September Art Nude Photo Workshop #1

by photoanthems | Sep 11, 2008 | Blog

“How many Licks…”

“Photography to the amateur is recreation, to the professional it is work, and hard work too, no matter how pleasurable it my be.” -Edward Weston

I’m starting to make some headway into this backlog of photo edits. I still have a ways to go, but at least I’m on a roll and have knocked out a good chunk of all I had to do. Well, the first of my September workshops is in the record books. I keep getting from the participants that each one is the best yet. I’m glad they’ve enjoyed them so much, but the pressure seems to mount each time I set up another model and location. This last model, Clarissa, was one of Jeff’s finds. He did a personal shoot with her and then recommended her to me for a workshop. I’m glad he did. This was a very interesting girl with a even more intriguing story behind her. She is a real trooper. This girl was certainly not bashful and she didn’t mind getting dirty. As you can see from the redness on her back, butt, and feet, she was all over the place. At times I was uncomfortable with her fearlessness. She got up high once but she could handle it.

All in all the event was a success, but just like in most cases, I was glad when it was over. Just dealing with all the coordinations to set it up were mind boggling and this event brought on challenges that would have felled a lesser organizer with ease. But hey, I was up for the challenge and I prevailed! Hooah! The first image up top is courtesy of good friend and photog, J.L. Wolfe, who shot this most opportune image of the back of my head as I was focusing on the model. What a great shot!

One of my other challenges has been to figure out what to do with the overwhelming response to my casting calls when I need models. I do one or maybe two workshops a month. I get way more responses than that and end up turning down excellent models or at least asking them to wait til the next one, which is when you lose them or never hear back. These girls don’t like to feel second to anybody. I tend to book fairly quickly. Most times, when a model sees my casting and responds, I’ve already met with someone, interviewed, and booked. Then I’m left asking them to wait for the next one.

I need more paid gigs for my Las Vegas Art Models Group. I do more TFP work for my independent art, but I put together my group to help get more paid gigs for models who might not have many nude venues to work outside of schools and universities or photogs who just want to see a girl naked. I considered acting in the capacity of an agency, but that’s not really where my heart is. I get requests for models, but they are not as consistant as I’d like. I’d much rather sponsor my own events, but then you get into the area of availability of photogs who’ll pay. My workshops are fairly reasonable, but in a recent lighting seminar in my other group, the Las Vegas Photographic Society, we had several people RSVP to be there and then only 1 showed up. I have my group advance pay to avoid this, but too many events will only result in less participation. I don’t have the market to sustain more events just yet. I must admit, if I had the means to pay the models out of pocket, I’d be holding an event every week. I’m sure that would grow the group well enough til the numbers support the effort.

At one point, I thought about creating a blog for my LVAMG in addition to this one. That’s a no-go. Maintaining a blog is not the easiest thing to do. Content, time, and the committment to maintain it can be extensive. So this makes me wonder why another fairly prominent art nude blog chose to shut down. Imogens, just made its last post recently. I have no idea why, but I did notice they moved their operations from Blogger to WordPress, then began posting less frequently. No explanation was given, but I kind of wish someone else were allowed to take it over and maintain it. There was some good stuff there.

And I’ll end with a new link to a fabulous to the website of a young painter, Erin Jones. (Also, Click ->Here for her blog link). She’s a good friend of mine and has become the best living artists I know. I don’t make that statement lightly. The girl is good. I haven’t seen her do any nudes, but you’ll like her work nonetheless. Erin proved very inspirational to me despite her young age. She’s a 20-something emerging artist with the wisdom of someone another 20 years her senior. I miss our long talks, debates, and conversations. She’s got excellent insight and is someone good to bounce soul searching questions off of. Trust me, I take full advantage.

Welcome to TNAP, Lissa

by photoanthems | Sep 3, 2008 | Blog

“Lissa in Portraiture”

I really love what I am doing in photo right now. I’m still behind on my editing. I’m getting the crap beat out of me working the night shift. I’m short of cash on hand. And I’m still transitioning from the lifestyle of one residence into that of a new one. I can’t tell a Thursday from a Tuesday and right now, I should be in bed. But what am I doing instead… trying to entertain and share with you on my blog. Why, *coming back full circle*, because I really love what I am doing in photo right now.

