Models - How to snag 'em? [Archive]

Darkhorse

06-30-2009, 08:00

My primary model is my fiance, I've posted several photos of her in the galleries and in threads. However, as much as I love her, she's not always in the mood to be photographed and would like to be left alone to work on her calculus.

I would love to have more practice shooting people to hone my photography skills. But how to do it? There's a group here in Orange County that gathers young budding models and any photographer that wants to come for $25 every so often. Problem is that these models can be a little too young if you know what I mean, and the number of photographers there is alarming. 1 on 1 work with the model is difficult.

There's also groups on meetup.com that meet locally but these shoots cost $100-200 a pop. Lots of T&A at these shoots though, it would be tough to keep it classy. But having said that I would like to do one of these shoots one day.

Which brings me to what I'd like, ideally. What would be a good way to find an aspiring model? A model I could work with one on one to hone both our skills? Would craigslist be OK to solicit this type of arrangement? Or would it simply be best to bite the bullet and dish out the cash? Maybe even take a course? There's a photography school near here but I work full time.

What can you suggest for me?

Al Kaplan

06-30-2009, 08:09

Offer to trade photos for modelling time. A lot of people wanting to get into acting, modeling, dance, music, etc. need photos for THEIR portfolios. Try putting a notice on the buletin board at your local Starbucks or similar place. Just walk up to people, hand them a card, and tell them that you'd like to photograph them.

david.elliott

06-30-2009, 08:29

Arts department at your local university.

capitalK

06-30-2009, 08:33

Just ask people. All they can do is say no.

Gumby

06-30-2009, 08:39

My primary model is my fiance, I've posted several photos of her in the galleries and in threads. However, as much as I love her, she's not always in the mood to be photographed and would like to be left alone to work on her calculus.

(snip)

What can you suggest for me?

It will get worse after you are married, especially if you have children soon. This applies to more than just photography/modeling -- she won't be in the mood for lots and lots of other things as time becomes scarce.

I have no suggestion, though. I tried shooting with a friend, then tried shooting a friend but both became awkward. Now I shoot architecture.

Darkhorse

06-30-2009, 08:45

Thanks for the prognostication.

We're holding off on the kids for a while yet at least.

Nate Butler

06-30-2009, 08:48

Have you checked out Model Mayhem (www.modelmayhem.com)? I haven't joined, but it seems like their requirements for photographers aren't too hard to meet.

SuitePhoto

06-30-2009, 10:04

Another good source is Facebook/Twitter. Put the call out - ask people to forward it to friends who might be interested. That technique has worked very well for a friend.

Al Kaplan

06-30-2009, 10:34

Maybe if you approached it to the "Models - where can I meet potential models?" perspective rather than the "Models - how to snag 'em?" viewpoint? It just might change your success/failure figures.

Darkhorse

06-30-2009, 11:40

Good thing I didn't use my original thread title of "Where can I find some broads to shoot?"

I've gotten a couple of suggestions for modelmayhem. I'll check it out.

mabelsound

06-30-2009, 12:01

+1 on Frank Petronio. He is a hero. You gotta have a very tolerant wife for that, though.

Chris101

06-30-2009, 12:02

I snag 'em at school. If I am doing a project that needs models I describe the project, and the model requirements, in a 1 paragraph notice and put it on a kiosk near the art department. I usually work at the studio at school, so they don't think anything creepy is up.

newspaperguy

06-30-2009, 12:25

Dance students, too... especially 'modern dance' (do they still call it that?)

Athletic with great posing skills... and usually attractive. More than you can say for many art students (Hey, I was one.)

35mmdelux

06-30-2009, 12:25

I photographed some gals from work. They really liked the images. Next thing I know Im getting lots of phone calls from other gals. It took effort to finally tell them I didnt do those shoots anymore.

ijohnnyz

06-30-2009, 12:40

+1 for modelmayhem. My friend is a model on there. She's done a lot of free trade for portfolio ("TFP") shooting.

