Still tied...

Had a shoot last night with Liz Ashley, who was in the midwest on a brief tour before heading back to Texas. She's in very high demand and has traveled all over the world shooting in some incredible locations -- kind of hard to believe she'd find herself in Dayton, OH, but there she was. Very friendly and relaxed, but with a lot of ideas and great instincts for posing. And in a way, I now feel I have a pretty good idea what Jessica Simps0n would look like nude.

Although I was there in plenty of time before the shoot, it wasn't until we were ready to get started that I discovered that my wireless flash trigger wasn't working. When using studio strobes, something needs to fire the strobes when the camera shutter is clicked. I've been using an inexpensive but (usually) reliable wireless system -- the trigger mounts to the camera "hot shoe" and the receiver connects to one of the flash units. This lets me position the flash pretty much anyplace, and I can be right next to it, or across the room, thanks to the wireless trigger.

So, last night it decides to crap out on me, and I had to go back to a cord connection for the night, which renewed my appreciation for the wireless trigger. For starters, the end of the cord that connects to the camera is just a shallow plug without any sort of "grip" to it, so it tends to just fall out, and to plug it back in, it's necessary to turn the flash off, then try to connect the thing in the dark, then switch the flash back on. And, once the cord is connected, I can still only get about 6 or 8 feet away from the light source, which is pretty limiting. Plus, having the cord connected makes it really easy to trip over and either bring the camera or the flash unit crashing to the ground -- I've had it happen a couple of times with the camera when I couldn't go wireless. Not good. The ironic thing is earlier in the week, I'd told a friend about the benefits of going wireless, and it prompted me to order a backup set, but it didn't arrive in time for last night's shoot. Story of my life...

But I made due with the cord the way the pioneers did. It was sort of a short-notice shoot, so we kept it pretty simple, and I feel we got some nice results for the evening. Here are just a couple quick previews -- more to come. Thanks Liz!

Angie in bloom

Angie is a model I first shot with about a year ago, when she still lived in northeast Ohio. She's since moved "home" and lives just a few minutes from me. She contacted me this spring to let me know that she's expecting, and wanted to know if I'd help her document the progress of her pregnancy, which I felt was a nice honor unto itself. We've been shooting every 3 or 4 weeks, and there was a bit of a backlog in the images, so I got a bunch to her last week. She posted several on her OMP, and I posted some on mine, and evidently the folks there like her "great with child" look as these four images were showcased (that's Danaid posing with her). We're due to go again soon, so stay tuned as the story (and the baby) develops. Thanks Angie!

Amanda reckon with...

I've been lucky as a photographer in that a number of the best nationally recognized figure models live within a few hours drive of me, and I've been fortunate enough to work with many of them. Amanda here was one of the first "big time" models who worked with me, and besides being sweet as pie and fun to work with, is a real natural as a model. She had her first baby a couple months ago, but I think she's already gearing up to get back in the modeling game. (She had done some beautiful maternity work as well, but we couldn't seem to work out a shoot while she was really showing.) Evidently, she's revamping her portfolio, and posted some more of our shots on her OMP portfolio, and these two were showcased. I reckon I need to find a way to work with her again soon...

London

A few more from my shoot with London a while ago... showcasers on her OMP page. Looks like I'll get to work with her again briefly, and possibly in the dark, in a couple weeks. :)

The Final Frontier

"Space...the final frontier."

Earlier today I signed the rental agreement on a new studio space. As evidenced above, Danaid and I were able to give it a quick "audition" the other night and got some nice shots, and I felt at home almost immediately. I actually didn't get a lot of sleep that night because my mind was racing considering the possibilities.

I'm getting it "as is" so will give it a coat of paint (probably a few areas of different colors) for starters, but it does come with a working air conditioning unit AND a sink. I'm thinking the sink will allow things to get a bit messier on shoots, so watch out models. Plus, I'm just a few doors down from Dave Levingston's studio, and we've been talking about a cooperative agreement that could work out very well, too.

My plan is to keep this space as empty as possible to have room for more elaborate set-ups, although anyone who's been to my house knows that may not be entirely realistic. But it should give me more of a sense of permanance since I won't have to worry about vacating after each shoot, so some interesting set-ups and such should result, too. Probably won't be booking a lot right off the bat, since it'll take time to get the place ready to go, and I've been looking at shooting less in September and October to catch up on other matters, but it's nice to have a place to call "home" that's not actually my house. :)

(On edit: The shot of Danaid at the top just showcased on OMP... as Iris pointed out to me "your new studio is bringing you good luck already." Ends a long dry spell there.)

Kristina keeps going...

A couple more of Kristina that showcased on her OMP portfolio... between hers and mine, that's a total of nine from that one 3-hour session. Guess we were on our game that night. Thanks Kristina!

She's a natural...

Just a quick update as I probably won't be able to do an entry this weekend. Have the "Skin Art" show tonight, the "Dark Visions" closing tomorrow, and possibly the "Club Shadow" event Friday. If you can make it out, please stop by and say "hi." Then the illustrious Collingwood Group Shoot on Saturday which is slated to include a lot of old friends and new faces and should be great fun. Maybe even a bonus session on Sunday, so a busy weekend to be sure. They all seem to be busy lately, and I can't believe the year is nearly half over.