One of the reasons I like this is because right now, I don’t have any expectations. I have dreams, desires, passions, and loves. I crave some new equipment. But I don’t really have expectations. This is not income driven. I am not under someone else’s deadline. I’m not prepping for contests trying to beat submission deadlines. I have the option to shoot what I like. Though its not always easy, I get to shoot a model most any time I need. I love that women are comfortable enough with me to pose for me. I know part of the reason for this is because when they look through my portfolio, they can see themselves in it. Its not full of all the high fashion glamour. I mainly use the girl you might see driving past your car on the interstate on her way to work at the local Five and Dime. They can identity with what I do, is what I think.

I’ve got great mentors, like Dave Rudin, Iris Dassault, and Chris St. James; all of whom have had integral involvements in launching my site and blog. I might add again, that its good to have Chris back. He’s got to make another trip to the hospital, and has given me permission to post on Univers d’ Artistes! I don’t know what I’ll do with all that power. All I can think of is Uncle Ben telling Peter Parker, “With great power comes great responsibility!”. Anyway, since then, I’ve made several other connections via the web, my Las Vegas Art Models Group, The Las Vegas Photographic Society, and more. I’ve held figure drawing venues in the World Market Center that were perused by people of influence who eventually commissioned work from some of the attending artists and established deeper connections for more paid work and sales. This, all in just my first year.

So photographically speaking, I really have nothing to complain about. Well, maybe except wanting to do it more and have the time to do it. I just need to be patient with it and learn to better work with what I have. My personal life has left me unable to think at times. Even then, I’ve had my good friends Felix and Summer to think for me. I kid you not: I’ve been so exhausted lately, I’ve made some blunders. Felix and Summer have been there to smack me with a good one across the cheeks to wake me back up. Jeff has been a blessing to allow me into his home when things got too dicey at my own, even though money has been tight as hell. So what adjustments has he had to make to living with a new roommate, well twice just this past week, he’s come home to discover naked chicks lounging around the house. Not bad, huh.

Speaking of which, this is Lissa, one of the naked chicks lounging around on Jeff’s furniture. I think she’s a pretty remarkable woman. I contacted her because she’s a member of the Group and we don’t have many group members model who actually model. I’ve been going through deleting out members who are inactive or never do anything or make any contributions. Lissa had a pic posted and I asked her about doing some actual modeling. She’s done a little bit before, but nothing on a regular basis. We interviewed last week and I shot her in Jeff’s place. That was the longest shoot I’d done in quite some time. It was the way she looked into the lens that had me releasing the shutter so many times. I was doing this without ANY sleep from the night before. Maybe it shows in my work, but I think I got some really good shots. As soon as I get half way done with her edits, I’m getting her back out here for some more. She’s a lovely muse.

Oh and my website doubled in traffic for the month of August! Yeah, I’m lovin’ it.

The Road to Phoenix

by photoanthems | Aug 30, 2008 | Blog

“Metalworks in back of the P.A.M.”

This weekend I am doing nothing but editing photos. I’ve got a nice backlog of material to pour through. Over the last month, things have really shaken up on my end. I’m having to get used to working a night shift. As of yet, I’ve still been unable to manage my normal habits of eating and sleeping. I am still attempting to get normal daily activities done during the day and before you know it, I realize I have to get ready to go back to work again! Then it turns into a battle of sheer will and determination to stay awake and do my job. In addition to that, my computer was down for a while until I was able to get it replaced, (thanks Garrett), and not long after that, I ended up relocating into a different residence. Its has been a whirlwind, to say the least.

