I am a 32-year-old former-professional photographer living in Durham, North Carolina. I currently serve as the Assistant Director for Programs at the Center for International Studies at a top-tier research University.
Photography is no longer my profession, but it remains my passion, with the fine art nude being my primary focus at the moment, as I plan the path to an MFA.
My Background
I’ve been shooting various subjects professionally since 1996 — including editorial coverage of the USA Soccer Youth Cup, NCAA/ACC sporting events, Rolex Grand-American racing, Farnborough International Airshow, the Paris Airshow and various events for a Washington, D.C. national security think-tank. Since returning to Durham, I’m no longer paid for my photos, so I don’t consider myself a pro any longer.
My Artwork
Artistically, I have focused on urban architectural abstracts, fine art landscapes, in addition to fashion, glamour and artistic nudes with a handful of models.
The art nude has fascinated me since I was 12, when I came across an amazing photograph by Michael Boys. Seeing it, I realized figure study has a unique place in photography — unlike far-off landscapes, whimsical societies, or exotic architecture, basically, everyone is familiar with what the human body looks like, which places the responsibility squarely with the photographer to achieve something new and unseen, solely by painting with light, lenses and camera angles.
My Philosophy
I’m influenced heavily by Imogen Cunningham, Edward Weston, Thomas Karsten and Patrick Demarchelier and painted works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and Edward Degas.
I prefer in-camera crops and eschew digital manipulation that couldn’t otherwise be done in a darkroom on an enlarger. I prefer the look and feel of film, when I can, though I’ve been embracing an all-digital workflow more frequently, of late.
There are lots of snapshot artists and GWC‘s out there; I’m not one of them — my work earns ‘oohs and ahhs’ from everyone who’s looked at it, even though uncomfortable with the concept of the art nude; the problem is that I’m a nice guy who’s been too naïve when it comes to getting photo releases signed.
My Goals
I would like build on my limited glamour/artistic nude portfolio, with models willing to work creatively with me on a TFP/TFCD basis. Future (repeat) modeling work will likely include compensation based on any profits from gallery exhibition. That said, I’m not in it for the money – the artwork is its own reward.
Predominantly, I prefer models with a natural appearance and a collaborative attitude — these photos are as much the result of my work as they are the model’s. I’m equally happy to work with first time and experienced models.
My Policies
I’m fair with the terms of my modeling release and usage license, which I’m happy to provide up-front and am willing to amend on a case-by-case basis.
I’m okay with chaparones, on three conditions:
- you have to comfortable with them seeing everything, else they will have to find something else to occupy their time while we work;
- they may be asked to serve as an ad-hoc photo assistant/reflector holder, and
- no husbands, fiancés, boyfriends, fathers, brothers, or 300lb ex-linebackers — your safety, comfort and peace of mind is just as important as mine is.
I’m highly protective of my work and the reputations of my models, probably to my own detriment. My photographs will never, ever, appear in any format or context that will cause you embarassment and I will make every attempt to consult with you prior to any exibition or use by a 3rd party.