Interview With Katie Damron

This week's interview will be a treat for all that read this. This week we spent some time with one of the best artistic nude models in the business, Katie Damron. Not only is Katie a very skilled model, but a very talented musician as well. I have had the pleasure of hearing some of her original compositions, and the blew me away. I am sorry I don't have any to post her today, but maybe I will see if Katie will lend us one to post at a later date.

Now on with the interview...Enjoy!

       1. What is the meaning behind your name?

Well, Katie is my name... Damron was my middle name before I got married. My professional name is Katie Damron Potter. I used to go by a bunch of esoteric words and bits of phraseological fodder but you start to develop an identity complex after a while if you keep changing your name due to your mood or what not!

        2. Where were you born, and grow up?

I was born in Nashville, TN and grew up in Baltimore, MD.

 3. How old were you when you starting modeling?

I was actually 25. I used to be a professional ballet dancer but due to serious and permanent knee injuries that happened towards the end of my senior year of high school, I couldn't run with that career. With modeling, I still get to dance and use my body but I don't need to worry about having to endure 12-14 hours of constant movement 6 or 7 days a week.

       4. What made you want to be a model?

Heh, funny actually. I knew about model mayhem for a while because after college I was working at a Sephora as a makeup artist and I wanted to submit a makeup artist portfolio, however it kept getting rejected because the only pictures I had were of myself so I thought to myself... "hmm... I wonder what would happen if I randomly attempted to get on here as a model..." - heh, sure enough, first try - portfolio approved - first shoot 2 days later, was offered my first paid contract at that shoot. I had also just lost about 60 pounds that I picked up while in music school (good ol' Berklee potheads and 21-year-old alcoholic tendencies), and in the first 3 months I was modeling another 40 pounds came off... so that was a BIG inspiration!

 5. What style do you prefer when modeling?

My first three months as a model were pretty much spent underwater, actually. My first shoot was underwater portraits (I lived in Florida at the time), and the production company that did these photo shoots also had a video series. Apparently I took really naturally to the water, and in no time, a million random people had seen me die underwater and were digging it. Yeah, a bit twisted but that's just typical of my life! It was SO much fun, and man, working under 36,000 pounds of water pressure everyday will keep you in shape!

       6. Is modeling a full time job? If not what else do you do?

Modeling is a full time job, but I'm also a full time photographer. I picked up my first dSLR about six months into my modeling career. If i'm going to be involved in something, I like to be INVOLVED in something - my brain is like a sponge, so I pretty much learned incidentally from all of the photographers that I worked with.


       7. What type of photographer do you like. One that directs every move, or one that lets you just do your own thing?

Well, being a dancer and having been referred to - on many occasions - as an "endless dictionary of poses" - I'm not really good with the photographers who like to direct every single movement. I take direction - that's a totally separate issue - and, of course, if the photographer has a specific shot in mind that's also something else... but I've gotta be me, and I'm sporadic, random, flexible, creative and I've never had any complaints about that :)

       8. What do you like best. To shoot on set, or to shoot on location, and why?

I'm a location junkie. Considering the fact that I'd say about 95% of my work is completely nude, I totally love to indulge the exhibitionist in me. Also, there's only so much you can do in a studio... the great outdoors is always changing and is the best prop you'll ever have to work with. If it doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.

       9. Do you go on shoots alone, or do you take an escort?

If I'm getting the feeling from a photographer prior to our meeting that I'm going to want to have an escort with me I usually end up canceling the shoot. This is a professional line of work, and regardless of the presence or absence of clothing, it's nothing new to anyone involved - and speaking as a photographer - heh, you ain't got nothing I've never seen before. I've also come to learn - unfortunately due to a few really bad experiences - that if a photographer is REALLY insistent upon you NOT bringing an escort, there's a reason why... a reason that I don't need to find out.

