Warren Brown, "Nature of the Shots"

Warren Brown

His favorite quote : "I can take a good picture, but I can't always take a great picture. When I do, it's like finding a treasure in a rummage sale." Sylvia Plachy, Photographer

"Kindred Spirit"
With Art Model Niansa

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." Chief Seattle, Suquamish Tribal Leader. Another one from backing up the hard drive, from a shoot a couple of years ago. The lady who is kindred spirit to the trees here is the superb Niansa."

"I'll Be Holding On"

With Art Model Niansa

"I have lived my life my way
For tonight and for today
Just the strongest hearts, they say
Always survive
And I'm fallin' through the years
All these dreams disappear
And the night is full of tears
I'll be holding on."
By Doro

Warren is someone important for me. Since several years, our relationship is always opened, passionate, admirative and full of a kindness I need to survive. I favorite one of his wonderful photograph, he always thanks me. Instead of the contrary. Wow ! I'm looking for a successor, he tells me to keep going on, to fight. Each message from him gives me a reason to work, even if I feel bad.

"Coming Out Of The Dark"

"I looked at this and for some reason had the vision of the model emerging from the dark area of the shot. Is she a princess that's just escaped from the dungeon ? Perhaps a cave dweller resting on the rocks ? Or maybe an evil nymph trying to draw you into the cave?"




Here is a beautiful text he wrote, emotional, an hommage to the beauty of Bec, inspiring Art Model. All the photographers have lived such a moment. Isn't it ?

He gave me the permission to publish it. Thank you Warren. You're a great talented photographer and also a good writer. I didn't know. We are waiting for the shots !

With admiration, Chris.

"Spirit of Place - Serenity"
With Art Model Bec
"We all need a little serenity. First shot from my shoot with the highly professional and superb Bec"

"Into The Mists..."

"Who knows what you might find as you push aside the expectations of others, and take your own journey Into The Mists."







Nature of the Shots

"You know what it's like.

You drive into the mountains in the hope of a photoshoot. You send your all-wheel drive down a rutted, boggy track. You walk, lugging your gear down... and down... and down to get to the base of a waterfall.

And it rains.

"I Am A Rock"

"The title for this piece came from the song by Simon and Garfunkel, I Am A Rock. Sometimes, we all need to take time out and curl up within ourselves for a while. A little bit of isolation can be good for the psyche every now and then."

But then things change. You add a model who is ready to work in all sorts of weather. One who has been in regular contact since the shoot was first arranged. One who has a few ideas of her own, who is easy to talk to, and a consummate professional every step of the way who has a can-do approach to the whole shoot, and actively looks for ways to improve the shoot. And the clouds part.

That was my afternoon today. I had the opportunity to work with the superbly professional Bec who worked hard in rainy conditions and on wet, slippery rocks around the base of a waterfall. And the shots (downloading as I type) are looking very good indeed, and with such a superb model, what else could be expected given the nature of the shots.

So I most humbly doff my cap, and bow to the marvellous Bec. Thank you dear lady ! It was beautane.

Shots up soon. Warren B."

"World of Tension"
With Art Model Berenice Dorei
"Ever feel like every now and then you need to take a few minutes to relax and unwind from what has become a world of tension ?"






"Yearning"
"... for peace. In the solitude of the great outdoors."

So you want to hire a live Model ?, by Warren Brown

An article by Warren Brown,
Photographer from Australia.

Contributing Editor and Artist since a long long time ;)

" I sometimes get requests on how to go about finding and treating live models. So here's some (non exhaustive) advices on how to make things run smoother when you hire a live model."

"Stairway of Life"
Art Model Lady Sio

"Free Me"
Art Model Believe-Hope

" Some of you will know my work from the art nude photographic category. I sometimes get requests on how to go about finding, and treating, live models. So here's some advice on how to make things run smoother when you hire a live model.

Bear in mind that the following is offered as advice only.

I'll point out now that this isn't a guarantee of getting a model to work for you. These things have worked for me, and others, here in Australia. There may be local laws you should check in your area before asking a model to pose for you. This isn't legal advice, nor is it established practice. I'm not a lawyer, please don't treat this as advice from such.

"Inner Strength"










"I Want To Be Free"
Art Model Roxy

"Of Steel and Grace"
Art Model Roxy

First off, one of the things a model (and this applies to males and females) wants to know is WHO are you ?

Remember, many internet models get lots of sleazy enquiries, and there are some really weird folks out there who can pass themselves off as being semi-professional. Be prepared to say who you are, e.g. "I'm a part time photographer, but I work day to day as a pastry chef."



Next thing is how much are you paying ?

Most models have fixed rates that can vary from $50 to $200 per hour for artistic nude work if you've got that in mind. Will you be paying in cash ? Can the model cite or show your work in her portfolio ? Are you prepared to pay a deposit up front ? And no- you can't "owe it to them". Payment on the day BEFORE you start work is the norm.
If you’re lucky, you’ll find a model who may model just for the art, with just a few dollars to cover expenses… but this isn’t common, so don’t expect it. And don't offer them $200, and then decide to pay half that if you don't get what YOU want. Set a fee and stick to it.

"Kindred Spirit"
Art Model Niansa

"Force of Nature"
Art Model Ava Adorne










"Gaia Dreaming"
Art Model Niansa

"Time is Ours"
Art Model Niansa





Another thing that many will want to know is are you established ? Do you have a portfolio they can view ?

