18th Birthday Party #2

What I do now is a full-time hobby, and I have a strong desire to become a recognized fine art photographer. But along the way I've tended to drift a bit toward fashion-oriented work. That's the direct result of a committment I made to myself exactly one year ago, that I'd begin doing work with people in my photos. I found that a good way to get models was to do free headshot and portfolio work for aspiring actors and models, in exchange for getting them to be in my art. That arrangement has worked very well for all parties concerned.

Without the pressure of having a meter running, the shoots tend to be casual, pressure-free and long... usually 6 to 8 hrs. There are a few drawbacks to this new approach though. I used to just get in the car and drive until I found a place to shoot; all I needed was a place to park the car. Now I have to schedule the models, provide wardrobe, determine what direction the shoot will take, decide location, and pray for the right weather (i.e. light). I always have a "plan B" in my back pocket that covers me for nearly any situation with the exception of a model cancelling (which has happened only twice in 12 months). I try to shoot at least one day every weekend, but usually I shoot both Saturday and Sunday. I've been blessed with some absolutely excellent models, all of whom have asked me for 2nd, 3rd and 4th shoots... I guess because they like the results, and besides, we have a lot of fun doing the shoot.

My focus keeps drifting toward fashion stuff... particularly since so many of my models are drop-dead gorgeous, and it's difficult not to let their beauty be my art ... an easy way out... like photographers who take pictures of sunsets and flowers and call it their art... (stealing beauty). I'm often guilty of that with my models.