      10. How do your parents feel about you being a model?

WELL... I guess a better question for me would be "do your parents know that you're a model?" And the answer to that would be "kinda..." - here's the deal - they know I model, but they're convinced that I'm some sort of catalog model or random internet perfume and makeup model. They also are pretty convinced that since I started working as a photographer, my modeling has pretty much all but completely tapered off. My parents are both in their 70s, so no - they do NOT know I do nudes (oddly they know that as a photographer, I shoot them and don't have a problem with that... my mother was a classical art major in college, she painted nudes for 6 years... and yet, if there's a camera involved it MUST be pornography... unless I'm the photographer, come on mom...). My husband's side of the family, however, and my mother's sister and her kids (heh, they're so much cooler than my mom) are very aware of exactly what I do and I have their full support.

      11. Do like to work alone, or do you mind working with other models.

As a former choreographer, I love working with other models but once again, it needs to be in a situation where a) i'm working with experienced models, b) we can flow through the movements without having to really think about it or discuss anything, c) they're as into the shoot as I am (it's like acting... it's hard to keep giving when you aren't being given anything to work with!) and d) it's not some lame sexually deprived GWC's attempt at getting chicks to hookup. Give me a break. Happens more often that you would think.

      12. Sexual Orientation?

Alive? LOL... i'm married (to a man), but I've never claimed to be straight. I've always been attracted to people over genders - plus, girls are hot!

      13. Do you like working with  male or female models better?

Depends on the situation. As a married woman, I don't like to do anything overtly sexual with a male model but I LOVE working with male models when there's some sort of deeply driven artistic motivation and we can become like sculptures and break out a grande pas de deux. Generally, I don't really get along with other females, but the ones that I do get along with are usually the same way. But it once again doesn't so much boil down to gender, it's experience and intent.


      14. What is your favorite junk or comfort food?

I'm addicted to Monster Java drinks! Umm, as far as junk food goes, I don't really eat it. Heh, I used to be over 100 pounds heavier than I am now and I am NEVER letting that happen again!

      15. What do you sleep in?

Au natural... started in college in Boston during the summer when we didn't have any AC in our apartment... now I can't handle having anything on my body while I sleep.

      16. Dogs or Cats?

Cats... they pretty much take care of themselves, your schedule doesn't revolve around when they need to go out, and heh... cats are smarter. Dogs are pretty dumb.

      17. How many tattoos do you have?

Seven at the moment, with about 15 more to go... oh, it's planned out... bring on the ink!

      18. Showers or Baths?

Who the hell has time to take a bath anymore?! And something about sitting in a warm pool of my own dead skin cells and grime kinda makes the whole "cleaning" process seem redundant.

      19. When you are in front of the camera what do you feel?

Wow... that's a tough one. I guess it depends on the situation. If you're referring to anxiety or stage-fright - hell no... honestly, I've never been afraid of cameras or crowds in my life - I thrive on them. I guess you could say that I feel really, genuinely, truly and fully alive in front of the camera.

      20. What do you like to do on your days off?

What days off? LOL... I'm a full-time photographer, too. Plus, I spend a LOT of time traveling as a model - so if I'm not shooting, I'm probably working on edits. I have no social life, but that's never really been a concern of mine.

      21. Do you like interacting with your fans?

Genuine fans, yes. Intelligent fans who appreciate art, absolutely. Fans who have nothing better to say than "you're hot"... not so much. It doesn't take any freaking talent to take your clothes off.

      22. How do you deal with fans that become let's say a problem?

I'll litigate at the drop of a hat, I have several active restraining orders out, don't mess with me. Trust me, you cannot afford to go up against my lawyers, it's not worth it.

      23. Are you single?

Not remotely.

      24. T.V Or Computer?

My TV is just background noise... I live on my computer.

      25. Have you had a bad experience during a photo shoot?

When I was a newer model I did some shoots that I kind of regret doing looking back on it, but every model goes through that. Once the glow of the limelight starts to fade, your brain starts to function again, too.

      26. What will you not do on a photo shoot?

I draw the line at sex toys. Other than that, I can't think of anything.

      27. How long do you think you will continue to model?

Until no one will shoot me! I'm almost 28 and I look about 18-20... so I'm not really worried about aging too quickly, I keep myself in incredible physical shape so I've got that working towards my advantage. I know that ultimately in the long run, photography is going to be my long-term career but really, I don't EVER have to completely stop modeling. I can't imagine doing that!