Last weekend was another spontaneous and impromptu road trip. This time I went to Phoenix. There’s no adventuresome or daring outdoor feats of bravery or skill involved, but it does get a little…odd. Okay, let me give you some brief background info. My kids have spent most of their lives in Tennessee which is where they are now. They are both grown up now. They had a childhood best friend whom was at my house all the time partially because my ex-wife did home daycare, but also because she lived in the neighborhood and visited often. Well, when she was 10, she moved away to Arizona. I hadn’t seen or heard from this child until a year ago when she found me on the web and contacted me about doing a photo shoot with her. She is no longer a child. She goes by the moniker, Tish Terror.

I initially objected! But over the course of time, I concented. She’s over 18 now and makes up her own mind. Setting all weirdness aside, my main concern was that her mom was gonna track me down and beat my ass! Well, thankfully that hasn’t happened (yet). I think the shoot was a little awkward for the both of us initially. I think we’ll do better work, the next time we shoot. Most often that’s the case anyway. A first time nude shoot can be disconcerting to say the least for any young art model. All in all, we had lots of fun and the trip was one of the best road trips yet.

Felix and Summer came along on two days notice! That’s why I love them. I want to say a special thank you to Sue Robinson at the Marriott TownePlace Suites in Phoenix. I had a problem with my room arrangements when I got down there. I had requested a room with a separate sleeping area from the living room at a sister property just in front of the Towne Place Suites. Sue got me a room in her hotel that not only had my original request but she also got us a room that had seperate bedrooms. THEN she dolled up Summer’s room with candy and BEN & JERRY’S! It was a huge surprise for Summer who drove the entire 5 and a half hours, there and back. The bedding was the best I’ve slept on in a while. So you know where I’ll be staying when I head back to Phoenix. It was adorable with excellent rates. I fully recommend it.

In addition to that (yes, this was a full weekend), we shot downtown Phoenix late that night. Surprisingly, there was not much activity going on for a major city on the weekend. It was certainly not like Vegas which may be an unfair comparison. We also got to visit the Phoenix Art Museum and check out my man, Edward Weston’s MEXICO exhibit. This work was part of his time before Charis Wilson of whom I am much more familiar. His muse at during this time period is Tina Modotti, who also became an avid photographer. It would seem that Edaward would have not gotten very far without the women in his life. Both Modotti and Wilson made major contributions to his efforts in photography.

So now, I am going to attempt catching up with my photo edits this weekend, get organized into my new place with Jeff, and figure out how I’ll make all of this work out. You can expect some more images from some other models I shot while interviewing for upcoming photo workshops for my Las Vegas Art Models Group. They’ll be coming soon.

Chris…

by photoanthems | Aug 28, 2008 | Blog

Short and simple this time. More to come soon.

Welcome back, Chris St. James of Univers d’ Artistes. We have missed you at the helm, my friend. I breathe easy, now.

Terrell

Because Unbearable Lightness said…

by photoanthems | Aug 20, 2008 | Blog

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

I’m almost willing to guess that I am probably the only nude art photog posting images of himself. At least as far as guys are concerned I guess. You don’t see a Dave Rudin or a Dave Levingston doing this, but there are several people on deviantART who only post images of themselves. Why am I doing it… because Unbearable Lightness said so. I made a joking remark in the comment section of my latest post about Kolob Reservoir and the Narrows which has resulted in this post. But to be honest, its not all on UL. I’ve been wanting to do a project with myself as the model for some time. I had planned it since I was in school and just never did. I’ve been an art model since 1998 and was regular at it for at least 6 years. Then it became a not so regular thing. I’d pose for friends needing a subject and then while in Grad school from oh-5 til 0h-7, I’d volunteer for a weekly gig at the Murray Art Guild in KY on Wednesday mornings. Most people are under the perception that modeling like this is easy work. Most of the models who worked with me also had the same imagination. They don’t think like that anymore. Figure modeling for an art drawing class will let you know real quick if you have what it takes to do it. You get a pretty good idea right after the first 5 minutes into your pose.

