Sophie's Surgical Woes and the Low Down on Subprime Lending

"Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited and the wealth and confusion man has created."

-Edward Steichen

"Do Not Pity Me"

Neither of these two topics have anything to do with my photography, except for the fact that I've had to delay a scouting outing to help tend to poor little Sophie. This is my girlfriend's 7-year old Boxer who underwent TPLO surgery earlier this week. As active as she is, this is pure torture for her to be restricted to a few walks outside to potty and the occasional stroll through the house. Outside of that, she's stuck in a pen for the next 8 weeks, but at least its spacious...about 30 sqft, and its in the living room. The upstairs is off limits to her for obvious reasons. She's used to sleeping under the bed, so that's also got her a bit peeved. She has no idea on why we are being so "mean" to her, and I am sure its a bit confusing. Then again, she's also quite complacent for the time being since she's got a Duragesic patch stapled to her side releasing pain-killers (narcotics, actually) directly into her bloodstream. I think next week is going to be a totally different experience for her. The patch will wear out by then. Even though she'll still get pills by mouth, its not going to be the same stuff. I don't recall whats in the patch right now, but its supposed to be the good stuff.

We can't afford to let her romp around with her pups, Sidney and Stanley, both about 4 yrs old. The probable risk of further complications is just too high, so we've had to maintain a measure of separation between them. If you haven't been around boxers, you don't have a clue how much of a jumper these dogs are. Sidney hangs on the 6ft cinder-block fence in the back yard with her front paws to investigate the on-goings of the next door neighbors. We used to get periodic screams from next door when Sidney suddenly popped up next to an unsuspecting person standing too close to the wall. So anyway, Sophie is going to be imprisoned for the next 2 months. That's my girlfriend Angel with all 3 of them taken several months ago.

One other thing that I'd like to share is a NPR feature about the Subprime lending debacle that has turned our nation's economy on its ear (along with a few other things like the oil and gas crisis). I know its not a photo topic, but I've had a few people ask me about it since I've studied finance and economics in school. In most cases, I attributed it to greed from the banks and wall street and ignorance from the consumer which added up to a perfect storm of a debt-laden cocktail of poison. Its affect has reached to more than just our national limits, but many banks in Europe have had to close or take a big hit. Everyone who put their hand in this pot came out dirty. This May 9th collaborative article by Chicago Public Radio's "This American Life" and NPR's "All Things Considered" is the first explanation that I've seen or heard that really breaks it down to where anyone can understand it. Its both informative and entertaining. It doesn't have a free podcast download, but you can still go to the link and listen to the archived segment. For the full version is an hour long, click "This American Life: The Giant Pool of Money". Then click on the Full Episode link on that page. Or there is a 13-minute synopsis at "All Things Considered: The Global Pool of Money Got Too Greedy". I fully recommend taking a little time out to lean how greed and ignorance led to the default of several banks and the foreclosure of many, many homeowners. Nevada was hit hard and trust me when I say the after-effects just keep mounting. I implore you to learn a bit about what's happening in your country. Chances are, it has a direct effect on you.

Ode to the Art Model

" Sincerity"

"...To me photographing the nude is simply using my camera to sense and feel the pulse of life… To photograph a nude without desiring her is the ultimate in perversity..." - Larry Fink

I realize that mine is the art of photography. Specifically, photographing the nude form has become my passion and my niche. However, I still have a distinct affinity for figure modeling as it relates to drawing the figure. My association to figure drawing is no longer through the medium of charcoal, conte, or paint, but rather as a facilitator of the sessions. I don't draw anymore, but since I have an extended background as a figure model, I've still held a strong connection to the those in the field of art modeling. That's the primary reason I started my Las Vegas Art Models Group. So despite my particular genre of art being photography, I still talk about and discuss figure modeling. Its the art model who has captured my admiration and appreciation, whether she poses for drawing sessions or photography.

