How are you able to offer boxes of women from such varying backgrounds (professionals, students, housewives, blue collar works etc), in your Boxes?

I just keep an eye open at all times when I am going about my daily routines, like grocery shopping or traveling.

I am not afraid to approach ANYONE to see if they would step in front of my camera. Most people have thought about it at some point in their lives.

The key to my success I believe is that I am respectful and professional in all my interactions.

PRO SCOUTING TIP:

Next time you approach a prospective model, maintain eye contact at all times. NEVER let your eyes wander to their body or private areas. It will kill your chances pretty much every time.

When you say a model is an amateur, is that really true?

Yes, most of the models I have shot were newbies or had limited experience. I find I get better results when a model is fresh and doesn’t have pre-conceived ideas about posing.

Why is it that some of your boxes don’t show up when I click on them in the feed?

On some boxes, upon a model’s request, I will geo block them from a certain locale. If your IP address is tied to that locale you won’t see it.

For example, a common reason a model gives me is that many of her family and friends live in a certain region and she would prefer to not risk them seeing her nude work.

Where do you find your models / participants?

Out in public on the streets or in malls, on talent booking sites and from other model referrals make up most of the areas I find my models.

What happens if a model is out and about with their boyfriend or husband, how do you approach them? Aren’t you scared?

Usually, before approaching, I will pull out my business card and get it ready. Then I will approach and ALWAYS make eye contact with the husband or boyfriend first, introducing myself as a professional photographer and sharing my intent.

By going to the male first, it helps to lower their protective instinct and instead move things to a casual conversation instead of a tense, defensive one. It is messed up, but it plays on their male egos.

PRO SCOUTING TIP:

In these situations, less is more. I will leave my business card, mention the project I think the wife/girlfriend would be a great fit for and then just say “My website is listed on my card, when you get some time please check out my work. If you are interested or have more questions, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks.” Then I walk away.

The reason for this short exchange is the diminishing returns factor whereas the more you try to “sell” your position, the less interested and more suspicious they become.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Warwick, Rhode Island, USA and live in Sarasota, Florida USA.

Who or what inspired you to become a photographer?

My father was a wedding photographer and I learned a lot from him.

He was definitely my inspiration but he also punctuated to me areas I wouldn’t want to work in..like wedding photography.

After watching my dad try to corral 40+ drunk guests into a posed lineup I knew right there it wasn’t for me.

How and when did you start taking photographs?

I have a formal degree from Loyola University Chicago in Studio Art, w/ Emphasis in photography. I got this degree in 1991 and have been shooting ever since.

What type of shoots do you enjoy the most?

Nude erotica is my favorite. :)

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

I have no problem working with models with no experience or a lot under their belt, BUT if they are prima donnas, I won’t work with them.

Usually this is also connected to rude and arrogant models too - thinking their time is the only thing that matters. Respect goes a long way in my book.

Which other artists currently inspire you?

I really don’t have any one artist that inspires me.

What would be your dream shoot?

Although I have had my work published in Playboy, doing a cover shoot for them is a dream.

How important is social media in your success?

It is critical to my interaction with prospective models and the marketing of my work.

What else do you like to do outside of shooting?

I enjoy watching Sci-fi movies, hanging out with my teenage daughters, looking for antiques to add to my collection and loving my wife.

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

Get connected to a GOOD attorney and stick with them. You should always have proper paperwork and follow the laws for every shoot. There is no compromise in this at all.

If the 17 and 3/4 aged model tells you her 18th birthday is tomorrow but “hey it’s kool, we can do the nude shoot today” - DON’T DO IT. Eventually someone will find out and you will find yourself in prison for shooting underage models.

Also, make sure you "separate church and state" and form a business entity so your personal assets are protected from your business activity.