Dave at Work and Fun with Lydia

This past Sunday afternoon was another of my Las Vegas Art Models Group Art Nude Workshops and this time, I got to have my group graced by the presence of the magnificent Dave Rudin. It was quite a weekend actually. I have to do my part in setting up and facilitating the event, but this was the first time I have ever been afforded the opportunity to watch Dave in action. I was thrilled to have him join us and several group members were able to glean some tidbits of wisdom from him. I was certainly glad he took the time to impart photo knowledge into eager minds. There was only one other photog shooting film and when Dave pulled out his tripod, time seemed to slow down. Digital minded artists shoot at 100pph (pics per hour). It all slowed down when Dave brought out his medium format Pentax and began giving instruction to the model. The group took to him well and seemed to give way to his lead and tutelage. I know 3 or 4 members of my group took some special time to get him off to themselves to ask questions and get advice. Dave was also proactive in that he challenged several of them to utilize the natural light rather than the flash.

My model Lydia was also a big hit at this shoot. All the photogs seemed to take to her very well, showering her with compliments and making her feel at ease. Lydia is a natural socialite and can gel well with any group of people. Despite being a naked female amongst a group of burly guys, it was evident she was still the one in control. She was a real trooper and maintained an open mind and a wonderful attitude. She had no problems getting in the mucky water and was surprisingly fearless in the sun for a redhead. I can't wait to shoot with her again on my own. She's aware of a few other secluded yet beautiful outdoor places in near Vegas to shoot.

Now I just need to get the same sort of response to my drawing events in my group. I guess, I need to be patient with that as well. I've finally got the greatest venue in Vegas at the World Market Center and I plan to fill all my participant slots. I've got an event on the 18th and another one on May 2nd, which will be a catered event complete with cocktails and the works. I'm looking to get 20 good artists in there to draw or paint for that date. I've hired a male nude model this time. Can I make it happen? I guess we will see. Oh, and I will give you one guess as to who's hand that is...

Re-Defining It All

Its already been eight months since I started this blog last August. I know my primary goal was to supplement my website with more content and information as to my photographic activities and endeavors. In the last few months, I've wondered if I need to amend my purpose here a little and become more specific in terms of how I envision what I want this blog to become. In some of my previous experiences, I've had to develop a mission statement, vision statement, and project scopes. I think I may take some time to do the same here, but rather than posting it, I might just keep it personal as a guide just for me. I know I want this to be more than a diary that I post my pics on, so I'll be providing more content on things of interest I find relevant to the issues and business of photography, artistic nudes, art nude models, and the art community. I'm looking at incorporating podcasts, vlogs, and other media means available to me. Well organized and reader-serving content is my goal. Did I just inadvertently write out a mission statement?

This photoblog will still complement my web site. I'd like to encourage my readers and viewers to leave comments on the site for those models who's galleries you visit. These girls love the feedback they see when they revisit my site to see who's said what about their collaborations with me. The more comments you give, the more they want to model with me! So give it up. I've re-organized my galleries a bit. I've worked with a lot of models and while my web host allows unlimited gallery space, I don't want to post a million pics on it. I've relegated myself to seven galleries and I am still thinking that may be too many. I've taken some galleries out, replaced some and added new ones. I need to go through and really clean it up to make it more succinct and add keywords.

Trisha is still my most popular gallery viewed. I've recently posted fresh pics of her that are by far more explicit than anything I've posted before. With respect to what I usually do, they may deviate from the mean slightly, but Trisha is sort of the kind to do that. She's a rarity that can carry the innocent look so well, but at the same time has a totally different side that surprises you. One viewer commented that while she can look like a 4th grade English teacher, she's still the type you want to come home to. She doesn't mind showing it all and holds no secrets, but you shouldn't make any presumptions about her character either. You'd be dead wrong. As an artist herself, she simply sees no issue with her poses. As far as she's concerned, if you're going to be nude then be nude, and being exposed is sort of the defining aspect of being an art model. She's very comfortable with herself and her self-expression. My job was to capture it. Not everyone can pull it off the way she does and not everyone should. I still hope to be able to shoot her again. We talk regularly even though she's 1800 miles away.

