The Road to Phoenix

"Metalworks in back of the P.A.M."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chris...

Short and simple this time. More to come soon.

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


Terrell

Because Unbearable Lightness said...

Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

"...all photographs are self-portraits." - Minor White

"Go ahead. Post that baby!" - Unbearable Lightness

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

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


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

New Beginnings

Last "Calvin and Hobbes" Comic Strip by Bill Watterson

Eleven days...

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

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

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

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

Switch gears...

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

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

Kolob Reservoir and the Narrows

"They came from Salt Lake"

"Thank you, for serving! Peace and Love!" -Tristan

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 2008 Workshop...A Great Success

Las Vegas Art Models Group - July Workshop 08

"I think when I die, I want to come back a blonde." - Roselyn, commenting on Faerie's beauty

"Why not just dye blonde instead?"- Charlie, being a smart ass!

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

The photos I have up now were actually taken the day before the workshop. That's how much of a trooper Faerie is. My friend Garrett was not going to be able to make the workshop and asked about getting Faerie out on location the day before. We went out in seemingly bad weather. It threatened to rain on us the whole time. We got ready to leave and the sun popped out. I loved all the shots I got of Faerie in the wind. This one image is particularly captivating the way the wind whips her hair around her head to frame her face. Does this woman take an excellent portrait or what? There's no way you can look at this face...this bod...and not be envious of every person in this workshop.

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

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

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

Computer Replaced

"A Faerie's Gaze"

"Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory."

- Diane Arbus

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

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




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



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


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

Curl Up and Dye and Vegas Vision Studios.

"It is a rare photographer who can take a detached, cold-blooded view of his work."

- Arthur Rothstein

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

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

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

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

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

She's Growing Up

"I think men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry." - Rita Rudner

***

"My advice to you is to get married. If you find a good wife, you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher." - Socrates

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"For two people in a marriage to live together day after day is unquestionably the one miracle the Vatican has overlooked." - Bill Cosby

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"There are two dilemmas that rattle the human skull: How do you hang on to someone who won't stay? And how do you get rid of someone who won't go?" - Danny Divito, The War of the Roses

***

"With my wife I don't get no respect. I made a toast on her birthday to 'the best woman a man ever had.' The waiter joined me." -Rodney Dangerfield

I'm still working on my computer issues, so my postings have been a little limited to maybe once a week for a bit. I had another post that I had planned on doing for today but something else come up that set me on a new course. I've reached another milestone in life, or at least another major event that lets you know things have changed and you better learn to deal with it. My daughter had a birthday today. Which is cool. We've been expecting it for a whole year now. What was more of a surprise was when her boyfriend Andrew called me yesterday asking for my blessings to propose to her.




We've all known it would be here at some point. Cassie's been knowing this kid for maybe six years and dating him for at least 4. Had Andrew been a typical knuckle-head, there's no way I would have let that fly. None. People have objected to my ability to intervene since she's over the age of majority, but last I checked, my name is still Pappy and that kind of stuff just doesn't fly with me. But the fact of the matter is this: My daughter is smart. I'm not talking intelligent like with books. She's alright in that department, although she could have done better in college. I'm talking smart as in wise. Sure she's still a kid with lots to learn, but she's not prone to the stupid youthful mistakes you so often see. AND Andrew's quite the credit to his folks. The boy was raised right and knows how to respect a girl, as well as a girl's father. I've watched him closely and listened to his words. I believe in him, but better yet, I believe in Cassie's belief in him.