I've wanted to do more in my group with models of various sizes and shapes. The plus-size model has less of a representation in this field, but I'd like to find a way to encourage more women of this body type to participate. At the same time, I know I also have to garner the interest from the photogs who participate in the workshops. Its a bit easier to incorporate the plus-size and large women into figure drawing sessions, but I have still heard disparaging remarks from vain and disrespectful students who would rather draw the hot chicks. I am an avid avocate for the model who can shed her clothes and strike a pose to lend a much needed inspiration to us artists who have need of their services. I'd like to do more to help them earn more work in their trade outside of the collegiate environments. Las Vegas has less of a need or I should say has less of a demand for the nude art model, but I guess challenges exist all over to earn a decent income from such a noble effort of sacraficing privacy and enduring criticism from those who cannot understand.

I wish I could do more in my efforts with my group. For me, I have an excellent venue in both space and prestige at the World Market Center. However the catch is that my sessions are not on a regular or frequently held. Because of the WMC business hours, the sessions have to be held during the normal working hours of artists, which is on Friday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm, instead of after-hours when more may be inclined to participate. I'm left beating the street and buring up my cell phone minutes to solicit paricipation from artists. When I don't get enough artist participation, then thats also an out-of-pocket expense for me. Since I've pledged to have the highest pay rate in the Las Vegas area for figure drawing models, this can be challenging to somebody who's still yet to find steady employment. The efforts have paid off for some. During a few of my events, I've had artists get commissions, so its definitely worth it for the artists to come out and draw. You never know who may come by to see your performance.

But in order to keep the dream alive, I get out there and do what I can for as long as I can. That includes my efforts of scouting locations and interviewing models to hold my art nude photo workshops. I like what I do and I believe in it...for both photo and drawing. I want to be the go-to guy for artists and organizations needing models for nude art work. For those models wanting to continue doing the work, I want to keep you busy, but the bulkload of my energy will be reserved for those who I can determine are serious about their work, take pride in it, and maintain a high standard of professionalism to their craft. These are those who are where they are supposed to be ahead of schedule. They are not afraid of the hard poses. They strive to understand the need of the artist and give the artist the best they have to offer in order to help them achieve a desired goal. Art Modeling is hard work. Most think its a piece of cake to be still and look pretty. I say to thee nay! But you will never understand it til you give it a try. I dare you!

These are more images of art model and muse, Trixie. I hope to do some more work with her very soon. Also, you have GOT to see this 10 minute video, "The Perils in Nude Modeling". Its dramatic, romantic, and FUNNY. If you can't see the clip below, then just ->click here<-

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

"Survivorman"

"When I first became interested in photography, I thought it was the whole cheese. My idea was to have it recognized as one of the fine arts. Today I don't give a hoot in hell about that. The mission of photography is to explain man to man and each man to himself."
-Edward Steichen

The Good:

I was out hiking trails to scout out locations for my London Andrews shoot. Far and wide, I traveled, traversing the ends of the Valley. I drove back out to the Mormon Well Road, that I mentioned in a recent entry, to check out one spot that I was curious about. Then I drove back down into and back out of Las Vegas near the town of Blue Diamond and did some more trails. While scouting this one spot, I came across a neat and interesting family who were enjoying a nice Sunday late afternoon hike into the canyons. We met and talked and I ended up staying with them for the duration of my hike.

I enjoyed the company of Scott, his wife Tiffani, Regina, and their kids and it made for a very interesting rest of the day. Its always good to meet new people that you gell with and have pleasant conversation. We were only missing the wine. I enjoyed their kids who agonized on the feasibility of domesticating tadpoles, and we had fun. Scott found some wildlife that I was able to take a few shots of and we found several great spots to shoot. I think I'd like to come out here more often and explore these canyons more fully. I know I'll be bringing models out here all summer. I sincerely hope hook up with Scott, Tiffani, and Regina often.

The Bad:

Well, my London Andrews shoot had to be canceled. I found out when I got home from the scout hike that something important came up and London couldn't make it. Talk about bummer. Its not every day you get to shoot a London Andrews. I first discovered her a month ago and then to get contacted by her to arrange a shoot was more than I could have asked for. It would have been a most excellent shoot, I think. Several in my group expressed the same disappointments, as she's not just the typical model you shoot whenever you feel like it. Disappointments are a factor of life and in this line of work you've got to come to terms with things like this happening. Its a cost of doing business. If you can't handle that, its better to go shoot butterflies and babies. Yeah, it would have been a most excellent shoot. But alas, like weaving ropes of sand, some notions must be turned over in the earth.