But for now, I leave you with images of Elizabeth, who is another defining model in my photography and art work. I was afforded the opportunity to do some great studio work with her during my last year in grad school while taking photo classes. I did some of my best work with her. On a final note, I want to bring your attention to the left where you'll notice the new Donations section. This is not an easy gig and for anyone who likes my work and wants to support my artistic endeavors, by all means click the Amazon Honor System link. Everyone knows Amazon.com to be a completely reliable and safe site. All your info is secure and none of it comes to me. So to anyone who'd like to contribute, I'd be more than appreciative for your support.

Candy Poses is Tuesday

I've come across a myriad of interesting people as I patrol the web. I've gathered a plethora of valuable tid-bits and information and post those on my blog that I think might be helpful, entertaining, or just necessary to be aware of. So here are a few other links I'll add to the already growing list of nuggets for you, and we'll start with model, Candy Poses, who runs Feminism Without Clothes. I can't recall at the moment who's link I found her on while making my web patrols, but I found myself hanging out on her site, scrolling through her blog reads, and playing in her link fields. The girl's definitely got some opinions and even though you may not agree with them, she still makes a good argument for her opinion and I think that's what I like most. That makes for a good read and I leave her site feeling like I didn't just waste my time. Oh, and one last thing on Candy, she along with 4 other models has launched a cool YouTube Channel called Five Naked Models. Each model takes a different day to do a vlog about whatever they want to talk about. Candy is Tuesday, but here's the line up:

Monday - Isobel Wren

Tuesday - Candy Poses (Five Naked Models page)

Wednesday - Fedora el Morro

Thursday - Samantha Grace

Friday - London Andrews

Check out Candy's First Video below or -->CLICK HERE<--

I am pretty damn sure, I will want to work with her [Candy] in the future. She has a no non-sense, in your face kind of style on one side, then you'll see some of the most warming and endearing images made by man on the other. She can easily bounce between provocative/explicit and innocent/vulnerable. Not every model can do that well. One model I've worked with before is like that. You may remember Trisha, who is still the most viewed model on my website after almost a year. I've recently posted new images of her on my website in more provocative postures as well, and might be exploring that side a bit more with other models who feel comfy enough to be depicted as such. I was previously highly reluctant to do so, but I chose to do it with her permission. She'd suggested it before, but I was still somewhat hesitant. I might post more on that later. Back to Candy, aside from her images, she's another model with something to say. Much like Iris Dassault, who isn't just another pretty face, you enjoy listening to what she's got to say. You are always wondering what she's got on her mind. You want to know her opinion as to a particular issue. So check out Feminism Without Clothes.

Another photog link, I've come across is Michael Johnston's The Online Photographer. He's got nothing to do with art nudes that I know of, but he's for sure all about photography. Granted he pissed me off recently with regards to his April Fool's Day prank regarding the new Canon 4D gag, but I got over it and continue to reference his site regularly. Somebody on Model Mayhem thought it was a true story and posted a bulletin on it, thinking a replacement for the Canon 5D is about to be released with some really high-speed features. Like a nut, I jumped over to see the link, and took it hook, line and sinker. Then the next morning I checked it out again and read his comments..."Gotcha!" Bastard or not, he's still worth the read. No, he's not a bastard...that was just for one day...

I thought I'd leave you with some more of Lydia. I'll get to see her again next week for my Artistic Nude Photo Workshop next week, as she's the model I've hired for the day. Should be fun.

Informative and Introspective

Hmmm, lets see. I don't have just one topic to cover tonight, but rather an amalgam of informative and introspective tidbits to share.

Now that Chris (Univers d'Artistes) is back, I have suddenly become keenly aware that in his absence, I've neglected to title my images on my blog. In an earlier post, I commented that I felt his observation of photogs who don't title images should be spanked, was valid. Well, not in so many words, but he strongly advocated that we should. Chris is more of a writer than some of us photogs are. Conversely, I've heard from some photogs mention that they are not writers, but rather image creators. I've had difficulty trying to name ALL of my work especially when I shoot a series of images. Naming all is quite the challenge especially with respect to time. I've recently had a lot of post-processing work and got away from creating titles. It was just interesting that I suddenly become aware of that fact, now that he's back, which is the same feeling you get when your parents come home after you've lost track of time. You suddenly become aware of all the chores you've yet to do. I know I want to be a better photographer and I'd like to take mentorship from those I respect. I have writing in my blood, so why not add value to my work by being both a writer and an image creator. So at some point, I've got to go back and title my work. Not because Chris said so, but rather because I want to stay true to my own sense of dedication for what I've made personal commitments to.

