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...

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…

American Postcards Project

Once upon a time, long before Hefner came along with his magazine and bestowed all sorts of "social respectability" on pictures of nekkid ladies, there were these things called

French Postcards:  Single image cards proudly showcasing nekkid ladies in all their glory. 

The images were harshly lit.  Quite often they were poorly composed.  No two cards were ever uniform in size or finish.  The women featured were “real,” complete with curves and rolls and sags and all manner (by today’s standards) of flaws and NOT some fashion designers' notion of anorexic beauty. They rarely smiled.

They were magnificent!

Concept

American Postcards is inspired by those French Postcards of yesteryear, but is intended to be a unique, eclectic even, look at “Today’s Woman.” 

By ‘eclectic’ I mean the Collection will be greatly varied in appearance. There will be “classic” figure studies, multiple genres, lighting styles & editing techniques. I anticipate including Artistic, Implied and Partial Nudes as well as Glamour, Editorial & Pinup Nudes. The imagery will be largely Black & Whites, with a few sepia toned and full color captures included as well.

Intentions / Goals

I intend my Collection to be flirty, fun, edgy, somber, moving, humorous, and if I do my job right, thought provoking as well. I want the viewer to see beauty as being more about confidence, attitude & self respect than size, shape or even color.

When complete, I will be publishing the Collection, initially in book & calendar form, but also as Gallery-quality prints available for purchase. If the Powers That Be are kind, I hope to see my work featured in a Gallery or two. One day, if I live that long...

Model Requirements

1. Models must be of legal age to contract in their own name & provide a copy of their State Issued Photo ID for my records.

2. Models must sign my model release allowing publication of the images we create;

3. Models will be posing nude, though not necessarily fully exposed to view.

There are no other requirements. All women are welcome to participate. None of you are too old, too

heavy, too thin, too pierced, too inked, too pale, or too anything else.

You are Woman. You are Beauty. You are welcome. Come roar with me!

Session Locations

I anticipate shooting in a variety of locations both indoors and out, including but not limited to motel rooms, basements, the occasional photo studio, farms, industrial parks, woods, corn fields, back alleys, & even my subjects' homes.

Variety is a key element to the Project.

Wardrobe / Exposure

This is a nude project. Wardrobe is NOT a large concern, however, I do plan to include a few implied, partial & lingerie nudes in the Collection. Models should expect to be working nude, though full exposure to the camera lens may be limited by artful use of props, clothing, draping and positioning.

I do request all models remove any clothing with elastic at least an hour before we shoot. It takes that long for elastic marks to disappear from the skin. Bras, socks, panties, sweat pants – even some watch bands – can leave impressions/marks on the skin. For best results, your skin should be clear of all such impressions, as unmarked by externals as can reasonably be managed.

Also, I suggest bringing a robe to slip into between shots and during breaks.

Miscellaneous

I do not have a studio. I enjoy the challenge of shooting in varied environments and conditions. If you're expecting a typical studio session, this ain't where that happens...

In that same vein, I do not employ “studio lighting.” I don't have any. I do use a pair of speedlights with wireless triggers quite often, with & without a variety of modifiers to soften, broaden, and yes, restrict their output. The advantage in portability and cost effectiveness works for me.

I employ Photoshop in my editing freely and without shame. Purists may decry that as being unworthy or somehow soiling the capture, but I find it to be a most effective tool in fleshing out my “vision.” You see the results posted in the images I've shared in this blog. Decide for yourself...

Compensation

The American Postcards Project 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 Anonymous Nude 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 – whatever you want. I will include editing of up to 10 image files as part of the deal.

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 on the spot. I hate surprises…

Please note I have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to “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.

Sadly, I have had session in which escorts have resorted to name calling, threatened violence & similar nonsense. The “Sluggo Effect” I call it. Be assured such behavior will result in the session's immediate termination. All images captured to that point will be deleted. Actual violence will result in the Police being summoned, charges being pressed, and if I have any say in the matter at all, a guilty verdict with as much jail time as allowed by 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 waiting on you...