Darkhorse

06-30-2009, 12:42

Thanks, johnny. You're in OC too? Did you see my fiance on meetup.com? Someone on here recognized one of my photos of her.

ijohnnyz

06-30-2009, 12:46

Yeah that's me. We're both in the "young fun and nerdy" meetup. :rolleyes:

Darkhorse

06-30-2009, 12:50

What's your friend's modelmayhem page?

ijohnnyz

06-30-2009, 13:04

http://www.modelmayhem.com/1090128

Her name is Elizabeth Maureen. Have fun. I tried some fashion shots with my ex-girlfriend but I realized I have no knowledge of how to control lighting. I can observe it and capture it on the street, but I can't manipulate it. There's a studio lighting class I've been wanting to take at the Irvine community center and they have darkrooms too.

umboody

06-30-2009, 13:47

Another vote for ModelMayhem. You'd be surprised how helpful, friendly and local people are on there. Sign up, upload a few photos and you'll be on your way to meeting new models in no time!

Darkhorse

06-30-2009, 13:55

Just waiting for my profile to be approved...

hans voralberg

06-30-2009, 14:40

One more suggestion is Facebook if you can bare with it, you'll get a surprising amount of request if you put samples and an offer up on there.

Tuolumne

06-30-2009, 17:16

ModelMayhem - There is some amazing, amazing stuff on that site. Truly glamorous and beautiful. It makes me feel so inadequate.

/T

FallisPhoto

07-05-2009, 14:58

PatrickT

07-05-2009, 15:38

Yep, modelmayhem is great. There are some flakes, but I've had really good luck with it.

Here's a link to my page:http://www.modelmayhem.com/212251

Darkhorse

07-05-2009, 15:38

I signed up for modelmayhem.
A girl contacted me yesterday saying she'd like me to do some photos for her.
I said yes, and we're doing a shoot tomorrow morning.

Thanks for the modelmayhem recommendation. Hopefully things turn out OK.

Frank Petronio

07-05-2009, 15:51

It helps to work with models who are more experienced than you are and they will teach you a few things, on MM follow who the best shooters and models are and introduce yourself nicely. Don't be too wordy, get to the point, be complimentary but not an ass-kisser, and be yourself, which should not be creepy. And tell your wife. If you are trying to do anything sexy or naked, spend the bucks and hire a model who poses for money and you will get a lot more comfortable and learn a lot more than if you are stumbling around with some shy girl who is afraid. Afterwards you can shoot amateurs but learn from the pros, even if they are only 19.

Always give them jpgs and prints promptly, get a release before you shoot, honor your word and at least give them gas money and lunch, if not more. If you want them to pose in an outfit, splurge $20 on it, lol.

Darkhorse

07-05-2009, 16:21

Thanks for the tips! I'm keeping my fiance abreast of all the details. In fact I'm sure she'd love it if I did sexy naked photos.

This is the model I'm going to be with tomorrow. She has a bit of experience, but more experience with photographers than I do with models.

I spoke to her on the phone earlier, and I did indicate that I would have images for her by the end of the day tomorrow (I have the day off).

Anyway here she is:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/855802

Gumby

07-05-2009, 16:28

Thanks for the tips! I'm keeping my fiance abreast of all the details. In fact I'm sure she'd love it if I did sexy naked photos.

You think ;)

Just wait until you are married... that, too, will change. :D

Gumby

07-05-2009, 16:29

P.S. Good luck with your shoot. She appears to have many very nice features.

Tuolumne

07-05-2009, 18:05

Ya gotta love the Internet! ;)

/T

Keith

07-05-2009, 18:46

Reading back through this thread and looking at the original post and seeing the direction the thread has taken there seems to be an assumption of youth, beauty and the female gender ... or am I mistaken? There are a lot of people out there who can be very comfortable in front of a camera who don't necesarily fit this sterotype and photographing them can be a learning experience in itself.

My friend Carol is a classic example of working with a subject who can be flattered by my technique, or conversely a lot less than flattered if I'm not careful and thoughtful about my process... she never sees my total failures! :p Yes ... she has a very fit body at her age and is comfortable in front of a camera but she is fifty nine years old and that for me is the real challenge to work around and I have to be very careful with my choices of light, film and lens etc ... not to mention the perspective I photograph her from. I've certainly learned a lot from working with her and any crazy idea I come up with is taken in her stride ... the recent nudes I did of her by photographing her lying on the floor in an almost dark room with a thirty second exposure, painting her with torch light while she stayed statue still was an example of her willingness to help me experiment and learn with varying techniques!

