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!