Interview With Jessica Brown

 This week's interview is with a great model that I found on facebook., Jessica Brown. You will find out that she is more than just a pretty face in the crowd. Jessica has the style, and grace to make it to the top as a glamor, and pin up model, or any style she desires to be a part of.

1. What is the meaning behind your name?

Jessica could also be a feminine form of the male name Jesse, which is from the Hebrew 'yishai', meaning "gift".  (That's what this site told me LMAO)

2. Where were you born, and grow up?

I was born in Tulsa, OK and lived there until 2000, then moved to Gettysburg PA because of my dads work.

3. How old were you when you starting modeling?

I've been modeling for a 1.5 years now so i was 20.

4. What made you want to be a model?

I never really thought about modeling, because i assumed you had to be tall and skinny. My friend Stix who is a drummer, asked me to do a photo shoot with him and a few other girls, so i agreed and LOVED it!@

5. What style do you prefer when modeling?

I guess I would say print modeling. I like doing a lot of styles, Sexy, Glamor, Pin Up, Fashion, Editorial etc.

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

No unfortunately I am not making $ with modeling, Yet. I'm a Hairstylist full time! :)

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

I like one that can give me his ideas as well as listen to mine, so together we create a fantastic image. I can pose myself, but i love direction from the photographer to perfect posing since he's seeing what will make the shot!

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

I prefer on location because it's always unique and different, you can use nature or the location to make the shot better.

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

 I mostly go alone to shoots so I don't bore the crap out of the escort and i feel more comfortable when im not being watched! But i have traveled to shoots with other models that were also shooting at the same time and with the same photographer, makes for good conversation and isn't as lonely!

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

 When i first started my mom worried a lot and asked for lots of info, it was quite annoying. But now she's very supportive and excited when i tell her about upcoming gigs and stuff!

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

 I don't mind working with other models, but I'm definitely more than okay with working by myself.

12. Sexual Orientation?

 I'm straight, but I'm attracted to females as well, how can you not be, some girls are just beautiful!

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

 I have not worked with a male model YET.

14. What is your favorite junk or comfort food?

 Crabs, then Chocolate

15. What do you sleep in?

Shorts and t shirt

16. Dogs or Cats?

 Dogs

17. How many tattoos do you have?

 Two, one on my right shoulder blade, and a big side piece

18. Showers or Baths?

 Showers

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

 Sexy

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

 Sleep in, find something to do that makes me happy :)

21. Do you like interacting with your fans?

 I do, but I'm very humble so sometimes I may be shy about it or embarrassed.

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

 I Tell them how it is, in a stern but professional way.

23. Are you single?

 Yes, my choice

24. T.V Or Computer?

 Computer

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

 Ughh Yes

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

 Be unprofessional

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

 I hope to continue until i feel like i shouldn't anymore, i enjoy it so much i don't want to quit.

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

 I'm way more than just a pretty face, I'm REAL, mature, genuine, trustworthy, i enjoy hunting, fishing, archery, motorcycles, tattoos, piercings, art, music, hard rock, Godsmack, boating, Key west, Bahamas, dancing and many other things.

29. When home alone what is your perfect day?

 Waking up well rested and happy, blasting music, being productive, then i need to see someone  i don't like being alone all day.

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

  There are tons of things that i would like to have! From shoes, to clothes, bags, accessories etc.

31. Where else can fans find you?
Facebook-
Facebook Model Page
Model Mayhem


  
So, what did you think? Don't you just love her. I am dying to work with her as soon as possible. If I can set up a shoot with her. I will post pictures as soon as I have them edited.

Next week's interview is with another great model, Becki Doll.

Until next time "Keep your eye on the subject, and your finger on the shutter"

Interview With Jessica Franklin

Hello folks! This week I bring you glamor nude model Jessica Franklin. I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica several times over the last few years, and she never stops amazing me with her talent. Jessica is the type of model who's pictures tell amazing stories. If you want your images to have fire in them get this girl in front of your camera. She is every photographer's dream. She is always there, and game for just about everything. She will make your job easy. Just pot the camera, and snap the shot. She will do the rest.

 

 

1. What is the meaning behind your name?

It’s my birth name and I feel that if your gonna express yourself through modeling you should be true to
who you are

2. Where were you born, and grow up?

Born and raised in Westminster, MD

3. How old were you when you starting modeling?

25yrs old

4. What made you want to be a model?

Took some pictures for a old boyfriend and a friend of mine who is a model suggested I create a profile on Model Mayhem to see how many hits I get. After my first shoot I was totally hooked and I absolutely love it

5. What style do you prefer when modeling?

I will shoot pretty much anything but my favorite is Glamour and Glamour Nude

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

I currently shoot full time since I do not have any other job at the moment. However that is soon to change and modeling will be a weekend thing for me.

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

I like a mix of both. Like every other person I have my off days where my brain just is not working.

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

I like to shoot on location. This is because is gives me a broad spectrum of things to work with. My biggest opponent in modeling is open space.

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

I go on shoots alone. There were a few shoots I've taken escorts with me to.

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

They are completely supportive. They look at it as I’m a grown woman and can make my own choices. My dad just makes jokes about letting him know if I end up on any websites so he knows not to go on them LOL!’

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

I mostly work alone, but working with other models is a lot of fun. Especially when your chemistry on set just clicks it makes the pictures turn out so much better.

12. Sexual Orientation?

Bi-sexual

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

I’ve only worked with 2 male models all others have been female. But I’m open to working more with male models.

14. What is your favorite junk or comfort food?

Wow I don’t think I can name a favorite but I guess I could say anything chocolate. I eat 24/7 if I don’t have some type of food in my hand or with me at all times you know something is wrong with me.

15. What do you sleep in?

Anything from sexy PJs to sweats and a T-shirt

16. Dogs or Cats?

Love both but dogs are my favorite.

17. How many tattoos do you have?

5 and getting more

18. Showers or Baths?

Shower but I love long hot bubble baths.

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

Beautiful and alive. I feel its something I should of started long before I did.

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

Be completely lazy

21. Do you like interacting with your fans?

I always do my fans are my friends. I don’t have any stranger fans…yet.

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

There are always creepers emailing me on facebook but I just ignore them unless they are out of line in which I give them a piece of my mind and I’m definitely not nice about it.

23. Are you single?

Yes

24. T.V Or Computer?

Both

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

No I can’t say that I have.

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

Anything that can be considered Porn. I will not have sex on a shoot if I wanted to shoot porn I would be in California already doing it

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

As long as I want to and my good looks hold up.

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

Well most people know about my Cystic Fibrosis but you would never know unless I told you. But another thing for those that don’t hangout with me that I just keep in touch with such as old classmates for example would be shocked to know I don’t drink as much as people think I do. Yes I’m out a lot but I’m not always drinking. I don’t need alcohol to have a good time.

29. When home alone what is your perfect day?

Laying in bed watching movies and eating comfort food all day long.

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

No I don’t but hey it’s a good idea I just may have to start one and a fan page for my modeling

31. Where else can fans find you.

Jessica On Facebook (i will be creating a fanpage soon which I will update you with when its done)
Jessica On Model Mayhem

 

There you have it folks. A look into the life of Jessica Franklin. Did I live when I said you would love this girl. 

Next week I am bringing you a mode from across the pond, Lady Frankenstein stops by to answer a few question for us. 

Until next time "Keep Your Eye On The Subject, And Your Finger On The Shutter"

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.

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.