I’ve loved being an art model. I’ve always found the roll as highly under appreciated, yet it has been such a necessity in art since the beginning of time. This is the primary reason I started the Las Vegas Art Models Group, although I admit I am still trying to get more of a balanced focus on Art Modeling and not so heavy on photography. I read and reviewed Sarah R. Phillips’ book, “Modeling Life” and reviewed it in 3 parts on my blog: Part I, Part II, Part III (In fact the book is in arm’s reach of me now.) I know its impractical, but I’d like to see more photographers taking a chance doing this. Experience on both ends of the lens gives so much insight and appreciation to an art model’s perspective. I am certain it has served well in my success in working with models. Granted, I know that not every photog should be nude in front of the camera. I’m going to go out on a limb and say its probably easier for a female photographer to do it than for males. When you think of fine art nudes, a dude is not the first impression that comes to mind. In many cases, photogs who shoot nudes, don’t do guys. I think in all, I’ve done about 5, some of which were part of a couple shoot. But I think you’d be surprised at yourself if you tried it. Besides, many of the greats have done self portraiture. Oh, by the way, feel free to click on the hyperlinks. Lots of good info there.

I’m still going to work on a self-portrait project, but for now, these none-project nudes will have to work. The first one is one of the few times I’ve posed with my model. I did this without a release from the model so while I have the print, I chose to blur her facial features prior to placement on the web. The next one is my first attempt at doing a self-project, but I didn’t really like the results and didn’t follow up on it, but I will. The third image is from the recent trip to the Narrows. That’s a knee brace I am wearing. This is the one I was ordered to post by UL.

New Beginnings

by photoanthems | Aug 17, 2008 | Blog

Last “Calvin and Hobbes” Comic Strip by Bill Watterson

Eleven days…

That’s how long its been since my last post. I’ve been handling a few life changes lately that have been exhaustive to say the least. My works schedule has recently changed to a night shift and its definitely taking some getting used to. Rest doesn’t come easy while trying to sleep in the mornings. However the most significant change has to deal with my recent relocation. Oh, I still reside in Vegas and actually not too far from my former residence. I won’t go into details but suffice to say, a move was necessary. I was invited to stay with art model groupie, Jeff who has attended quite a few of my workshops and we’ve done a few excursions and scout trips together. Its still taking somewhat of an adjustment to get used to all this. I have yet to really call any place a home since selling my house and leaving Tennessee. Since then, I’ve lived out of boxes. The two years I was in Murray, KY while attending grad school, I moved twice. Even here in Vegas, I never really unpacked with the exception of essentials. I miss having a home. Where will I next call home, I wonder…

I’ve been experiencing certain freedoms, most notably with Felix. I plan to expand that notion even more. I had a birthday on 08-08-08 which my Mom says means “New Beginnings, as she wrote in my birthday card. The above Calvin and Hobbes comic strip was one of the first things I saw hanging up in Jeff’s living room. There were other confirmation signs that seemed to pop up with the same theme. Its time for a new beginning then.

Needless to say, I’m no spring chicken, although I still kick ass hanging with kids half my age. I need to get into better shape if for no better reason than to continue rehabbing my knee injured on a military training accident. Still, in terms of strength, speed, and stamina, I’ve been surprised to find that I can still hold my own with these youngsters. Just ask my son! But I digress, I want to set a goal of camping at least once a month for a year. Can I do it?…Is it practical?…Don’t know. The point of the matter is that I’m interested in experiencing life. I’m done with drama. I’m done with wasting time. I’m done with killing myself for a job, creditors, and people who don’t contribute back. I want to lead a healthier life with a different lifestyle that suits me better than what I’ve been doing and I plan to surround myself with like-minded people. Travel is on the agenda. Exploration is the whole reason I’ve come out West.

Felix and Summer are like that. In fact, I’ve recommended that Summer start blogging along with Felix’s photography much in the same fashion that Lin Bang does over there on Fluffytek with hubby Richard. He’s the shooter. She’s the writer, (as well as his muse). It was kind of interesting because when I brought up the idea to Felix, he and Summer had just been discussing the idea of doing just that. So henceforth has come The Monkey Chronicles, authored by Summer detailing their excursions and adventures in the pursuit of life documented in photographs. You get the mind of Felix from his images. Summer’s are illustrated in her words. Isn’t that a great complimentary combination. As a matter of fact, the last discovery of this magnitude was back in 1928 when Harry Burnett Reese first combined chocolate and peanut butter. Who knew?

