At its most basic, the shoot goes like this: You show up, we take pictures, an in a week or so I send you prints, a CD or both (depending on what we've agreed upon previously).
In reality, there's more to consider, so I'll go over it in a Q & A format.
- What does it cost? Nothing, unless you're hiring me. In fact, if someone wants you to pay them to shoot your photos, ask twice what's up. I do this for the art and getting to help plus-size women feel good about themselves and maybe just a little bit of wanting to change the world. I do retain the rights to use the shots in my portfolio (print or online) or commercial use (in other words, if someone offers me a bojillion dollars to use a photo of you in an ad, I'll take the money). If we need a hair/makeup artist for the shot, I'll cover that cost. If you want to do your own hair, makeup and wardrobe then bless your heart. You will need to sign a model release with each shoot we do. Please bring a government-issued photo ID with your age on it.
- What kind of photos do you take? I can do formal portraiture, narrative (art) portraiture, headshots, fashion, glamour, lingerie, or figure study (nude). I have examples of all of them on the Portfolio Page. I work some in digital, some in film. It all depends on what the shot calls for.
- Nude? You mean I have to take my clothes off? Of course not. But if you want to pose for figure studies, you'd need to show your figure. Keep in mind that we both have reputations to uphold. I'm not looking for anything tacky or porny. I want my work to be seen in museums, not Hustler. Besides, my wife would kill me.
- What do you give me? If we're doing TFP/TFCD then you'll get three prints (up to 11x14 inches) for TFP. For TFCD I'll give you a CD with all of the shots I thought were good enough to retouch, in 72DPI jpg format with unobtrusive watermarks. In addition, I'll include three retouched images in 300DPI jpg format with unobtrusive watermarks. The H/MU, Stylist, etc. retain rights in any case to use the shots in their portfolios and non-commercial use. If I'm paying you then it's work-for-hire, I retain all copyright and I'll give you one print up to 11x14 to use in your portfolio.
- Where do you do the shoot? You get to help decide that. If the weather is good, we can shoot outdoors or I have studio space available in my condo building. If we're doing a location shoot, then of course we'll have to shoot there.
- Can I bring someone else like a friend or escort? Of course. In this aspect, I'm going to quote from a late friend's webpage:
Escorts are welcomed and encouraged. Escorts are great if they bring cookies. (We prefer peanutbutter) They're even better if they are good at washing cars. I really love escorts who can do laundry and wash cars. But, all seriousness aside, please discuss the importance of your 'moment' with whomever escorts you to your shoot so that he or she doesn't interfere with the actual shoot. No drama king or queen escorts, please. No unsupportive and jealous boyfriend/significant others, please. And please, don’t bring anyone who will be asking me 100 questions while I'm trying to concentrate. Escorts aren’t there to tell you how to model or how to pose, either. If need be, I'll ask them to escort you from the other side of the door. Hell, I've even told my wife to leave a shoot when she was being to "helpful." Please choose your escorts wisely. If you feel you need protection, please bring someone who will protect you (I have been known to get aggressive and throw cookies at models). If you need an escort for encouragement then please feel free to bring along someone who's willing to offer encouragement. Just like finding the 'right' model for the right job, please have the right 'escort' for photo-shoot, if you feel you need to have one. PAID ESCORTS If you feel you need an escort, and cannot find one, I will be happy to provide a female associate to help you during the shot, however on TFP shots you will be required to pay her for her time ($15/hour) and give her a couple cookies.
Other Things To Keep In Mind:
- I live in a non-smoking building. If you're smoking, I'll assume you're on fire and take the appropriate measures. Let me know if you prefer water, CO2 or that foam.
- Please put your cellphone on buzz or silent while we're shooting. I won't interrupt the shoot with my cellphone. Please afford me the same courtesy.
- I won't be offended if you ask for my references. Please don't be offended if I ask for your references.
- Please show up on time. This may seem elementary, but wasting my time and the time of the H/MU and Stylist is unconscionably rude and unprofessional.
- If you no-show,the H/MU, Stylist, or both may bill you for their time.