Alan Gegax on KNPR Discussing Some of the Perils of Hiking

by photoanthems | Feb 28, 2012 | Blog

Hiker at Calico Basin outside Las Vegas

Just about anybody who knows me, is familiar with my enthusiasm for hiking. I’ve always been an outdoorsman, being raised a Southern country boy from Texas. We didn’t have all the electronic advantages that keep kids indoors today. To stay inside meant chores and Mama finding something for us to do. Behind my house were woodland plains and I explored it all. I didn’t have a car, so when I needed to go somewhere I walked, but most often you’d see me wearing swim trunks and running.

Model Melissa

I joined the regular Army at 19. By the time I was discharged, I had been a regular infantry soldier, an Army Ranger, Pathfinder, and Scout. It kept me outside and I preferred the smaller manned squad operations. I enjoyed being elite. I fit well in that class of soldiers and it became my life for 10 years. Upon exiting the military all that stopped as I entered the workforce. New priorities kept me busy working and oriented on school and advancement. It wasn’t until I got to Vegas, that all my outdoors endeavors burst out again. Part of that was due to the Las Vegas Hiking and Outdoors MeetUp.com group headed by Alan Gegax. I joined up when there were a little more than 300 people signed up. Now the group is the largest MeetUp group of any kind in Vegas with well over 5100 members. I went on my first hike led by Alan, which was one of his Moonlight Tunnel hike out at Lake Mead. I recall distinctively that Alan made me feel comfortable around a bunch of strangers and he welcomed me to the group.

Hikers at Calico Basin

Today, my favorite radio station, KNPR did an segment on State of Nevada about hiker Ron Kirk who came up missing around mid-January while hiking at near Calico Basin, one of my familiar places to visit. Host Dave Becker had Alan on to give some points on Hiker Safety as well as freelance journalist, Joshua Longobardy who discussed an article he wrote on Ron Kirk in LasVegas City Life. Alan touched on several pointers that, had Ron Kirk taken heed, he would have either been found already or not have been lost at all. But I have to admit I can understand Ron’s mentality in this. Joshua Longobardy talked about the fact that Ron’s experience and advanced skills could have actually contributed to his predicament and I understand this totally. Often, I’ve gone out hiking alone and have been caught in some hairy situations at times.

Hikers at Calico Basin

Sometimes you just don’t want to wait on a friend to make up their minds to go with you. Other times, people in the meet up groups might not be doing a hike you’d like to do. So instead of waiting, you just go on your own. That independence can be inspiring. And with my familiarity in taking care of myself in the wild, I can become overly confident in my abilities and not give a second thought to telling someone where I’ve gone or  when I’ll be back. Its really no different than you finding out you are out of eggs when making a cake. You get in your car to go to the grocery store and handle your business. You don’t necessarily feel a need to play it safe and give someone your itinerary.

Hikers at Calico Basin

Two things made me become a bit more cautionary. Once while a hike in the same vicinity where Ron Kirk’s car was found at Calico Basin, I had decided to explore this area and spent considerable time climbing and scrambling up some beautiful rocks. I had under-anticipated how long it would take to do this. I scrambled up fairly high, very fast, and over some arduous rocks. The sun was getting low and it got darker in the canyon quicker. Getting down was MUCH tougher than I had imagined. I encountered a cleft that I had to traverse which had a downward incline with a 60 foot drop to reward a misstep. I took about 15 minutes to weigh my options in my mind. I deduced that I could drop my backpack (which held my camera!) and increase my odds of success. But the backpack might also help protect my head in a fall. I rationally concluded to keep the backpack on and than if I did indeed fall, I needed to fall in such a manner that I keep my legs together and let the sides of my legs take much of the initial impact. I might sacrifice my legs, but if I could maintain consciousness, I could low-crawl my way back to the main trial where someone was bound to find me by morning. I found that I was also high enough to be able to switch my cell phone from 3G, back to the old EDGE network and get a call through. I called my friend Felix and gave him my sit-rep. Then I took the ledge.

The second thing that made me a little more cautious was “127 Hours“. The scene where Aron Ralston, played by James Franco, having to finally cut though his arm to free himself was one thing. What got me was when he was shown trying to cut through that nerve. Woof! I don’t know if I could do that. And the real kicker is that there are actually THREE nerves that run through the arm! To say the least, I quickly began to reassess my thinking when I go out alone. It didn’t preclude me from going out alone, but SOMEBODY knows where I am and when I’m expected back!

