Yes, the scab is left there on purpose. (larger)

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She probably hates this one but I like the shape of her head, it's quite classic and besides, this Sicilian is a sucker for those aristocratic "blonde" Northern Italians. (larger)

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My scythe was too large for her to swing properly but we all know that I live for the danger, lol. (larger)

Thanks Karen.

~ ~ ~

And now a word to my stalkers:

I used up the rest of my 4x5 film about a month ago. That effectively ends my internet models project (really it was over with the last Jessalyn shoot.) Obviously I've continued to shoot with models -- I always need fresh material and practice, plus it's fun. But my new goal is to photograph more diverse subjects and to master my digital camera, which up until now has been used for proofing and loose snaps. Over the next few months I am going to try to wear out my little toy Nikon D300. I want to develop stronger shooting, editing, and post-processing skills. I also need more colorful commercial-looking material to demonstrate that I can do catalogs and general editorial and fashion assignments.

But I am hardly done with film -- I am slowly assembling a "heavy metal" 8x10 view camera system. Which will be an old-school 8x10 studio monorail mounted on a heavy 5-series Gitzo tripod with honking six-inch gob of glass for a lens. I've already got the lens, tripod, and small bits -- now I am waiting for a good deal on a clean Sinar Norma or P.

As for my internet models project, I have edited it to 78 final photos (although if I had the time and money I could find twice as many good shots.) If you figure that each image has at least half a day's work into it, and I spent a boat load of money... well let's not go there. My online gallery and PDF portfolio is up-to-date. I will get around to updating the little Blurb book eventually but I am not nearly as enthusiastic about Printing-On-Demand photo books as I once was. The vendors force you to use their proprietary software, which means a big investment in time for a tiny one-off book. The larger Asuka and Shared Ink books are better quality than the Blurb books, but at nearly $300 a pop they still don't have consistently neutral greyscale images. So I've come full-circle -- once again I find it more satisfying to make big, beautiful inkjets and place them into a custom-made portfolio book.

Dropping a large (1,200 names) postcard mailing later this week. Wish me luck.

The boat tips enough that your puke just washes off. (larger)

Awesome. It is a good day to die. (larger)

Olivia celebrates her survival. During the ride she said, "I don't think this is a good idea." So we had to bribe her silence with a Sundae. (larger)

In case you are unaware, the Maid of the Midst is a boat that goes right up to Niagara Falls. They give you raincoats (which are really plastic garbage bags) but you still get rather wet. It's perfectly safe and a lot of fun.

Most photographers like my print quality. And subject matter.

Sanders McNew "loaned" Meagan this sweet 3.5 Rolleiflex. (larger)

Since this site averages over 1000 individual visits per day, mostly from other photographers (rather than paying clients...) I might as well start jacking you guys for some change. So buy a print. Meagan gets a generous cut so you'll be helping her out too -- which makes a great rationalization to tell your wife when she asks why you bought a print with free-range boobies?

If this works out I'll make more prints available at a reasonable price. Heck, I'll even start offering workshops and photo excursions -- to Tuscany! -- if you'll pay.

Shannon (larger)

You know you're going to click it.... (larger)

Just like Gitmo. (larger)

Now she won't have to shower again for a week or two. (larger)

Freaking hillbillies interrupting the creation of art.... (larger)

Behave! (larger)

Seeya (larger)

Shooting one-handed while using the sprayer is kind of fun. The foaming brush didn't work out so well.

Robin Williams (larger)

The next Meagan and Melody.... (larger)

We all should have the comfort of our mother's cradling hands. (larger)

Then I was blind.... (larger)

Retaliation (larger)

Olivia and Martha (larger)

Hellya I'll shoot your kids (for hundreds, not thousands) (but only if you like photos like these.)

Erica Bee is outstanding in Lake Ontario. (larger)

After I heal up.... I'd like to take my ersatz harem to Lily Dale for a spooky fun photo shoot. We all need our fortunes told.

At least she's is honest. Cris from this March. (larger)

Jess, being somewhat more diplomatic. (larger)

Meagan, continually frustrated by Polaroid -- these three were done with the old WW2-era Leica. (larger)

The three models above are, umm, trouble. Lots.

Jessalyn, near Pot Creek, New Mexico (larger)

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And now for some stock photography:

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Chimping (larger)

That's it for what we shot in New Mexico -- all four posts were done in just an afternoon -- and I'm sure I'll use a couple of the photos in my main portfolio -- it's a pity we didn't get a chance to do more.