I make a concerted effort to understand the nuances of my model’s personality and appreciate her vulnerabilities. I shun photoshoots that transpire like a sterile business transaction. I never want a model to pose in a virtual bubble at one end of the studio, and me isolated at the other end. Staying within the confines of protective walls prevent her from elevating to an existential experience. Without compassion this crucial layer is invisible. Relying on physical presence is just the starting point. I want us to become friends and respect each other’s sensibilities. Sessions where we immediately connect are my favorite - as if we’ve known each other for years and we’re meeting for another amazing photoshoot. These moments bring me deep joy.

For these reasons, I’m quite strict with the female models I photograph. I’m drawn to a specific look and temperament. This evokes controversy especially in an age of inclusivity and diversity. Regardless, I’m open to stretching my limits for models who make a concerted effort to take care of themselves. When facing criticism my initial reaction is self-reflection knowing that “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. But I’m still baffled by aggressive comments like,” Why don’t you photograph [insert anyone who’s not in my portfolio]?!” It’s no different than asking a landscape artist, “Why don’t you paint people? What’s wrong with people?” My response would simply be, “There’s nothing wrong with people. I paint landscapes! Now get out of my studio!” Everyone is beautiful regardless of culture, shape, and age, but my artistic focus is specific and I’m happy to keep it that way.

My best photoshoots succeed in gaining an emotional connection as if we haven't seen each other for a long time. The experience is so immersive we're surprised that three hours have transpired. A common thread with these amazing shoots is mutual empathy. If I succeed in capturing her emotions my job is done.

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