More Links...for the models this time:

I came across Isobella Jade not long ago who runs a host of modeling advice blogs and has her own book, entitled "Almost 5'4" ". Two of her blogs of interest that you should definitely check out are Petite Modeling Tips and Isobella's Dream Lounge. I highly recommend you become familiar with her words. I am an advocate for anyone who dedicates themselves to helping others. She could have simply busted her butt to get ahead and worry about herself, but she chooses to reach out to other would-be models in a variety of media means. She also has podcasts available at Isobella's Model Talk, on BlogTalkRadio.com. I think if you can follow her lead, you can certainly learn from her experiences. So, Isobella Jade... highly recommend her if you want to model.

And then we come to Mr. Peter J. Crowley. I was honored when he contacted me for my address so he could send me his latest book, "All the Usual Subjects". Now that was cool. He had already helped me find the Edward Weston/Charis Wilson DVD I had been searching for, "Eloquent Nude...", by giving me the personal number of the person actually in charge of handling the DVD sales. So I was further esteemed to receive his limited edition book. To quote directly from his site:

"While living in Willimantic, Connecticut, Peter documented daily life in this old mill town through a series of black and white photographs of memorable scenes and portraits of local characters and friends. The resulting book, titled All the Usual Subjects: Seven Years of Willimantic Photographs, is now available."

I particularly related to this book because I come from the small town of Terrell, Texas. (No, I was not named after the place...I just coincidentally grew up there). There were several other small towns nearby, as well. Contrastingly to the great city of Las Vegas, no one is very polite in this city. You don't really know your own neighbors or the people down the block. I miss the small town, close-knit communities. Thanks Peter. Well done, my friend.

And Then There's Lydia

One thing I was really happy to see this week was the return of Chris St. James from, my fave place, Univers d'Artistes hailing from France. Chris has been ill for a while now and I heard from him only every now and then. Then he posted on his blog that he could no longer maintain his blog due to his illness. That was about 3 weeks ago. I sent him an email just to wish him well and let him know I thought of him often. I still check his blog most everyday. I was surprised to see an answer that he was trying some new treatments. The next day, he posted on his blog as if he had never left. I was so elated. I pray for his quick recovery.

Over the last few months I have come across several informative links that I think I'll share on my blog. No they are not posted along the sides yet, but they will be. Some are photog resources, some are model resources, and a few fall in between. The first of which I felt was a great link is the Photo Attorney, run by Carolyn E Wright, Esq. who is an attorney specializing in photography. She's got valuable info on photog rights, copyright registration info, etc. I know I've spoken with several art photogs on the issue of copyright. Do you get them or no? I've elected to register my copyrights on everything I do. I send in my newest materials quarterly just to add that extra bit of protection for my work. It really too easy and I think its worth it. Some other links of interest for photogs are the International Center for Photography and the Society for Photographic Education.

My Las Vegas Art Models Group is becoming more active. As we speak, I have three events with locked in dates planned over the next month or so. Two are more drawing sessions, one of which will be another like the one in my recent post. The other will be the same just without the added pomp and circumstance type fanfare, although both will take place at the World Market Center. The third event is, of course my art nude photo workshop, for which my friend Dave Rudin is getting to come visit and lend his expertise. The group is growing and is becoming more publicized by word of mouth. I've made a few contacts with some special people who have helped promote me and my group. It's my endeavor to show that their efforts are paying off for thier friendship and support.

I got a chance to collaborate with Lydia some weeks ago. It wasn't a planned collaboration at all. It was actually a spontaneous shoot as an extension of our second interview. I hadn't planned to get as many images as I did. While I am certain we can do better, I was quite pleased with her and our work. Lydia has a great attitude to match her outgoing personality. She's a firery redhead with wit to match her splendid persona. In fact, I was inclined to cease my search for a model for the upcoming photo workshop and booked her as soon as we concluded our session for the 13th of April. I never get any good photos for myself at the workshops as I am busy facilitating. So I'll have to do Lydia again on my own somewhere in an outdoor locale that still suits her delicate skin. The day I shot her, she was leaving work and already had a sunburn. I'm all about protecting that body, so I'll do what I gotta do.

