you’ve spent anytime perusing my Hal’s Detail Sheets’ archives, you’ll see I have a rather eclectic number of projects and ideas posted there in.  With two exceptions, the projects detailed here remain open and active, though perhaps not quite as active as I could wish. 

Collaborators, no matter the project, are ALWAYS welcome and ALWAYS needed.  That’s a gentle hint, Friends.  Future Friends, too!

…but I digress.  Time to focus again.  Ready?  Here we go…

Each of my projects have a unique “hook” or “focus” of their own.  Wander thru and check ‘em out – I think “eclectic” pretty much says it.  There’s been some unintentional “blurring” across Project lines, from session to session and shoot to shoot.  Sometimes, props or concepts from one project are used in an unrelated project, yielding images that I think are stronger for the melding.

Gibson Girl

For example, at right you see the results of a melding of an “American Postcards” nude with a set of “Martini Life” props.  I’ve titled the capture “Gibson Girl” and I absolutely adore it.  It makes me smile…

When this happens, I call it an overlay.  The use of one concept, theme, or prop used in a second, unrelated project.  Sometimes the results are quite startling – which brings me to the Detail Sheet you’re currently reading.  Let’s stretch a few boundaries, shall we?

Lady Bird...

The Bird

An exceptionally simple “overlay” that can cross Project Lines with startling ease.  Whether a nude shoot, a concept shoot, pinups, fashion, editorial or simply a portfolio shoot, throwing in a few shots of the model “throwing The Bird” is bound to bring a few smiles…

I think I may make a point of requesting it in all my model shoots from now on.  There may even be a book in it.  Who knows?  Not me, but it ought to be fun…

Marlissa Beside Herself...

Multiplicity

I've been "toying" with creating 'Multiplicity' images for a few years now.  Not familiar with the term?  No worries – look at the samples posted above & at left.  Simply put, it’s a “freeze frame” of sorts in which the model appears in multiple locations within a static scene.  Above is Marlissa Beside Herself and below is A Gather of Tiffany.  Marlissa’s  session was a portfolio shoot, while Tiffany was working on creating some American Postcards with me.  I like ‘em both…

A Gather of Tiffany...

Imagine window shopping every store in a single shot.  Or being Pitcher, Catcher and Batter in a “Batter Up!” pinup session.  So many possibilities…

Happy New Year!

The Masquerade

Part of the fun of model photography is crafting concepts in which real life “ain’t necessarily so…”  Enter The Masquerade, where the simple act of tying a kerchief about your lower face & donning a cowboy hat transforms you into a trail hand or bank robber from the Wild West.  Yes, this overlay is all about masks.  From as complexly beautiful as a bejeweled opera mask or as simple as a brown grocery bag with eyeholes cut into it, masks can add immeasurably to a scene or moment.  

Primary Colors

Making A Splash...

At left you see a shot from a long defunct fashion project of mine I titled "Splash."  The idea was to have my model attired in black or white with a single, brightly colored accessory.  The idea was a "Splash" of color would make really make the scene pop.

The "Primary Colors" overlay is much the same idea, minus the fashion component.  The idea is to use a single, high saturation prop, accessory, background - whatever - as a component in the image to make the image really pop and the subject stand out in juxtaposition to it.

Examples?  How about being a Lilliputian navigating your way across a pool table’s green felt?  Or doing an American Denim set in front of a Fire Engine?  So many possibilities...

Tools

I adore creating images that will make the viewer stop and think.  Something out of the ordinary that is completely unexpected.  Imagine a “Batter Up” pinup using a crowbar in place of a ball bat or an “American Postcard” wearing a carpenter’s tool belt instead of a necklace.  Perhaps an “After Dark” denizen taking a wrench to a mail box… 

The Musical Tree...

Musicality

I shot the image at right a few years back with a lovely young lady who has moved on from modeling to a career in Dance.  While the focus of this particular session was supposed to be her shoes, we free styled a bit late in the session.  It turns out she had her guitar in her car’s trunk, so we included it in a few shots.  In this case, I raised the camera above shoe level and the results, it turns out, would work very well for “American Denim.” 

Guitar Support...

I would dearly love to include a Musical component of some kind into my projects.  Do you write Music?  How'd you like to be a Lilliputian dancing across your very own musical score?  Or perhaps lying across the score w/pencil in hand worrying a bridge or choral arrangement?  (Hope I used those terms properly; my instrument of choice is the car radio.)

I’ve included guitars & keyboards in a couple American Postcard sessions – I’d like to do more featuring a saxophone, harmonica, drums…  Maybe include a Boom Box for an American Denim session, or a flute used in place of a Batter UP! bat? 

Balls

Nothing Up Her Sleeve...

Here we see a vintage shot I captured a few years back for Batter Up!   Truthfully, I’ve shot something similar in nearly all my Batter Up! sessions.  It occurs to me, though, that while this makes me smile, perhaps replacing the baseballs w/a football might make me guffaw.  (Proper guffaws by fat men are awesome to see – trust me!)

