How Does It Work?There are two extremes to the approach of organizing a photo shoot. On the… let’s call it Conservative end, you have a photographer planning each and every detail of the shoot from start to finish. On the… we'll say, Liberal end, you have a photographer showing up with a camera and doing everything “in the moment.” The former sounds calculated and boring, the latter a romantic vision of what a creative photographer “should” be like. I’m a mix of the two. It’s easy to be creative and spontaneous in “the moment”, but translating a vision into a solid tangible photo concept is another story. So I just do what I do best. I take my project management skills {Honed during my academic research and volunteering years at HPS, heh!} and build up a project plan detailing all the shooting concepts and resources required to complete them using a little Computer Aided Creativity. Your participation in pre-shoot meetings, concept development, and laying out all the ideas, resources, and equipment in a mind map project file over a several days-weeks period is essential. {Ok, so physical notes are taken as well, but all of that is kept by yours truly. Utmost secrecy concerning all aspects of your shoot is altogether required, as noted in your contract. Yes, contract. I have a standard model release / contract, that protects the model and my photography. Selling, stealing, distributing, publishing, or manipulation to MY images, etc, is not permitted unless cleared by ME first. No one owns the rights to my creative works -photographic, written or otherwise- but me, unless the price is right. Look it up, it's called a Creative Copy Right.} You will be asked to take an active role in creating these pieces with me; to do homework, to practice, to put yourself out there, push your limits and maybe be occasionally uncomfortable, to let go of the censorship of daily life and the fear of being seen.
Where Do I Sign Up?I currently have a list of concepts I would love to see realized. I will be posting casting calls for these concepts. You can either submit your information in response to a casting call {Be sure to mention the part you'd like to be considered for, along with all other necessary info ~ your age, clothing&shoe sizes and availability -model apps w/ additional information will be supplied upon request and may soon become mandatory-. Please attach 1-3 recent photos of yourself as well. Send to project28photography@yahoo.com } Your other option is to submit your information for an Open Role, where I will come up with a concept specifically for you. If you are submitting for an Open Role you must note whether you are comfortable with nudity and violence and if so what limitations you have, please be as specific as possible. Feel free to contact me if you would like to materialize your own personal concept as well {my mind is open and my imagination knows no bounds, there's no need for modesty}. If you would like to create your own personal concept, you will be charged a $150 Boudoir fee. Remember, that as one who is dynamic and creative, I like to work with others who have original and beautiful ideas. I remind you to please heavily criticize your idea of "original" and "beautiful" before you contact me. It doesn't always have to be pretty to be beautiful. I'm very strict, picky and particular with my projects. I find it's one of my best qualities in this business and aides in producing such amazing photos. I am beyond meticulous in whom I choose to work with for what project. If you don't get chosen for a particular part, woe not, as you can and more than likely will be considered for different piece entirely.
Compensation?The shoot(s) you will be working on are TFCD projects. What the hell does TFCD mean, you wonder? A Time For CD (TFCD) shoot is the digital incarnation of the Time For Prints (TFP) concept developed in the film era. In the purist form this means that a photographer and volunteer model(s) work together, both contributing their time, talents and resources free of charge, and in the end both use the resulting photos for their respective portfolios and/or *personal uses. {*As determined by me; Amber M. Carlson of Project 28: Photography in your contract.}
Is Nudity A Must?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the details of the concept and the type of role. Casting calls will note whether the shoot will contain violent / sexual or nude content. Keeping that in mind, raunchy doesn't have to mean nudity. Nudity doesn't have to mean spread shot. Sexy doesn't have to mean sleazy or pornographic. A bare shoulder has the ability to be just as provocative as a bare breast. I certainly have the ability to create images that are not only enticing, but classy and elegant... tasteful. Something that you wouldn't be ashamed to show your grandmother. Nudity is not a prerequisite for all shoots / parts, however it is important to find out before replying to a casting call. If the shoot is going to call for a particular shot of X than it's important that you are completely comfortable with such exposure.
Who Is Going To See The Photos?These photos are for my personal portfolio. I have idears of fine arts gallery exhibits, maybe making a coffee table book, perhaps a publication. It's safest to be comfortable with no one and every one seeing your image. Locals, foreigners, a handful of people or hundreds... ya never know. I wanna go places, but that doesn't really mean much in this dog eat dog world, now does it?
Ug, I'm Havin' Some Reservations...Many people mention how hard it is for them to relax prior to a shoot. For many of the shoots I need you to be confident, express well and depending upon the role, be ok with posing in your skin or scant clothing. If you feel comfortable it will show in your photographs and you'll have more fun during your session. I will admit that most of my clients do feel a little nervous until they meet me, but once they meet me and we start chatting and working together, they always tell me they feel so at ease. Although you have nothing to be nervous about, the Mom in me will still try to calm your nerves as much as possible so that we can just have an all around FUN time!
What About The Youngens?Some of you are interested in getting your children involved but are weary of what that may entail. There will be occasion where I will be in need of a young model(s). While there is a possibility of particular shoots suggesting adult themes {IE - smoking, drinking, drugs, sex, violence, abuse, etc.} As a mother myself, I completely understand a parent's hesitations, concerns. I want it to be very clear that I'm not even kind of the least bit interested in or comfortable with putting children in precarious positions. Children will NEVER be given ANY dangerous objects or substances and will NEVER be asked to do something they and/or their parents are not comfortable with. A parent or guardian MUST be present for ALL photographer / model interactions for ALL models under the age of 18. Any sort of adult theme will be thoroughly detailed in a contract which is to be signed by the minor's parent / guardian. Please keep in mind that the use of sexual situations and violence is NOT what this project is *ALL* about... it's just one of the many very real constituents. Remember, it's ART... not porn. Much of my art is based on my personal experiences and deepest, darkest thoughts... while those things play a pivotal role in what makes me me, it's not always such a pretty scene, and is often times disturbingly unfathomable. Should a specific role call for it, parents / guardians must be comfortable with their child portraying some of life's darker, harsher realities in a safe, closed, parent-monitored environment and having their photo set being among sets that are certainly not for the eyes of babes.
I Want To Be Involved But Don't Want To Be Photographed...Excellent! While I'm perfectly capable of doing it all, it would rock if I had a creative team to lighten the load! I could really use the help of people who are particularly skilled in Hair, Make Up, Sewing / Costume Design, as well as Set Design / Light Construction. Maybe you know where I can find some offbeat props and materials or a killer location? Perhaps you know someone with unique features that you think would make a great model for a future shoot? There are lots of ways to have a hand in creating spectacular art, you just have to ask and volunteer. Send me a message detailing what your skills are or how you may be of service and I will ever so graciously be in touch! :)
Thanks again for your interest in my photography!!! I hope I answered all of your questions thoroughly, however if you have any more questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to leave a comment or email me and ask. I ♥ communication!
