How long have you been doing photography?
I have been doing photography since August 2003, but steady since 2005. 2007 was a big year for me.
What made you decide to pursue glamour photography as a career/hobby?
To be perfectly honest, I made the decision to pick up a camera for several reasons:
a) I was pretty mean with a KODAK disposable camera.
b) at the time because I didn't know anything about photography and looking at other people's websites and images, I said to myself, "Hell, I can do this too!"
c) I just figured that I would get to a point where I would be able to make a little money on the side and work with attractive women, and...
d) Tiara of Tiara4ever.com(laughing)...just being honest, and Tiara knows this, but I said that my goal would be to work with her one day.
How do you go about choosing your subjects for your shoots?
I am extremely selective about who I work with...I look for a total package. I read every model's myspace profile, modelmayhem and modelcoast pages to get a feel of their personality. I study whatever images that they are using to promote themselves. The main thing that I look for is a model that is open-minded and comfortable with herself and her body. I don't care if she has been in the last 3 Nelly videos and somebody paid her to take pictures for their mix-tape cover and her measurements are 34-26-44, if she has a stank
attitude...I pass.
The themes you create in your work, are they your ideas, the models or a little of both?
Most of the time most of the ideas are mine as far as concepts go, the outfits are the models. If a model has any idea or a concept I try to adjust to make it happen. All real photographers are inspired by any number of images from other photographers, movies, songs, poems. It can be difficult to "keep it fresh", but I never, I repeat never, steal ideas from other models or photographers.
Are they're any physical characteristics a model must possess before you'll work with them?
In order to work with me, a model has to have a beautiful face and a shape! I am not one of those photographers that look at a woman's butt first. I just love a beautiful woman's face and shape.... I keep everything professional, but I do have a soft spot for an attractive model with nice set of...eyes. (I always wanted to say that!)
What are important mental traits a glamour model should possess when shooting with a photographer?
Let me answer this question in this form: if you are going to be worried about what your aunt's best friend's niece that used to date your ex-boyfriend's father in 1980 is going to say about you, then Glamour modeling is not for you. If your boyfriend needs to approve what you do and wear, then Glamour Modeling is not for you. If you "ain't shooting in no damn thong" and scared that the photographer may see what you are "working with" then shooting sexy is not for you. If you can't take rejection or constructive criticism, then NO TYPE OF MODELING is for you.
What's one of the positive aspects of shooting glamour photography?
The positive aspects are when all the planning and preparation that go into a shoot pays off....when a "complete image" is created. The other positive aspect is the fact that many beautiful women are getting opportunities to shine and still be themselves. Glamour (or Urban Glam) as I call " it allows the urban community to share what we think is fly, sexy, and hot. And "we" must being doing a good job at it because I feel that just like HIP HOP took over America; "Urban Glam" is doing the same.
What's one of the negative aspects of shooting glamour photography?
The most negative aspect of glamour photography is the fact that too many females think that they can do it! If your stomach is hanging over your g-string then you need to sit the hell down... and there are too many "photographers" shooting too many TFP's or I as I call them "TF free". Models don't feel that they should invest in their modeling career that they feel they are destined to have.
In regards to glamour photography, where do you see the industry heading in the foreseeable future?
In the future I think that we are going to get back into the true beauty and not just BOOTY.
Are there any current issues being dealt with today that cause you the most concern?
The only thing that concerns me is the lack of opportunity for models and photographers. I have always believed in creating your own opportunity.
Ok...unfortunately there will always be 'haters' lurking around. Have you experienced this personally and if so, how have you dealt with it?
I guess that I have my fair share of haters, but I don't really think that they have hurt me at all. I just do what I do...I don't cross lines with models or bad mouth other photographers...besides I think that my work speaks for itself, so it doesn't matter. And I have a lawyer for the other BS that comes with the business.
Tell us some of the things you couldn't live without?
I couldn't live with out the internet, Comic Books (I have over 15,000), and Playstation.
What advice would you give to people looking to start doing glamour photographer either as a hobby or profession?
You have to study the craft, respect other photographers, and don't be afraid to try. When I started I just had a desire (and an eye for the right moment). I never picked up a book or took a class for photography. I didn't study under anyone either...so I look at what I do as a gift. I studied models as far as their poses and the way that they were photographed. And practice lighting!!!
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself still doing me....raising my kids, and just basically making my life work...
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