      28. What is the one thing most people don't know about you that would shock them if they knew?

Heh, good luck with that one. I'm a VERY open person... I really can't think of anything that would shock people about me. I definitely roll with a bit of insanity as it is, I don't really believe in censorship so after you've known me for all of two hours, you probably know more than you'd ever want to.

      29. When home alone what is your perfect day?

Haha, having my husband at work so I don't get distracted from editing, planning my shoots and travel schedules, working on my websites and portfolios and such. I NEVER clock out.

      30. Do you have a wish-list for fans to send you stuff?

LOL, yeah, but they can't afford it. Let's just say... I like ink (so any donations towards tattooing would be much appreciated) and I shoot a Canon 50D and a Canon 1D Mark II - gear makes me happy, too :) ... don't worry, I have my six lust lenses and a full-studio setup... I love filters (77mm, por favor!), light mods, gels, random fun... whatever!

      31. Where else can fans find you?

Model Mayhem - http://www.modelmayhem.com/katiedamron
Green Martini - http://www.greenmartini.com/katiedamronpotter
Facebook - Katie Damron Potter
ModelRun - Katie Damron
Model Insider - Katie Damron
ARTnudes network, two blogs (one as a photographer, one as a model)
Blogspot - A New Perspective
Tumblr - The Sky Is Here
and... as I am in the process of building this from nothing but code... katiedamron.net coming soon!

And, for the hell of it, you can find my photography at:
Model Mayhem - Katie Potter, kPOTTERartistic & KDPmetamorphoses
Green Martini - same portfolio
MyShutterspace - Katie Damron Potter
http://katiepotterphoto.smugmug.com (I pretty much only use it for proof galleries at this point, but there are still some galleries on display)
same deal as above... coming soon... http://katiepotter.net
Blogspot - A New Perspective
Tumblr - The Sky Is Here
ModelRun - Katie Potter
Model Insider - Katie Potter
Facebook - kPOTTERphotography
ARTnudes network

Also, I've been published as a model and photographer all over the web, in print, in books... I'm not hard to track down!

Katie, thank you for giving my readers an inside look into what it is like to be an artistic nude model. I wish you much success in your life, and career.

 OK, folks that's all for this week's interview. I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. Be sure to check out Katie's work at the above locations, and book her if you have the chance. I have worked with her in the past, and I can tell you that you will not be disappointed. She is amazing at what she does.

Remember to share this interview by clicking the share buttons below.

Interview With Adelayde Orchid

Today I sat down with model Adelayde Orchid to find out a little more about her. Adelayde is one of my favorite models. I have worked with her 11 times in the past, and look forward to many more shoots. Enjoy the interview, and be sure to click the links below to find out more about this wonderful model, and person.

1. What is the meaning behind your name?

    Adelaide is a name that was in my family about a hundred years ago. I liked it, stole it, and made it my own a bit. Orchid... well, that's a flower.

2.  How old were you when you starting modeling?

     I had my first real photo shoot, when I was 22 years old. That was almost 5 years ago.

3.  What made you want to be a model?


      I aim to change the face of what is beautiful. Everyone is sick of fake women, and everyone knows they like a girl with a bit of an "edge." I am proud to be one of the many women who represent what is truly beautiful.

4.  What style do you prefer when modeling?

      I consider myself to be rather versatile. There are many styles that I want to try. I seem to be most comfortable naked, though.

5.  Is modeling a full time job? If not what else do you do?

     Modeling is not a full time gig for me. Maybe someday, but right now, I have to focus on raising my son, finishing my degree, and keeping my little family afloat. During the day, I work retail, and I also own my own small handmade jewelry business.

6.  . What type of photographer do you like. One that directs every move, or one that lets you just do your own thing?

      I guess that all really depends on the assignment. If it is an art project of my own, then I would like to do my own thing. That's about the only situation where I wouldn't mind a little direction every now and again.

7.   What do you like best. To shoot on set, or to shoot on location, and why.

       I have not had too many opportunities to shoot on set, so I would have to say that I enjoy working on location. The excitement of reaching our destination to get some great images is always a welcome feeling.

8. Do like to work alone, or do you mind working with other models.

    Most of the time, I do prefer to work alone. I am like that with the majority of the things I do, though. I do work well with others, when I have assignments that involve other models.