Or we might have the batter swinging at a soccer ball.  Maybe the umpire is wearing a ball gag?  I’ve already included a basketball into an American Postcard session, but it might be fun including golf balls in the next one.  Or one of those red rubber dodge balls. 

Can you imagine yourself as a Lilliputian peering around from behind someone’s prized autographed baseball or football on the mantle?  I can… 

Free Throw...

Let’s see where imagination takes us, shall we? 

American Denim

Welcome to American Denim, a celebration of that uniquely American fashion statement, blue jeans…

Concept/Intentions

This project centers around a very simple thematic element:  blue jeans.  Designer jeans, work jeans, boot cut, straight legs, bell bottoms (if such things still exists), jean jackets, vests, cut offs, Daisy Dukes, stone washed, ripped or pristine, so new or so old they stand on their own.  Jeans. 

As concepts go, American Denim is very fluid, which is to say, there is only one hard and fast rule, the models shooting must be wearing denim.  I want to capture images showcasing denim in every walk of American Life, from the work place to a night on the town to kicking back with Friends to making a fashion statement.

I want to shoot “characters” and “caricatures” both.  Cowboys and Cowgirls.  Bikers.  Mechanics.  Carpenters.  Club goers.  Fashion Divas.  Glamour.  Singly.  Kids.  Teens.  Grown ups.  Shoppers.  Tourists.  Couples.  Diners.  Picnickers.  Vintage looks from the 50’s and 60’s and 70’s.  Like I said, fluid…

I may put together a calendar from this collection.  I do hope to get enough usable images to publish a book.  Or two.  And I would very much like to see my work prominently displayed in a gallery showing.  Other formats & possibilities are yet to be determined.

Model Requirements

This project is open to males, females, children, cats, dogs and other family members.  In short anyone may participate.

Adults must be prepared to sign my commercial release and provide a copy of their state issued photo ID for my records. 

Children may participate in the project with parents/guardians present only.  Said parent or guardian must sign a release on the child’s behalf as well as provide a copy of their own state photo ID for my records. 

The "N" Word:  Nudity

Some scenes captured for American Denim  will involve partial and/or implied nudity.  Please note I said “Some” scenes, NOT “All” scenes.  Any scenes requiring nudity will be discussed fully prior to scheduling a session…

Compensation

American Denim 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 American Denim 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 even include editing of up to 10 image files as part of the deal.

Location

Location is a variable that will change from session to session.  Playgrounds, City Parks, State Parks, a back alley, the odd corn or bean field, your 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 use speed lights, reflectors and the odd light modifier from time to time. 

My schedule is annoyingly open at present, so I am able to accommodate most any scheduling needs. 

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:

The Mechanic:  Working on engine, grease stains, tools/parts laying about.

Texas Biz Casual:  Jeans, dress shirt, tie, sport coat & 10 gallon hat

Family Picnic:  Mom, Dad & Kids sharing fried etc.

Window Shoppers:  A stroll through the shopping district.

Tourists:  Taking in the Lincoln sites.

Sexy Couple: Implied nude, both parties topless, he hiding her breasts.

Casual Couple:  Romantic walks, hand holding, playful at playground.

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...

...and GO!

Unlikely Celebrations

No Pants Day

Unlikely Celebrations is a newly conceived calendar project.  In doing some basic research for my Holiday Hunnies Pinup Calendar it came to my attention there are literally hundreds of recognized holidays that never seem to make it to the Hallmark (and other) calendars.

For instance,  did you know there is a New Beer’s Eve?  Or a Howl at the Moon Day?  How about Chocolate Covered Anything Day?  There’s also a Bikini Day, a Go Fishing Day and a No Pants Day.  So many Special Days; I think it’s past time to do something about that…

So, in for a penny, in for a pound, I guess.  Welcome to Unlikely Celebrations…

My Concept

This is a very fluid concept at the moment.  I mentioned a few Holidays above, but there are quite literally hundreds more out there; sometimes as many as 9 or more to a single date.  That’s a lot of inspiration, not to mention image crafting possibilities...

Some of these Holidays are quite serious, designed to raise awareness of disease, social inequity, technological advances, family matters, etc.  Others are less serious, dedicated as they are to foods, moods, attitudes & even nudes.  Possibilities abound...

Then, it came to my attention that each Month has also been dedicated to raising awareness or celebrating some cause(s), item(s) and/or theme(s).  Caffeine Awareness Month, for example.  There’s also a Barbecue Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to name three; there are many others.  If we can’t find a specific date to celebrate in photos we can always pick a Month…

As Young As You Feel Day

My Intentions

Like my concept, my intentions are also a bit fluid.  For now, I would simply like to concentrate on the design & production of a calendar that will bring everyone a smile…

Then there’s the possibility of a Coffee Table book, High Quality Art Prints, Posters, etc., but those options can wait for now.  Let’s see how the calendar goes first…. 