I still want to hear how they plan on doing all this and what future expectations are, but there's time for all that. The are only engaged. They are not getting married tomorrow. But I still had to take a step back and contemplate what all of this actually means for me. My daughter's getting married. A new man will officially be in her life. Dad has to step aside. I accept that, but rest assured, to me, stepping aside is still with in arm's reach... at least for a while. But that's still a big thing to accept. I recall having to understand and accept when it was no longer cool for my kids to hang around with Dad. I recall becoming an embarrassment to my kids amongst their friends. I dealt with it. Now I have to deal with this. I might be a grandpa at some point which is a big change in one's life. There aren't any grandparents in the clubs! But bigger still, I know for fact that my mom is not in any kind of mood to be labeled GREAT-GRANDMA! It was a huge ordeal for her just to come to grips with chosing a new name for her. Big Mama was a automatic No-Go. She settled on Grandma, but when Cassie's kids learn to talk, I can tell you Great Big Mama won't be an option either.

But anyway, I'll learn to deal with it all. Happy Birthday to Cassie and Congrats to Cassie and Andrew. God Bless you both. And Andrew.... don't do nothing stupid. Be good to my little girl.

Panguitch

"I take photographs with love, so I try to make them art objects. But I make them for myself first and foremost--that is important. If they are art objects at the same time, that's fine with me." - Jacques-Henri Lartigue

"Loving Summer"

I still don't know what's up with this darn computer. For now, its letting me at least begin a post. I don't know if I'll get to finish it. I've had to save bits at a time in a draft version. Hopefully, I'll get this fixed soon.

Anyhoo...

Talk about a great 4th of July. I met Felix and his wife Summer in Panguitch, Utah for a 3-day camping and photo trip. I loved the place. Felix was definitely the man on this one. I'm starting to believe Utah might be even more beautiful than Tennessee, but the jury is still out on this one. The drive, itself once you got past Cedar City was amazing. For me, this was a scouting trip slash get-a-way time. It was a very spontaneous thing that I made up in my mind to do. Felix has already half way there when I got the word Thursday afternoon, that I was off work on Friday. I decided to jump in the car and follow the next day and I do not regret that decision. I got there Friday night. This was just a 3-hour drive. I wasn't really prepared for this trip, which is one of the downsides of spontenaity. I had no camping gear. I had no rain gear. I brought some blankets which didn't prove to be enough. Its July, but I froze in Panguitch. The first night wasn't so bad, as I stayed in the tent with Felix and Summer. The next night, I elected to sleep outside the tent next to the fire that I kept going all night. As it got cooler, my pillow and blankets got all wet from the newly forming dew. It was warmer to stand in my birthday suit next to the fire, than to lay so low on the ground next to it. Had I been off the ground on a cot or hammock, it would not have been so bad.


Saturday was spent primarily at Bryce Canyon which is less than a 45-minute drive from where we camped out. We got lots of great shots there, but as lovely as it is, EVERYBODY is shooting there. I still want to go back and get some more shots there with a model, but the fact that so many people have images from there make it not the prime spot for me. When Felix took me back into the seclusion of the moutains and woods, that was a bigger impact on me. I have more of a draw to those places than the high taffic areas.



Thats what we did the next day; Sunday was spent exploring around between Panguitch and Panguitch Lake area. We found a spot like a mini-Bryce that I got to scramble around on. Climbing up to the highest point proved unnerving, not because of the height, but rather due to my sudden awareness of lightening and the threat of getting poured on by the rain with my camera in the open. It was sad to have to return home and reacquaint with the real world. But at least I know more of this area and have that much more of an idea of where to take a model. I'm already trying to see about another trip in August with them.

On another subject, I need to get out and talk to some more models. I've been more concentrating on my group work that I've put off my independent work. I'd like to shoot some girls for a non-themed project. As I have on my Model Mayhem profile, I'd just like to shoot for the sake of shooting right now. I might like to do some night-time nudes, too, but I could shoot the nude anywhere right now. I have this on my profile for possible endeavors:


THREE TOP PROJECTS AND ENDEAVORS:


1.) I plan to spend the next 18 months shooting nudes in natural outdoor environments in Nevada and Utah parks, as well as places in Colorado, Arizona, and Southern Cal.


2.) During this same time period, I want to also do indoor nudes of models in THEIR natural enviornment, shooting in their homes or favorite places where they kick back and relax. I'd also like to photographically document a segment of your life in which you go about your normal routines at home.


