Toppers

I’ve got plenty of very serious Photo Projects.  This is not that.  Welcome to Toppers, a project dedicated to the simple proposition that hats are fun!  And Photographing folks having fun with hats is even more so.   Join me, won’t you?

Concept/Intentions

I’ve been shooting models a few years now, and I’ve enjoyed each & every session.  I count myself fortunate to have worked with so many talented individuals.  If any of my models are reading this now, I thank you directly.  You’ve brought a great deal of joy into my life. 

Sometimes there was a hat, either wardrobe or prop.  Not always, but with fair frequency.  As time passed I began to notice that those images with a hat seemed to strike me as “a bit more special” than those without.  While I always edit my model’s selected images first, in the order he/she preferred, when I got to my own selections, those including a hat almost always got Priority status..

Then one day a light bulb burst into flame overhead & Toppers was born, full fleshed & ready to dance.

A series of portraits – fine & casual – featuring people wearing all manner of headgear seemed a good idea.  I decided to give it a go and see what came of it…

"What are my intentions," you ask?  First and foremost I want to have fun creating some wonderful images. 

Will I publish the series?  Possibly, but at this point, I simply don’t know.  If I do publish, it will most likely be in book form or perhaps as a calendar.  Should the Project prove popular enough, other formats & opportunities may present themselves for consideration…

As for content, let's just let our imaginations roam a bit.  Ever dreamed of being a Pro Athlete, complete with helmet or ball cap?  A Cowboy with a Stetson?  A Southern Belle in a floppy hat?  How about a Private I ala Bogey?  A Femme Fatale in a veiled pill box?  A Surgeon or Nurse, maybe a Candy Striper?  A Rockette, a Chef, or Indian Chief?  With imagination - and the right hat - the sky's the limit...

Model Requirements

This project is open to males, females, children, cats, dogs and other family members – in short anyone may participate so long as that individual is wearing a hat.... 

I will require a signed model release for every participant, as well as a copy of the subject's State Issued Photo ID for my records.  Just in cast the project does gain enough traction for publication - in whatever form.

Parents/Legal guardians must accompany minor children under 16 years of age while shooting.  Parents/Guardians are welcome, but not required, to accompany minor children 16 years of age & older while shooting.

Wardrobe

Wardrobe requirements are simple.  Participants must wear a hat.  It can be a fedora, bowler, cowboy hat, floppy brimmed sun hat, stocking cap, top hat, football/motorcycle helmet, ball cap, flap hat or beanie.  Style or type of hat is unimportant.

As far as other wardrobe goes – you know, that part below the hat – use your imagination.  Be as conservative or as outlandish as you like.  Want to wear a business suit with your Fedora, Top Hat or Motorcycle Helmet?  Go for it.  Jeans, shorts, dresses, slacks, miniskirt/blouse, swimwear – whatever LOOK you favor with your hat is welcome.

The "N" Word:  Nudity

If you’re comfortable shooting in the buff, I’m certainly willing.  I can visualize several tasteful nude as well as implied implied shots in which all the “important” bits are hiding behind an appropriately placed Helmet, Floppy brimmed sunhat or Fedora. 

Compensation

I am conducting Toppers  as a Trade Shoot:

Anyone participating in the project have their choice of receiving up to 10 fully edited image files of their choice in both full-size print ready & low resolution web display formats, to use as they see fit.

Alternatively, participants may elect to schedule a 2nd photo shoot, of equal duration and of their own design at a later date.  Whatever you want to shoot - be it a unique Family Portrait session, Boudoir or Pinup images for yourself or Significant Other, even a special event such as a child's Birthday Party, Christening or Family Reunion.  (Weddings are excluded, mostly cuz I can't charge enough to make shooting them palatable.)

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

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

In all fairness, let me also state that I am a completely shameless Photoshopper.  I just cannot resist the urge to "make a good story better" with a few tweaks here and there.  Just because we shot in a basement or in front of a corn field doesn't necessarily mean that's what the photo will display.  Or it might, depending...

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. 

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!