9.  Do you like working with  male or female models better?

    I do not have any experience working with male models, and I believe I have kept it that way for a reason. I find myself much more comfortable posing with other women.

10.  What is your favorite junk or comfort food?

      When I feel like indulging, I go straight for a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. <3

11.  What do you sleep in?

      When I can, I sleep in the nude. Most of the time, my son is sleeping in the next room, though, so I sleep in a t-shirt and panties.

12.  Dogs or Cats?

I used to be a strictly dog kind of girl, but I was recently won over by the sweetest kitten in the world. When my son's fish died, I got him a kitten. Cooper is absolutely the most adorable cat ever.

13.  How many tattoos do you have?

      Honestly, I lost count a couple of years ago. However, I do know that I have somewhere around 25 hours of work, head to toe.

14.  Showers or Baths?

      Both are amazing in the right situation. After a long day with a lot of manual labor or exercise, I love a steaming hot shower; but if I've had a long day of racking my brain, I love a nice, relaxing bath.

15.  What do you like to do on your days off?

      Most of my days off are packed with errands and child rearing. I've I'm lucky enough to have time while my son is at school or with his father for the weekend, I like to craft and adventure. The best days are when I get to just see where the day takes me.

16.   Do you like interacting with your fans?

       Fans? I have fans? ;P I just like interacting with people. It is even more awesome if they like my work.

17.  How do you deal with fans that become let's say a problem?

      How do I deal with creepers? Since most of the sites I am on have certain rules about certain things, I usually flag that person or their message. I have luckily never had any creepers bother me outside of the Internet, but I would handle that however the situation deemed necessary.

18.  Where were you born, and grow up?

      I was born about an hour south of Chicago, Illinois; when my father was in the US Air Force. When he had served his country for four years, we moved back to my parents' home state of Maryland. I have lived here, with the exception of a year in 2005, for my entire life.

19.  Are you single?

       I am currently single and loving it. <3

20. How long do you think you will continue to model?

      This is a question I had not put much thought into until now. I am 26 years old now, and I have been doing this for almost 5 year. I know I haven't done all of the amazing things I want, and have the potential to do. I guess I'll retire, when I feel I have truly accomplished those goals.

21. What is the one thing most people don't know about you that would shock them if they knew?

      Well, if they didn't know that I am a mother, the fact that I have a child would probably shock most people. I'm a tiny person. I guess people can't see me being all big and pregnant. I was though. Lol

22.  When home alone what is your perfect day?

       My perfect day, home alone, consists of purple fuzzy slippers, a Law & Order marathon, and my phone and computer turned off. I like to indulge in "me time."

23. Do you have a wish-list for fans to send you stuff.

     Adelayde's Wishlist can be found on Amazon

24.  Where else can fans find you.

My blog: I Am Not A Flower
Facebook Fan Pag
Twitter:  AdelaydeOrchid



Thank you for taking the time to let my readers to to know you a little better. I wish you much love and success in your life and career.

There you have it folks a look inside the mind of Adelayde Orchid.  As I said before be sure to check out this wonderful model. I am sure will not be disappointed.

That's all for me for now. Until next week when we bring you our next model interview.

Preview Of My Last Shoot

Yesterday, December 11, 2010, I shot with the beautiful Adelayde Orchid, and the lovely Amanda Watson at Shotz Studios in South Riding, VA. I would like to thank Doug Kean for hosting yesterday's event.

The theme of the shoot started out as a light bondage shoot, but quickly moved into more artistic and glamor nudes. The energy as amazing yesterday. Amanda & Adelayde gave their all in every shot as you will see from the pics below.

We will be doing a part two of this shoot next month, I am sure with just as much energy, and fun as we had yesterday. Not to mention the outstanding results from the day.

If you are a model that would like to take part in this event, or just set up a shoot please contact me at dbarrettphotography@gmail.com Please tell me how you found me, and what you are looking to shoot. I would also like to see two shots of you. One head shot, and one full body shot.

 
Please leave a comment if you like the shots, and want to see more.

