Why I Don’t Believe in the “Ultimate Posing Guide”

Forget the “Ultimate Posing Guide.” True posing is about authenticity, not memorization. In this post, I break down how I approach posing as a conversation—not a command—and why the most natural movements often lead to the strongest images. Whether you’re a photographer or someone who hates being in front of the camera, there’s something here for you.

My Evolution with AI in Photography: A Blend of Art and Technology

As a photographer, my journey has always been about capturing the essence of a moment, playing with light and shadows to tell a story. The advent of AI in creative arts presented a curious blend of possibilities and challenges. Generating images through artificial intelligence seemed like a distant, somewhat impersonal approach to creativity. However, my exploration into this new frontier, mainly through Midjourney, has reshaped my understanding and appreciation of AI's role in photography.

The Art of the Gaze: Eye Contact in Fine Art Portraiture versus Traditional Portraiture

There's a saying that "the eyes are the window to the soul," and nowhere is this more apparent than in portraiture. This captivating art form has been used for centuries to capture the essence of individuals. Yet, in a dialogue about fine art versus traditional portraiture, one aspect continues to incite debate – eye contact.

The Timeless Art of Black and White Portraiture

Introduction: Photography is an art form that never ceases to evolve, yet there's a profound depth in the simplicity of black-and-white portraiture that color sometimes obscures. This article explores this timeless medium, with my collaboration with model Morgan and makeup artist/stylist Ernesto Robledo serving as our guiding narrative.

Designer Handbags

At the end of last year, I had a fantastic opportunity to work with Mary Frances Accessories to showcase some new handbag designs.

Lana

I had a special treat this month and photographed an individual I photographed a few years ago as a model. She has transformed into an actress. Lana is a gorgeous actor out of the bay area.

Portrait Shoot Progression

Over the years I've developed a rhythm which allows me to get to know the model, as well as what type of lighting works best for them. This week was a prime example; Emily was in my studio for a portrait session, and while I've worked with her in the past, this was her first portrait session with me. My normal progression is what I like to call, “no make up, makeup, and lighting.” For the no makeup look, I normally just use natural light from an open door. Typically I shoot these on a black background. This allows me to really focus on the subject’s face and learn what lighting and lenses are a good match for them. Once I get these shots done, I have the makeup artist begin the model’s first makeup look. By the time I get the last image, it's typically something a little more complex with the lighting.