Model, Melissa

I pray, Ron Kirk is found alive. Its been more than a month already. Is that possible? Who knows. I say, yes. Unless God has other plans for the man, it’s possible he can survive even for this long. I wish I could help in the search. Rock scrambling with crutches is seldom done for good reason. Please listen to the State of the Nevada podcast and take heed to Alan’s suggestions while on the trails. Its great advice and speaks volumes of wisdom. And take advantage of the Las Vegas Hiking and Outdoors Meetup group if you live in the area. Somebody is always doing a hike ranging between the simple and easy to the more skilled. There’s a hike for everyone and you should really get out and see the parts of Nevada that have nothing to do with The Strip. You won’t believe how helpful these group members are and the new friendships you’ll make. Actually, Alan met his wife while out hiking!! I can’t wait to get back on the trails. You can also listen to Alan and myself talk about the Group and what we get out of hiking these back trails of Valley of Fire from a Spring 2011 NPR State of the Re:Union podcast. Catch us at minute 12 when you click on Segment C.

“A Year in Review of the Nude”

by photoanthems | Feb 26, 2012 | Blog

Cover Model, Mercy:  “A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011”

I think I’ll make an attempt to refocus on my book, “A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011“. I’ve had several more inquires about it and recently, my friend James and I were discussing it over lunch at my friend’s restaurant, Thai Pepper, here in Vegas. In all the events dealing with post-operative recovery from my microfracture knee surgery, I hadn’t done so much to promote the book. In my last post in which I talked about it, my own copy was still on order and had yet to arrive. Even after it did finally arrive, I showed it off a little, but I was still in considerable discomfort at that time and the name of the game was pain-management. So I think I can bring a little focus back to the book.

Art Model, Panda, “A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011”

“A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011” is a self-published, print-on-demand Fine Art Photography book that I had printed by Blurb.com. I’ve used this company over the last almost 4 years and they have been quite impressive. Over the years, they have made several strides in both the development of the book template designs as well as the quality of paper stock in which they make available. They just created an even better premium line of print paper that I am very happy with and have chosen to utilize it exclusively in this book, making it more costly for me, but your costs stay the same. In most cases, you can purchase books in any variety of paper quality or even a soft-cover. For this book however, I want it to be more representative of my own art. After seeing it in the best paper stock they make, I decided to go with it exclusively. I prefer to stick with the same concept I use for the rest of my art. So to remain consistent, I only want it presented on the best paper I think I can get at that value. At WPPI, I came across some other print and book vendors who also have fine paper. So far, I have to stay with Blurb.com for the value. Printing the same book with some of those vendors would have taken my own costs upwards of $350 to produce each book. Through Blurb, I am able to offer it to you at this level of quality for $149.99. So for now, Blurb it is.

My book is currently listed 4th when doing a search for NUDE in the blurb bookstore. Cool, huh?

When I first got the book in hand and opened it up, I was instantly pleased with the product. Its not just thicker paper but better quality all around. I compared it to some of the other promotional books I’ve made and it is indeed superior to those. As I mentioned, I’ve used this company for almost four years. This has mainly been for the benefit of private clients. I’ve shot everything from a baby’s first birthday to more intimate concerns like a wife’s Christmas present for her husband. “A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011” is notably the first book I’ve done just for my own interest. Every other book has been made to satisfy client needs. Several are not available for preview to the public. This book however will become an annual review, but there will also be others I do to showcase a particular model or event. In fact, I had planned on doing one exclusively on art model, Panda to be released in March. In light of recent concerns and diverted attentions, I think I’ll delay it for a month or two, but I already have enough work on her to produce a book right now.

Art Model, Enyo, “A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011”

I don’t see the book as pricey as many have implied. I don’t think I could emphasize enough to not look at this book as a regular book. Most people don’t spend $150 on a book. I know that. Instead, understand that this is my own art. Many people will purchase art for more than $150 that depicts only one visual subject. Mine has 114… probably way to many at that price. I didn’t make this book for you to look through and then shelve. You don’t purchase a painting, look it over and then archive it in the attic. Its meant to be displayed and that’s how I see this book. I could have sold it in a smaller size, soft-cover, on less quality paper, all for $35! But that is not what this book is. Preview “A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011” and order your copy from Blurb.com right now!

WPPI and Some New Directions

by photoanthems | Feb 20, 2012 | Blog

“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” 

– Benjamin Franklin

Model, Viki Vegas

This past week has been the start of WPPI, (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International). Its quite a big event and is being held at the MGM Convention Center. In spite of my current condition, I decided I’d attend WPPI University, or WPPI U at the MGM Grand Convention Center here in Vegas. It was 2 days of workshops, seminars, and lectures dealing with photography and its related issues. Some of it was motivational and some instructional, but we had the benefit of 13 speakers who are leaders in their trade come talk to about 400 attendees. I think without a doubt, Joe Buissink was my favorite. He was informative and inspiring, as well as a great speaker. Sue Bryce was also a talented host and speaker. The thing that seemed to be a common denominator between several of these speakers is the notion that they came from nothing special and built themselves into million-dollar studios. They all faced challenges and had to overcome obstacles, but they weren’t given any advantages that made them any more special than the rest of us. So if there was any one message that I think they were trying to say collectively is that if they can do it the rest of us can too.