The Ugly:

A friend invited me out to walk the strip Monday night. I brouht my girlfriend along. We met up at the Bellagio, but since Angel and I hadn't eaten, we elected to do the Harley Davidson Restaurant just a little ways to the south of the Bellagio. I know it was Memorial Day weekend and could expect lots of people, but I was amazed at the degredation of the Strip. Trash was everywhere along the streets but the trash cans were piled up and overflowing. We passed several sites as such and it was simply disgusting to see the city streets covered with trash and smut. I REALLY do not appreciate the peddler who stand on the corners shoving prostitution trading cards in your face. You have to actually build up a tolerance before you can walk by with out taking anything. If its your first time on the Strip, you'll end up with pocketfulls of smut cards wondering how you got them.

Then as we approached the restaurant, there's a guy RIGHT OUTSIDE the entrance way, puking his guts up. Again and again, this guy is just heaving right on the decorative landscape just outside the friggin' door. Now mind you, its not even late yet. Its only about 7:30pm and he's just standing there with no seemingly destination on his mind. This is just what you want to see right before you sit down to a meal. My friend who's 10 year old son accompanied us, had a difficult time putting it out of his mind. I just could not believe what I was seeing.

Joe's Speedlight Tree

"Portraiture of Dana"

While checking out my usual inventory of blog sites, I made my way down to the Strobist. Maybe you know this blog. If not, you should. Anyway, this lighting setup got my attention, which was a construction by Joe McNally ( <-Joe's blog) while shooting in Dubai. Its an unusual cluster of 7 SB-800s triggered to fire as one flash positioned on one mount. I could not fathom a reason to ever need something this gaudy, but I guess that shows what I know. After checking out a video he created to document the event and then looking at the results, I guess he knew what he was doing. Somehow, I think Dave Rudin is looking at this and freaking out. "All the natural light in the desert and this guy has a gaggle of SB-800s in one vantage point." ...at least, I am guessing that's what he might be saying.

I was not really sure this was necessary, but then again, I guess HE thought it was necessary and that's what counts. I know I have been in situations before that called for some quick improvisations of scrap material or a complicated rigging of my current resources that might rival an ACME rocket and boulder concoction by Wyle E. Coyote to caputure the Roadrunner. But I guess I was not the only one to cock my head sideways at Joe's setup. The next day, there was an post on the Strobist that detailed a quoted comment left by a reader which was derogatory and aimed at Mr. McNally. Afterwhich, an explanation is given as to why all Joe needed to create a Speedlight tree. You can READ IT IN FULL yourself, but here is the quote:

"Joe McNally is a great photographer and I respect his work, however that collection of strobes is absurd. Was that really necessary? Personally, I think this was an elaborate hoax to see how stupid most strobist readers really are." - Anonymous Strobist commentor

How rude? Right? He insults Joe and most of us Strobist readers. If you can't see the vid clip below, just click on Joe's name above to see his blog and scroll down til you see it.

Here comes the heat

"Sisters"

“I wish more people felt that photography was an adventure the same as life itself and felt that their individual feelings were worth expressing. To me, that makes photography more exciting.” - Harry Callahan

It was 108 degrees here in Vegas just a few days ago. Its cooled off a bit, but the the thought of the coming scorcher days ahead makes me wonder how it will affect my ability to shoot. At the beginning of last summer, I arrived in Las Vegas and was amazed at the heat. I'm from Texas. I can recall the temperature dancing around 120. I remember watching the news and hearing about the number of visitors to the state who would succumb to the heat via heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. I remember playing basketball or riding bikes in the noon day sun and thinking nothing of it. Vegas heat is nothing like Texas heat.

"Yeah, but its a DRY heat".... Well, there may be something to that saying. This low humidity heat is like oven heat. Set your oven on 450. Wait 15 minutes and open it up. Stick your head in. That's akin to Vegas heat. My challenge is being able to find locations to shoot for my Las Vegas Art Models Group. All the water and springs are drying up, but there are still interesting places and locations to shoot in without water. The trick is getting a secluded place that doesn't have many visitors, is easy to get to, AND doesn't become unbearably uncomfortable to the model or other photographers. Hiking miles and miles into a location isn't fun for the photogs that attend my workshop. Being naked for 3 hours in the sun isn't cool for my models. Solution: Get the hell out of Las Vegas.

