Before accepting this, or any, modeling job you should know what to expect and what is expected of you. This sheet should provide that information. If you have any questions or want to know anything more please ask. The more you know up front, the more prepared you are likely to be, and we'll both be happier with the improved results.

What are figure and glamor photography?

Figure photography is as old as the camera itself. Simply stated, it is photography that features the human form for artistic expression, or, the use of light, camera, and film to capture the beauty and grace of the body. It follows in the tradition of classical painting and sculpture. Masters of figure photography include Edward Weston and Imogene Cunningham.

Glamor photography is its younger cousin, brash, bolder and more common today. The principal difference is that glamor photos are designed to trigger an emotional response or to set a specific mood. This may range from excitement and danger to a soft, sensual warmth. While they may be less revealing they are generally more provocative, and the setting, props and costumes, and the appropriate facial expression will be the most important elements. Almost anything by Helmut Newton and many of the Calvin Kline ads are examples of glamor photos.

Both involve nudity. If you aren't comfortable with that then you shouldn't model for me.

Welcome to the exciting world of glamor modeling

I need to make one thing clear from the outset. This is Work! While I expect that you will have fun and enjoy this, it is not necessarily easy. The two toughest challenges will be holding poses and facial expressions. You may have to deal with the frustration of having to go through 90 minutes of preparation for 20 minutes of pictures, or 2 hours for 10 minutes. Some times, that's the way it goes. In any event, you'll be paid for at least 2 hours for every session, even if we don't shoot any film.

I need to know if you have any large scars, tattoos, or jewelry that you can't remove. I would also like to be warned in advance about anything that you have had pierced, other than your ears. These will have an effect on the sessions that are arranged for you. Piercings are generally more accepted and not as big a liability as they used to be, in fact, now in some cases they may be an asset.

There are occasions when this job may involve travel. I go all over the country for particular assignments, and occasionally will need a model on location. At least once a year I take one or more models to Mexico, Hawaii, or the Caribbean. It gives me the opportunity to photograph models in an environment that we don't have around here, and is a reward for my top models. If you have a fear of flying, are wanted in 6 states, or can't leave the country, let me know. Travel trips are 20 times the trouble to arrange and very expensive to cancel, so I will count on you to be ready if you agree to go.

Travel sessions will pay you a specific amount, agreed to in advance. All of your expenses for airfare, lodging, and meals will also be paid. But remember, this is still a job. That means that I will have certain expectations. You can't get sunburned the first day out, meet and run off with the man of your dreams, or spend all night in the bar or disco. Those types of behavior will get you fired and sent home immediately.

The most important thing to remember about modeling is that it is a collaborative effort. That means that while I hired you, and expect you to follow directions, I appreciate your input as well. You're an intelligent being and I will do better and we both will be happier with the outcome if you tell me what you think. Some of my best pictures have been inspired by models' ideas.

What I will expect from you as a model

A reasonable degree of professionalism. If we make an appointment I expect you to be there, and to be on time. I expect that you will be prepared, based on our discussions for this session. That means that personal grooming has been attended to, and your attire is appropriate for this session. Loose fitting clothing that does not leave elastic lines should be worn, if possible, to modeling sessions. It won't make either of us happy if the first thing we have to do is wait for half an hour for the lines to go away.

For outdoor sessions, long pants and good walking shoes or boots should be worn. Neither of us will be happy if you scratch your legs or turn an ankle. If you're allergic to or uncomfortable with anything that we may encounter while outside, please let me know, in advance. That way appropriate precautions may be taken. For outdoor sessions I will always bring sun block and insect repellant. Both are, in this instance, necessities. If you have particular preferences for either, please let me know them, or bring them along. Many outside sessions also involve water. If you can't swim, or are afraid of the water, tell me now, and you won't be scheduled for those types of assignments. If we are going to be in the water and you have a pair of thongs, or other shoes that you can wear in the water, bring them. Your toes and I will be forever grateful.