Model, Wonderhussy

My challenges were just in the attending. I decided at the last minute to be there after I read about some of the course schedules. My main focus was on day two, where a few speakers were discussing some of the business aspects of photography which is my main focus right now. Just getting from my car to the convention center was my biggest challenge. Then I realized I had to depend on the kindness of strangers to help me just get a simple cup of water back to may seat. I met a few people who sat around me that proved helpful as well as good company. The bathroom wasn’t that near when you’re on crutches. I woke up this morning with sore palms from carrying my weight so much on the handles of the crutches. Day two was incredibly exhausting. It was 12 hours of class time and when I got home, I was beat. I got to bed about 1am and woke up around 5am. But somewhere right before I was getting ready to make myself some waffles, I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew my phone was ringing and it woke me up around 3 in the afternoon! I have no idea how I got back in bed, nor do I recall even falling asleep. I was due back up at WPPI that afternoon to meet with some of my NILMDTS cohorts at 2pm. I totally missed it.

Model, Wonderhussy

Taxes and accounting best practices, branding, back-up protection, etc., are some of the WPPI U topics I had an interested in. I have a MBA. I know management, marketing. I can do a lot of this on my own. But WANTING to do it is something else. I hate taxes and record-keeping. I don’t want to concern myself with branding. I’d much rather have someone else do that for me. I’ve been rereading and reevaluating my business plan to see what has changed. Several aspects of my focus is indeed going in a different direction. My initial back-up solution is going to be different from what I initially outlined. The website will be changed and eventually another blog will be put in place. While Photo Anthems will be the primary domain name, I’ve recently registered some more. I picked up a speaker Craig Heidermann‘s Legal and Business Forms for Wedding and Portrait Photographers. He’s has two careers as a full time attorney and a full-time photographer. I want to review all my current contracts after he pointed out a few things I hadn’t considered in my own.

Model, Brittany V

Julieanne Kost, from Adobe, has got to be one of the most entertaining lecturers on nerd-related topics. She’s a Photoshop wizard/guru/freak/nut. I’m telling you this woman can work layers like nobody’s business. Check out her blog and get educated. She did a presentation on Adobe Lightroom and I now believe I’ll start using it. She outlined some benefits I think I can actually use whereas before, I couldn’t see how I was missing anything by using Bridge. All the other speakers where motivational or dealt with lighting and posing techniques. While informative, it wasn’t where my interests currently lie. Some of the advice they gave I had to totally dismiss because it just wasn’t my style. I identified most with Joe Buissink because his shooting style was closer to my own. Some of the people sitting next to me where surprised by his approach to photography while I just smiled, feeling validated to some degree.

The rest of this year is going to be way different from anything I had initially imagined last year. My goals have changed and my priorities have altered. I just need to heal so I can get started on it all.

See it in FULL LIFE

by photoanthems | Feb 11, 2012 | Blog

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

I guess I will have to ask for your forgiveness and apologize for that rant in the last post. I’m myself and again and once more have full and sole retention of my cognitive faculties. I’m a very passionate person. I’ve got my own goals and aspirations as well as problems and challenges. But pain, as I so eloquently put it in the last post, can be a bitch. That’s what makes torture so long-lived.

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

I’m still in the same predicament, only the agonizing, debilitating pain has become less pronounced. A good analogy might be that I’ve been thrown back into my prison cell after cruel attempts to “get me to talk”. I’m still limited in my mobility and have to really concentrate on taking it easy for a bit longer. So I try not to go anywhere unless I absolutely have to. All this past week, I left the house twice. I think I shall go visit my pals at B&C Camera and talk photography and gear with some of the regulars. It’ll be good to see Joe and the crew again. Outside of that, I’ll root myself again in my computer chair and bed.

“The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” – Rudyard Kipling

But this is still all for the best. I had this surgery because I hated dealing with the aching pain and weakness that interfered with my ability to live life to the fullest. I talked about this last April in a post, describing how I had met with a doctor who felt he could refer me to an Orthopedist with some answers to get me back on the trails and to eventually start up on the Appalachian Trail. So now, I’m at least getting started on that fix. I’ve had the surgery. Now I just need to let it heal. Plans are in place to take me abroad later this year, which will be the first of many quests that I set out on, not to “find myself”, but rather just to start living life to the fullest. That may mean different things to different people. For me, it means to experience other cultures and see new lands. As a kid, I hardly ever left a 200 mile circumference from my home in East Texas. I used to wonder what might lie beyond in other countries and relied on the TV and World Book Encyclopedia to show me. As good as those sources were, I learned from my military travels that they just didn’t do it justice.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

My first military tour of duty was Germany. Spend 18 years with 200 miles of one place in Texas and then you find yourself on the far side of the Atlantic. It was glorious. I don’t recall exactly what church it was, but I remember looking at a building in either Mainz or Frankfurt that I could recall from pictures from school studies. And now, I was standing in front of it looking at it in full LIFE. Being a photographer now, my desire to see more things in full life has taken its toll on my future agendas. Everything I do now is in preparation for that. I hope to become a better photographer and also one who is more fulfilled in his work. Those of you who can’t, won’t, or don’t believe you too can do this can live vicariously through me. I’ll be blogging and posting pics of my experiences and escapades. I can’t wait. Its what keeps me going while I am incarcerated waiting to heal fully.

