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I'm a Commercial Photographer based in Fullerton, California and got my education in photography from Orange Coast College. My professional portfolio ranges from corporate and personal headshots, portraits, boudoir and fashion, to product photography, real estate, architectural and landscapes.

I have commercial clients that often request lifestyle photos to include models, either handling or using their product, or parts of models such as hands holding their products. On these occasions I always tell clients that the models are paid, and never accept work where my models aren't paid for commercial work.

In non-commercial work, I welcome TFP opportunities with the right models to expand both of our portfolios, and tend to invite models I've worked with in the past in TFP, to model in paid shoots as they become available. One thing that needs to be said up-front, because I see this far too often on MM, is that if a model's profile suggests that the model is a prima donna, I won't work with that model. I've gone through hundreds of model profiles and came across many "perfect models" for commercial shoots only to read the model's profile and be let down. I've also come across many amateur beginner profiles who see themselves as professionals with the right to command the photo shoot itself. If a beginner aspiring model profile includes the words, "get in touch with me and I'll let you know when I'm available", that model already failed the photographer. Commercial photo shoots aren't done on the model's schedule.

Rule 1: You're not allowed to bring an escort to a paid commercial shoot. Commercial shoots are done in public places, studios, and at client sites, not in a GWC's back yard. It reflects badly on the photographer when the model brings an escort to the photo shoot, and it's unacceptable. By all means, bring one to a TFP shoot if you feel unsafe, but paid commercial photo shoots are not the place for escorts. Be a professional, not an amateur.

Rule 2: We need to get to know each other before the shoot, not on the day of the shoot. I make every effort to meet the model before the shoot and so should the model. A face to face prior to the shoot is a must. I'm not there to hit on you or for a date, but go for a cup of coffee and discuss your experience. It's ok if you don't have any. Nobody starts out experienced. I had no idea what I was doing for at least the first year of my career, so feel comfortable telling me your lack of or extensive experience. If you show up for a photo shoot and we just met, the first hour is wasted on getting comfortable with each other, which incidentally may never happen, which ruins the photo shoot. Meet and communicate. Again, be professional not amateur.

I'm open to shooting models for their portfolios and I get requests to shoot at Salton Sea, Joshua Tree, the Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley, and Eastern Sierras, dry desert lake beds, Carlsbad flower fields, etc. all the time. I don't expect to be paid nor do I expect to pay the model for these shoots. I also don't expect to pay the model's expenses if an overnight is required, nor do I expect the model to pay mine. These are portfolio builders, and everyone's responsible for themselves. If you have some creative ideas, let me know. I'll bring my equipment, you bring your talent, we'll talk about ideas on the way and make it happen.

Lastly, I get a lot of friend requests from retouchers and make-up artists. I do most of my own retouching, and only occasionally hire local retouchers where I can meet and discuss work in person. The same rule applies to make-up artists.

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