There's still time to let me know what is your favorite picture from my blog, and just for telling me, you might receive a free print of your favorite image. Click the link for details, but I need to hear from you by July 1st.

A couple more from the stellar Danaid...she's a natural in more ways than one. The top one is from one of our more recent shoots and landed her a showcase on her OMP. The second one is from our try at some outdoor nude work, hope to get another opportunity soon. I managed to slip and fall on some wet mud and leaves just before this, but saved the camera. People as clumsy as me should not be allowed outdoors, or in cramped antique stores either for that matter. Anyway, I've said it before, but Danaid is simply a wonderful model and an entirely charming young lady. Still gaining experience, she has excellent instincts and poise, and is going to keep doing great work. I'm looking forward to the next time, and the next time...

Think too much...

Had the privilege of shooting with Carlotta again yesterday, but I have to admit I was a little bit off my game, largely because of the heat in the studio, and just so much other stuff going on cluttering my thinking. In hindsite, I realize a number of things I should have done differently and opportunities missed. While we got a lot of images I'm very happy with, I can't help but feel if I'd had my act together, it could have been a much more productive shoot. Thanks to Carlotta for doing a great job and for being patient and putting up with the heat. (This should motivate me to get set up in my basement space for studio work, especially as I continue to learn just how many top-flight photographers are working in their dining room or spare bedroom.) Thanks also to Danaid for stopping by for a bit as well. Love the tan and the new hairstyle. ;) The shot here is from my first session with Carlotta, which showcased yesterday.

Also honored yesterday by OMP was this shot of Alexis. Our last shoot was the type of highly-productive outing that I wish I'd managed with Carlotta last night. Alexis and I did quite a few different set-ups and styles. Of course, there wasn't the heat problem to contend with, and we shot a while longer, but I think it was also that I went into it with a less cluttered frame of mind (and definitely put less pressure on myself). Maybe Andi's right... I do think too much sometimes... funny how I can think so much about something without managing to end up with an actual plan. Next time for sure. Better start thinking...

Darkness Visible

A couple weeks ago, I did an entry in praise of the simplicity of a nude figure in a striking pose on a simple light background. I'm also a fan of the inverse of that, with the figure surrounded by or emerging from darkness. Sometimes, the more black "negative space" in an image, the more impact it has on me, oddly enough. One of the pieces I have in the Dark Visions show is called "Eclipse" and is just a slice of light on the model's side. (After the show closes, I'll post it here, but why wait? Stop by and see the exhibit!) Here's Alexis and Kristina, the two latest OMP showcases, which futher confirms that there are still plenty of fans of this dramatic, if traditional, technique.

The Beauty of Nothingness

These two shots are good examples of work I particularly enjoy doing: the unadorned nude. No fancy set or location, no elaborate make-up, wardrobe or even jewelry. Simply a beautiful model in a striking pose. Nothing in the way. The top one is a bit enhanced with a tint and some diffusion, but it seemed to fit the languishing stretch. The bottom one is crisp, accentuating the energy and strength of her stance and the motion of her hair. Thanks yet again to Kristina...it's just a pleasure to shoot with her and share these images. She's also a showcase machine...we posted these separately on the same day, and both were recognized on OMP (along with a bunch more on her portfolio from recent shoots with other photographers). I have more shots standing by that I hope to post soon, so stay tuned, but for now, enjoy the nothingness...

Lucky Charms

Here is Kristina once more from a shoot earlier this year. Had the pleasure of shooting with her this past weekend and hanging out...as sweet as she is beautiful. This one might be a bit more revealing than most of her other images, but I just love the simple straightforward beauty of it, and just a hint of bashfulness. Apparently she likes it too, as she posted it on her OMP... our third showcase from that shoot.

The second image is another shot of the lovely Carlotta... I'm still trying to work out details for another shoot with her during her midwestern swing. This is from last year's session which is going to be hard to beat... I just posted this one to keep things stirred up on my OMP, and surprise... another dinger. Both these women have been very lucky for me, and I consider myself fortunate to have worked with them, and hope to do so again soon. ;)

Kristina

A couple showcasers from a set with Kristina I just finished up editing... always fun working with her, she's full of energy and ideas. Her portfolio is full of amazing work with loads of top photographers. It feels nice to be in such good company. Look for more with her soon. ;)

A Rose by any other name...

Added this shot of Rose to my OMP the other day, just to keep things stirred up, and it earned a showcase there, but better yet, it prompted a very nice note from someone and I'm hoping that will turn into something good. I'll keep it close to my vest for the moment.

"Rose" is a favorite model for a number of photographers I know, and rightly so. She's always a pleasure to work with, and some of my favorite shots were done with her. I have more goodies of her in the pipeline I'm hoping to have ready soon, so look for more of her any minute now. As I think I've said before here, she's graduating soon and it's sort of up in the air where she'll go from here, but hopefully we can still manage to work together from time to time. I hope-a, hope-a, hope-a...