More Pics From This Shoot Can Be See Here

What Shutter Speed Should I Use

– shutter speed is ‘the amount of time that the shutter is open

Back in the days when all you had was film before the world of digital cameras shutter speed was the length of time the film was exposed to the your subject. In digital photography it is very much the same. It is the time your sensor sees the scene you are shooting.

I will try to explain this further.

• # Shutter speeds available to you on your camera will usually double (approximately) with each setting. As a result you’ll usually have the options for the following shutter speeds – 1/500, 1/250, 1/125, 1/60, 1/30, 1/15, 1/8 etc. This ‘doubling’ is handy to keep in mind as aperture settings also double the amount of light that is let in – as a result increasing shutter speed by one stop and decreasing aperture by one stop should give you similar exposure levels (but we’ll talk more about this in a future post).
• # Some cameras also give you the option for very slow shutter speeds that are not fractions of seconds but are measured in seconds (for example 1 second, 10 seconds, 30 seconds etc). These are used in very low light situations, when you’re going after special effects and/or when you’re trying to capture a lot of movement in a shot). Some cameras also give you the option to shoot in ‘B’ (or ‘Bulb’) mode. Bulb mode lets you keep the shutter open for as long as you hold it down.
• # When considering what shutter speed to use in an image you should always ask yourself whether anything in your scene is moving and how you’d like to capture that movement. If there is movement in your scene you have the choice of either freezing the movement (so it looks still) or letting the moving object intentionally blur (giving it a sense of movement).
• # To freeze movement in an image (like in the surfing shot above) you’ll want to choose a faster shutter speed and to let the movement blur you’ll want to choose a slower shutter speed. The actual speeds you should choose will vary depending upon the speed of the subject in your shot and how much you want it to be blurred.
•  
• # Motion is not always bad – I spoke to one digital camera owner last week who told me that he always used fast shutter speeds and couldn’t understand why anyone would want motion in their images. There are times when motion is good. For example when you’re taking a photo of a waterfall and want to show how fast the water is flowing, or when you’re taking a shot of a racing car and want to give it a feeling of speed, or when you’re taking a shot of a star scape and want to show how the stars move over a longer period of time etc. In all of these instances choosing a longer shutter speed will be the way to go. However in all of these cases you need to use a tripod or you’ll run the risk of ruining the shots by adding camera movement (a different type of blur than motion blur).
• # Focal Length and Shutter Speed - another thing to consider when choosing shutter speed is the focal length of the lens you’re using. Longer focal lengths will accentuate the amount of camera shake you have and so you’ll need to choose a faster shutter speed (unless you have image stabilization in your lens or camera). The ‘rule’ of thumb to use with focal length in non image stabilized situations) is to choose a shutter speed with a denominator that is larger than the focal length of the lens. For example if you have a lens that is 50mm 1/60th is probably ok but if you have a 200mm lens you’ll probably want to shoot at around 1/250.

I hope this helps you understand shutter speeds a little better.

This article was taken from www.digital-photography-school.com. This is a great source for photography tips, and trick. I am sure you will be able to find what you are looking for here if you have any questions pertaining to photography.

Until Next Time,
Duke

 

Shooting On Location

I have a lot of photographer friends that swear the only way to shoot is in a studio. I don't subscribe to the idea. I have been a location shooter since I started in photography, and I love being outside during a shoot. This is not to say I will not shoot in a studio. Because I have many times with great results. But to me there are so much more you can do on location that you can not do in the studio. I guess that works both ways not that I think about it, but I am still sticking to location shooting.