Look for more links next time pertaining to model resources.

As Promised, Pocatella

I'm really starting to miss my chemicals and the darkroom. There is really nothing like it. I've gone digital, but every once in a while, I get that hankering for the smell of fixer. Can you identify? The silence and serenity of my blacked out darkroom was surreal for me. I am not as excited about working edits on my computer. Its just not the same as watching the image materialize out of seemingly nothing while you time it in a tray of Rodinal or D-76. The tactile sensations of wet double-weight Ilford fiber provided an instant feedback that is remiss in digital format. Most photogs I've talked to abhor the wet works and would never go back. I cannot say the same. I lament the absence of a readily available enlarger.

Whats bringing this on, you ask? Well, since going digital, the post processing isn't as fun for me. Sure, I still look forward to the finished product, and the quick turnaround of capture to edited image. But its not always like that. Sometimes I spend just as much time on the computer as I did in the darkroom. Also I am still learning digital post processing and need more tools and equipment to update what I already have. I was already familiar with handling special problems with film, but I am stumped on some things digital. So I am forced to hit the books. The wedding I recently did in Texas, had several shot underexposed. It was the darkest church I have ever been in and a photogs worst nightmare. Lesson learned, do local weddings.


Well enough of all that. This is Pocatella that I recently promised to post. Talk about a model with a great attitude. I definitely need to get more work with her. She modeled for me briefly one week just to test out the lighting setup that I purchased to do the wedding. I was very impressed with her, and asked that she model for my Las Vegas Art Models Group Artistic Nude Photo Workshop. She did a great job and the attending photogs loved her. She was full of energy! I was afraid that she'd burn out, but with the smaller groups, we get more done. So even though we shot longer than the first workshop, we used our time more efficiently. Can't wait to get with her again. Lovely girl, isn't she? Enjoy your Easter Holiday.

Finally...a Drawing Event

Its been kind of a hectic last 3 weeks. I've had several models to shoot, a wedding, and I finally got to do my drawing session in cahoots with the Beverly Showroom at the World Market Center, here in Vegas. That's a HUGE furniture showcase mega building complex thats getting bigger. Even the architechural design is an artistic element in an of itself. Look it up. They want to help sponsor this event on a monthy basis. This last one was the brainchild of the showroom manager who contacted me about her idea of hosting a drawing session using a live model. I selected Faerie to work this gig and it was an excellent choice. I met several great contacts, got some timely advice from an artist's agent, and have possibly arranged for some future gigs in the making.

The event was held in combination with an invitation for buyers and designers of the furniture and art world who were invited to an exhibit of Artist of the Month, Steven Spann. Its a good way to bring in the right people to showcase furniture, while supporting the local artists and art community.

My side was to facilitate a Work of the Day exhibit featuring work from local artists produced on the spot. The designers got to come in and see the work being created, get to know the artists, and fill up on food and beverages. I'm not talking your run of the mill finger foods, either. This was the good stuff. The Beverly went all out for this.

Faerie thought it was sort of weird having other groups of people enter the showroom who had drinks and a plate instead of inks and a pad. Groups of people would come to watch her being drawn or painted and then head back into the gallery. A few minutes after, another few would drop in and spectate for a while. It was definately different.

At any rate, the monthy events won't be catered like this, but I admire their courage to let me help put on a show and represent my Las Vegas Art Models Group. It was wonderful. Can't wait to do it again. Tune in next time when I bring you new model, Pocatella and then later, Lydia.

One beautiful Faerie

This, my friends, is the lovely Faerie, whom I had the privilege to work with a few weeks ago. Not only is she beautiful, but she's the consummate model that any photog would love to work with. She's very professional, arrives early, highly dependable, and is the type to bring something extra to a shoot by way of talented motions and graceful gestures. I think one of the most captivating aspects about Faerie is her look. To peer into her eyes is to risk losing one's self into either a loss of thought or deep meditation. Several times, I had to stop and gaze into her pupils and give a second thought as to what it was that I intended to capture with my camera. Few models catch me off guard like this. Often times, I can guess what a model will look like even before she's undressed. I may not know specific features, but I have an idea of her shape and how I'd like to work with her. Faerie wore baggy clothes to our first interview. When she finally undressed for me, I had to take a step back to make sure I was looking at the same woman whom I had previously met at the reJAVAnate Coffee Lounge.

