Helping newbies (Aspiring Models) start or build their ports with professional looking images is my specialty.  My preferred work is Editorial and Glamour with female models.  I also enjoy working with models that just do this as a hobby.  I currently don't shoot couples, male models (Sorry fellas), families or children for trade (TFCD). 

~ My Model Release Form
~ My Model Mayhem Photoshop Wizard/Retoucher Page
~ My Facebook Photo Albums - Like the whole page or individual photos.
~ My Personal Facebook Page - Do NOT add me - for information only!

I shoot on location and do not have a studio.  You should expect an invitation for a trade (TFCD) shoot to follow a friend request/acceptance.  Nearly every question you could possibly have about getting started shooting is answered on my Aspiring Models Page.  All that's left to figure out is when and where.  So check it out and send me a message so we can do just that. 

5 Quick Tips For Novice Models:
1.  Practice your facial expressions in a mirror every day.
2.  Participate in at least ONE photo shoot every week.
3.  Don't Squint when shooting outdoors.
4.  Make your pictures in your social network sites (FB, Instagram, etc.) public.
5.  Make a Model Mayhem List to show what you'd like in your portfolio.

I am a serious Amateur Photographer (Semi-Pro) and Independent Film Maker.  I often travel to and will be moving back to the RTP [NC] area sometime in the future.  I will shoot lifestyle and boudoir style images in your home, garden or other agreed upon location.  You would be hard pressed to find a better Photographer/Retoucher in the area that still performs trade work (TF) .  Just look at the diversity in my portfolio images.  My web publications include HerBodyArt.com and many others.



I tend to lean toward vibrant and colorful images with the model as the main focus.  In a nutshell, my goal is for captures to be technically accurate, well composed and not anything too artsy.  Whenever practical, I believe in using the "rule of thirds" to add visual interest to a photo.  You might consider it dull or boring, but I like level horizons and balanced composition.  I also strive to accomplish accurate color rendering, though sometimes I will enhance or exaggerate this element in keeping with my goal for vibrancy.  This is one reason I will nearly always ask a model to select bright colors (red, pink, orange, yellow, etc.) in their wardrobe choices when shooting with me.

Escorts

Let me start off by saying I encourage models to have some form of safety plan in place.  This is a crazy world we live in and your safety should be your first priority.  In fact, I expect models to have an escort when shooting with me or any photographer for the first time.  Subsequent shoots - not so much.

Unless discussed ahead of time, it will be you, me and the camera at our photo shoot.  As long as they are not a distraction, a friend, parent, escort, MUA, etc. of your choosing is more than welcome to come along.  However, by all means don't bring a controlling husband or boyfriend, as I do not like drama when I'm shooting. 

Should you choose to bring an "escort", please explain to them ahead of time their role in the photo shoot shall be extremely limited.  They are not there to chat and giggle with you.  They are not there to offer fashion tips, make-up advice or tell me which angle to shoot from.  They are not to interfere with the shooting process in any matter whatsoever, unless they are asked to assist (ie. help carry equipment, etc.). 

On numerous photos shoots when an escort was present, I have witnessed models unable to let loose and feel at ease because their "friend" was watching.  Conversely, by the first wardrobe change, models that come alone usually see that I am very professional and they find they can relax and work on getting the shots they want and/or need for their portfolio.  Actually, the best escorts either a) sit in the car and wait, or b) is another model that can change into her next outfit while I'm shooting you. 

And finally, an escort means ONE person, that has a cell phone and can call the authorities if the need arises.  If you bring someone that makes me feel uncomfortable, don't be surprised or upset if I decline to shoot with you that day.  My personal safety as well as that of my equipment is important to me as well.

Pet Peeves

1.  Mayhem members that do not credit their photos.
2.  Mayhem members that do not respond to messages.  A simple, "Thanks but I'm not interested" takes how long?
3.  Mayhem members that say they will get back to you, but never do.
4.  And like most members, I abhor FLAKES.

And lastly, Mayhem members that say, "I no longer offer TFP unless I feel it will benefit my port."  So in other words, you only want to help yourself.  I think this is commonly referred to as being selfish, which is not a good quality.  Don't shoot with me, because I'd rather let the dentist drill around in my mouth for 2 hours, than shoot with another "Diva".  However, this community is filled with novice photographers that one day might become highly skilled (no thanks to you) and be the photographer on the set when you finally get your big break.  At that point, you'd better hope they do not have anything close to an Eidetic memory.

Conversely, giving is often more rewarding than receiving, which is a paraphrase of Acts 20:35.  Just something a guy named Jesus said.

Obviously this does not apply to every situation, such as those that model full-time for a living.  Nor am I saying you should blindly agree to shoot with every GWC, but this community is by far the largest of its kind, and as a community, we all should be trying to help one another get better as time permits.

Custom Video Shoots

Since 2011, I have shot a couple hundred models found here on MM and maintaining the list has become too much of a chore.  If you're wanting references, please check with models on my Credited Photos Page.

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