Stay Positive! (….right…)

by photoanthems | Feb 1, 2012 | Blog

Art Model, Mercy ©2011 Terrell Neasley

I had originally looked forward to chronicling my events and happenings as it relates to me recouping from my recent surgery. Now, not so much. Originally, this was going to be an adventure of discovery and re-invention. Now its turned into more of a bitch-session of my rants about how bitchy this process has become. I’ve got 5 and a half more weeks of this mess on crutches. Then another 6 weeks of rehab. I have ABSOLUTELY no clue how to do this. I’m inclined to head back to Texas and just let moms take care of me. But you know…MOM’s got a life. Dealing with the pain and limited mobility is only one aspect of what’s got me pissed off. However, the loss of independence has to be more than 50% of it all. Asking somebody for help is okay to some extent, but when it comes to just the menial tasks of doing for one’s self… Its just not in me to do that and living on your own in this sort of situation is a bitch. There ain’t no getting around it. It’s just pure-BITCH!!

Joanie, © 2010 Terrell Neasley

Granted, I am relieved when a friend comes by to visit. Sometimes I enjoy going out to dinner with good company or something that is a distraction from the everyday crap. But that’s about 6% of my time. The rest of the 94% of my day is spent just trying to not go crazy, keep busy with productive things, don’t fall, and don’t accidentally (or willfully) do something stupid! I was actually doing so well yesterday. I took note of the fact that the swelling was going down. The pain had considerably lessened. I was still limited on range of motion as well as mobility, but everything was looking up! That is until I started to go to bed. In an oblivious and euphoric lack of concentration, I jubilantly jumped into bed. If a full bound, I lifted off with one leg and sprang with the other. Can you feel my pain, yet? I actually never left the ground. And the leg that I “attempted” to sprang with was the wrong one, or should I say the one I JUST had surgery on. All I could basically do was crumble against the side of the bed. There was no elevation. I didn’t get an inch off the floor. The moment the muscles around my knee tried to accommodate the pressure of my body weight… well, I call it white pain. That’s the only way I can describe the blinding, searing, hot sensation that squeezed tears out of my eyes like Summer’s juicing machine. My prayers of relief were not immediately answered. I prayed I’d just pass out. I wanted to just friggin’ pass out. I’ve never wanted to die. But right then, I just wanted to pass the F*** out. It didn’t happen. I lived through every eternal minute of that…damning my stupidity the entire time.

Wow. Did that paint a picture? Its starting to hurt again just from the thought of it. Have you ever had pain so bad, you actually lose weight from it? I kid you not…I KNOW I burned about 3 pounds on the writhing on the floor last night. There should be pre-op therapy sessions designed to prepare you for this. You shouldn’t even be allowed to have this kind of surgery unless you have a stay at home wife or can afford a live-in nanny. I have no idea how many other people endure this sort of ailment or what they do to cope. I know many have endured far worse. Yes, there are others who don’t even have a knee to even have surgery on. But you know what… NONE of that has anything to do with what’s going on with me right now. Showing me a guy who’s an amputee does not help me manage pain or my affairs. Dang, I forgot to even pay my bills til my cable got turned off! This is how disorienting all this is. My phone, car insurance, and some utilities were on the verge of getting suspended.

Okay. Like I said. I’m trying to stay positive and look forward to getting a knee that’s in much better shape than it was before all this. I just don’t know what to tell myself when something as uneventful as last night takes place. I mean, Damn! I just about wish I was still in good standing with an ex-girlfriend, but she’s no longer in town anyway. I know that wouldn’t be overall good for me, but at the moment, if you merely suggested that crack would advance me through the next several months in relative ease, I’d be spending a lot of time trying to talk myself out of it and can’t say with a high degree of certainty that I’d be successful. All I know is this. This sucks. I gotta deal with it. I gotta get better. But I’m also gonna be bitchy. Where’s my next nude model??!!