Switch gears…

It was interesting that my website has recently doubled in traffic this month. I haven’t really explored why that is or from where the traffic stems. I can see the rankings of my images and statistical information. I’ve had a few people inquire as to top images, top models, and such. So I give you the top 5. I’ve mentioned before that the top model continues to be Trisha whom I’d like an opportunity to do again. She’s obviously a bit more “open” than most of my models and can tend to push the boundaries of comfort zones for some people who might suggest she had other motives. She had desire to see herself the way men are perceived to look at and desire her. This is, in a way, her method of stepping out of herself and then looking back on herself in the same fashion that a guy might view her. It was an interesting project and I admire her boldness to do it, her brilliance for the concept, and I appreciate her willingness to let me share our work. Her eagerness to shoot again is another reason I need to travel more. And understand, I was hesitant to put these particular images up. They are not part of the original series I posted. She was still the rankingest model on my site even before this more explicit series went up. She’s got two images in the top 5 and then 3 more for the top 10.

Next is the lovely Lessa, who posed in my LVAMG a few months back. Her images haven’t been up long enough to rank higher over the last year, but for this month, her’s is the next in hits. She also has the highest view images for purchase considerations. There’s also Elizabeth, whom I did an excellent series on. She comes in as number 4. (Another one of Trisha’s images was 3). And rounding out the top 5 is Laura who was the first model I shot after moving here last year. She’s also got the number one image for the year in terms of hits. However her images have a full 6 month head start on the newer set of Trisha’s images. The one spread-eagle shot is gaining ground very quickly. And that was expected. Va-JayJay shots are always going to get the most views and its remained a topic of discussion since forever. Some models have a stipulation of “No Pink” showing or no spread leg shots. I continue to respect a model’s personal boundaries as well as working with those who are open to more latitude. I’d like to think that these images are getting hits for their artistic aesthetics, but I don’t kid myself. I just keep shooting whats exposed to my lens.

Kolob Reservoir and the Narrows

by photoanthems | Aug 6, 2008 | Blog

“They came from Salt Lake”

“Thank you, for serving! Peace and Love!” -Tristan

Put another great weekend in the books. Did I say that on the last post? Maybe I did, but the truth is the truth. I took off with Felix and Summer again. This time we headed north up into Utah to Kolob Reservoir. Felix and everyone that went got there on Friday evening, but I didn’t arrive til that next Saturday morning. I still had errands to complete before I took off for the weekend. I got to meet some very interesting people… Obrah and Candace, Ed and Ashley, Sally, and a few others. It got kind of chilly, surprisingly, but I guess when you’re next to a lake, you should expect that. The place was nice. I tried to swim out to an island about 250 meters out, but I got half way and just barely caught my shorts with my big toe before they were certain to be lost to the murky depths. Granted, I’m used to being naked in front of strangers, but hey…this was in the middle of the day and there were plenty of kids around. I don’t expect them to receive a mossy grass-covered naked black man too favorably. Several of us played catch football in the water. Footing was very slippery, so leg stability was lost in trying to get an accurate throw. It was still fun to attempt it.

The following day we packed up and headed into Zion to hike the Narrows. It was my second time hiking upstream again, but I wasn’t as motivated to take pictures. All I could think about was getting a model in there. I’ve got someone in mind whom I have talked extensively with about this project. That would be Liliana, from the Bay area. In fact, I’ve promised to not shoot any other model for this project unless she turned down the project first. The problem is getting her here. She’s offered to forego her usual fees in order to work with me provided I can fly her here and take care of her expenses. I’ve only recently started working and I am almost afraid I’ll miss my window of reasonable weather before I can afford to bring here here and ticket prices are rising by the day. Anybody wishing to make a contribution to my efforts are more than welcome to donate using the Amazon Honor System thingie on the right or Paypal. We’d both appreciate the gesture.

