What's in a name? More than you'd think, these days. Since certain social network sites insist on sharing information in positively infectious ways, and since I sometimes work with nude models and have children who are still in school, I use this "stage name" to represent myself in public. You may also know me by my other "Lens Names", Draku Zeos or Trep Ford. If you've known me by another name, I think my photographs speak for themselves. As for how I mark my photographs, I try to use the following conventions (though I'll admit I'm not yet 100% consistent).

STUDIO NAMES - Photographic focus

WEEKEND STUDIO - Portraits, Casual, Fashion, Swimwear
TREP FORD STUDIO - Artistic Nudes, Lingerie, FX Poses
HAPPY NUDE STUDIOS - Upbeat Artistic, Sensual and Erotic Nudes
QUILL AND LENS - Art, Travel, Print, Architecture, Aviation, Family
NAMASTE STUDIO - Mixed, Experimental

EXPERIENCE

Custom Digital Photography for Actresses and Models - January 2000 to Present
> Clients - Over 50 actresses, models and other customers.
> Work Types - Over 100 shoots: head shots, portfolio photos, studio & casual portraits, swim wear, lingerie and a full range of artistic, glamour and adult nudes.

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY -1986 to Present

> Clients - Ohio Renaissance Festival (2004, 2005), Rumours of War Jousting Troupe (2004, 2005), Weddings
> Positions -Festival Photographer, Jouster's Photographer, Wedding Photographer
> Work Types - complete photo coverage of the entire festival, including the village, all structures, shows, merchants, players, activities, weddings, jousting and special needs. Limited video coverage provided.
> Additional Work - About a dozen Weddings and Festivals, including both still photography and video coverage.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY AND ESSAY - 1985 to Present - (Amateur)

> Coverage - Travel in 10 countries (Britain (3 weeks), Italy (2 months), France (1 week), Austria (1 week), Switzerland (2 days), Germany (3 weeks), Netherlands (2 weeks), Canada (1 week), Mexico (1 week) and over 26 states, with most extensive travels in Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, Washington, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Hawaii, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
> Work - personal artistic and editorial film and digital photography and travel journal / essay, technical photography.

SKILLS / YEARS of EXPERIENCE / COMMENTS

35mm Film SLR: 30+ yrs (Exacta, Canon, Minolta)
35mm Film Other: 30+ yrs (Olympus, Kodak, Canon, etc.)
Digital SLR: 4 yrs (Canon)
Other Digital Cameras: 11 yrs (Fuji, Panasonic, Sony, Minolta)
Digital Video: 10 yrs (Canon, Sony, MiniDV, Hi8, Direct to Memory)
Technical Photography: 10 yrs (Manufacturing, Computer Hardware / Software
Custom Interior Design Images: 1 yr (Working with interior designers, create custom images to be used in homes / offices / etc.)
Photo Editing, Photo Management: 15 yrs (Photoshop, Picasa, ThumbsPlus, etc.)
Photo Illustration: 10 yrs (Created, edited and embedded photographs in procedural, technical, advertising, marketing and creative documents.)
Travel, Architecture, Aviation: 30+ yrs (International (Europe, Canada, Mexico) and Domestic)

NOTE TO BEGINNING MODELS

I love to work with new models to design and create images that communicate your look and full range of talent. The best way to get work is to have great pictures of yourself. I'm always willing to work on a TFCD basis with new models.

MODELS I HAVE WORKED WITH - (# of shoots)

Heather Pariso (http://www.supermodels.com/member/profile/8544)
Rochelle West (3)
Keli Anderson (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1705564/)
Rachel Gibbs (4)
Kobe Lee (2) (http://www.kobecustoms.com/video/models.html)
Pamela Whirley
Elisha Nicole
Talitha Robinson
Lane
Darling
Denise (2)
Amanda Mitchell (4)
Leah Bowling (2)
Erin Hoernschemeyer (4)
Adia Thomas (3)
Rebecca Price (7)
Nia Jex - (1)

Alicia Campbell
Amy Diesman (6)
Amanda Campbell
Amanda Reid (2)
Angela
Brandy
Britanny
Carrie Zmith
Chrissy Anderson (3)
Denette Huffman (3)
Holly Patterson
Jatana Parker
Jennifer Buschmeier (2)
Katy Hines (2)
Laura Horn (2)
Lauren
Leslie Oaks
Lori Corsmeier
Melanie
Melissa Norris
Natalee LaVigne
Nicole Dean
Shawntae
Stephanie Moerline
Stefanie Ruther
Susan Ho
Tara Dobkins


TIPS FOR NEW MODELS

As a new model or someone interested in getting involved with modeling, you may not be aware of some of the most important things you can do online to help you start landing paid work more quickly.

1) GET SOME PROFESSIONAL IMAGES OF YOURSELF - More than anything else, the images you post online show us what you have to offer as a model. Many beginning models are hesitant to offer photographers TFCD work (modeling Time for a CD of photos) as a way to get higher quality images, but this is absolutely the fastest and easiest way to get some professional photographs added to your portfolio. Once you have 5 or 10 really good images, you can begin pushing for paid work because photographers can clearly see what you have to offer.

2) STUDY PHOTOGRAPHERS BEFORE SHOOTING - whether doing TFCD or paid work, always study the photographers you're considering working with before you book a shoot. You should always feel comfortable with what you see and read about a photographer before you make a commitment to working with them. It's much easier to create good experiences with a little research before a shoot than to forget about bad ones afterward.

3) TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF - There's an area in your profile where you can tell us a bit about yourself. Don't leave this blank. Too many new models add a few photographs to their profile then leave the bio and/or comment sections empty. This tends to suggest that you don't take yourself or your interest in modeling all that seriously.

4) USE LARGE IMAGES - Your profile allows you to post pretty large images that all but fill the screen with your face and/or body. Make use of that space and post images that are as large as allowed. Again, it's difficult for photographers or agents to form a clear idea of what you have to offer if you're posting images the size of postage stamps or credit cards.

5) SHOW OFF YOUR STRENGTHS - As a model, each of you has strengths. Got a fabulous smile? Don't fill your portfolio with images taken from 20 feet away. Do people tell you how curvy and sensuous your figure is? Don't hide it under baggy costumes. Remember, the single best way to show photographers what you have to offer is great images of you.

6) DON'T FORGET THE BASICS - I always suggest including the following shots in your collection: (A) At least one shot that shows us your face, taken from the front, with a pleasant, natural smile. (B) At least one shot that presents your face in profile. (C) At least one shot in which we can see your entire body, head to toe, from the front, (D) back and (E) side. (F) Got great hands or nails ... don't be afraid to take a special image that shows them (or any other outstanding features) off to their best advantage. And don't be afraid to ask a TFCD photographer to help you create these images. We understand what you need.

Have questions ... feel free to drop me an e-mail.

GOOD LUCK !!!!

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