Would I photograph a twenty five year old with the same approach, probably ... would it matter if she/he was overweight and lacked classic sterotypical features, I'd like to think not!

Gumby

07-05-2009, 19:04

Reading back through this thread and looking at the original post and seeing the direction the thread has taken there seems to be an assumption of youth, beauty and the female gender ... or am I mistaken?

Actually, Keith, I believe that you may be mistaken. This is the first post I've noticed where that assumption is being made.

The rest of your post is quite interesting. My favorite model was a 82 year old man. It wasn't always easy making him look "good".

kazeonrff

07-05-2009, 19:19

"But dad, that naked woman in the photo isn't mom!"

Keith

07-05-2009, 19:22

Actually, Keith, I believe that you may be mistaken. This is the first post I've noticed where that assumption is being made.

The rest of your post is quite interesting. My favorite model was a 82 year old man. It wasn't always easy making him look "good".

So show me the male models on the main page of model mayhem let alone the eighty two year olds! :p

More a drift than an assumption Gumby ... model mayhem has been mentioned frequently.

So show us the shots of the octegenarian ... nudes I assume! :D

peterm1

07-05-2009, 19:26

Mainly I shoot my wife - no puns please....... A friend at work is involved in amateur theatre and has recently suggested that a lot of people in these groups might like me to photograph them and their work for their portfolios. Good idea I thought - although I must admit I have not yet tried it. I must do so soon. As I recently bought a Nikon 180mm f2.8 AF I now also often shoot in the street where this lens' length allows some distance and the wide aperture blurs the background nicely. Check my Flickr page for a few examples.......................................

http://www.flickr.com/photos/80702381@N00/

Darkhorse

07-06-2009, 17:47

So I had my first one-on-one photoshoot today. The real deal. The model was quite nice and helpful. She had a clear idea of what she wanted and had a lot of ideas. Unfortunately the morning started with a lingering bout of the June Gloom. Stupid inversion layer. But it burned off as the shoot progressed. But I had to start with the evil DSLR at 400iso. All my film speeds were too slow at that time.

http://formerairline.com/wp-content/gallery/maile/01.jpg

Pretty standard glamor shot I guess.

But it was frustrating using a DLSR again after a long while of shooting film. So many buttons and settings... particularly white balance settings. I was constantly second guessing myself about whether the colors in my digipics were accurate or not. I thought I had the camera set to RAW so I could make more forgiving corrections in post, but apparently I did not do this as I discovered when I imported the images when I got home. Oh well.

http://formerairline.com/wp-content/gallery/maile/02.jpg

The risky squatting shot.
In this shot I think I was too focused on the metering and composing, and not enough on the model. I don't really like where her right arm is, and she had her arm like that a lot in many photos, but didn't notice at the time. I should tell her about it when I get the chance. Lesson learned.

I also shot with my Oly OM1

After importing a few Portra NC shots I reviewed some of the digital photos and the colors suddenly looked WHACK.

My fiance liked this shot:
http://formerairline.com/wp-content/gallery/maile/03.jpg

I liked this one but I had to do some color corrections because there was a lot of green light bouncing on her face.

http://formerairline.com/wp-content/gallery/maile/04.jpg

I thought I was more happy with the NC shots than the digital shots, but then I looked at the results from my TLR. Woah. Love that square format. These are from a roll of PX125 and Ektar100.

I liked this because it looked pretty candid:
http://formerairline.com/wp-content/gallery/maile/05.jpg

Ektar has a bit of a magenta color cast in the shadows but it's easily corrected with pleasing results for the most part.
http://formerairline.com/wp-content/gallery/maile/06.jpg

I really liked these last two shots. My fiance saw them and said "I would kill for legs like that." and that, I think, may be part of the desired effect of fashion photography.

http://formerairline.com/wp-content/gallery/maile/07.jpg

http://formerairline.com/wp-content/gallery/maile/08.jpg

Tuolumne

07-06-2009, 18:18

I would kill for legs like that, too. Very successful shoot. You snagged urself a model!