Am I moving? No, not yet anyway. What I mean is to head up north to shoot. I was out scouting locations with a group member in Mt. Charleston. There can be a 20 degree difference in temperature in the mountains. Again, finding a secluded spot is the primary concern. As everyone is trying to get out of the heat, they head to the mountains. Also, hiking up a mountain to the location may be a challenge. My friend and I headed down the 40-some odd mile Mormon Well Road located not far from Mt. Charleston. You can't do that road in a regular car. You have to be in something with some clearance. We explored that road up in between the mountains, but its an arduous drive. The road seemed to shake and vibrate my guts loose and that was at a maximum speed of 20 miles an hour for about 2 and a half hours. At one point, we stopped so I could get a picture. My camera didn't work. Talk about your heart sinking. I was despondent for the rest of the ride. Fortunately, it was just the CF card door was shaken open. WHEW! Otherwise that would have sucked.

Right now, I am trying to put together a workshop with the glorious London Andrews. She'll be here in Vegas next week and if I can get a few photogs to participate in a workshop, I can make enough to pay her. She'd be the first professional model to be featured in our workshop. I primarily want to use local talent, but 4 to 6 times a year, I'd like to give my workshop attendees experience with a professional. I am especially intrigued by the traveling models. I've had several of my models ask how girls travel the nation from gig to gig and be successful doing this full time. I think that would be good to know as well. Its got to make for a great story and I can't wait to hear London's. I just hope to be able to do this workshop. It's kind of a last minute thing that we've put together. Somehow or another, I've got to make it happen.

I came across this funny Sesame Street video with William Wegman's weimaraners Batty and Bettina. Batty poses as a model. If you can't see the video below, > click here <

The Classics

"The Cradle"

"Life is like a good black and white photograph, there's black, there's white, and lots of shades in between." -Karl Heiner

Some time ago, I made mention that I wanted to take some time to watch some old classics. This was brought on by a Nevada Public Radio segment in which Dustin Hoffman was interviewed for the 40th anniversary of “The Graduate” from 1967, which effectively put him on the Hollywood map. I had actually never seen the movie and it made me realize how many classics I had never seen despite my love of movies. As a kid, I never wanted to watch old movies preferring the blood, gore, violence, and sex of the modern era of film. But then over the last decade or so, I’ve noticed a decline in the quality of film. Oh sure, there are always the blockbuster franchises that come out and the sequels of other popular films, but everything seemed to be a remake. Originality was lost.

The same was happening with television as well. Much has gravitated toward the reality genre, but sometimes browsing the channels late at night, I’d catch an old sitcom, or drama series. Maybe I’ve grown up since then, but I have been able to appreciate good TV. Sometimes its just funny watching shows from back then and noting the dress styles or the politically correct way of addressing an issue that wouldn’t even get a second look today, such as teen pregnancy or drugs in school. These issues, while remaining important, are not the tender subjects they once were. School shootings are much more of a factor now. I can recall seeing an episode of Sesame Street from way back in the day. Kids were being followed playing in a local city dump using old refuse for play things. That kind of stuff would never fly today!

A few days ago, I watched The Graduate and Casablanca. These films don’t need my review by any sort of the suggestion, but Ben, in The Graduate, would have been considered a stalker if he were casing a school and following a young girl around campus. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, but Casablanca was brilliant to me. I especially enjoyed the lighting. Nothing is lit very brightly and the shadow play is much like I try to do with my photography now. The B&Ws are still a fave of mine and the low key, sometimes soft imagery was especially to my liking. I now know where some of these famous quotes come from: "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in the world, she walks into mine.", as well as some that were misquotes, “Play it again, Sam”. According to IMDb trivia, that line was never in the movie, but was misquoted from Bogart’s actual line, "You played it for her, you can play it for me. Play it!". Ingrid Bergman also has a line that’s close: "Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By". So I am wondering what classic I’ll watch next…maybe The Maltese Falcon, Lawrence of Arabia, Citizen Cane, A Streetcar Named Desire, or maybe To Kill a Mockingbird? Suggestions?

