Updated March 9, 2022

Currently considering selective opportunities in the greater Eureka CA/north coast area. In the past I've photographed mostly in major cities, for now I'm mostly focusing on projects on and near the northern California/southern Oregon coasts. Local models are encouraged to inquire. Mostly it's going to be on location, available light opportunities. I'm open to a wider range of looks than usual during this time, although the preference is still art, fashion, and portraiture.

Background:  I started as a photojournalist, first for the mainstream press and later for one of the early punk 'zines.  Although I no longer shoot professionally, that early experience continues to influence my work.  I prefer to develop concepts, and then follow my intuition and shoot in a spontaneous, documentary manner.

Intent:  At present my work is primarily intended for gallery exhibit, with more than 35 shows since 1999; I have in the past owned galleries in California and in Chicago.  I do publish in print media from time to time, but this tends to be on topics not involving models.  I am also a writer, and sometimes use images to illustrate my published words.

Concepts:  I typically am working on two or three concepts at once, and these tend to evolve and change over time.  Much of my recent work is related to the role of humanity within the natural and unnatural landscape, particularly as an exploration of the ephemeral nature of modern materialism.  My work is influenced by existential philosophy, the interplay of perception and reality, classic asian art and thought, and by the alternating darkness and light of mood and mystery.

What do I look for in a model?  There is no one preferred physical type.  I'm interested in the less tangible things:  Attitude, charisma, creativity, intellect, open-mindedness.  I often work with alternative models, and recently I've begun to seek out fashion models once again.  Athletes, gym rats, and dancers are always of interest. I don't often work with glamour models unless there's some non-mainstream aspect; I have no interest in pandering to the lowest common denominator tastes of lowbrow adolescent males.

TFP/CD
Most of my work is done on a trade basis; I prefer my photography to be about the creative process, not about money.  If you think you're an exception, be ready to tell me why.

General info
Experience is an advantage, although I accept an occasional newbie when the look and the attitude seem right (and when my schedule allows, I'll usually agree to shoot with Humboldt County models in the interest of supporting the local community...  models in the greater Eureka/Arcata area are encouraged to contact me). 

Clear, concise communication makes me happy, and is encouraged.  Indecisiveness makes me unhappy; once the shoot is scheduled, we can discuss concepts for as long as you'd like, but I tend to lose interest if a model seems unable or unwilling to commit.  I have a low tolerance for unreliability, and am proud of the fact that I've had very few no-shows over the years. 

Location:  I'm located on the rugged northern California coast, about five hours drive from San Francisco. 

Travel: San Luis Obispo, April. Possibly/probably Chicago over the summer.

Friend requests:  Quality matters more than quantity.  If I accept, it means that you've caught my attention somehow; quality work, a strong presence, creativity, a well-written profile, or maybe we've already worked together or otherwise met.

Selected Exhibits:
Gallery Provocateur - Chicago
Eteria Studio - Seattle
Echo Gallery  -  Chicago
Bailiwick Arts Center -  Chicago
Steppenwolf Theatre  -  Chicago
Morris Graves Museum  -  Eureka CA
Art From The Hart Gallery  -  Ferndale CA
LoLa  -  Arcata CA
Hobart Galleries  -  Ferndale CA
Qualiatica  -  Chicago
Acorn Gallery  -  Los Angeles
Mars Gallery  -  Chicago

Selected Print Credits:
Crain's Chicago Business
Time Out Chicago
Terrain Magazine (Berkeley CA)
Chicago Wilderness Magazine
Aquaticus Magazine
Roma Magazine (Italy)
U Taphao (Thailand) Global Transpark promotional brochure (cover)
North Coast Journal
Eureka Reporter (back cover)
Eureka Times-Standard (front page)
Images included in books published in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Germany

Recent books:
f-eleven volume 1 (fall 2009)
f-eleven volume 2 (spring 2010)
f-eleven volume 3 (November 2010)
f-eleven volume 4 (February 2011)
http://www.f-elevenbooks.com for more info on the book series
Nocturnal (September 2011) http://www.blurb.com/books/2456196

Selected web credits:
Wicked Talent photographer #35
Featured on unscathedcorpse.blogspot.com  -  August 17, 2006
Featured photographer, retrokitten.com  -  May-June 2005
Featured daily deviation, deviantart.com  -  April 2005

Writing:
Ephemeral Creation  -  an illustrated memoir of my experiences as a punk journalist 1978-83.

No Escape - an e-book about my years as an alternative photographer. 

Models worked with
More than 150 from MM, this is a partial list and I've (again) recently had to edit this down to keep it readable - most recent shoots are toward the bottom - if they're on here, it means I highly recommend them:
Chrystyne #21503 *
Hana Barri  #871183 *
Salome #71292 *
Acid PopTart #7744 *
Sindel Chaos #194
Josie Nutter  #1638
Danielle Maddox  #39696
Theresa Cosmetics Couture  #138942  *
Nixon Sixx  #149622
Inga Attack  #422649 *
Trinette  #272905
Engel Schrei  #326608 *
Miss Shae  #327284 *
Iona Lynn  #44684 *
Amy LeBlanc  #279005
Wenchi  #386336 *
Heather LeStabbityDeath  #19987
Claudine  #664459  *
Alea  #46730
Lexi Cooper  #1249336 *
Rachel Lynch  #1296875
V. Nixie  #539093
Beth  #473975  *
Model Sarah  #9510
Lipa  #832831
Rhus  #549677
Kelsey Dylan  #1223875 *
Keira Grant  #799498 *
Artistic Physique #1793485
Melanie Sippel #1178529
Veruschka #1192766 *
Nicole B  #820389
Wenona  #25021
Tank  #521787
Carly #706336*
Tiana Hunter #9675
Brooke Lynn  #435770
Kat  #101182
Dasha U  #3473544

* = multiple shoots

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