/T

Al Patterson

07-06-2009, 18:21

Well, never tried it but www.craigslist.com seems to include many topic areas that one could put an advert in for a model. I've perused some sections and I know one can find models if one were to pay them, either with portfolio pics or cash.

PatrickT

07-06-2009, 18:36

Good stuff for your first try! There are problems here and there but overall I like what you got.

I'm very used to seeing "model shots" by DSLRs only, so it was refreshing to see the film stuff and also very cool to see the TLR photos.

Thanks for sharing!

Darkhorse

07-06-2009, 18:56

The model just emailed me back and she's pretty happy with the photos. Mission accomplished!

ReeRay

07-06-2009, 19:00

I think they're lovely. I'd be well pleased with these. Congratulations

Oscar Levant

07-06-2009, 21:20

NathanJD

07-07-2009, 02:41

What did your model make of the fact that you're using film? I'm on Model Mayhem and started corresponding with a young ameture model and when i mentioned that i shot film i didn't hear anything more from her. she's still on my list but i don't think many people around here 'get' it.

I think your shots are fantastic Darkhorse! especially those MF shots, perticularly the B&W ones. i really need to get my act together enough and build up the self confidence to shoot models - i really really want to do it but despite the fact that i'm outgoing and not exactly shy i do get nervous interacting with people in this way.

NathanJD

07-07-2009, 02:46

You guys better be covering yourself with photos of their ID, a model release, and a consent form.

I did this from the 1970's to the 1990's, but all of it was for publication or to get laid, or both.

You have no idea what can happen if a crazy girl turns on you, even on a totally innocent photoshoot. It happens all the time.

Anyway, that site modelmayhem is the greatest invention for the horny doofus every invented. It and it's ilk practically put the sex magazine industry out of business.

Reporting one's "sexy model" activities to one's fiance, especially to one who is not a model and not as sexy, is a crazy person's recipe for disaster, unless you have some sort of weirdo relationship that I find hard to contemplate.

Examine your motives, is all I have to say.

Interesting perspective Oscar, I have found that most models in my area are married or with a partner and seem to be genuinely interested in the photo shoots. but then it does take all sorts and I have noticed this type too, but what can you do? is this not a microcosm of the internet at large?

I don't know if it's very productive to comment on the OP's personal relationships, and in any case having an open and honest relationship that is built on trust is something to be admired.

Oscar Levant

07-07-2009, 04:41

Go a little beneath the surface, pretend you're a psychologist.

What is the actual purpose of non-commercial "model shoots"?

Mattikk

07-07-2009, 04:57

Yep, modelmayhem is great. There are some flakes, but I've had really good luck with it.

Here's a link to my page:http://www.modelmayhem.com/212251

The website at www.modelmayhem.com contains elements from the site trautfieldphotography.com, which appears to host malware – software that can hurt your computer or otherwise operate without your consent. Just visiting a site that contains malware can infect your computer.
For detailed information about the problems with these elements, visit the Google Safe Browsing diagnostic page for trautfieldphotography.com.

Just letting you know. Google might be wrong, but just incase.

NathanJD

07-07-2009, 05:56

Go a little beneath the surface, pretend you're a psychologist.

What is the actual purpose of non-commercial "model shoots"?

Not that I want to get into a philosophical debate but what's the actual purpose of non-commercial landscape shoots, still life shots or street shots? or building model train sets? or collecting vintage photography paraphernalia?

Darkhorse

07-07-2009, 06:02

NathanJD

07-07-2009, 06:23

Oscar's comments aren't really resonating with me.

Anyway, the model was actually interested that I used film cameras. I think using the TLR may have helped put the model at ease because it's so unusual-looking. Not just another black Canon or Nikon.

Find a model, Nathan, and get going. I'm not particularly outgoing and I'm pretty shy and even I was able to do this.

And of course, they come in handy as props when you're shooting some 35mm! :D

Thank you for your words of support Darkhorse, I will absolutely pluck up the courage sometime very soon! and i'll be sure to post my results here.

once again, well done on a very productive and fruitful first go! there is plenty there to be proud of and also to build on.

PatrickT

07-07-2009, 06:30

The website at www.modelmayhem.com contains elements from the site trautfieldphotography.com, which appears to host malware – software that can hurt your computer or otherwise operate without your consent. Just visiting a site that contains malware can infect your computer.
For detailed information about the problems with these elements, visit the Google Safe Browsing diagnostic page for trautfieldphotography.com.