What I did for Mother's Day

"Nude Under the Mountain"

Another successful Art Nude Photography Workshop for the records: Lessa was a gem. The day was beautiful. My location was grand. And I was amongst friends. What more could a facilitator ask. In the same general area as the last photo event, I chose a few areas that caught my eye from the last event that we skipped over. For a shoot on Mother's Day, I had a decent turn-out for this event. I didn't expect many, but as I have mentioned before, the smaller group tends to be more beneficial than the larger group. Despite being out of doors, some of the areas I chose were tight fits, closed in by either rocks, cacti, or trees.

Lessa turns out to be an excellent model who is very comfortable with her body. With her background in dance and theater, she's proved as creative as I might have expected from someone of her experience. The combination of her marvelous curves, her long hair, and her expressive charisma, allows for a broad range of ideas to explore. I am sooo looking forward to a few independent photo sessions to see what else I can come up with. Normally, I don't get to shoot much on my own events, but this time I was able to work in a few shots. I didn't get as many prime shots as I might have wished for, but my angles were still okay. Independent shoots with her will allow me to really explore my ideas with her collaboration.

The group that came out to shoot really bonded. You'd have thought we were all wearing Dr. Scholls Gellin' insoles. I know I was gellin'. Do you hear what I'm tellin'. Cuz I can start yellin' like a felon sellin' melon on a hot summer day if you don't understand me. This felt more like friends getting together and chillin' on a Sunday afternoon, which might have actually been the case had Felix brought some beer. In fact, to make up for it, we are planning a nude photo BBQ over at Felix's place next month. Several of them got to go out to eat Mexican after the shoot, but I didn't get to join as I got a call from the Security monitoring service that the alarm at my home was blasting. Thankfully, there was no cause for alarm. I think the dogs triggered the alarm somehow. We've got 3 large boxers weighing close to 70 pounds each running amuk in the house while no one's home.

And so with all this fun, its only fitting I leave you with this really funny video. If you can't see it below, just >click here<.

Allow Me to Introduce... Lessa

"Photography, not soft gutless painting, is best equipped to bore into the spirit of today." - Edward Weston

I was very fortunate to be able to come across a woman like Lessa. I knew right off the bat that she was someone I wanted to work with and in no short time, I promised her a spot for my next workshop weeks ago prior to even finalizing a booking for her. With her background in dance and theater, I hope to produce many photographic projects with her in my viewfinder. As I have mentioned several times before, attitude is the biggest thing I key on and I love her's.

Her reasons for wanting to do this were more of a purist's ideals. Money was not the motivator behind her desire to pose for artistic nudes and I genuinely felt honored that she chose to collaborate with me in order to reach her goals, as there are a web full of advertisements of photographers who are seeking nude models. I hold my next art nude photo workshop this Sunday afternoon on the 11th and Lessa was hired for the job. Although its Mother's Day, I still have a few photogs in my group who want this so I'll hold a session. Lessa is a very interesting person and I hope to explore more elements of her creative expressions. Man, who knew Weston has such emotion for painting??

Another Successful Drawing Event

This past Friday was a very eventful figure drawing session that was one of the best yet. Again, held in the World Market Center, we had 6 artists who drew (charcoal and digital) and sculpted a male nude model, afterwhich we broke for food, drinks, and socializing. This event was held in honor of Steve Litvak, the featured Artist of the Month and more than a hundred people turned out for his art exhibit. The figure drawing was an add-on to this occasion for the benefit of the special invited guests who consisted of furniture buyers, designers, suppliers, and hospitality executives. The main goal is to bring in these guests to see the new exhibits of the Beverly Showroom who makes luxurious custom designed furniture for commercial and high-end residential use.

