Scroll below to find the answers to these key questions:
1) What is the number one rule for a sitting?
Don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable! If a pose makes you uncomfortable, it'll show in your face & in your body language. So, usually, an uncomfortable pose is a waste of our energy. So, if a suggestion isn't something you want to do, just tell me, and we'll move on. If I ask you about it, I'm not trying to talk you into it, I'm just trying to find out what is making you uncomfortable.
2) What Constitutes A Successful Sitting?
For me, the bottom line is this: at the end of the sitting, if both of us feel respected, and we produced good images that we are both happy with, then the sitting was successful. Bonus points are scored for:
- We both had a lot of fun.
- You would recommend me to a friend.
My minimum expectation is that we treat each other with respect during the sitting.
3) What Does It Mean To Behave Like A Professional?
There are several things that experienced, successful, professional clients do that make them fun & easy to work with. All photography subjects can benefit from these things, not only in our sitting, but in their overall relationships to others.
- Never stand your photographer up! If something changes for the client at the last minute, please call me to cancel or reschedule. (If you cancel and reschedule, I may ask you to prepay for your sitting.)
- Be prompt! If you are going to be late, call & let me know.
- Be prepared! Get a good night's sleep the night before. Arrive prepared -- most clients arrive with their basic make-up all ready in place. Arrive with your positive attitude in place.
- Be focused! The best clients are the ones that can give the photographer (and his camera) their entire attention. Sure, life is complicated, and we need to figure out when to do the laundry or what our mothers really meant by that comment -- leave all that at the door.
- Be sober! Do I really have to say this?
- Be fun! I enjoy sittings a big lot, and it always helps if I feel the client is having fun, too. Animated & energetic clients are the best!
- Be creative! Suggestions are always welcome. Don't be shy.
4) Can I get additional prints from my sitting? How about digital image files?
Absolutely. 8x10 prints are $40 and 5x7 prints are $25. Please contact us for additional pricing.
5) Describe a typical sitting?
I'm a pretty mellow kind of guy, and my pace is slow, easy, & relaxed. When a new client first arrives, I like to sit down for a moment and discuss the client’s motivations, expectations, and ideas. I’ll also remind clients that they shouldn't do anything that makes them uncomfortable, and to review our compensation agreement, so there are no mistakes.
There is a bathroom that is available for the private & exclusive use of the client. During the session, no one else will be using this room.
During the session, I respect a client's "space": Although the studio area is relatively small, I don't enter the client's space without telling the client (I typically have to come over to fine-tune the light placement).
There is never any touching in the studio. That sometimes means that it'll take a little time for me to communicate an exact pose, but that's okay -- remember, I maintain a slow & easy (& patient) pace. At no time during the sitting should the client not feel safe.
I use a several types of cameras, some digital, and possibly some film (with 10 exposures on a roll). I will change film and the lighting set up or the image concept throughout the sitting. These lighting-change times is a good time for a quick break.
I have a stereo that plays music in the background. The music is never too loud, because I like to talk with the client during the sitting. Feel free to bring CDs of your favorite music.
Sometimes in the middle of the session, I may appear to "zone out". I'm typically thinking about technical aspects of the session -- light placement, exposure, etc. I'm not being rude -- please be patient.
Important: I tend to try and carry on a conversation with the client during the sitting. The primary reason is that I want the client to be involved in the session, and I like to see pictures of clients with expressions on their face. My best advice to clients is to look like you are thinking about something, and the best way to do that is to ask questions during the sitting. But, to be fair, I don't always hear everything that is said, because I'm splitting my time between the conversation and the techniques of making good exposures & images. I mention this because the rare client doesn't like answering questions -- I'm not trying to become your best buddy, I just want your brain engaged. If a question makes you uncomfortable, just let me know, and we'll move on. Also, remember, your answers don't have to be the truth -- I'm simply trying to get your brain engaged. ;-)
6) Where is your studio?
My wife and I operate the studio in our home in Snoqualmie, Washington, about 25 minutes from downtown Seattle.
7) Can I Bring A Friend To The sitting?
Well, remember the first rule -- don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable. If bringing a friend improves your comfort, then by all means, bring one, just let me know that you are bringing somebody -- I prefer not to be surprised.
I have more guidelines & rules for studio visitors than I do have for clients:
- Don't do anything that makes the client nervous or uncomfortable.
- Don't draw the client's attention away from me & the camera.
- Don't sit or stand & look over my shoulder -- that makes me nervous. I can usually find you a spot to be in that's out of the way but still includes you in the session (typically, to the side of the client or me).
- You don't have to be silent -- we all will be conversing, and you are welcome to join in. Please minimize any personal conversations that exclude me. At the same time, don't be overly chatty.
- Encourage the client at all times. Don't argue. Don't be judgmental.