Speaking of which, I really love reJAVAnate. I like its local appeal and its a good change up from Starbucks. Another thing I appreciate about the business is their support of local artists. My friends, Hercules and John have done a grand job of taking over this establishment from the original owner and continuing the tradition of a quality joint to kick back, relax, and enjoy some company while sippin' or slurping on your coffee or tea of choice. I try to conduct my initial interviews here because I like to patron businesses that support the local arts and I do this despite the fact that I can't hang my nudes in this public place. Maybe I can work on some more stuff to hang later on. In fact I know I have some pieces that are less likely to offend the more conservative customers and children.

Back to Faerie, I know I'm gonna be using her more in the future. I've already booked her an another gig for another local business using art models for a drawing session. This is kind of an important gig so I knew I needed someone dependable. Faerie was my first model to come to mind. I've still got to get to work on completing edits on her images. These are just a few that I've been able to do since I've gotten back from shooting a wedding in Texas. So enjoy. I'll be posting more by this weekend.

Out of town.

Just a quickie...I'm gonna be out of town for almost a week. So, I'll see you guys on the 11th, so be sure to tune in when I get back!

Terrell

On Patience, plus some on deviantART

Lots been going on... busy, busy, busy. But that's a good thing. Its all photo related and all I can see are opportunities. I'm doing a wedding in Texas in a just over a week. I have, work to edit on soon to be 3 models, and my second art nude workshop is this Sunday afternoon. Also, I am working a side project that's got me beating the streets and cranking out calls, but its all part of the vision of a new friend, whom I'd like to help realize a successful outcome. I like where I am right now in photo. I was getting ready to release a self-published book and a calendar last fall, but I decided to slow down for a while. Don't enter any contests, don't publish anything ... just concentrate on getting better. Keep shooting. Keep the blog going. Make contacts. Let things develop. So that's what I've been trying to do. Just be patient and keep grinding away and things will unfold or you. Keep doing what you love and do it right. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I am not a very patient person with regard to some things, I will admit. I want to continue to develop myself and my art, grow my Las Vegas Art Model's Group, keep rolling with my blog, and just be patient. Take a deep breath with me... and let it out... One more time...

Actually, I do have something that bothering me like a stickerbugs (spurweeds or sticker weeds) in your drawers. If you're from the South, you know what that feels like. I've talked about Model Mayhem recently, so let me also give some time to deviantART. In whole, I like it. In part, I could live without a few things, two in particular. One, I'd like to see a block, screen, or filter made available to artists to keep their images from being faved, (and maybe even viewed) by people who lurk like scavenging bottom dwellers in other people's profiles, and have no gallery of their own. Sure, I know everyone is not an artists. Some are just art appreciators, but I have run into several questionables lately who fave my images that I have a difficult time saying thanks to when I check them out.

Second, I wish the moderators did a better job of screening what goes into the art nudes section. Now, I know they cruise through and dump some of your images into your scrap folder, but the other day, I was perusing through the latest additions and became quite annoyed at all the images of guys holding their peniises in their hands. One that really got me was a close-up image of a male buttt-holle. Is that really necessary? Can't we have SOME standards here? There were several more posted by the same individual sharing several intimate perspectives of the underside of his skrotum and I have a difficult time seeing this as anything resembling art. (Yes, I intentionally misspelled a few words to ward off evil spy-botts.)

Now let me also confess to my possible hypocrisy. I have had to defend some of my images that portray female genitalia with the pretext that its part of the body, just like anything else. I shoot the whole nude, and refuse to be stifled by taboos, opinions, and the such. I defend it as a beautiful part of the female body just like any other and if I shoot a nude who happens to have her nethers in view then just enjoy the composition or don't. Well, can the guy who posts his nads pose the same argument? Am I just biased towards women? Well, hell yeah...I know I am. I shoot what I love and it is the female form, not the male form, which appeals to me with great veracity. I just wish I could look at decent art nudes without the non-artistic elements added into this section. I don't mind mail nudes. I've done ma-ol nudes, myself as a mayle artt model. Dilemmas, dilemmas...

A Girl, Her Dog...and her HAWK!