Liliana is a lovely girl and I’ve thought long and hard on the body type and mentality of the model for this project. I should say durability instead of mentality. What I need is a girl that’s a bit more hardy than the standard girl from the city. Liliana has the mentality of doing what it takes to make great art and has endured temperature extremes before. I have no intention of taking her for granted or abusing her, don’t get me wrong. I won’t let her endanger her health or welfare. I’ve got some other possibilities for more projects requiring hardy models and would like to involve Isobeau from Salt Lake City.

Speaking of Salt Lake… I ran into a hiking group while doing the narrows. Tristan, Carter, Monica, and Madison were coming in from camping in the backcountry at the Narrows. These guys were hiking the entire length of the Narrows. Most visitors start out at the low end and hike up as far as they want, then turn around. To start at the top, you need an overnight permit because there is no way you’re going to hike the whole 16 miles in one span of daylight hours. Then again, it might be worth it to try. I met them way back into the river where very few other park patrons dared tread. I hiked with them a little while before I had to pick up the pace to catch Felix and Summer who were already heading back. Tristan caught me off guard when he thanked me for serving in the military. I was wearing my dog tags, which I frequently do, and I have a tattoo of the 101st Screaming Eagles on my left shoulder. People thank me like this often enough, but its still surprises me, I guess. No one ever told me this while I was serving, I don’t think. I’ve talked to a few other soldiers who share the same sentiments. For me, I guess its still a hard thing to say “You are welcome”. In some ways, I know there are more who sacrificed and lost so much, to include their lives. Those are they guys who truly deserve our appreciation and it should be extended to their families. I lam truly looking forward to getting to see Tristan and those guys again. I have every intention of heading up to Salt Lake to shoot and would love to hang out with them there.

After it was all said and done, we got back quite late. Getting up to go to work the next morning was a bear. In addition, I was up all night with Felix again the next night. Being a good friend, Felix offered to fix my breaks. Coming down from the mountain did a number on my brake pads and rotors. I knew I was getting close and needed to have them changed, but coming down the mountain just wore them out. I was pretty much metal on metal by the time I got to the bottom. There was a guy in front of us who chose to do 20mph going down. My breaks couldn’t take it. I’m good to go now, thanks to Mr. Felix G!

I thought I’d throw in a face I hadn’t seen in quite some time. This is Jacinda, whom I’ve truly missed photographing. We got to do one shoot, with plans for several more, but… well, she got married and doing nudes wasn’t conducive to the feelings of the new hubby. Several people have likened her unto Gretta Garbo. She’s got that classic old Hollywood stlye of imagry that seems to come out when I shoot her. Yeah, now that I think about it, I need to make a more concerted effort to return to do a new shoot with Jacinda. Good Gracious, she was good.

July 2008 Workshop…A Great Success

by photoanthems | Jul 29, 2008 | Blog

Las Vegas Art Models Group – July Workshop 08

Once again, another good art nude workshop is in the books. As I mentioned before, Faerie was the model for this workshop and it was one of the best ever. I attribute this to 3 reasons. First and foremost was Faerie. Gorgeous…great bod…and best of all, the perfect muse. She is the consummate professional in the business of art modeling, but she knows how to be comfortable and relaxed with everyone. Faerie is a well balanced model in every since of the word and I am all too fortunate to have the privilege of working with her and better yet, to call her friend.

The second reason for such a grand success this time out was the number female photographer participants. I was naturally over the amount that I normally have out. We had 10 photogs out this time. But of those 10, we had 3 that were women. I’ve been trying to attract more lady shutterbugs to grace our events and after patiently waiting and more promotion, more have. Summer has been with us the whole time as she has accompanied Felix for every single one so far. However, this particular event was her second time coming out as a photog. I invited Michelle to come out and see what we do. This was her first time shooting the nude. All in all, we had about 4 or 5 new faces in total. That’s always a good thing. There are approximately 60 members in the group, who lurk between model and artists. Not all are photographers. Some are sketch artists, painters, and even sculptors. Still, I am quite sure that 10 will be the limit on the number of photogs that I’ll allow in a workshop for a single day.