Model Requirements

This project is open to males, females, children, friends, cats, dogs, neighbors.  In point of fact, anyone & their brother may join in…

Adults must be prepared to sign my commercial release allowing publication and provide a copy of their state issued photo ID for my records. 

Children may participate in the project with parents/legal guardians present only.  Said parent or legal guardian must sign a release on the child’s behalf as well as provide a copy of their own state photo ID for my records. 

A Few Holiday Concepts

       January                                  February                              March

       Creativity Month                    Cherry Month                      Caffeine Awareness Month

       Bubble Bath Day                    Working Naked Day             Goof Off Day

       Int’l Sweatpants Day              Umbrella Day                       Something on a Stick Day

       April                                        May                                      June

       Straw Hat Month                     Barbecue Month                  Great Outdoors Month

       New Beer’s Eve                       No Pants Day                       Doughnut Day

       Bicycle Day                             Leprechaun Day                   Go Fishing Day

       July                                          August                                  September

       Ice Cream Month                     Romance Awareness             Piano Month

       Bikini Day                               Watermelon Day                   Read A Book Day

                                                        Underwear Day                    Wonderful Weirdos Day

      October                                     November                              December

      Breast Cancer Awareness         World Vegan Month              Tie Month

      Lace Day                                   Zero Tasking Day                  Ugly Christ Sweater Day

      Howl at the Moon Day             Loosen Up, Lighten Up          Choc. Covered Anything

Umbrella Day

The "N" Word:  Nudity

Unlikely Celebrations  is not a nude project, though some sessions may require some skin.  Working Naked Day or Bubble Bath Day, for example, come immediately to mind.  In those cases, I intend to shoot my subjects so as to render suggestive rather than blatantly nude images.  Full exposure will be denied the camera by conveniently placed props, costuming, and/or model/camera positioning. 

On the other hand, if a ‘Celebrant’ so desires, I’m happy to shoot you in your Birthday Suit as part of your chosen Celebration.  Just let me know…

Compensation

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

Option 1:  Participants will receive their choice of 10 fully edited Unlikely Celebrations  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 edit up to 10 image files from THAT session as part of the deal.

Location

Location is a variable that 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 specifically we are shooting.   

Be kind of silly to shoot for “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day” on a beach in July…

Men's Grooming Day

Miscellaneous

I am primarily an “Available Light” photographer, though I do use speed lights & reflectors for fill light, as well as the odd modifier to soften their output.

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. 

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 for Summer

Puddle Portraits
A fun-filled portrait series featuring individuals sitting, standing, stomping, splashing & otherwise styling in a puddle.  Looking for a variety of looks, ages, genders, species and attitudes.  Wardrobe is whatever the model is comfortable getting soaked.  As you can see from the sample here, I was comfortable in a pair of denim shorts, button front shirt, red suspenders & straw hat.  You may prefer swimwear, slacks, shorts, skirts, undies or even your birthday suit.  Subjects will pose with umbrellas, hoodies, baseballs, lunch boxes, brooms – whatever comes to mind – and lit clearly.  Ideally sessions will be shot immediately after rain passes, but perhaps not all…

Whispers
This series features two or more subjects, one whispering in the other’s ear.  These will be color images, shot against a dark background, lit with a homemade softbox above the subjects aimed at a large reflector below.  I may or may not use a 2^nd light behind the subjects to add a bit of separation from the background.  All ages are welcome from kids to grands.  

Tails From the Glam Side…

A celebration of the female butt as seen by a glamour/pinup shooter, whether clad in denim, satin, thongs, bikini bottoms, spandex or deliciously bare, it’s all about dat butt…

This one is for you adult ladies with the killer bottoms, and yeah, there’s gonna be some nudity involved.  Nothing too far over the top, but if this doesn’t fall in your comfort zone, then it’s best to pass it by…

     A.:  Bottomless model, back to camera, wearing leather jacket, denim jacket, sweater, hoodies, T-shirt, halter, etc. 

     B.:  Topless model “sunning” herself in bikini bottoms/thong – hiding breasts from view w/assorted props (lollypops, hat, Frisbee, etc.)

Selective Color: A Sexy Celebration…

Selective Coloring is a technique that goes in and out of style fairly regularly.  Most recently “Frank Miller’s Sin City” used the technique with great success.  Shot entirely in Black & White, certain parts of each scene were rendered in bright colors, usually Red.  Lips, Car Finishes, Gym Shoes, etc. 

I want to shoot each scene in high contrast Black & White, with one, maybe 2 objects (lips, shoes, handbag, necktie, tomatoes, whatever) in bright, bright primary colors. 

Ladies – we’re looking for sexy here: lingerie, short shorts, lots of cleavage & legs, bright lipstick, etc.
Men – we’re looking for sexy from you too:  jeans & a white tank to full on pimp suit to romance detective suits

Props to suit the mood and fit the scene…