This week was such a good week, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, I had a few meetings with a promising model and another that held some promising opportunities. On Thursday, I got to meet and shoot with my friend, Katherine, who's on a road trip at the moment clocking some serious miles. She was only in Vegas for a few hours as she was passing through, but she swung by to do a shoot with her pet red-tailed HAWK. We got several images in the 3 or 4 hours we shot. Then as quickly and suddenly as she blew in...she was gone.

Let me give you just a little history on Katherine and I. I met her almost two years ago, while hiking in Colorado with my friend Mary, whom I was scouting a location to shoot. Katherine and another friend were at the bottom of a trail in the Black Canyons camping out for a few days and fishing. Mary and I met them at the end of the day and they welcomed us into their camp and fed us fresh caught rainbow trout and I think some chili. In the course of conversation, Katherine asked what were were out wondering the mountains for. I made mention of my intention to shoot Mary and she asked if she could be in it as well. I came back out to their campsite the next day and hung out til it got warm enough to shoot. As the temp rose, Katherine lost her clothes. Before long, she was catching fish and cleaning them naked.

I am not sure how it got started but we all ended up skinny dipping in some of the most frigid waters imaginable. This was snow melt, fresh off the mountains. I got to shoot Katherine and had a great time doing it. My entire spontaneous week in Colorado happened to be one of the best experiences of my life. Getting to meet Katherine was a thrill even if we hadn't gotten to shoot. The weather almost didn't cooperate. It rained the day before she got here and the day after. I had a great time with her and might get to shoot her again as she makes a return trip upwards again to Colorado. These are a few of the images I did a quick edit on. It may be a while yet before I get them posted in a gallery on my site, but I wanted to share with you all, anyway.

You will for sure see more of this girl.

My First Workshop

My first workshop...

Stress is the best term I can use to describe it. Mainly it was the coordinations, but it was already starting out rough from my frustrating failed attempt at getting my drawing group established. I am the organizer for the Las Vegas Art Model's Group, which is a Meetup.com group I created to give models an a forum to socialize with other models and artists, as well as to provide a venue for them to work. Since the majority of models work for drawing artists, I decided to let that be my priority. I've been at it for 3 months searching for a venue to hold drawing sessions and I thought I had one secured but somehow that opportunity was lost...long story.

Anyway, I decided to work on a photo venue. A member of the group made his personal studio available and we held our first workshop there this past Sunday afternoon. It went very well. I had 5 of 8 slotted photogs sign up. I interviewed 8 models for the job. The first I selected realized she was not going to be available for that date. I settled on another, but then lost communications before I got a firm booking. I immediately contacted one of the last two interviewees and secured a committment. She turned out to be great! She's deaf which was an initial challenge but she is very spirited, enthusiastic, and charismatic, not to mention gorgeous. Our initial interview was about 2 hours and the second was an hour and a half. Everyone loved her. She's very beautiful with the same characteristics on the inside. We are making plans for a shoot with just ourselves.


I know I need to find a more efficient and less stressful way to organize this effort. Right now, I am certain I am undercharging the photogs who attend and underpaying the models I need to do the job. I've got to beef up my resources. I've received responses from several models willing to work with me, but its a whole different story making sure they commit. My philosophy was to go with the more mature and experienced model to help kick off this first one. The model I lost contact with was experienced at this for more than 8 years and was around 35 or so years old, yet I was left hanging. It was a 21 year old with significantly less experience who charmed my group and bailed my ass out of a jam.


There are still some details yet to workout. My model was toast after just 2 hours for a four hour workshop and so was I. I didn't shoot much at all. My job was faciliating the workshop and making sure everything was smooth. So, I need to workout how not to burnout my models while giving the photogs what they pay for. I've been on several shoots that lasted more than 4 hours. Maybe it was the warmth of the studio or the fact that I was exhausted from little sleep. But I know I need to find a way to keep my model fresh throughout the two 2-hour sessions. Oh well, its a process.

More to Come...

I'll be updating Sunday night with details as to my first Artistic Nude Workshop and a few other things. Here are some aspects of Vegas, you might be unfamiliar with. I'll be posting more like this in the future as I take more shots around Las Vegas. Click on 'em for larger viewing.

Peace...

