Final shots of Vicki from our first shoot. Also a sample preview of my shoot with my Muse and her sister.
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When I shoot, I shoot fast and a lot and always keep in mind that this isn’t a job, it’s my vocation. I love what I do and my goal is to have fun! I tend to make my models laugh and have a good time, thus creating an amazing experience. I’ve said it before and will say it again; People remember the experience most. Photos second. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worked with someone and they’ve said “He was arrogant, it kind of sucked. But we got some good pictures.” The fact they put the experience BEFORE the photos tells me that people value experience MORE than the photos.
Back in January, I went back home to Minnesota for a little bit, about a week. While out there, I did a few shoots and several one on ones. One of the guys I did a one on one with was David. David is an awesome guy with great vision and attention to detail. Here’s a few sample images of the model Vanatie shot by HyperFocused Studios.
It’s not the equipment but the operator. We hear this time and time again and no one is willing to put their money where their mouth is. I’ve challenged some top photographers to put down their 5d mk II’s and pick up a digital rebel and they’ve responded with “That would be stupid of me” 😉 This post is from my early days when I just developed my eye and the beginning of my style.
In 2003 I tried something that I thought was innovative, groundbreaking and so totally new, that it would BLOW the minds of those around me. Little did I know, my new idea was being done years before I got serious about model photography. Here are some photos first from 2003 when I tried backlighting, and from today when I’ve challenged myself and got what I think to be some keepers!
I love working with first time models! They are very receptive to what you have to say and seek approval with each and every shot. I love telling them to just MOVE! have fun, relax and go with it. We usually end up with some amazing photos!
More photos with my muse, Lauren. Why is she my muse? she has much of the same attitude as I; she’s bored with her last shoot almost as soon as it happens. She continues to improve herself never satisfied with what she’s accomplished.
Let’s discuss success! What is a successful career to you? I had a discussion with a local photographer who does a lot of night club shoots and he told me that success is totally derived from the amount of money you make. While I find it funny for one person to try and dictate what equates success to another, it was an interesting covo that I wanted to share with you all. So lets hear it!
If you don’t know what a Muse is, a Muse is a person or thing that inspires you. I think the technical definition is “a goddess that inspires a creative artist” or something similar to that. In this day in age when everyone is chasing after a dollar, I think it’s VERY important to have a group of people you get together and break boundaries with. Someone who has TOTAL trust in you and will allow you to create, even if you don’t walk away with something earth shattering.
Photos and video from my shoot with Barbie Brandy of Colorado. Lighting layout was a simple three light setup. Great images on a black background if I do say so myself 😉