3.) Looking for a PHOTO MUSE or two: For spontaneous shoots that have no design, concept or project plan. This is just give me the opportunity to shoot for the hell of it, to experiment, or just because I'm in the mood. This person(s) will be a shapely female, preferably with long hair, who has time on her hands and would love nothing better than to take off her clothes and have her picture taken. AND she's got to have a great spirit and an attitude that lends itself well to the camera.


And Dave Rudin was in town again. I got to have breakfast with him at The Original Pancake House again, but that was on Friday morning and I was gone by that night. I was sad not to get to hang out with him more, but at least he got to do a shoot up in Utah. I talked to him again on Tuesday, thinking we could hook up again. While I had every intention of doing so, I was way to exhausted by the time I got off work to keep my clothes on and drive through all the traffic. I called him to wish him a safe trip to San Fran. I look forward to seeing the images of the model he shot in Utah and some more of his work when he shoots in San Fran.

Computer issues

Just wanting to let you know I haven't forgotten about you all. I'm having some massive computer issues. This thing reboots after 15 to 20 minutes and I'm getting hella error messages with boxes that say this and that has encountered a problem and needs to close. Then the whole thing shuts down and restarts on its own. I can't get anything done! Be back soon though, K...

I need to get a Mac!

On Chris and then Trixie

"Seated on a Fallen Trunk"

My true program is summed up in one word: life. I expect to photograph anything suggested by that word which appeals to me. - Edward Weston

I know I've posted on this before, but virtual relationships with people you've never met can be just as real as interpersonal ones. I'm still trying to get word on Chris St. James. We've communicated often over the last year and I've come to truly respect and admire him, not only for his work and efforts with Univers d'Artistes, but also as a man. I can tell his heart from his writings and he's a person who genuinely cares about other people. I've come to truly miss him at the helm of his blog. Maybe that's a tad bit selfish on my part, but damn, I miss the man. I am fearful that his illness may be getting the better of him, so I can only keep praying. I've tried to contact the editors at Carrie Leigh, but got no response. (He's the European Blog editor for Carrie Leigh's Nude Magazine.) It took me a while, but I finally got a contact name and number from the French telephone directory. I might have succeeded in that a month ago, had I been able to read French. I added the international feature to my cell phone plan because it was way cheaper by the minute to call using it than not. Of the two numbers that were associated with his name, both were changed or no longer in use. You can imagine my frustration. Somebody's got to be close to him over there. I get hits from France and Europe all the time. Li'l help, please.

This past Sunday was another art nude photo workshop. Talk about challenges! For a while, I was speculative on whether or not it would actually happen. I changed the location a week before the event from a spot out by Red Rock to a location at Mt. Charleston. The initial spot I scouted was just way to temperate for anyone to be comfortable. I scrambled to find another spot in a cooler climate at Mt. C. which can be upwards of 20 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley. I located my primary spot just before it got dark. I thought I was set for the next week. Then to my utter amazement, calamity. The day before my event, a single-engine plane crashed near my area of choice and access was reportedly closed off. Of the 4 passengers, every poor soul on the flight was lost, unfortunately. I decided to lead my guys there anyway and found that access was not restricted in my area. However since other major areas were closed off, people flocked into my prime spot. My Plan B locale was in the restricted area which was now blocked off except to emergency vehicles and personnel. Instead of heading home, I scouted my spot anyway and found that I could push back further into the woods. My group members were none to happy to find a 200 meter, 30 degree up-slope between them and the photo area. As it turns out, once we all got up there, rested, and begun shooting, all the groaning turned to glee.