A New Panda!

by photoanthems | Jan 27, 2012 | Blog

Muse, Panda © 2012 Terrell Neasley

Wow. I went by Panda’s house since I was in the area. I wanted to introduce her to my knuckles. [Insert: knuckles = kids!] Cassie and my kid-in-law came to help me get around for the first week after surgery and on the way back from one of my doctor visits, we stopped by Panda’s joint. I didn’t recognize her for the first .04 seconds that I saw her. She cut her hair drastically…actually she let her hubby and a friend do it! I wasn’t expecting that and as I sat in my car wide-eyed as she came down the stairs to meet us, I knew I couldn’t wait til I fully recuperated from the knee surgery to shoot her again. I desperately needed her new head! Well, I got that chance earlier this week and she came over to my place. I’m not taking any other assignments right now. The knee is too swollen and I’m in too much pain to try to concentrate on doing a great job. HOWEVER, shooting nudes, for some reason seems to distract me from the pain. And I’ve already shot Panda enough that I’m comfortable with her seeing me so vulnerable. I don’t mind if all of a sudden I move incorrectly and searing pains emanates from my knee causing my body to wrack in awkward momentary contortions. I catch my breath, ease myself back into the correct position and proceed as if nothing had ever happened. Besides, it gives me something to edit during my downtime!

Muse, Panda © 2012 Terrell Neasley

I couldn’t be like that in front of a client or a model whom I’m not as familiar with. Its just not a good showing or good form. It also puts too much pressure on the person I’m shooting to feel like they should help or do something when in actuality, they can’t. So why then would I then shackle them the inevitable millstone of helplessness that is sure to sink them below waves of disparity at not being able to assist me? Panda would call me a Dumb-Ass and laugh at me. And to another fact, I’ve been specifically requested to do a NILMDTS session. I had initially considered not taking that assignment, but since I’ve previously shot for this family only a few months back, I felt a certain obligation to commit. I can only do this with Panda’s help. She’s got a car that’s easy for me to get in and out of and she will assist me on this shoot. So for the time being, the only thing that can make me pick up a camera is doing a nude or a call for a NILMDTS session when I’m specifically requested (or if no one else is available).

Muse, Panda © 2012 Terrell Neasley

It’s been two weeks since my surgery. I just left the doc yesterday for me two-week post-op and he gave me the lowdown. I went in sort of irritated as hell. I’ve been in constant pain for most all of this past two weeks, but I walked (or hobbled) in very reserved. I didn’t go in blasting about how I couldn’t get any stronger pain meds like I wanted to. This guy has been genuine with me from the start and the first thing he did was apologize for my discomfort. He told me everything he had to do and why it wasn’t good for me to have stronger meds. My knee was basically a trash heap inside. He cleaned all that up, scrapped down to the good bone, and then proceeded to drill 20 HOLES inside all that! That’s the Microfracture procedure I mentioned in the last post. I didn’t know it was 20 holes, though. I was thinking maybe 5 or 6. This guy went for the shotgun effect, but he explained that it was truly necessary and that it needed to be done and that it was necessary to get deep into the good bone. This was going to leave me in a little more pain because the swelling was going to be so much more persistent.

Muse, Panda © 2012 Terrell Neasley

But you know what, I feel better about that now. I’m focusing more on the new stuff I’ll be able to do when I hit the trails! I’m excited about my travels this summer! Ever seen a chained dog when suddenly let off the leash? They come blasting out the gates!! That’s what I’m concentrating on. I won’t be blasting, but I’m just looking forward to living again and I’m going to really make use of my long awaited ambulatory prowess. I’m going to do what I’m supposed to do and will try to make sure to not be stupid and rush ANYTHING. I’ve got 6 weeks of crutches. Then its at least 6 weeks of rehab. I’m going to make the best of it and get back on my feet. Not saying its not going to suck, but you know what, its no different than taking really bad-tasting medicine…except that the distasteful experience is a little longer.

Another Surgery plus 2010 Interview of Me by Karl

by photoanthems | Jan 19, 2012 | Blog

Wow. This has been an interesting month so far. I wish I could tell you about all the wonderful shoots I’ve been on, but alas, such is not the case. Knee surgery has been the theme of the month so far. Weeks of trying to prep for it and now just recovering from it. My daughter and son in law decided to take vacation time to come and assist me for the first week. I didn’t think I needed it, really. I was wrong. Pain meds haven’t been helping and the doc sees no reason to give me anything stronger, so I’ve just stopped taking anything all together. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to deal with the VA no understanding the problem. I can’t say why I don’t respond like they think I should to medication. I wish I was more of a typical case for them, but I’m not.