Virtual Relationships

I was just sitting here thinking about how easy it is to become connected with people on the net. Virtual relationships have become sort of common in my life as of late as I communicate with individuals, develop a bond...a connection, yet, never having met together face to face. In some cases I know that's an okay thing, but I know for kids, the naive, and those less wary this can be a dangerous proposition. Common sense should always be the chief discretionary trait in any relationship you become involved in, whether virtual or in person.

Yeah, I can get sentimental at times. Its part of the way I was raised and my own set of standards in how I value people and appreciate real friendships. It hurt being in the military and connecting with guys that you know at any given time you would lay down your life to save thiers only to have the PCS on you after 3 years. That's a permanent change of station where you get new orders for a new duty station. Where is all this coming from? Well, I have come to miss like crazy Chris St. James from Univers d'Artistes. We've communicated on a constant basis and he's featured me on his highly popular and acclaimed blog on several occasions. Chris runs his blog from France and I have come to almost depend on his blog posts to stay informed, entertained, and awe-struck, by the photogs he discovers and presents to the world. Now he's hospitalized, and that connection is lost. I have no way of knowing how he's doing and the frustration sets in for me because its in my nature to visit my friends in times of need. You want to comfort, console, and help in any way you can.

Lin Bang from Fluffytek has signed off from her blog for a while for the same reasons...medical care. I've only even recently began communications with Lin when she contacted me with reference to a blog post I made. Oh my goodness, she's so exciting to read. I've backtracked through all of the posts by her and her husband Richard. She's funny as hell, but she also has a wonderful perspective on things that really make you think. Her commentary is such that you can easily gleen wisdom from her writings and you are usually left in better standing if you heed her advice and considerations. She can easily bring value to your work whether you are a photog or model. She has the expertise to counsel in both regards. She's an art lover and she is an advocate for the photographic representation of the nude form.

So I guess its funny how you can come to miss someone you have never met. Well, you can certainly feel that void when you recognize the value they bring to your life in whatever form, is not flowing through the vitural umbilical in which you've become accustomed to feed. So this is a well wishing post to Chris and Lin. I wish you both a speedy recovery. Take care of yourselves. My prayers, and I am sure those of many others are with you. You guys hurry back, now ...ya hear!

More of My Take on MM

Kickoff is getting ready to start for the Super Bowl. My Cowboys didn't make it and neither did the Packers, so I am not as hyped for this game, but I hope its a good one.

I've usually kept my reader comments open, but I have recently started to have to moderate them since I have been getting spammed by some type of online modeling gig. To me, that's just rude, but what can you expect from people like that. So apologies to Iris Dassault for not realizing she'd commented on my last post regarding Model Mayhem exposure. She's right, its a full-time job to get a presence there. In case you didn't know, MM is an online forum for models, photogs, and Make Up Artists (MUA) to collaborate and work together.

Its one of several online business models that allow to you post information and images about yourself and then communicate with like minded people who might like to do business with you. Its quite popular, but the format to gain more exposure keeps you on it constantly to say hello, comment on someone's work. The more you say...the more you are seen, so you are constantly being polite and courteous in the belief that its the proper etiquette to respond to someone else's comment about your images. You get a forum to seek out potential models in your area and they can also find you.

The thing is, this doesn't always pay off. You can expect to see several profiles where the user has not been active for several months or longer, because they get frustrated at becoming comment whores eagerly awaiting feedback. On the other hand, its great for MM in advertisements. The longer you stay on and the more often you come back, the better potential that you will see an advertisement that catches your eye. You may not be the type to be sensitive to these ad placements, but I can assure you, more money using this type of business model for generating ad revenue than they get from your subscription. Thats why they can afford to let you have the space for free. I'd be willing to be less than 8.2% of all MM users upgrade to the VIP service that allows them to post a hundred pics in stead of the 20 free ones they get. For the moment, even that service is suspended while they do some server renovating. If they are smart, they'll be virtualizing those servers.

On another note, I think I am getting ready launch my first photo workshop for my Las Vegas Art Model's Group as soon as we get enough participants to sign up. My drawing workshop is back on hold again, pending studio space. I am still looking forward to shooting Trixie again. She's got an excellent backside as you can conclude from these abstracts. I'm also anxious to interview with a few others who have contacted me about shooting. Its a process...

Not time for spellcheck... kickoff!