Sometimes I come upon new models that even during the first session will give me one shot that knocks my socks off. Today it has happened again. I met Crystal through at her parents Christmas party. Little background here. Not too long ago, I decided to add two cats to our house, almost as if the dog and four kids weren't enough. I came upon a person whose friend's daughter found some kittens on the side of the road and two of the three cats in the box were boys and she felt like they belonged together so she insisted that they go to a household willing to take them both. I was that household and Crystal was the girl who found the cats. Since Crystal temporarily resides in Minnesota while going to school there, her mom went to pick up the cats and upon her return, met with me and the family to make the transfer. To make the long story short, sometimes you click with certain people and we became friends, which eventually led to tonight's photo shoot with Crystal.
Isn't she beautiful?

To retouch or not to retouch...

...that is not even a question.
Since I started doing photography and discovered all the finishing tools available to me, I knew that delivering retouched images was the way to go. I'm not talking about the standard things such as color balance, curves, levels, etc. I am talking about making the person in the picture look like what they wish they could look. Some photographer out there would frown upon this practice, and maybe someday when I shoot aboriginal tribes of Australian Outback for National Geographic I will also refrain from retouching but in the meantime I want to deliver you the new you. For centuries men and women have huddled around mirrors and cosmetic counters to make themselves look better and more flawless. Folks I am here to lend you a helping hand. Results? Have a look at

BEFORE


AFTER

Cat Woman

So one day I spotted a photo of Christina in a catsuit and it was a point and click photo. Nevertheless, she looked great and I wanted to a shoot with her in the very same outfit but in a more controlled setting. Here is a sample.

You wanna be a model? Eat something.

Not sure how this will turn out but Spain did some kind of thin model ban and now the Italian fashion world is following. Read the article here

Headshot special !!!!

This is perfect for all you actors, models, and people with crummy MySpace profile photo. Up to an hour of working together, one 8x10 and a web version of the chosen shot for $50.00. Additional prints of the same image or any other image from the session available for $15.00.
This is a limited time offer. Call me at 414-731-0701 for an appointment.

News Flash !!!!!

The publisher of FHM magazine announced that the printed US edition will stop due to poor circulation and ad revenues. The Web version will continue at FHMUS.com .
I guess if the Desire magazine couldn't make it ( lol ), why should FHM, right?

Fashion and Wedding don't mix???????

I struggled with this one because normally you see two schools of thought. Those who believe that you need to pick one area of photography and specialize in it and others who believe completely opposite. So I sat there and gave it some thought and this is what I came up with. Modeling and event photography do have enough in common that I feel like I am not compromising myself by showing off and doing both. In both instances, you are working with one or more people. In each instance, you are looking to capture something unique. In each instance you are working in a controlled or spontaneous environment and with a clear objective of what needs to be accomplished. In both instances you are working with people who will need to be directed at some times, and then captured off guard at another time. You need to capture the essence of what you're shooting and deliver nothing but the best result at the end of the day.
So, as far as I'm concerned, weddings and other events are close enough to fashion photography.
Oh yeah, the funnest part is that in both instances you're photographing people. Not sure about you, but it's the human aspect that I really love.
Smile you bride, as far as I'm concerned, you are my next fashion model.

Studio

Well, as of November 1st, 2006, my long time dream of having my own studio space has been realized. It will take a bit to make it even better but for all intense purposes it is fully operational. Few projects on hand are to build a changing room/makeup area and few different sets. I am also thinking about creating some static walls that will look like a regular wall and that can be rolled onto the set without having to move the lights around.
I have a fun project I am currently storyboarding for January so stay tuned for that. By the way, opening of the studio has been precluded by few years of shooting on location, in my living room, and a local community organization where there was some space available. All that is now past me, with exception of on location shooting. I still love the great outdoors and the possibilities offered.
The studio is located at 133 W Pittsburgh Ave, Suite 205C. It's the second floor in the Milwaukee Arts Building that host a variety of other artists as well, many are painters, sculpers, etc. Have a look at the building's website at http://www.theartsbuilding.net .

Hello Everyone

OK, here is my first test posting on the Blogger. While I get ready to start populating these pages, you are welcome to visit my website to get instantly acquainted with some of my work.