Just letting you know. Google might be wrong, but just incase.

Yikes! Thanks for that, I'll look into it!

Darkhorse

07-07-2009, 06:57

Thank you for your words of support Darkhorse, I will absolutely pluck up the courage sometime very soon! and i'll be sure to post my results here.

Please do. I posted my results on the modelmayhem board and the main criticism was I need to use a fill flash or reflector (which is understandable I guess), some of them were badly cropped (in shots where there was no cropping), and the shadows are too harsh... particularly the black and white shots (which I didn't really understand... am I supposed to drench every shot with a flash?). One commented that every shot was nearly ruined because of her shoes. Another was totally useless and said "They're OK".

I think RFF is more constructive is what I'm 'saying.

Pherdinand

07-07-2009, 07:14

Please do. I posted my results on the modelmayhem board and the main criticism was I need to use a fill flash or reflector (which is understandable I guess), some of them were badly cropped (in shots where there was no cropping), and the shadows are too harsh... particularly the black and white shots (which I didn't really understand... am I supposed to drench every shot with a flash?). One commented that every shot was nearly ruined because of her shoes. Another was totally useless and said "They're OK".

I think RFF is more constructive is what I'm 'saying.

that's funny to hear, since there is not one single comment here that says more than "wow great shots".
Where's exactly the constructive part in it?:)

Pherdinand

07-07-2009, 07:15

btw the shots are fine but i also dislike her shoes...

Tuolumne

07-07-2009, 07:18

btw the shots are fine but i also dislike her shoes...

Aren't the shoes more of a fashion-taste issue than a photographic issue? Maybe she wanted to be shot wearing those shoes. I found them unobjectionable, especially in an outdoorsey setting that favors casual clothing.

/T

Darkhorse

07-07-2009, 07:24

that's funny to hear, since there is not one single comment here that says more than "wow great shots".
Where's exactly the constructive part in it?:)

Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm just looking for ego stroking. Which can be good for a first time thing like this, because it's encouraging.

It's not that I can't handle criticism (I went to art school after all), but the MM comments (some of which were OK) that irked me gave me no indication of what I'm doing right and where can I expand. The harshest criticism seemed to come from photographers who I personally thought weren't very good myself. But maybe that's an irrational and competitive voice inside me saying "This know-nothing clearly doesn't know how brilliant I am! PAH!".

And I guess the shoes aren't really appropriate for the scene. But she wanted em in so I shot em.

NathanJD

07-07-2009, 10:43

well on this forum we tend not to follow all the rules all the time. i would say though that a reflector might have picked the dark areas up a little but hey!! that's something to work on for next time! constructive criticism is the key.

Pherdinand

07-08-2009, 02:09

Aren't the shoes more of a fashion-taste issue than a photographic issue?

/T

sure they are. but since it was brought up, i thought to be constructive and say my oppinion :)

Pherdinand

07-08-2009, 02:11

i also like it when people encourage me. Definitely. Makes my day, sometimes, if i get a compliment (on my shots, i mean). Especially since it happens so damn rarely.
But i won't call it constructive criticism, that's all:)

Tuolumne

07-08-2009, 02:56

There are some very constructive remarks in the comments section of the gallery where the photos have been posted.

/T

FallisPhoto

07-08-2009, 10:48

Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm just looking for ego stroking. Which can be good for a first time thing like this, because it's encouraging.

It's not that I can't handle criticism (I went to art school after all), but the MM comments (some of which were OK) that irked me gave me no indication of what I'm doing right and where can I expand. The harshest criticism seemed to come from photographers who I personally thought weren't very good myself. But maybe that's an irrational and competitive voice inside me saying "This know-nothing clearly doesn't know how brilliant I am! PAH!".

And I guess the shoes aren't really appropriate for the scene. But she wanted em in so I shot em.

Only thing that bothered me was that in all but two of the photos she has that really blatantly fake smile. In one of those two, she is not smiling. That leaves one smile that looks genuine.