• Before You Show Up For The Shoot -Before you meet your model on location it is always a good idea to visit the location and walk the area to get a sense of what your surroundings are going to be for the shoot. You want to know what and where you want to shoot with your model before you get there. You want to know what is around you because you could be missing out on a great spot just a few feet from you if you don't know it's there.
• Know the type of people that visit the location-When you visit your location take note of the type of people walking around or just hanging out. You don't want to show up for a nude shoot and there are families have a picnic right in the middle of your set. I know this from experience. I let a model pick a location once, and never visited the site before the shoot only to find several families hanging out in the exact spot  where we were supposed to be shooting erotic images. We were able to find another location in the park within in an hour that would work for what we were doing, but it could have been avoided if  I had visited the park, and taken note that it was a family friendly park. 
• Shooting Nudes-Most people know that it is illegal to be nude in public, but we photographers, and models push that law everyday. You have to be prepared in case someone walks up on your set. I always have an assistant with me to look for passerbys, and police. I always have my model bring a cover up that we keep within arm reach in case she needs to cover up before someone reaches you. The last thing you want is for someone to call the police and ruin your shoot. Know what you want to shoot, and how you are going to shoot it before the model is naked. This limits the chance of someone walking up on you, and being offended by your model being nude in public. Take your shots, have the model cover up, review your shot, decide if you need to shoot more. I now this can break the flow that a model and photographer achieve during the shoot, but it will keep everyone out of jail. I like to use 10-15 minute sets before cover ups. Move to a new location and come back to this location if need be. You don't want to stay in one area too long in case someone has seen you from a far. 
• Use The Trees-Trees work as a natural diffuser for your flash. Yes, I like to use a flash outdoors, during the day as a fill flash. Shooting under a canopy of trees will cut down on the harsh light from the sun, and limit shadows. You many need to make EV and shutter adjustments in order to achieve and evenly lit image. 
• Time Of Day-Typically, lighting is softer (more diffuse) and warmer in hue, and shadows are longer. When the Sun is near the horizon, sunlight travels through more of the atmosphere, reducing the intensity of the direct light, so that more of the illumination comes from indirect light from the sky (Thomas 1973, 9–13), reducing the lighting ratio. More blue light is scattered, so that light from the Sun appears more reddish. In addition, the Sun's small angle with the horizon produces longer shadows.
  
  “Hour” is used here quite loosely. The character of the lighting is determined by the Sun's altitude, and the time for the Sun to move from the horizon to a specified altitude depends on a location's latitude and the time of year[2] (Bermingham 2003, 214). In Los Angeles, California, at an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset, the Sun has an altitude of about 10°–12°.[3] For a location closer to the equator, the altitude is greater (or the time less), and for a location farther from the equator, the altitude is less (or the time greater). For a location sufficiently far from the equator, the Sun may not reach an altitude of 10°, and the golden hour lasts for the entire day in certain seasons.
  
  In the middle of the day, the bright overhead Sun can create too-bright highlights and dark shadows. The degree to which overexposure can occur varies because different types of film and digital cameras have different dynamic ranges. This harsh-lighting problem is particularly important in portrait photography, where a fill flash is often necessary to balance lighting across the subject's face or body, filling in strong shadows that are usually considered undesirable.
  
  Because the contrast is less during the golden hour, shadows are less dark, and highlights are less likely to be overexposed. In landscape photography, the warm color of the low Sun is often considered desirable to enhance the colours of the scene.
  
  Film director Terrence Malick has used this technique in films such as Days of Heaven (Singleton 2000, 176) and The New World, and film director Stanley Kubrick made extensive use of the golden hour in "Full Metal Jacket" among others. (This segment taken from Wikipedia)

In closing shooting on location require just as much if not more set up time than studio shooting. But in my option the rewards are much greater. For one you get to be outdoors for a few hours with a beautiful model, and do something you love. Can you think of a better way to spend a day. 

First Shoot With Lizzy Kealer

On Saturday I had my first shoot with Lizzy Kealer for Eroticbmp.com. We did two sets in about 6 hours, and had a lot of fun. The first set was based around the theme of Lizzy being a rave DJ that really gets into what she is doing, and starts to strip down from the heat being generated from the music, and the crowd. Lizzy was such a joy to work with, and I would work with her any day of the week. I am posting a few pictures as a preview of her set on eroticbpm. Be sure to check out her other set on the site. I am sure you will love her as much as I loved working with her.

  

The second set we shoot that day was in the hot tub. We used a flashlight as the only light source, and did some really hot poses in the hot tub. With the steam, it being a full moon, and the hotness of Lizzy what could go wrong. I can tell you nothing did go wrong. Lizzy made it all go right.  I look forward to working with her again very soon.


From Lizzy Kealer about the shoot:
"Loved shooting with you yesterday. We definitely had a lot of fun. I can't wait to see how the photos came out! I look forward to shooting with you again hopefully soon!"