I don’t expect the kiddos had that great of a time trying to accommodate me over the last week. I know I was being a bear. I didn’t want to stay seated or immobilized and the thought of having to use the word “can’t” for routine tasks tasted bitter in my mouth. It wasn’t until reading about my procedure online that the truth sort of sunk in to where I understood it. The docs told me I’d be looking at 6 to 8 weeks. In my mind, that adds up to half that time for me. I’m strong. I recover quicker than most. And I can handle it. 6 to 8 weeks is the general “play it safe” recovery time for the average guy. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I had so many other people tell me a simple scope of the knee is an in and out 2 to 3 week thing. Even my primary care doc told me I’d be on my feet in 3 weeks top. So why was the othopedic surgeon saying 6 to 8? Well, what he knew that the others didn’t was that he was also performing a Microfracture procedure on my knee, whereby you drill small holes into the larger pot-hole that’s already at the end of my femur. This is supposed to encourage bone/cartilage growth to fill in the hole naturally. THAT’s the part that takes so long. Weight-bearing activities such as “walking”, can prohibit the bone growth. So 6 to 8 weeks ON CRUTCHES is what’s prescribed.

I simply had no clue and didn’t understand that I’d be on crutches this long. SIX to EIGHT weeks! Wow. I simply cannot get that out of my mind. That possibly puts me all the way out to mid-March! I’ve already had to postpone two projects to the end of March. I don’t know if you realize it, but that also means postponing getting paid til the end of March. Which simply means I gotta slow down spending big time. Personal projects have also been postponed. My continued work with Panda is having to be delayed as well. And I have a couple other models whom I thought I’d be working with around the first week of Feb, that I’ve had to simple cancel til further notice.

The good thing is that I just have to get through this doing the right things. Its believed that I get another 10 to 15 years of “good knee” time, instead of what I’ve been dealing with over the last decade. Two months for 10 years. Not a bad trade. To my understanding, this 2 months doesn’t include rehabilitation time. I won’t find that out til next week. I had 10 weeks rehab for my hand last year. I read in one place where full recovery might not be expected for 6 months! So this’ll be interesting.

Karl of “Looking About” blog has reposted an interview he did of me a few years ago. After a look back on that time period, I sort of wonder what my answers might be today and if any of them have changed. Not much would be different, I presume. I think I’d answer the same in about 27 of them at least. Its a good reflection because I was definitely in two different places in 2010 vs today. I was coming out of some pretty hard months in oh-10 and even the 3 years before then. In fact, I think it may even be time for another “Interview of Self” like what I did a long time ago in 2008.

1. What is your favorite word? Altruism
2. What is your least favorite word? Normal
3. What turns you on? A naked woman
4. What turns you off? Clothes!….kidding…People who don’t take responsibility for themselves and pass the blame.
5. What sound or noise do you love? Bacon sizzling in the morning would be the least crass answer
6. What sound or noise do you hate? Its a tie between a high-pitched nagging voice and an alarm clock
7. What is your favorite curse word? Fuck
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Probably acting, but I used to dream about playing football
9. What profession would you not like to do? There are plenty but I’m going with Nursing. I’ve got much respect for them, but its not my gift.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Come on….Get your butt on in here!
11. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Traveling the world with boundless resources and a model that I photograph everywhere, all the time
12. What is your greatest fear? I honestly can’t say I have one. I mean, I certainly don’t want to be eaten by an alligator or fall from the empire state building but they are not fears of mine that I think about all the time. 
13. Which historical figure do you most identify with? Galileo Galilei, just because he’s the only person I can think of who was also misunderstood.
14. Which living person do you most admire? Other than family….Billy Graham, Chris St. James, and Bill Cosby (How can you stick with just one?)
15. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Procrastination
16. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Lack of integrity
17. What is your greatest extravagance? I spent $400 on comic books once, but I’ve since sold my collection and not bought another since 1994, I think.
18. On what occasion do you lie? When I have to take into account someone else’s feelings and the truth is not worth the heartache or when I need to be polite because I need the business.
19. What do you dislike most about your appearance? I’m actually cool with myself. If I had to say any one thing its that I look mean when I am not smiling.
20. When and where were you happiest? Christmas at Mama Carrie’s as a kid
21. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? I’d be kinder to people and more understanding
22. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? Me. That’s all I have control over.
23. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Jeremy and Cassie
24. If you died and came back as a person or thing what do you think it would be? As a person: A white female, just so I could experience the opposite of my current self. As far as a thing, I’d want to be a star just for the billions of years galactic experience 
25. What is your most treasured possession? My faith
26. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? A disapproval of yourself because of someone else’s opinion
27. Who are your heroes in real life? My Mother
28. What is it that you most dislike? A coward
29. How would you like to die? Old age preferably, but if not, then on my feet in a way that makes it count
30. What is your motto? Stay alert, Stay alive! Hooooah!

“A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011” by Terrell Neasley

by photoanthems | Jan 14, 2012 | Blog

Visit the link: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2888660 for more details on how to order your copy!