The third reason for such a big success was due to the third female participating photographer, Roselyn. Its not easy organizing and controlling the flow with 10 photogs. Ros, interrupted this flow, but in a good way. Just as I think I’ve got down how I want things to go, Ros pulls out a basket full of props to create a scene that she’d like to photograph. I’ve got everyone divided up into 2 groups who will wait their turns to shoot. Ros is in the first group. The minute she sets up the model with a beautiful red oriental parasol, puts her on a blanket, gives her a book to read…complete with spectacles, EVERYONE wants a piece of the action! Orderly chaos ensues, meaning everyone came in on that scene and everyone was shooting. The whole demeanor of the group has now changed. And for the better, I might add. It was proposed that everyone chip in $10 or so and let Ros, buy the props from now on. By her leadership, we are also now doing group portraits at the end of every event. That’s Auntie Ros, for you.

So as I anticipated, I knew bringing in some women photographer into the group would have an impact. I just didn’t realize how much! Thank you Faerie. Thank you Summer and Michelle. Thank you, Roselyn. And thanks to everyone for coming out. From left to right: Brad, Michelle, Felix, Summer, Charlie, Terrell, Jeff, Faerie, John, and Jamie. Down in front, Win, and then there’s Roselyn…the Aussie in the cowboy hat! That’s the way they do it, down unda!

Computer Replaced

by photoanthems | Jul 24, 2008 | Blog

“A Faerie’s Gaze”

I’ve got a new computer now, thanks to my friend Garrett. As it turns out, my motherboard was sacked by a blitzing power surge that ran unimpeded past my guard, surge protector which was supposed to be protecting my blind side. (That was a football analogy). Most of my important stuff was backed up but I still lost some data that I wanted to keep. I am almost certain I still have all of my images, but I am not certain if I made all my final backups before the thing crashed. I definitely need to make some changes as to my workflow and how I organize and protect my digital files. As a photog, redundancy should be an automatic practice and I need to be better at it. I’m getting there. Part of it is resources, but like I said, I’m getting there. So let me just reiterate. Back-up, back-up, back-up. Its all about having the right level of protection.

I have another workshop coming up this Sunday and I am hosting it with the fabulous Faerie. She’s been my drawing workshop model and of course she’s modeled for me, but this will be her first time modeling for one of my workshops. These guys are going to love her. Faerie is fabulous. I need to schedule some more work with her. She is someone I like to shoot just to be shooting. I could shoot her all day anytime she feels like being shot. Its been since April since I have worked with her, so I need to set something up.

Something else I wanted to divert your attention to is the new website of my friend Felix Gonzalez at FelixGPhotography. He’s still putting it all together and posting images, but you’ll be enriched and blessed to check out what he’s got online so far. This dude has vision that supercedes some of the more well-known photogs that you may know of. From still, landscapes, and nudes, Felix is definitely someone whom you should check out. You got an empty space on your wall crying for the right piece…you’ll find it with Felix. The guys’s got the goods.

I’m heading out with him again in August. Felix and his wife, Summer are who I camped with in Panguitch, Utah earlier this month. This time, we’ll be near Zion National Park along with several others. I am soooo looking forward to this trip and I have several more I want to do. I need to get up to Salt Lake at some point to explore that area. I’ve had contacts from a few models there that I need to get into my portfolio. Run C and Isabeau have expressed a strong desire to shoot with me and I’d like to make it happen. I also want to get back to Tennessee and Kentucky. One, I’d like to visit my kids. Two, I need to complete my hike of the North-South Trail at Land Between the Lakes. Its a 72-miler which a friend and I tried to do in two days. We started at 9am and reached the halfway point around midnight or just before. The problem was that it rained on us the ENTIRE time we were out there. Several spots on the trails were flooded, particularly in the lowlands. It was a pain to hike around all that and then try to find the trail again in the dark. All my military training in patrolling and land navigation came to bear to keep us on track. As it happened, my friend twisted his knee on the slick inclines that were covered in dead leaves and exposed rocks. We were fortunate enough to be able to acquire a signal to call a friend to pick us up. My car was still 31 miles away on the opposite end. It still bugs the hell out of me that I didn’t finish that trail. I still have every intention of doing the Appalachian Trail at some point which is 2000 miles from Georgia to Maine. I’d like to take a model with me. Any takers? It might even be cool to shoot a model every month. It averages 6 months for this hike and a model could meet me at various stages as I arrive. I could start with one model in Georgia and meet a new model in Tennessee, Virginia, New Jersey, and finish up in Maine with someone else. Who’s with me on this?