To find out more about Lizzy you can follow her blog at Geek Chica.

Why I Shoot

I have been asked the question why I am so attacked to photography a million times, and I sure I will be asked this question a million times more before replace my lens cap for the last time. One would think I would
be tired of answering that question, but to be honest I don't think I could ever get tired of that question. I see that one question as a way for someone to get to know a little more about me, and who I am. It is a way for the to live my life for just 5 minutes as I tell them about my love for photography, and what it means to me. It is a way for me to share with the world what God has given to me.

I never thought I would love photography as much as I do today. If you would have asked me to take a picture of something 15 years ago I would have done it, but there would have been no thought or love in the taking of that one image. The spark in me had not been lit as of yet. I always liked taking pictures at family function, but never thought much about what I was doing, or even cared what the pictures looked like at the end of the day. I just snapped away trying to finish the roll of film so I could move on to something else. But, 10 years ago I bought a point and shoot camera on ebay, and my life changed. I can't say what changed with the purchase of the camera, I just know something had changed. I looked at this camera as if it were some new invention that the world had never seen before, and wanted to be the first to figure out how to use it, and how to create art with it. I started taking pictures of everything I saw. But I did not just put the camera in front of my face, and push the shutter. I started looking at my subjects as I thought others would see them as they view my images. I tried to think outside of my own head, and I still do this today. I carried that Minolta Dimage Z1 everywhere I went. I took pictures of people on the street, buildings, trash, water, tree. You name it I took a picture of it, But, I did not just want to take picture. I wanted to take an image that would wow people when they say what I had done. Right away people started telling me I had a great eye for photography. I had no idea what that meant, but it made me feel good, and want to shoot even more. 

I will not bore you with every little detail that got me to to where I am am today. I will just tell you that over the next few years I bought several cameras, and started gaining recognition as someone who took a pretty good picture.

So, why is it that I love photography, and I love to shoot as much as I can. It is very simple. Photography gives me a since of joy that I can't find anywhere else. Photography uses more than just my eye as it's tool, it uses my mind's creativity in ways I would have never thought of using it. Photography is not just about putting a camera at something, and pushing the shutter. It is about becoming a part of that subject for just a second. I see the final image before I push the shutter. Photography is my way of giving the world a small part of me through art. Some may say that photography is not an art for like painting or sculpture, but it truly is an art form. To capture an image that evokes emotion in a person is no less impressive that to paint an image that does the same for a person. I look at photography as a way for me to show the world what I see though my eyes. People may not always like what I see, but they will always get a true vision of what I see. This is why I love photography, an why I love to shoot. It is because photography is as much a part of me as I am a part of it. We are bond for life.

Make You Model Comfortable

It is important to create a clear process for directing the model’s movements and poses. There are many ways to do this, but I will give you an example of one way that has worked well. I have found that is best to work a model through a series of “freezes” or “lockouts”. You can start from the feet and work your way up. For example, start by saying “keep your left foot straight and turn your right foot to the right, good, lock your feet. Now open your hips towards the right, good, lock your hips. Now put your hands on your hips and open your shoulders in the same direction as your hips, good, lock your shoulders,” and so on. This clarity of communication will be appreciated by all as it allows the model to follow directions in a repetitive fashion which can help to eliminate their discomfort and nerves.

Another way to communicate with your model, in a positive way, is to show them the good shots that you have taken. Many models can become crippled by the thought of what their shots actually look like as the shoot goes on. By showing them the good shots you have, you will boost their confidence and make them more comfortable during the shoot.

On the most basic level, you should always talk with your model frequently. Make conversation (staying away from religion and politics). Talking with your model during a shoot is yet another way to minimize their discomfort and put them at ease. Speak with your model in a normal manor. Do not talk down to them or get upset when they are not understanding your directions. Getting visually upset with a model is a very quick way to get your model to shut down, and your images will suffer.

Remember to always stay professional. Being a professional with your model goes a long way in making them feel comfortable, especially if working with someone for the first time, or shooting nudes. There are many cases where you have worked with a model in the past, and have a relationship with that model, and can loosen the strings a little.