It was my job to facilitate the drawing session which brings in several curious visitors and gives the special invites a chance to see some of the local artists at work. I put out a call to artists from my Las Vegas Art Models Group as well as to the colleges and art community. Its quite an effort to get people to come out and participate, but I'm starting to finally get the word out. I was looking to fill the room with at least 20 artists, but I think I am going to cut back to half that. The smaller groups work better the same way they do for my art nude photo workshops. I'd rather take a invite up to 10 of the best artists to this event and give them a chance to perform in front of influential guests who appreciate and support local art.

Although no work sold on the spot, two of my members on Friday ended up with contacts for future commissioned pieces. We are also making arrangements to have these two artists featured as an Artists of the Month to help showcase local talent. For the next event, I plan to bring in the media to cover this story. Its still a growing concept and pretty soon, I can assure you this will be one of the more sought after events in Las Vegas. This was a lot of fun and its a great opportunity to make the right connections and get some exposure. I'll make this happen.

Just Keep Shooting

Quote of the Day:

"I photograph continuously, often without a good idea or strong feelings. During this time the photos are nearly all poor but I believe they develop my seeing and help later on in other photos. I do believe strongly in photography and hope by following it intuitively that when the photographs are looked at they will touch the spirit in people." - Harry Callahan

I came across this quote by a fav photog of mine, Harry Callahan. I've commented on him before in -->this blog post<-- last October, which is actually based on a reference to his wife Eleanor. For me, its somewhat fitting because lately, I havent been doing any specific photo projects that have a dedicated purpose or goal. Between running my art group and other priorities, I haven't been able to put together some concepts that I might endeavor to act on. So instead, I elected to just keep shooting. No self-publishing, no contests, no nothing other than refining my craft, stufying my trade, and getting better. I've wrote about this before, but this quote reminded me of what I am doing and why.

I'm certainly glad to have a few models that don't mind being available when I want to just shoot and some whom I am available for when they want to be shot. I got to work with Faerie again for such an occasion. Especially now, when stress and gas prices are at an all time high for me, its so relaxing to be able to go shoot a model for no other reason than we've both got some free time and we each desire to be on our perspective ends of the lens. I'm sure I'll shoot her some more, be it in different places or circumstances. It just doesn't get old. Isn't she just gorgeous. Hmmm, I wonder what she's doing tomorrow...

I did come across one other video clip similar to a project I plan to do when I have the right model and circumstances to pull it off. Its of a photographer who records his photo shoot of a nude model who poses for shots at a public bus stop. Capturing people's reaction while ignoring passing traffic is not an easy thing to do. At least, I would not imagine that it would be. Not to mention avoiding arrest. Its still a fun video, nontheless. If you can't see the clip below, ->click here<-. If any of you readers have any experience shooting public nudes, I'd be much obliged for your suggestions. Share your experiences on how it worked out for you if you've tried it. I'd especially love to hear from any models who have braved the public frontier. What were your challenges, concerns, and problems in setting this up? Did it take a team effort? I'm not referring to streaking, but rather to posed shots. Seeing a naked model get horse-collared in a tackle just wouldn't look pretty. Might be funny, but I can't see the beauty in that. So I'm not interested in streakers. Enjoy the video.

Unbearable Lightness = Insight and Wisdom

If you haven't had the chance to read or check out the work of Unbearable Lightness, then let me introduce you. Unbearable Lightness is one of the Women of Avalon, who was brought on by Iris Dassault as a co-contributor to her blog (Women of Avalon). Over the last few months, I have come to enjoy checking in on them and seeing what they have to say. I am a daily (and sometimes several times a day) visitor to this blog. You'll find Iris and Unbearable Lightness working side by side quite often and they work with some of the same photographers. I've often used Iris as a reference to my models on what a model should be, know, and do. Unbearable Lightness, on the other hand, I keep for myself. It was her zeal which attracted me to her style of writing, but lately its been her incredible insight and wisdom that keep me sustained until I get the next dose of her experience. Case in point, this is a small exerpt from her latest posting "The School of Being Wrong":

"At some point in my academic career, I learned to apologize. Then I learned to forgive. Beyond that, I learned to forget. We are human. We will be and do wrong." -UL

That one particular statement really got me. Maybe because I have had to face this issue, or maybe because I have known others whom I wish could benefit from her prose. Regardless, the fact remains that this is an impactful statement, that no one with the ability to read should ignore. Of course I encourage you to read the rest of her post on the matter. Her's is the years of living and experiencing life which she freely shares with those willing to listen. Thats her gift to her readers, so I invite you to join me in becoming an avid reader of Unbearable Lightness.