The second shot is the full-size version of the "bait" shot from my April Fool's entry. Did I mention she cracks me up, too? <3

Happy Jack

Here's "Danaid" -- a fairly new figure model who it was my pleasure to photograph recently. She's trained as a sculptor, and I think that artistic sensibility is transferring well into her modeling. She's already in high demand, and I think is a little surprised that she's getting so much attention as a result of answering an ad another photographer ran in one of those free community arts papers. The portrait shot here earned a showcase on her OMP portfolio. I'm already looking forward to working with her again. Thanks Danaid!

Sarah belle 'em

A couple more from the stunning Sarah Ellis... the title "Sarah belle 'em" is sort of a corruption of Garrison Keillor's faux writer credit "Sarah Bellum" -- an obvious play on cerebellum, a part of the brain. My tortured pun refers to how, in addition to being knock-down drag-out gorgeous (belle), Sarah is brainy -- a grad student in a rather obscure and non-glamorous discipline that I'd have a hard time even describing. Her brilliance shines through in her quick wit and shining personality, too, and it's a pleasure just hanging out with her for a few hours, let alone photographing her. It's so nice talking with her, there's a distinct danger of chatting away the entire shoot. These two shots were Showcased on OMP today, in case anyone's keeping score. Thanks for another great shoot, Sarah, and hope to go again soon!

The Big 5-0

Hit a nice little benchmark over the weekend... This image of Nikki received a Showcase on her OMP portfolio, bringing my combined total up to 50*. Thanks again, Nikki!

I gave my little treatise on the Showcase topic a few days ago, but since people like round numbers, 50 seemed like a good one to take note of. This blog is as much a journal for my own recollection as it is a way to present work to the public, so readers, I hope you'll grant me this little indulgence.

*51 if you count one that was recently deleted when a model downgraded her account. ;)

My take on Showcases

Here are three more images that received Showcases on the models' OMP portfolios in the past couple days. Thanks to the exotic Kristina (above and in yellow), and Brit - the ultimate "girl next door" - for being such wonderful models.

When I get an image Showcase on OMP, I mention it here because it is "news" of a sort -- a recognition of my work that I want to share, and they're also nice milestones for me as I follow my path. I realize a Showcase is not a Pulitzer Prize, it's not a feature in B&W Magazine, and 500 Showcases and two bucks still won't buy a gallon of gasoline. But as I discussed in my last post, it's a compliment. It's someone at OMP taking a moment to say "in my opinion, this image deserves a closer look." That someone looks at hundreds (thousands?) of images a day, and when an image breaks through the clutter, they take note. It may be that the model looks particularly good, or something about the execution stands out, or that particular someone has a thing for busty redheads or slim blondes. But every form of recognition has its own set of criteria, and by nature, artistic recognition is largely subjective and personal (and potentially influenced by interpersonal politics) -- whether it's someone leaving a comment on a blog, or an editor at ArtForum Magazine, or someone purchasing a print. Ultimately, the process is human -- flawed and imperfect, but it is what it is.

I also recognize that OMP is a business, and that informs their choices, too. They showcase images they believe will help attract new members, and to help photographers attract interest from models and vice versa, in an effort to make them feel they're getting value for being a member. It is far easier for me to book models now than a year ago, primarily because my work is improving, but I think the various Showcases do add a certain appeal.

I don't agree with their choices 100% of the time -- the images they DON'T choose as well as images they do -- but overall, I'd say the gallery of showcase images on any given day is a pretty impressive selection of work. So, I'll continue to do the best work I know how to do, include my favorite shots in my OMP portfolio, and if they get a Showcase, great. If not, my portfolio still has a batch of my favorite shots, which is what it's all about anyway, right?

This just in... Two more Showcases have popped up from Sativa's portfolio, including a shot with Nikki sportin' the other pair of boots. This was such a fun shoot! Thanks Sativa and Nikki!

Win some, lose some...

Got a couple more showcases on OMP with images on Iris's portfolio, which is gratifying as always. She's been posting a lot of outstanding images lately -- apparently the photographers from her recent flurry of activity are catching up and getting work to her. As Andi observed, "she's so rockstar."

So, the gains were a little bit offset by the loss of one showcase on Mandy's portfolio when she downgraded to the free membership... she's going to focus her energies more on her website, MandyFigureModel.com, so be sure to check it out.

But maybe this is a good transition for me to the next level of "photographer cool" -- where one deletes showcased images because the recognition is irrelevant. Sort of a variation on the Zen koan of "if you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!" -- "if you post an image and it showcases, delete it!" I'll keep y'all posted on my progress towards Zen mastery.

At a Christmas gift exchange, someone received the The Zen Calendar, to which I commented "wouldn't a true Zen calendar just be blank pages?" but the recipient one-upped me: "No, on a true Zen calendar, every page would just say 'NOW!' "

Three tall drinks of water...

Here's Sarah hanging out, Kristina taking it easy, and Iris basking. Cheers, y'all.

"...and folks remember this is an exhibition not a competition so please, no wagering." -David Letterman