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...

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!