My model, Trixie is a true muse. As an experienced artist's model, she's used to holding a pose for a while. All respects to her as I say this, but Trixie has one of the best photographic rear ends period. There's a lot of strength in her legs and lower body and she has such dynamic and interesting shape from her back to her butt, that I make it a focus point whenever I shoot her. Her husband tagged along and while most photogs might be apprehensive to have an accompanying spouse watch the shoot, this guy was totally cool. He helped out with watching our gear and holding Trixie's robe and shoes. Everyone was very comfortable around him and I got to enjoy some good conversation with him. He's an engineer and briany at another level, but by no means nerdy. Normally when I shoot Trixie, he's off in another room to let us do our thing, so I've never really gotten to talk much before that day. I've done some great work with Trixie because he's been so supportive of her and our work. Trix was the real trooper of the day. She came out and did her thing and whatever was asked of her. The water got a bit too chilly later in the evening, but she braved it nonetheless. We all went out to The Hacienda for tacos afterwards over on Lake Mead and Christie. Its real Mexican food. I got up to the counter and jokingly ordered a Chalupa and Encharito. That didn't go over well.

Sporadic Thoughts

"Gaze"

"The question is not what you look at but what you see!"
-Henry David Thoureau

Seems like its been a while since I've been able to work on one of my own projects. Everything has been concentrated on my art model group, and so I have not had the time to even think about shooting for my independent work. I guess that's fine since the group work has been steady. The figure drawing part of it has taken a slight nose dive due to venue issues. If I don't get to do the World Market Center scene again, well...it was fun while it lasted.

But honestly, I have absolutely nothing to write about today. I am sooooo tired right now. I didn't even realize its been a week since my last posting. Does that happen to any other bloggers out there. WHERE did the time go. Blogging isn't exactly easy, but it is fun. Sometimes you can hit a dry spell, get writer's block, or just have a hard time putting words together. My thoughts right now are more sporadic rather than smooth flowing. I wish I could defrag my head!

Here's what's on my mind:

I want to know what's happening with my friend Chris St. James, keeper of the faith over at Univers d'Artistes.

I'm finally offering images for sale on my website, TLNeasley.com. I've got a shopping cart set up and offering image sizes from 8x10s to 11x14s. At the very least, I'd like to make this expensive passion of mine pay for itself, so I am going to be testing a few sale concepts, vendors, and general policies. For now, all my prints will come already mounted, with the option of framing or other specialties. So go to my site and click on an image to see the pricing options.

I also want to tell people that Candy Poses isn't Tuesday anymore (from my April 6th post). I get several hits a day from people searching for her. Well, she's done posing nude, at least for guys, and she talks about it >HERE<. She has taken down her Candyposes.com website AND her Feminism Without Clothes blog. She can still be seen on Model Mayhem and you might catch her somewhere under the name "Candy Pauses" or "The Good Bush".

I want to put out the word on a new search engine that searches pics instead of words called TinEye. I think its neat and a good way to keep up with where your pics go, who has them, and what the hell they are doing with them. They can even be tracked if modified. I'm still checking them out, so if anybody knows about them... holla.

I strongly advice you to check out photoattorney.com too. Lots of good stuff there. The latest post is of particular interest. So go there and at least review the last 3 entries.

I'm thinking this new replacement for the 5D better be good. What the hell is Canon waiting on??

I am wondering also what the fidoodles is up with Blurb.com. I've ordered 3 books from them (wedding photobooks) and each of them had pages stuck together. One has to be returned. I can't present a book to newlyweds like that! I use them because their additional pages are much cheaper than My Publisher.com or Lulu.com. I used 120 pages. with anyone else, every page over 40 is about $2.99 a page! The images come out a tab bit darker, but overall they are not bad. But the pages sticking is unacceptable.

Here is an article I've been meaning to post. Is a BusinessWeek Online article entitled, "Business Advice for Artists from Artists", by Stacy Perman on 11 April 2008. I think its a good read. Many great artists out there will never be discovered due to ignorance on the business side of things. Its a short article that should at least get you to thinking and hopefully do more research.