Al Kaplan

07-08-2009, 10:57

Hey, if you don't like the smile then find somebody else to photograph. I have a friend, a local politicion who has his standard fake smile. He likes it. He keeps getting re-elected, I keep getting paid for photographing it.

Darkhorse

07-08-2009, 12:16

I agree with you to a large extent.

I don't plan on getting into fashion photography seriously, I just wanted to photograph more people. What does that entail exactly? I dunno. But I went into this thinking of the history of photography course i'm listening to on iTunes, and portraits by people like Steichen or Käsebier and the like. Nothing at all like what I ended up with of course, haha.

Plus, you know, my girlfriend isn't always cooperative and has things to do than have her shutterbug boyfriend hovering around her. And it might be a while before I can coax her into doing photographs like this in the nude:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3634141807_7efae7766c.jpg?v=0

Frank Petronio

07-09-2009, 05:54

Just my two cents about motivation.

Oscar is probably right, at least I've found that to be the case, you need to acknowledge the sexual attraction/energy and use it constructively. It doesn't mean you always act on your impulses or be an asshole about it, but if you don't admit that you're a horny hetro guy and the female model before you is sexy then I think the photos are usually stilted and fake looking.

What I find creepy is all the men who photograph hot and/or naked women and then claim that it is 100% platonic and just for "art and an appreciation of the female form" without considering the person they are photographing is any sort of individual -- those shots are usually cold and sterile, and when they try to be sexy they reek of creepiness (to me.)

Make portraits, not nudes, even if the model is naked.

I have a great wife. She understands and for me at least, hanging out and shooting with a cool young girl fulfills my needs for friendship and fun -- better these girls than some 50-yr drunken suburban golfing buddies, right? -- and my pictures get a lot of attention. It's simply a matter of choice, I rather go out and have beers with crazy 22-yr old Meagan than to hang out with men from my own age group and class. I'm only friends with smarter, interesting young women -- no bimbos -- and they're fascinating because that age is a time of struggle and change, blah, blah, blah and there is always some drama to talk about. I bet you would too if you thought you could do it, but most people are too uptight to do what they really want to do.

But yeah, I'll opening admit I'd bang them all senseless if I lived in Utopia and they were into it too. That I don't/won't/can't is just reality, but I still get the benefits of having a fun time and getting good pictures. And yeah, on the rare occasion that you "have a moment", it makes you feel like a million bucks. But I also get satisfaction in knowing that I've helped a lot of my friends with difficult decisions and probably been a good influence on them, at least in terms of having a reasonable adult to turn to. Some of these girls are from some pretty tough situations.

Be open about it, admit your motivation, define your intentions, and just be a decent guy about it. Your partner will trust you and you'll get better photos.

Darkhorse

07-09-2009, 07:43

Thanks for the tips you guys.
You know, I wish I could get into more details about my relationship with my girlfriend but I don't want to divulge too much to strangers on the internet. I'll just say that she'd be OK with any interaction I may have with a model... read into that what you will. That side of things is a total non-issue. However, I will say that I've been or was a pretty sexually repressed person before my current girlfriend and expressing a sexual energy with a model may need some getting used to.

The only issue with her isn't so much with her, but with my impatience because I wanna shoot photos when I wanna shoot photos. Whether she wants to be photographed or not. But just yesterday afternoon I was listening about how some of Steiglitz's finest portraits were of his wife, Georgia O'Keefe. I guess I've seen all the pulpy content put out of models and a part of me wanted to know if I could do that, too... when maybe I should be more contemplative and think about what I really want to do more.

Anyway, here's a couple more photos I've taken of my fiance:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3669648441_0a758ae3f7.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3204638155_1d69facf56.jpg?v=0g

Tuolumne

07-09-2009, 07:48

All photography has an element of the voyeur to it. I prefer taking photos of women to men because I find them more interesting. This is obviously a sublimated sexual attraction. Acknowledge it, channel it, use it. This is what gives a photo its emotional content. Transfer your emotion about the person into the photo of the person. That way others can share it.

/T

Darkhorse

07-09-2009, 07:55

I don't know. I wouldn't mind taking photos of men. They have expressive faces, and great physical attributes. But male models I've seen all look like vain douchebags and don't look like any normal man I know... but hey! Women must feel the same way about female models, and we men must just accept the over-glorified female model standard without thinking.