Mercy, Cover Model featured in “A Review of the Nude: 2011“ by Terrell Neasley

Thought I’d make a post to talk about my latest pictorial periodical (as in this will be a regular thing). “A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011” is my reflection of the models I worked with who shot nudes throughout the 2011 year. I didn’t shoot as many models as what I may typically shoot in 12 months. The first two years I was in Vegas, I was probably shooting about 2 models a month, but I’ve since slightly waned on how many models I shoot. Lately, I’ve had a propensity to shoot more images with fewer models. Some models you just simply gel with and you tend to end up shooting them again and again without searching out new talent. This last year, I shot 7 models of whom I feel I did some incredible work. Some experimental first time shoots and then others that were simply exploratory while discovering new countrysides and vistas. Some shots are almost overly conservative, even by artistic nude standards. Then again, there are some shots that are bold, daring, and provocative enough to make your pupils dilate a few more millimeters wider than normal. Regardless, I ofttimes take what the model gives me and that becomes my raw material for editing.

Viki Vegas, Model featured in “A Review of the Nude: 2011“ by Terrell Neasley

Dominique, Model featured in “A Review of the Nude: 2011“ by Terrell Neasley

I’ve had a few emails and inquiries asking why I’ve got the book priced the way I do. A reasonable price might be $30 to $50 and if I wanted to maybe push a little more profit, I could charge upwards of $75. Those are the suggestions. Truthfully, I could have gone that route. I could have made a smaller book, both in size and in quantity of pages and made it paperback. However, that’s not exactly the way I want my work to be portrayed. I want it exhibited big and in large fashion. I also want it on good paper, bound well, with excellent print. That’s the ONLY way I want my work shown. I am a photographer, make no mistake about that, but I’m an artist first! This is my artwork and I’d much rather my pieces be viewed as such. I didn’t make a “book”, per se. I assembled a collection of my artwork. I’ve sold SINGLE pieces of art for much more than the $149.99, I have this book listed for at about 115 images. I feel like I’m practically giving the book away at that price point. Chances are, YOU’VE paid more than $200 for a single photo or art piece to hang over your couch. Realistically, my first thought was to have it over $500, and this may well be the case in the future. But for now, $149.99 is where I set the option to purchase. This is my art. There’s a story behind every single shoot. There is emotion, love, and feelings wrapped up into each image. Time, energy and effort is spent in editing these captures… all done to share and exhibit my wares to you, the general public. So this is more aimed at a specific demographic of people who spend money on artwork and who will generally spend well over that amount for art. Its well made. Its large. And the pictures are friggin’ awesome! So if it sells, great. If not so much, then that’s okay too!

Panda, Model featured in “A Review of the Nude: 2011“ by Terrell Neasley

My main goal had nothing to do with profit generation, oddly enough. I want each book I do to be successful, of course. I desire for it to be in demand, without a doubt. However, I didn’t make it for everybody. The majority of people will not desire a book on nudes anyway. Of the ones that do, most won’t shell out my asking price. I know this. I am not bothered by it. My goal if anything is to share this with people who see it more as a piece of artwork, as opposed to simply a book to be consumed once, and shelved. I am interested in my work being shown in your homes, no different than the art you hang on your walls with a lamp shining on it or propped up on a pedestal in the corner. Its the same as my single images I create. When I edit and do my final crop, I’m not as concerned with whether or not its been cropped to standard sizes, so you can go to Wal-Mart and purchase a frame for it. How it is, is how it is. I’d prefer it to be custom mounted by a professional and framed accordingly. I’ve sold to some clients and assist them on choosing how my images will be mounted and framed once I have the print produced. Maybe its just me, but I don’t want my artwork in regular frames all the time. If the print size is 13 x 9 3/4, then I don’t want it cut down to an 10 x 8 so it can fit a ready made frame! Granted, people will do what they want, but my work is made to be custom hung. Don’t fault me for being particular about this.

Mercy, Cover Model featured in “A Review of the Nude: 2011“ by Terrell Neasley

I think you will love this book. You are going to fall in love with my models and the shots they each contributed to. You will feel the story behind each image and be left wondering about the details. It will definitely pique your interest and you will want to imagine what shooting with Panda, Mercy, or Viki Vegas, must have been like. Each have their own different feel. Shooting with Viki was far different from shooting with Mercy and I believe you will sense this as you peruse through the pages. You will get a sense of Panda’s willingness to create art and feel how cold Dominique must have been and wonder how she tolerated the temperatures. This is what my book delivers. Its artwork that you can appreciate, but its the experience that will make the hairs stand on end and give you the goose bumps your sympathetic nervous system has been starving for. At the very least, take a chance. Jump!