And then my third reason for wanting to go back is because I miss the area. I especially want to get another chance to visit friends still there and most especially to shoot some models that I’ve worked with before there. I’ve learned so much since then, that I’d like to shoot some of those models again to do a better job.

Curl Up and Dye and Vegas Vision Studios.

by photoanthems | Jul 18, 2008 | Blog

“Curl Up and Dye model, Brandi wins the night“

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of being invited to attend “Hair Wars” at the Ghostbar, inside the Palms Hotel and Casino here in Las Vegas. Hair Wars is a competition of salons to present the most wild model in Vegas judging on hair, make-up, costume, and attitude. My friend Debbie is one of several Make Up Artists who did the hair and make up for their model, Brandi. She and her crew represents Curl Up and Dye Hair Salon. You gotta admit, that’s a catchy name for a salon. The theme was Asian women and several models came out clad in Japanese attire with a wild gothic twist. Of course there were a couple of geishas, I was exceedingly pleased when model, Brandi took the stage for Curl Up and Dye with act where she performs suppuku with a fake tanto sword. This is the ritual Japanese suicide ritual of disembowelment and Brandi played it to the hilt, literally. With her performance, costume, and make-up design, Curl Up and Dye took the win that night to a crowd of raving mad spectators. The place was loud, to say the least. It was well worth my visit and I look forward to seeing them again.

How did I come to meet Debbie, you ask. Well, that’s an interesting story too. One of my photo groups, the Las Vegas Photographic Society for which I help organize sponsored a Lighting Seminar at Vegas Vision Studios owned and operated by Bobby Deal over on West Harmon. They have agreed to become sponsors for our group and thus were able to host a seminar at his studio. Bobby hired some models, including Brandi, and Debbie who is one of his favorite Make Up Artists. Assisting in the instruction was accomplished photographer, Becky Abell. We had all levels of experience from one friend of mine who just took her camera out of the box, to seasoned pros. Needless to say, this was a very “enlightening” seminar (I couldn’t resist the pun!). As of a result, I’ve gotten to know Bobby, his wife Gigi, Debbie, and Becky well enough that Debbie invited me to her competition at the Ghostbar (despite the $20 cover charge, she got me in for free, I might add).

We’ve developed a mutual admiration for our work and both Bobby and Becky have offered to help me with my studio skills. I’ve been in the studio before, but I mainly worked with hot lights, which I still prefer since I love low light with single light sources. I’m going to help Becky outside the studio with landscape imagery, so the next time I head out on a scouting trip, she’s coming along. I am most definitely getting to involve Debbie in my own work and will promote her to other photogs needing MUAs. I’d like to do what I can to cultivate this relationship with my newest friends. This is what networking is all about, as my buddy Garrett always says. I’ve made such inroads since I’ve been here. My photography has been both enriched and blessed by the people I’ve met in Las Vegas. If you’re going to be in Vegas for any amount of time and want to do some studio work, Vegas Vision Studios is where you need to be. The place has got everything you need with the best equipment available. Last we talked, he was planning to build a car-sized light box for one of his larger studio rooms. You’ll get to meet his wife Gigi, who is one of the most charming women you’ll meet. So if you need studio rental, commercial photo work for advertisement, fashion, editorial, you name it… your answer is Bobby Deal and his crew at Vegas Vision Studios. Sounds like a commercial, doesn’t it.

Oh, I figured I didn’t want to go two postings in a row without posting a naked body, so these are some more of Trixie from the last art nude photo workshop.