A positive attitude. If you don't feel good it's nearly impossible for you to look good, and I want you, in fact I'm paying you, to look good. While I very much dislike last minute cancellations, I prefer them to a session where you're not ready to model, which wastes both our time. So if there is a conflict with a scheduled session, or you're ill, injured or otherwise unavoidably detained, please let me know, as far in advance of our appointment as possible.

A model's release. I have a sample. If you decide to model, it will be part of your employment contract.

What you can expect from me as a photographer

A professional relationship. This is a working partnership. It will be friendly, but that's all. I realize that you may be uneasy about being this vulnerable with a comparative stranger. If, initially, it will make you feel more comfortable to bring someone with you, by all means do. Realize, however, that I will expect professional behavior from them too. That means that they aren't a significant distraction, and don't become involved unless asked. As a general guideline, a boyfriend, girlfriend, or sibling are generally OK., a parent, your children, or a half dozen of your closest friends are not. If you choose to bring someone with you, please let me know, as it may affect arrangements that I have to make. Consider also how you, and they, will react to this situation, it may affect your choice of who to bring, or whether to bring anyone at all.

For me to work hard to make you look your best. In the fifteen years that I've been doing this, I've never met anyone who was completely happy with their appearance. It seems a fundamental tenant of nature that all women are insecure. I don't expect you to be perfect, or even nearly so. Remember, It is very important to me that these pictures turn out, so I'll be very concerned with maximizing your best features, and finding ways to overcome or disguise any shortcomings that you feel you have. Proper lighting, appropriate makeup, the correct angles, and the most flattering props and poses can make all the difference in the world. What I can not change or make up for is your attitude. And, it will show in every picture that has your face in it. That is why your personality is more important than your opinion of your appearance. If you will trust me, and feel good about yourself, you'll be great, and probably surprised at how good you look in your pictures.

To be paid immediately after each session. This is my standard policy. There is no waiting until pay day. If you earn more than $600, most models do, you will have to declare this as income in accordance with I.R.S. rules.

A few important things I think you should know up front that I put on this silly web page so I don't forget to tell you


First: And most important, this is a job I'm offering you, not a clever scheme I devised to meet attractive young women. It is about photography, not sex. My wife has very strict rules regarding this, which I agree with completely. I want to tell you this up front, hopefully, to quell any nervousness or misconceptions that you might have. What I hope to develop with you is a comfortable and friendly, yet professional relationship.

While it's very unlikely that you'll be recognized from your photographs, this is commercial work you're doing. I do not make my living shooting pictures for mens' magazines, so it unlikely that you'll end up there unless you wish to. I have no desire to embarrass anyone, and will go to all reasonable lengths to protect your privacy. However, if you're planning on running for congress this decade, you probably shouldn't take off your clothes in front of a camera.

At least a day's work goes into setting up and preparing for a session. So, if you're very late, arrive unprepared, or don't show up at all I go from an understanding boss to a very crabby one. If you realize that something will prevent you from being able to make it to a scheduled appointment, please let me know, with as much notice as possible.

If you havent already done so, please fill out and sign your contract and release and bring it with you to your test session. Remember, your signature must be witnessed. If it isnt possible to have it completed before you come, bring it anyway. We will get it taken care of. In all cases, it must be completed before we begin. A copy of the contract will be made for you for your file. Keep it if you wish to do any other modeling, as it is proof of professional modeling experience.

Finally: Any information that you give me, and any posing that you do for me, except where legal requirements dictate otherwise, is strictly confidential. This means that I will not even tell anyone that you've worked with me unless you wish me to. If you would like to include copies of some of the photos I take of you in your portfolio, please let me know. I'm happy to supply them ( it promotes my work, as well as yours). But I need to know that you've done so, if you want to use me as a reference. I also will be happy to act as a reference for other types of employment, without mentioning specifics regarding your duties, if you wish, and let me know.