Panda, Get Used to Seeing Her

by photoanthems | Jan 4, 2012 | Blog

New Muse, Panda © 2011 Terrell Neasley

Panda © 2011 Terrell Neasley

First post of the new year! Hope you all have been safe and have reasonable New Year’s Resolutions. Me? I’ve got big expectations for 2012. Lots of traveling, for one. A lot more shoots, for two. I’m not sure yet, but I think I photographed less than 6 models for all of last year. That’s unsat…can’t happen again. WON’T happen again. But I did do some great models. In fact, I’ll be showcasing them in a new book coming up that I think will be an annual thing for me from here on out. “A Year in Review of the Nude: 2011“. Yeah, I think that’s catchy. Look for my posts announcing it within the week.

Panda © 2011 Terrell Neasley

On of the last models of the year that I worked with is Panda. I photographed her pretty much all of December. We did about seven shoots and more than 200 edited shots. I don’t think I’ve edited so much work of any other model I’ve worked with. Lorilei had the record for the most hours shot in a day. That was broken, with Panda. Viki had the record for the most shoots in a relative short period of time. Panda took that record too. I’ve had some pretty awesome shoots with several models and she ranks up there with some of my all time best. The girl’s just got a talent for posing and she’s one of those that will not hesitate to get in the cold water. AND SWIM AROUND IN IT! I’m not taking put putting the feet in the water or standing knee-deep in it. This girl was in the Colorado River in December, just because she felt like it would make for some cool shots.

Panda © 2011 Terrell Neasley

Panda © 2011 Terrell Neasley

It was very fortuitous for me to meet her, because I actually met her at Trixie’s going away party. I arrived late and Trix had introduced me to everyone as her personal photographer. Of course after discussing some of the work we’ve done over the years, it piqued some interests. One of those interested was Panda. I wasn’t so sure she was serious, just because she was slightly inebriated at the time. So I wasn’t so sure of what to think. But of course as it turns out, she was absolutely 100% serious and committed. And she came along at the best of times, because right at that particular moment she was exactly what I needed and as long as I don’t disrespect the hubby, its all good. He’s been cool to hang out with. I just have to be a little smarter and make sure I stretch before racing him down hotel corridors again. I’m sure he didn’t know the old man could get up and go like that, but 43-year old quads that haven’t been stretched don’t like that kind of stuff so much and my right one let me know. After 3 weeks, I’m still putting heat on it.

I think one of Panda’s biggest assets is her portrait. Those eyes are killer and her expressions can grab attention quicker than Jackie Chan snatching a fly out of the air with chopsticks. The good thing is that she’s just moved here and will be here for a while. We have a bet on who’s going to get tired of who first. Its hopeless. She doesn’t really know me. I can shoot all day every day and wake up every morning looking forward to the day. The girl doesn’t stand a chance. But I’m more than willing to put it up to a challenge and see. I suspect I’ll be announcing my victory sometime well before the new year is out. But she’s definitely been a blessing. She was a big help with my shoot with Mercy and for being so young, she’s very mature for her age. And for being a student of anthropology, damn she’s highly intelligent. There’s no downside to the girl.

New Muse, Panda © 2011 Terrell Neasley

“There is no charge for awesomeness…  or attractiveness.” – Po

On another note, I finally got to meet Karl, famed blogger from Looking About. It appears he’ll be spending time here in Vegas on and off and was here for a week last week, so we got to hang out a little. He’s cool (and tall!). We got to do some lunch at the Shish Kabob House over off of West Flamingo. It was great meeting him and his Mrs. Conversing with him over a myriad of topics was excellent. Its awesome to share new ideas and perspectives in this line of work. The dude’s got a fascinating job. I think we talked about everything except for politics and the school system here in Nevada. Time went by so fast, I was almost late for my next gig, even though I thought I had allotted myself plenty of time. We also both shared our mutual admiration for Carla, the most talented writer/blogger/model in the business who runs “What We Saw Today“. Maybe you recall her as Unbearable Lightness. We have both been influenced and mentored by Carla over the years, but yet neither of us have ever met or worked together. I came close to going to visit her in the late Summer of 2010, but we had schedule conflicts and the trip didn’t happen. I think before 2012 expires, I’ll have Carla in my portfolio. Its just got to happen. Its a tragedy that it hasn’t already happened. I can’t let another year go by. I actually had a dream of a shoot with Carla that I still have worked out in my head. This will be a reality.

Okay, dang. I just clicked over to Karl’s blog so I could link to it for this post. There’s a huge pic of me and a reprint of the interview we did a year or so ago. I don’t look too bad! Think I’ll use it for a new Facebook profile shot. Thanks, Karl!

The Mix One Week, Lake Las Vegas the Next

by photoanthems | Dec 30, 2011 | Blog

Mandalay Bay and The Luxor, © 2011 Terrell Neasley

Luxor and Vegas Srip shot from The Mix, © 2011 Terrell Neasley

© 2011 Terrell Neasley

Lake Las Vegas, © 2011 Terrell Neasley

Frank Zapata, © 2011 Terrell Neasley