Admittedly, I slightly abhor these “tell me about yourself” portions of networking profiles. Not because I’m one of those closed off artsy types, but because to know me is to truly KNOW me. Nothing I say here is going to make you feel like we took baths together as kids. And to be honest, how many people ACTUALLY read these things!? If you are the minute fraction of viewers that did and decide to message me, put “I’m a little teapot” in the subject portion of your message. You won’t be compensated monetarily, but…I’ll get a quick chuckle and you’ll earn 2 brownie points.

Anyway, back to business! First and foremost, I’m an artist. Yes, a starving artist, but still an artist. I love photography and being able to stop moments in time forever. Or at least until the data file is deleted, or lost accidentally; they don’t make SD cards like they used to! I do get paid to photograph cute kids and smiling families, but my passion is unfortunately in less mainstream aspects of the craft: namely, conceptual female portrait photography, boudoir, and artistic nude portraiture.

With that said, if I’m contacting you it’s with the understanding that you have something intriguing about you and I want to capture it in photograph. That “thing” may be an odd arrangement of freckles, an interesting assortment of ink, or you just happen to be albino (not intended to be offensive to albinos because in all honesty, I’d jump at the chance to photograph someone with albinism. So if you know someone with Albinism…send them my link. For real!), I think you would look beautiful in my portfolio.

Now please, do not misinterpret my words. Modeling is both an art and for some a profession. I get it. However, I'm not in the habit of paying models $100+ to allow me to photograph them. This is not a dis to any professional model, just fact. The reality is that I get joy out of photographing those who do not spend hours in front of the camera on a daily basis. The diamonds in the rough. There is a contagious joy that I get from photographing someone who is genuinely excited about shooting with me. Let's be real, I like to get paid for my art too! I’m simply saying, if I’m not getting money to produce my art, I cannot give you money to create yours. My clients more often than not are soccer moms, business professionals, event coordinators, and house wives...not fashion models.

On another, almost contradictory note, I do plan to delve into some very specific muse art projects in the future. Being that my intention is to sell these, I will be looking for talented muses to help with this endeavor. In this case I DO plan to be compensated for the art I’m creating which means it is only fair to pay the person who will be helping me to create it. Now that that’s thoroughly beat into the ground…on to other points.

Respect is high in my book. If we setup a shoot please be punctual and ready to make art when you arrive. My time is limited (I’m a member of the working class so I have to go to work like everyone else) so when someone flakes on me, or is late without reason, it impacts my entire schedule. I will always treat your time like it is precious gold so please be courteous and pay me the same respect.

Sidebar: It’s rude to read a message that someone took time out of their life to type and not respond. If my work sucks, tell me. If my profile is too lengthy, tell me. Just please for the love of all that is holy, or unholy if that’s your thing, say something. A quick “Not interested” will always be appreciated over the silent treatment. And to be honest, that’s ‘Being a Good Human 101’.

What else? Oh! I do not have an entourage at my disposal. And to be honest, the thought of having one sounds exhausting. Point being, my shoots are simple. I like simplicity. I don’t have makeup artist and hair stylists at my beckon call. Nor do I have an extensive wardrobe filled with designer duds. Again, that sounds exhausting. Also, If you’re looking for someone to Photoshop you into a scene from ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, than I’m not your guy. Not that I don’t like all things Star Wars, but it’s just not me. Let’s keep things simple and I promise you’ll walk away with photos that will be timeless.

And that my friend is how Anthony Maurice (unless its in jest, referring to yourself in the third person is weird) works in 1,000 words or less. I’m an eternal optimist, I’m a blast to work with, and I’m a real person. What more could you ask for in a photographer!? Oh, I take really good photos too. My mother even says so! :)

-Anthony Maurice

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