Celebrate The Day

Hug Your Cat Day

Celebrate The Day is a 365 Photo Project with a bit of a twist. 

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, and in defense of my project, that’s why I added a twist.  I have no intention of taking a Project photo every single day for the full 365 days.  No no no no no and again, no!  I have something else entirely in mind…

What I want to do is shoot a collection – or series, if you prefer – consisting of of 365 separate “holiday” images.  I know, and I know you know, that each day of the year has been set aside to honor/celebrate a separate concept.  January, for example, celebrates not only New Year’s Day, but also Polar Bear Swim Day, Curmudgeon Day, Apricot Day, Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day and Rubber Ducky Day.  Among others.

With “Celebrate The Day” I intend to create 365 separate images to honor those lesser known holidays.  And just to keep things interesting, I’m going to mix things up a bit.  The collection will include a variety of imagery, ranging from still life and product imagery to editorial, glamour, fashion, pinup & even some art nude model shots.  There will also be some fantasy images created using Photoshop.  Color, B&W, serious, beautiful, humorous, but most of all, FUN!

Care to join me?  Here’s a few things you’ll need to know:

Goals/Intentions

My goal is quite simple.  I want to create 365 beautiful images that will be seen, enjoyed and perhaps brighten some lives with some smiles.  Which, of course, requires publishing the Collection in some manner.  Clearly I intend to publish, but with “Celebrate The Day” being a work in progress, I’m still debating format.  A book is a strong possibility.  A calendar?  Possibly.  There are other possibilities I’m considering as well.

Peculiar People Day

Model Requirements

This is an “equal opportunity” project.  All models (male, female, other…) are welcome.  All models must sign my commercial release and provide a photo ID demonstrating you to be of legal age to do so.  Moms and Dads, your children are also welcome, but you must be prepared to sign a commercial release on their behalf as well.

The “N” Word

Some sessions will include and/or require some nudity.  “Working Naked Day” comes to mind; there are others.  At this point, I’m thinking most of the shoots requiring skin will be Implied Glamour Nudes, rather than full frontal Art Nudes.  In any event, it is my firm policy that I will shoot nudes only after having discussed the matter fully with the model.  If we haven’t discussed it before our session, we won’t be shooting skin. 

Wardrobe

Your attire is entirely dependent on the concept we will be shooting. 

Wardrobe appropriate to “Ice Cream For Breakfast Day” is likely going to be different from that workable for “Step in a Puddle & Splash a Friend Day” and will certainly not be appropriate to “Working Naked Day.” 

So, we’ll decide WHAT we’re shooting & plan your attire accordingly.  Fair enough?

Compensation

This project is being conducted on a Trade basis.  I offer all participants their choice of 10 fully edited image files ready for printing as well as a matching set of low resolution web display formats suitable for your Facebook… 

Science Fiction Day

Escorts

You may bring an escort to our session, but I expect and require you to advise me prior to our shoot day.  Failure to extend that simple courtesy may result in the shoot being cancelled on the spot.  I cannot stress strongly enough how much I loathe surprises…

Miscellaneous Stuff

The world is my studio – which means, in plain text that I do not have a studio of my own.  All of my model shoots are conducted “on location.”  That location may be as public as a City Park or as private as a motel room or your own home.  Just depends…

I do not use commercial studio lighting.  I am an accomplished “available light” shooter, but am not above using “speedlight” style flash units with and without reflectors, soft boxes, light grids and other modifiers.  It works for me…

Umbrella Day

Again, depending on concept & content, session length will change from shoot to shoot.  I’ve had model shoots last as little as 30 minutes and others run all day.  I can give you an estimate when we’ve determined which concept we’ll be shooting…

DISCLAIMER

I do not tolerate "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. 

The Martini Life

As sometimes happens in my world, my focus changes.  It tends to wander a bit.  Usually it’s MY focus & NOT my camera’s, but not always.  In the case of The Martini Life, it is definitely MY focus that has wandered.

Initially, I had this project mapped out to be something of a “Fantasy Guide to the Ultimate Martini” in book form.  Beautifully prepared/presented product shots of assorted Martinis.  A recipe would accompany each image – sometimes, the recipes would even be sincere…

Then one night I decided using a Martini as a prop in a model shoot would be a good idea.  That’s all it took to shift & widen my focus.  Pathetic, aren’t I?

Now “The Martini Life” is about all things “Martini.” 

“Shaken, not stirred.”  Frank & The Rat Pack.  Still Lifes.  Pinups.  Pinups in Martinis.  The Gibson.  Straight Up.  On the rocks.  Vodka.  Gin.  Apple-tini.  Chocolate Martinis.  The 60’s.  Themed portraits.  Cocktail parties.  Lifestyle captures.   Garnishes.  Olives.  Lemons.  Onions.  Shakers.  Strainers. 

Welcome to “The Martini Life.”  Cheers…

Goals/Intentions

As mentioned above, my ‘focus’ tends to wander a bit, but my intentions are rock solid.  I want to see my work published.  I want my work to be on display in a gallery.  I want to see people bidding for limited edition prints of my photos, both still life & portraits.  I want my images gracing calendars, and my coffee table books proudly displayed on coffee tables everywhere.  

Lofty?  Yeah, but there you go.  Dream high, right?  Right.

Model Requirements

This project is open to Males & Female Models of legal drinking age in Illinois.  Though there will be no alcohol on set, appearances matter.  

All Models must sign my Model Release and provide a copy of the state issued photo ID for my records.

Wardrobe

Wardrobe requirements are flexible.  I have concept Looks ranging from “Top Hat/Tails” formal to Blue Jean Casual to full/implied artistic/pinup nude and just about everything in between.  I want each session to be unique in concept and look… 

All of which is a long winded way of saying we need to discuss your session’s concept/Look before shooting…

The “N” Word, Nudity

Some session concepts require nudity in levels ranging from “barefoot all the way up” to the ever popular “wardrobe malfunction” of a certain Half Time show’s fame. 
 
No one, however, will ever be expected to bare it all for my camera unless the concept and limits have been fully discussed prior to shooting.

Compensation

“The Martini Life” is being conducted as a Trade Shoot:

Models will receive their choice of 10 fully edited image files (in full size printable and low resolution web display formats) to include in their portfolio and/or use for self promotion.

Non-models get the same deal, but may elect to schedule a family portrait session instead;

Location

Location is a variable that also 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. 

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. 

A Few Possible Scenarios:

Tributes:  The Rat Pack, M*A*S*H, Mame…

Group Concepts:  Cocktail Hour; Park Sit-In, Granny Clampett’s Rheumatiz Party…

Individual Concepts:  5:01 PM, The Mixologist, The Bubble Bath, Biz Traveler…

Martini Girls:  A colorful series of pinup posters featuring Nearly Nude & Lingerie clad cuties superimposed on, in and around a Fantasy Martini Concoction…

Implied Nudes:  The Bubble Bath Martini, With A Twist; The Gibson Girl…

The 3 Martini Lunch:  Business Man/Woman drinking lunch;

Happy Hour:  Post work day chilling over Apple-tinis;

Martini Park:  A portable Martini bar in a gazebo;

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...