And finally, I wish I could get back to the Kentucky/Tennessee area for a while. Its been a year since I've shot Trisha and I could use better shots of her. At the time, we did more than I expected to do. I was also shooting her with film. I was already done with grad school and was days from moving here to Vegas when we hooked up after not having seen each other for a while. She's an art student herself and we had taken one photo class together, but she didn't stick with photo like I did. She's a painter. Well, I had only a few rolls of good slide film, but I had also just gotten my hands on some outdated rolls as well. I figured I'd use them to experiment. As it turns out, Trisha and I really connected. What started as a 2 to 3 hour shoot, turned into a multi-location 2 day shoot. We were simply having too much fun to quite. I ended up using all the film I had left, including the outdated stuff and even some consumer grade. She kept wanting to do more and more and I was happy to oblige. So now, I could use some updated material of her using a better medium. So enjoy this series of images done at Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky as she gets surprised by a cold wave. Check her out on my website and leave some comments. Models love comments.

I guess I had something to write about after all.

Update: July 2010 Images of the model featured have been removed.

Scouting Nevada

"Unlike any other visual image, a photograph is not a rendering, an imitation or an interpretation of its subject, but actually a trace of it. No painting or drawing, however naturalist, belongs to its subject in the way that a photograph does."

- John Berger

"To Keep a Promise..."

Well, on the last entry, I promised to post a nude with my next post. So, I give you the lovely Faerie in Sepia, but the bulk of this post concerns my recent scouting trip. This past Sunday was spent exploring Hwy 93 with Felix, his wife Summer, and Jeff. We took two vehicles and I rode with Jeff. It was a lovely day. As we left I-15, we headed northwest and were on our way to Delamar, a ghost town that is the ruins of an old mining town. Its still fairly hot, so bringing a model out there right now would be unsat. (military term for unsatisfactory.) I shot some of the ruins out there but I think I could build a project out of the old rusty refuse that has stood the test of time thus far. Old cans, wiring, and scrap metal littered the entire area.

Along the way we stopped off and got shots of abandoned buildings, ranches and corrals. We hit some watering holes and let me tell you, they felt great. You know me...I couldn't leave without experiencing them in the natural. We headed on through Caliente, had lunch at a former railroad station and then made our way to Cathedral Gorge. Initially, it looked okay, but it was after we got a bit closer and realized the clefts in the rocks had spots that cut deeper into the mountain and formed laberynths of amazing passages that coursed back to a dead end. One such passage way ended in what looked like a huge dark den. I didn't think it was safe to explore that alone, so I got Felix to check it out with me. The den was about 4 foot up the back of the wall and about 5 foot in diameter. It gave me the impression that something big had made it but I was too stupid or just too curious to leave it at that. I had to go in. Climbing up, we realized that the hole was only about 10 feet in, but then it went down about 20 to 25 feet and there was another passage off to the left. You could see down to the floor, but not around the corner. My curiosity again was not satisfied. We had no rope, but Felix did have a tow stap. It was only 16 feet, but that was enough. He held onto the strap as I descended. Believe you, me... that took some trust. I had two knives, a flashlight, and my camera, splunking around in the bottom of a crevase. Summer was against even the notion of me being down there, but you know how guys get when they get a notion in their heads. The bottom was L-shaped and extended for another 40 feet or so. Somehow, I am guessing Unbearable Lightness is reading this and thinking I am out of my mind and perhaps I am. It was fun though. I was as careful as I could be. Skinny dipping and cave exploring just made my day. That was a 15-hour day trip and I plan some more!

On another note, I came across a new blog by a figure model called Museworthy. I got a kick out of reading her site and have now added it to my list of good blogs to follow. I've linked her page into my model resources as well. I recommend you check her out. Also, my other group, The Las Vegas Photographic Society, for which I am assistant organizer, had an event which I plan to host every month. We did our first night shoot and, I got to play with bulb exposures. I plan to hold such an event every full moon week. This one was shot off a spot on Lake Mead. We had a great turnout of about 10 photogs and we were out til about 11:30pm. I may post pics of it and talk about it on my next post. So stay tuned.