Where are you from?

I was born in the great Pacific Northwest in a little logging town in western Washington called Sedro-Woolley.

I grew up in Pasco, a farm town rescued from the desert east of the Cascades. After graduating from Washington State University I moved to San Francisco with my best friend and his girlfriend, attracted by the life style portrayed in books by Tom Wolfe, Ken Kesey, and Jack Kerouac.

Since then I’ve lived in Oakland, Santa Clara, San Jose, Scotts Valley, and now back to ranch life near Salinas, CA.


Who or what inspired you to become a photographer?

Art was always a big influence in our family. My mother and grandmother would take us to exhibits by the abstract expressionists and the surrealists whenever they came to Seattle. They always had art projects in progress and all of their friends seemed to be artists.

My best friend became a professional photographer in San Francisco. He gave me my first 35mm film camera, an old Argus he didn’t use anymore. A couple of years later he sold me my first pro 35mm camera, a Canon FTb. I did a lot of street photography and landscape, in Marin and hiking in the Sierras.

And then, one day a guy caught me staring at his girlfriend. (She had great legs). He yelled, “Take a picture, it will last longer!” “Good idea!” I thought.


How and when did you start taking photographs?

My dream was always to do fine art nude portraiture just like in Playboy. Digital photography made that possible.

I got a small inheritance and spent a sizeable chunk of it on Paul C. Buff White Lightning studio strobes with soft boxes, umbrellas, pocket wizards, backdrops, a Macintosh computer, and an 8.2MP Canon 20D SLR. The first shoot I did was a nude self-portraiture set.


What type of shoots do you enjoy the most?

I met one of my dearest friends on my second Meetup group shoot. She introduced me to Zivity, which opened up a whole world of models and photographers creating artistic themed nude sets for a private, members-only, site.

We soon began calling it “Creative Portraiture”, which was a euphemism for crazy, artsy, fun, slow striptease-to-naked photo sets with a theme. I’ve never been disappointed doing those.


What do you look for when deciding to work with a model or photographer?

The great thing about Zivity was that it was run by models and it was open to anyone who wanted to be a model.

I’ve always been attracted to “alternative models”; models with tattoos, goth, emo, thin, curvy, short, tall, black, Latina, Asian, tan or snow white. I believe in body positivity. Perfection bores me.

I often work with a second photographer to share costs. I only work with photographers I know and trust. I believe in paying a model for her time and experience. I prefer to do trade with new models, unless they have a look that I find compelling.

I know that for many models that is their sole source of income. However, I do expect to use the images once I have a model release, without having to get final approval from the model. I need to make a buck, too.

I’ve learned that both models and photographers need to customize their model release, if they have specific requirements, to protect everyone involved.


Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

One of my favorite models to work with is Gothlet. We discuss a theme. She reads my mind. And, when I give her direction she strikes poses immediately, moves fluidly, every pose original and in character.

She’s not overly self-conscious about her body. She knows what looks good and what doesn’t. She’s so versatile, I never hesitate trying out a new concept with her.

She claims to be a witch and I believe it because every time I shoot with her it’s magic.

Many models, including famous ones, have their signature Zoolander poses. They’re okay. But if you’re trying to create real art you have to let yourself go, relax, and trust your instincts.

What would be your dream shoot?

Right now it would be a day with Billie Eilish, from the time she wakes up in the morning and rubs the sleep from her big blue-grey eyes, gets dressed and everything she does during the day.

How important is social media in your success?

Very important. As much as I hate it, you’ve got to play the game. I try to keep it in perspective. And, I’m somewhat limited because I have to play it safe.

I’ve got relatives that would be shocked. Business contacts that would not approve. Extensive use of pseudonyms helps and is kind of fun.

My nom de plume is Dark Horse since I feel as though, at my age, I’m coming from behind to catch up.

What else do you like to do outside of modeling/shooting?

I like to read Wired, Vogue, and an occasional novel or current non-fiction.

I love movies! Good, bad, weird, I don’t care! I still go to every Disney movie with my 27 year old daughter and cry at the end. I’m a total news junkie, CNN, CNBC, Washington Week on PBS, and all of the Sunday morning new shows, even FOX!

During the COVID lockdown I’m spending a lot of time on Zoom talking to friends. And, I’m writing my life story. It’s a series of stories about all of the crazy, traumatic, fun, sad, rewarding things I’ve been though in life. The things that fed my soul and still drive my art.


What’s the best career advice you can give to new models/photographers?


Carry a camera with you wherever you go. Develop your “eye”. It’s good practice for both models and photographers. Your camera phone is fine.

Invest in yourself, when you can afford it. Don’t bankrupt yourself trying to compete. Use what you’ve got. You can make it work.

Learn the fundamentals of what makes a good photo. It matters. Study the masters, or photographers you admire.

You can’t break the rules until you know what they are. Hone your skills. Never stop learning. Your “style” will reveal itself with time. Don’t worry about it. It will find you.

I still use Model Mayhem, and word of mouth, to find models. Be polite. Be honest. Respect a model’s esthetic. If her style is not what you’re looking for move on.

I’m still a Meetup Organizer. It’s great for networking. Marketing. Use every resource you have; networking, social media, friends, family. Study the business.

If you don’t want to shoot school portraits, and pets to make a buck, then look at what else sells. Work it.

If what you are driven to shoot doesn’t sell, then just make great art and find a job that will support you until you become the next Van Gogh! (Oh wait, he died before he became famous. Never mind. Do it anyway. ;-)