Okay, there's this priest, a rabbi, and a baptist minister, stop me if you've heard this one...

Kidding. One a lighter note, I've commented on my last post regarding in interesting clip on Imogen Cunningham. This is not the one where she comments on Edward Weston that I mentioned but rather a clip on her account of the nude form. This mini-video is from a 1988 film "A Portrait of Imogen" by Meg Partridge.
If you don't see below video -->click here<--

Lastly, in a recent post, I asked readers to leave comments on the images of models on my website. This is the main source of feedback they receive for their efforts, but I've had a few viewers on my site that expressed difficulties in leaving comments. If you visit my site at http://www.tlneasley.com/, you can click on any one of seven galleries currently available. When you select an image for viewing, there should be a green rectangular button to VIEW and ADD COMMENTS located in the bottom left corner. If you do not see this button, just maximize the page. Its there, trust me. I wish I could make it more visible, but that's just the way my site is designed. So maximize the page, and add your comments. Please feel free to leave your name and a web page if you have one such as your own site, or a myspace page. The model might just want to contact you and say thanks!

Thanks.

A Return to "The Jeffersons"

Much of my artistic expressions consists of capturing the nude in photographs. While that is my main medium of choice, its the nude itself that I revel in whether thats captured photographically or sketched in paint, charcoal, or even ink. I think its more of the work with the nude which captivates me. I've come to appreciate it both as an art nude model and as an art photographer who shoots nudes. This is why my Las Vegas Art Models Group sponsors Art Nude Photo Events AND Figure Drawing Sessions.

I don't draw the nude anymore, but I still like the association. This past Friday, I held another figure drawing session with art model slash muse, Trixie. I love working with her. I've shot with her before and she is such a pleasure to shoot, but she's an experienced art model as well. This came through Friday afternoon as I watched her assume poses that were graceful and elegant. In most cases, you wouldn't call someone sitting still for 20 minutes a performance, but such cannot be said of Trixie. Her's is an action of still motion or fluid suspended. I don't know who first coined the phrase "The silence was deafening", but its the same paradoxical terminology that came to mind as I watched her perform for my group of artists that after noon. I think I'll have to introduce her to my art photo members.

I don't recall if I mentioned it or not, but I was also asked to be an assistant organizer for the Las Vegas Photographic Society. Its a newly created group started by a member of my LVArt Models Group. There is not so much of a focus on the nude as it orientates more toward the simple love of photography. I've come to meet some great new friends in the group and have been introduced to more who are not members. I go hang out at B&C Camera, INC., run by Edda Brandt in Las Vegas since 1970. So if you're in Vegas and need some gear, check her out near the W. Sahara/Decatur intersection, which isn't that far off the I-15 exit. There's a small group of photogs that come in on Saturdays late morning and hang out with Edda til she closes at 2pm (only on Saturdays). Last Saturday, I got some really good insight from Robert, Dennis, and Eric on some photography challenges and Photoshop issues I've been having. This week, it was my turn to give out help to Joe, a new owner of the Canon 40D, which I shoot, but I also got to meet Rick who showed us work from his 40 year old, Fuji panoramic camera. It reminds me of "Cheers", where the same bunch comes in to the same spot and just has fun hanging out. In fact, its the only camera place I've seen that has bar stools. If she served beer, we'd probably be there every day. I can't wait for next Saturday.

In the meantime, I had planned on posting some vids of either Imogen Cunningham talking about Edward Weston or some instructional stuff on photo nudes, but I came across an old episode of The Jeffersons where Louise draws a male nude. I just had to go with this one. Its a 3 part series, but the 2nd one is the main part and clickable below or through the links. You can also catch the 1st and 3rd parts, too. I'll get Imogen next time.

The Jeffersons-Louise sketches nude model (part 1 of 3)
The Jeffersons-Louise sketches nude model (part 2 of 3)
The Jeffersons-Louise sketches nude model (part 3 of 3)