What’s this all about?
Art form photography can be an intensely personal medium of expression. It all starts with choices. Deciding on who, what, when, where and why of visually capturing a moment in time is, for me, part intuition, part experiential and part happenstance. Rendering the female form is a predilection that artists have had since the beginning of recorded history. No heavy lifting involved in that decision. The Hawaiian Islands, well, that’s a personal preference. For those of you that have visited the islands no explanation is really necessary. I photograph what pleases me. Why I make the choices I do and why it pleases me are questions I stopped asking myself long ago. I just accept it.

Since I take on challenges and projects of my own choosing, I’m rarely operating under the usual constraints of commerce. That can be very satisfying when creative expression is one’s primary objective. But at a deeper level, real joy comes not just from creation but from collaboration. And that’s what this site is all about - sharing my work. By the time an image makes it to my website or my gallery you can be certain that for me, it is and has been both a visual delight and satisfying journey. But what’s even more fun is when it becomes that for others. So here it is part art, part craft, part whimsy, part self indulgence, but mostly for the sheer joy of shared expression.

I’m a model and I’d like to put together a portfolio. Can you help?
Maybe.
At any given time I’ve got various projects in the works. If you have a look, style or way about you that coincides with what I’m looking for then the answer is probably yes. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not just about how you look. My experience has been that personality consistently trumps good genes. Rarely do I find that girls possessing God-given or surgically enhanced sought-after physical attributes turn out to be gifted models. It’s a cliché, but real beauty does come from within. The camera has a way of finding and revealing it. So if you’re fun to work with, over 18 and have a healthy self image, let’s talk. Remember, makeup and Photoshop can do wonders.

My primary photographic interests are female figure and form photography and Hawaiian Islands. Although I do portraiture photography it’s secondary to my figure and form studies. But for model composites it’s essential to have a great head shot. My experience has been that the best head shots are usually captured in the second or third photo session. A model has to be totally comfortable with both the setting and the photographer to capture a great head shot. Expertly applied makeup is another essential for a great head shot. Most models have some degree of expertise in making up their faces. The first session is always a good indicator of whether or not the model is qualified to do her own make up. If not, I bring in the pros. For these and other reasons I like the first studio session to be bathing suit shots (also essential for a composite card). In a bathing suit shoot it doesn’t take long to discern how comfortable a model is with her own body. Also, facial make up is less critical.

The first session usually sets the tone for what’s going to work best. From the first session my models strengths and weakness become apparent. That first session builds trust. Once that’s established the rest is easy.

What if I want photos but I don’t want them posted to your website?
No problem, I won’t post them without your permission. Any information about yourself that you choose to share with me is held in absolute confidence.

What do you charge?
The first session, whether studio or location is billed at $150/hour. After the first session both the model and myself have a much better feel for what's possible and how we’d like to proceed. At that time we can discuss what comes next, what it will cost and what our objectives are.

Models receive a CD-ROM of the unedited photos as well as at least one retouched image from the shoot. The retouched image gives us both a sense of what’s possible as far as photo enhancement.

If you’re interested in modeling and you fit the needs of my project we may be able to exchange services. You would model on a no-fee basis in return for permission to use your images. I would provide you with a photo-CD of the images and/or prints or a poster of your choice. Additionally you would share in the revenue from the sale of your images as detailed below.

Since photography is a passion I pursue primarily for creative and artistic expression I’m not really available for hire in the traditional commercial sense. What it really boils down to is that if you like my work, contact me and we’ll talk about what would interesting and challenging for both of us. Keep in mind that when applicable, a substantial percentage of the fee for private photo sessions is donated to local charities that support and promote children’s education and involvement in the visual and graphic arts and as such may be deductible as a charitable contribution. If you have a favorite charity that supports arts education please let me know and I’d be happy to make the donation in your name.

How do I arrange a photo shoot?
Call or email and let me know what you’d like to do and we’ll talk about it.

Do you sell your poster prints?
Yes. Each poster print is custom made to order and can be shipped mounted or unmounted.

Prints can be done up to 42” wide and as long as necessary. From a practical standpoint 70” is usually about as much length as you’d want. Mounted prints are done in any size from 30” x 38” to 40” x 70”.

Unmounted prints are $20 a square foot and mounted prints are $30 a square foot. For a 30” x 38” poster print the cost, unmounted would be approximately $160; for the same size mounted, approximately $240.

Are your images for sale?
Kind of. I sell posters but I license images.

How much do you charge for the use of images?
Images are licensed for use. That means I still own it but you get to use it for a specific time period or for a specific purpose. How much that will cost depends on how you plan to use them, what resolution, size and quality you need, and the type of the output you desire. Proceeds from the licensing of images that include models are shared with the models. Usually on a 50-50 basis, with 50% going to the model(s) and 50% going to local charities. 100% of proceeds from all other images (images that do not include a model) are donated to these same charities.

Do you have your own studio?
Yes.

In Palm Springs there are several areas both in my home and on its grounds that I use for studio and outdoor shots. I’ve configured my living room to function as my primary indoor studio setting. There are significant advantages to shooting the female form in a controlled setting like a studio or in a preplanned outdoor setting. The primary advantage is control of lighting, and lighting is everything in photography. Add to that the comfort and convenience of a home and you’ve got the perfect setting for a relaxed and enjoyable session. Because it’s my home I view my models as my guests, not clients, and they are treated accordingly.

What’s the big deal about posters and doing your own printing?
That’s my thing. Creating a giant giclée poster print from a meticulously edited and enhanced image is pure joy. Every time I look at the final result I relive the whole journey. The planning, the execution and the challenges are all re experienced as vividly as when they took place, and then being able to share, not only the images but the memories and stories associated with them, that’s a combination that’s hard to beat. Even if it took a run-on sentence to explain it.

What are Private Portfolios?
Private Portfolios is a section of the website designed for use by my models. It’s available free of charge. Let’s say that you’re an aspiring model who is trying to build your portfolio. You don’t yet have a composite card or your interested in featuring more recent photos but don’t want to incur the substantial expense of redoing your present card. Private Portfolios is your personal portfolio. As up to date as your most recent photo shoot. It is, in effect, always with you. Anywhere you can access the web it’s available to show off your work. It’s password protected so that only you, or those you choose, can access it.

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