Participate

The Shawl is a collaborative project between myself and fine art photographer Jeff Klingler (click here to visit his website). We are looking for models (both individuals and couples) to participate in The Shawl and other fine art photography projects. We can discuss the details later, but first let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

What is Fine Art Photography? Simply put, we are trying to express emotional or aesthetic messages using details from the human form. This is not a portraiture session (though we might very well do some portraits), nor is it a glamour shoot.

Why me? I don’t have the right kind of body to model! There is no such thing as the “right kind of body.” If you are curious to try modeling, then we have a good starting point for a photo setting. If we have asked you to consider modeling, then we have seen a feature or quality that we think might work well in one or more of our projects.

Do I need experience? No, it is fine if you have never modeled before.

What do you do with the photographs? Our work is typically displayed in galleries and small venues. Some images appear on websites.

What happens in a photo setting? First, we’ll discuss ideas and formulate a plan. Then we’ll go into the studio and start to work. Sometimes everything “clicks” right away, other times we need time to warm up and get comfortable. We will have themes or specific ideas for the setting, but you will find modeling to be a dynamic process and images we create will be unique to you.

What will I wear? We usually ask the model to bring 2-3 different outfits, something you are comfortable in. We will discuss ahead of time if there is a particular theme.

How long will a setting last? Typically 3-4 hours (yes, we do take breaks and if you’ve never modeled before you might be surprised how demanding it is).

Will I be paid for modeling? Yes. You have a choice between $20/hr or modeling in exchange for an 8x10 glossy of your choice printed on RC paper. We can negotiate this type of print also. If you want the hourly fee, we base payment on any fragment of the quarter hour. The clock starts when we actually start the setting and stops when we walk off the set.

Will I see any of the photos? During the setting we will go over some Polaroid proofs so you can see how the setup is working. If you decide to accept photographs instead of cash, you will see contact sheets of the images. And if we collaborate on future projects, we will review any work we have already done together.

Can I buy any of the photographs? Yes, you can purchase any of the work that we would normally release to galleries.

What’s a Model Release? A model release is a form you sign allowing us to use your image. The model release is signed at the beginning of the setting with whatever compensation we have agreed to written into the release. We cannot do the photo setting without a signed Model Release.

Color or Black and White? We work exclusively in black and white. Also, we do all of our own developing and printing.

Can I bring music? Yes! Please bring music you enjoy listening to.

Okay, I am interested, what do I do next? Simply let us know you would like to try a modeling session.

You can send me an Email or call 650.906.0112 and leave a message