- Your feedback is appreciated, especially positive & constructive feedback -- if you have ideas or suggestions, I'd like to hear them.
- Only one friend per session -- more is too distracting.
- Expect to be put to work, holding reflectors or lights, things like that.
- I apologize, but I'll be too busy to be a good host.
- Never, never, never go wandering off to explore the house -- stay where the photographer knows where you are.
8) What Should I Do To Prepare Before The Sitting?
- Be clear on where & when we are meeting, and please show up on time.
- Get a good night's sleep!!! If you don't, it is likely to show. And remember: coffee isn't a substitute for sleep!!!
- Wear loose clothing. It takes quite a while for marks left by tight clothes to leave the skin; it may be subtle, but it can be noticed.
Before the sitting, I hope I cover the following information:
- What are the objectives for the sitting.
- What specific concept do we have in mind to try.
- Any props you should bring.
- I'm happy to answer questions at any time.
Most important: stuff happens -- if for any reason you can't make it, please call me & let me know. Like most photographers, I hate waiting around for a client who isn't going to show up, but I can be forgiving to clients who let me know about last minute changes.
9) What If There Are Some Poses I Don't Want To Do?
That is no problem at all, just let me know. I've had clients who have requested that I de-emphasize or hide their faces. I've had clients who have requested that I don't photograph their feet. I've had clients request that I don't photograph other specific body parts. I've had clients be very clear about their limits with regards to posing. The key is, simply tell me.
Remember my first rule: don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable. I have no interest in making someone pose in any manner that makes them uncomfortable. Just remember that I can't read your mind; if you let me know limits, we'll stay within your comfort zone.
10) What Happens After The Sitting?
We will contact you and let you know when your order is ready.
11) What If A Friend Of Mine Wants To Have A Print? Who “owns” the images?
My only priority is protecting the client's rights & privacy. Therefore, I tell people who claim to be a friend that the client only can request additional prints from me. The client can do what she wishes with those prints. That way, the client maintains control.
While I “own” the images, I maintain no rights to use the images other than to produce copies for you unless you give me express written permission.
12) Do You Have Any Posing Guidelines?
Every photographer has a unique style, and in order to deliver that style, every photographer has different posing guidelines for clients. Here are a few of mine:
- Be natural! If I am looking for a different expression than what you are providing I may make some suggestions. I may also try and get specific expressions through our conversation. i.e. If I want you to smile, I'll say something nice. If I want you to laugh, I'll (attempt to) say something funny. If I want a serious look, we'll be talking about a serious topic.
- Be expressive. Talk with your hands. The best clients fidget all the time.
- Keep moving. But be prepared to repeat movements or hold a specific position. Otherwise, keep showing me different shapes.
- I like to have clients stretch, flex, and twist -- some of these poses may feel unnatural.
- You might be asked for poses with straight (or arched) backs, shoulders back, chin high.
- Express yourself. The more passionate you are about expressing yourself, the better.
- Please have fun.
13) What Do I Look For In clients?
Here are some thoughts:
- Experience doesn't matter.
- Attitude -- attitude is everything. It takes a certain kind of confidence to pose nude; I definitely don't want to feel like I'm making someone do something that they don't want to do. The first thing I look for in a client is confidence.
- I often get requests from people who are nowhere near me. I typically don’t travel, so you’ll need to come to me for a sitting?
- What kind of pictures would you want to do? Is there a specific target audience? The more specific you can be, the easier it'll be.
- Will you be bringing someone with you to the sitting.
- Have you thought through how your friends / family / significant other will feel about this?
- How accurate is your own self-image? Will you be disappointed if/when the resulting images look like you and not like how you want to look? This is very important, and I recommend you reread this and think about it.
14) Do You Ever Do Outdoor Nude Photography?
Yes. I really like well done outdoor nude photography, and when the weather turns nice, I am happy to do some during the warm weather season.
I am close to some sites that are appealing in my area.
Note: The weather in this area can be unpredictable.
15) How Long Have You Been Making (Nude) Photographs?
I have been working with artistic nude photography for about 8 years.
16) Will You Please Photograph My Girlfriend/Wife?
I get this question fairly often, to which my immediate reply is, "well, does your wife/girlfriend want to be photographed?" Please have the actual subject of the photographs contact me. I will be happy to answer any questions.
17) Do you do any non-nude photography?
I typically do not perform any non-nude photographic services.
18) Do I need to do anything special with my makeup?
I recommend you do your makeup as you normally would. Keep in mind that the studio lighting and black and white images tend to minimize makeup, so it may be a good idea to wear some, even if you don't normally. We do not provide any makeup services.
19) Do you take credit cards?
At this time, we do not take credit cards.
20) Can I bring props?
Absolutely.
21) How much is the sitting fee?
A typical 45 minute sitting is $99 and includes low-res digital images by email or on CD, and one 8x10 print. Additional prints are available.