Hmm, this thread is making me think critically.

Tuolumne

07-09-2009, 08:08

I said "prefer", that's all. And why must "models" all be horse meat of one gender or the other? Anyone who poses for a picture is modelling, whether a snap shot or something more specialized.

/T

jslabovitz

07-09-2009, 08:09

Just my two cents about motivation.

Thanks for writing up those thoughts. I'm a big fan of your photography (via your blog) and as I view your new shots I'm often wondering how you got to where you are. Your "models" (I hesitate to call them that, as they seem far more personable than the usual sterile model-figure-object) appear dimensional in both form and mind, which I appreciate. In fact, that makes them even more attractive.

I can definitely identify with your connection to younger folks -- I have a lot of friends in their 20s. I also have a lot of friends on the other side of my age, in their 60s and 70s. They're all amazing, wonderful people, and I'm pleased to be able to know & photograph them.

Darkhorse

07-09-2009, 08:13

I said "prefer", that's all. And why must "models" all be horse meat of one gender or the other?

Well I didn't mean to denigrate anybody if that's how it sounded. It was just a general feeling (or sweeping generalization) I had browsing places like modelmayhem. That is all. I didn't mean to offend.

Tuolumne

07-09-2009, 08:29

Well I didn't mean to denigrate anybody if that's how it sounded. It was just a general feeling (or sweeping generalization) I had browsing places like modelmayhem. That is all. I didn't mean to offend.

Perhaps I was too sensitive. I'm just saying that sites like Model Mayhem that have "Beautiful People" are not the only definition of what a model is.

/T

Gumby

07-09-2009, 11:45

Gulp. what a doll! Wow, looks like a nice session and good results. Next time you might want to try adding a reflector to your set up to relieve some of the darker tones on her face in a couple of those shots.

... and for Keith: she looks like very nice girl with a great brain and an even nicer personality. (I really mean that!)

Tuolumne

07-09-2009, 15:17

Love those "great brains."

A pair of great brains! :D
Better endowed than most!!

/T

Frank Petronio

07-09-2009, 17:00

Lots of photographers are creepier ;-)

http://jamesmgraham.blogspot.com/

http://www.aericmg.com/dailypic/

http://www.thachipsta.blogspot.com/

http://stacyleighisfluffy.blogspot.com/?

http://www.myluckylife.com/

http://garybreckheimer.com/

http://www.aaronhawks.net/

http://www.mcnew.net/portraits/

http://hotelroomnudes.blogspot.com/

Frank Petronio

07-09-2009, 18:20

Araki said he had sex with every model he photographed.... But the more oppressive Japanese and German cultures seem to breed the more extreme behaviors.

Such as that whats-his-name in Japan who photographs people getting it on the bushes of public parks at night in infra-red. He got in some big shows and Aperture last year for doing that.

Oscar Levant

07-09-2009, 21:17

You've got a great eye for borderline psychotics. Interesting.

Lots of photographers are creepier ;-)

http://jamesmgraham.blogspot.com/

http://www.aericmg.com/dailypic/

http://www.thachipsta.blogspot.com/

http://stacyleighisfluffy.blogspot.com/?

http://www.myluckylife.com/

http://garybreckheimer.com/

http://www.aaronhawks.net/

http://www.mcnew.net/portraits/

http://hotelroomnudes.blogspot.com/

Oscar Levant

07-09-2009, 21:22

The Japanese are not so much living in an oppressive culture than a unique one. (I'm married to one)

Westerners seem to think the Japanese live in a restrictive, closed culture, but in terms of sexual experimentation, the Japanese are more open than almost any other society.

A Japanese girl will allow sexual experimentation to almost any extreme. There is no trace of conventional Western morality, so no taboos are being "broken".

Araki may seem extreme to Western eyes, but in reality, from a Japanese standpoint, he is merely a somewhat mild straight-up documentarian of "the floating world". He's continuing an old tradition.

Araki said he had sex with every model he photographed.... But the more oppressive Japanese and German cultures seem to breed the more extreme behaviors.

Such as that whats-his-name in Japan who photographs people getting it on the bushes of public parks at night in infra-red. He got in some big shows and Aperture last year for doing that.