Modeling Information
Perhaps more than any other art form, successful nude photography is dependent on the participation of models. Naked and vulnerable, unable to watch from the camera's point of view, they must trust that the stranger behind the camera will respect their dignity, be sensitive to their vulnerability, and be true to an artistic spirit. Without their courage my art would be nothing, and they have my sincere gratitude.
Please take the time to review my work before you contact me about modeling. This page answers most of the questions that potential models ask. If you have other questions just send me an e-mail and I'll be happy to get back to you.
General Requirements: There are none. I have worked with models who fall far outside the stereotypical model box, and I have turned down models who fell squarely within it. The bottom line is that something about you must appeal to the artist in me. Beyond that, everything is negotiable (well, almost everything).
Nudity: I am primarily an art photographer, and the majority of my work with models includes nudity. I do sometimes use models for non-nude work, but I prefer to work with models who can participate in a wide variety of my work. Thus, I am most likely to work with with you if are interested in posing for nude work, even for projects that include some non-nude work.
Exception: If I approach you about modeling: I very rarely approach someone about modeling if they haven't first expressed an interest in it. If I do then something about you has appealed strongly to the artist in me. Nudes are certainly an option, but it's very likely that I want to photograph you even if you're not interested in nude work.
If you are under 18, it is not very likely that I'll use you as a model. However if you have your parents' active support (meaning they'll show up, meet with me, and take an interest in what we're doing), an artistic sensibility, and a desire to pose for age-appropriate art work, then it won't hurt to ask.
Proof of age: When you come to the photo session, you must bring a picture ID issued by a government agency that shows your date of birth, and allow me to photograph you holding it next to your face. If you have a second form of ID (birth cert., passport, etc.) that's even better. A couple models have forgotten their IDs and been very upset when I refused to shoot. That's too bad. My strict policy is no ID, no photos - no exceptions.
Meeting before we shoot: I'm pretty flexible about this. I've met some models for the first time just a few minutes before we started shooting. Other models want to meet somewhere to talk things over before scheduling a shoot. Either way is fine with me. I've met with models at coffee shops, Denny's, Wood Center, and their home. My studio is also an option, but it's 30 miles out Chena Hot Springs Road, so it can be inconvenient for a short meeting. Anything that makes you comfortable is fine with me as long as the music is not so loud we can't talk. You're also welcome to bring a friend along if you like.
Escorts: You are welcome to bring a companion along when we shoot, as long as they don't interfere with the photography. I can work with or without a third person there. Just please make sure your companion understands their role. They are NOT there to direct the session or to approve or disapprove shots. Creating imagery is an artistic collaboration between you and me, not a committee decision. Also, I won't tolerate attempts to bully or intimidate me, so please make sure your companion understands the difference between a chaperone and a body guard.
Anonymity: Some models are comfortable posing for nude art but prefer that they not be identifiable in the photos. If that's a concern, let me know. It may rule out your participation in some projects, but much of my art work can be accomplished without revealing the model's identity.
Limits: Virtually all my nude work does require full nudity. I'm not interested in shooting gratuitous porn shots, but I'm also not inclined to abandon an artistically appealing pose just because it's very revealing. Some models want to discuss limits in detail before we shoot, and I'm willing to do that if you ask, but I prefer to work with a simple agreement that I'll ask for what I want to shoot and I will take no for an answer. That way I don't have to filter my creative flow through terms we might define differently or limits I might have misunderstood, and you are assured that you can decline any pose you're uncomfortable with without fear that I'll get upset.
Compensation: Occasionally I pay models. More often I work on a trade basiss. My standard compensation is a CD (or web delivery) of all images that I deem fit to show plus two unframed 8x10 prints for each hour of camera time (e.g., six prints for 3 hours), plus a percentage of the net from the first five sales of any images that I sell. If you want a different style than art nudes for your prints (e.g., fashion, glamour, pinup, portraits, etc.), I'm more than happy to shoot anything you want for half the session as long as the other half is dedicated to my work. I have also traded photography lessons for modeling time and traded family portraits for modeling time, so if something along those lines meets your needs don't hesitate to ask.
About trade work: I seek out models to use in producing imagery based on my vision and creativity. I get contacted by a lot of people - literally one or two every single week - who want to "model" for some fashion or glamour shots and look like they're in a magazine, but don't want to model for anything other than their own ideas. I'm more than happy to dedicate a portion of a trade session session to anything you want to shoot, but I'm not willing to shoot a session that boils down to free portraits for you and no art for me.
What to bring: You don't need much for the type of work I do. A comb or brush, a hair tie or rubber band, lotion for dry knees and elbows, and a CD of your favorite music. If you need something more for the specific shoot we're planning I'll either let you know or (more likely) I'll provide it.
Working Conditions: I shoot both indoors and outdoors. To avoid surprises, I like to let models know that my studio is a trailer on my farm. It's small, but has a private dressing area and, in true Fairbanks style, the bathroom is an outhouse. (I'm planning a bigger studio when we build our house, but for now I use what I've got to work with. You can see from my work that the images produced there do not suffer from it.) Outdoor work is usually (but not always) limited to summer. I try to choose season's when the mosquitoes aren't bad, but outdoors is outdoors, and there are many variables I can't control. If you choose to model for nudes in nature, then you should be prepared to be nude in nautre.