Are any of your works on exhibition, or have they won prizes ? What this means is basically are you serious about what you're doing, or are you just looking for an excuse to get the model alone somewhere ?

Don't blame the model for being cautious - most of them have been burned plenty of times by sleazebags. YOU have to prove you're NOT one of the sleazy characters.

If you don't have a portfolio, don't despair - say so ! Tell the model that you're new at photographing or sculpting from a real person. Many of the models I know are quite keen to help out folks if they can, but you must say what you expect them to do beforehand.

If you want the model to pose in a cloak with arms folded, say so ; if you want them to pose naked in a bathtub full of ice cream, tell them ! Above all, don't say beforehand "you'll be fully clothed, dressed as Batgirl" and when they arrive, say "Oh, I think this would work better with you in your underwear, would you mind ?" They'll walk out the door, and won't come back. Be prepared to give references as well. If you don't have any in the sculpting / modelling industry, try your boss at work !

" Blue Day"
Art Model Niansa

"Hommage to the Self"
Art Model Candace

Note of Chris : I love it !

" Equilibrium"
Art Model Niansa

"A Spirit At Rest"
Art Model Sutha

Give the model whatever safeguards they require.

For example, if they want to meet you a few days beforehand for coffee, why not ? It gives both of you a chance to say hi and discuss ideas. If they want to bring a chaperone or a friend, give it serious consideration ! I've worked with several models who have brought chaperones, and while they make some folks uncomfortable, I've never once had a problem.

Remember, a model who is relaxed and at ease will work so much better for you.

"World Of Tension"
Art Model Berenice Dorei










"Between the Light and Darkness"

Other things - Where will you be working ?

If it's your home studio, be prepared to give out your address before the day. I don't know of too many models who would agree to be picked up by someone then taken to a place where no-one knows where they are. Be prepared to provide a verifiable home or studio phone number and street address, regardless if you are working at home, studio, or out on location. If it’s a studio, make sure the studio / room is well heated - you don't want the models goosebumps to show on your shots, do you ? And a model who is freezing cold won't hold a pose for long. Likewise if it's a hot day, have the airconditioning going.

"Lazy Days"
Art Model Zoe










"Shadow On The Wall"
Art Model Haywire C










" One World"

Most models advertise what services they offer,

such as nude, lingerie, fashion, etc. ; ask them to do something they don't do, such as nude work, not only gets you a refusal, but gets you branded as sleazy. Word gets around very quickly - the rumour mill is faster than a broadband connection !








"Catch My Heart"
Art Model Niansa












Make sure the model has somewhere private to change,

and have a robe on hand for them to slip into when they're on breaks. You may be paying them to pose for you, but they aren't there for you to perve on, no matter how much you're offering them.

And bear in mind that unless you're working with "life models" who often pose for art classes, most models can't hold a pose for more than a few minutes.

Even with life models, give them a break every fifteen minutes, and have coffee / tea / cold drinks / juice etc. available for them. (Hint : I haven't met a model yet who didn't love chocolate !)

"Coming Out Of The Dark"

"The Escape"
Art Model Roxy

 












Important : don’t offer your model alcohol !

It will probably give the impression that you’re trying to get them drunk, which will brand you as a sleazebag.

Do NOT engage a model who is under legal age in your area !

And if you're not sure, check the model's ID to ensure this ! Regardless of how many friends / chaperones, etc. they say they'll bring, DON'T DO IT !

" Shame On You"
Art Model Audrey Lynn

"Into The Mist"

If you're engaging a model to pose as Lara Croft or Dracula, tell them how many people they'll be posing for.

If you lead them to believe it's just you, and they turn up to find seven people in the room, don't be surprised if they refuse to work, and hand your money back. Let them know if you're holding a class, or it's just for your own work.









"Contentment"
Art Model Sutha














Finally, if the face of the model is going to be recognisable in the work you're doing, you may need a Model Release,

which both of you sign otherwise trying to sell your work, or exhibit it anywhere other than in your portfolio, may be illegal ! Again, check your local laws. Samples of these model releases are available on the Internet, use your favourite search engine and type in "model release" to get a few. If you're going to adopt a model release, get it checked over by a good lawyer first. Laws in Australia differ from other countries, and they vary from state to state.

Oh yeah - make sure the name the model puts on the release is her real and legal name. Many models (quite sensibly) use a pseudonym for dealing with people over the internet.

"Worship of the Sun"
Art Model Anj

I suppose what all of this boils down to is BE HONEST AND OPEN in your dealings with models, and TREAT THEM DECENTLY.

"A Last Goodbye"
Art Model Zoe

If you hit on the model, embarrass them, ridicule them, or act sleazy, you not only may never get another one to work with you (the grapevine among models is incredible) but you may also get a visit from the local Police, and deservedly so.





REMEMBER : To have someone turn up and pose for a total stranger is a very courageous act.

If you're a relative unknown, the first time most models work with you, many will want to bring a friend or chaperone, or will ask for references to make sure you're on the level. Be ready to provide them !

I hope this is of some use to folks out there.

Like I said, this should be taken as a guide only !"

"Time after Time"
Art Model Nsaia

"The Colour Of Life"

Warren Brown, a new member

I enjoy working with the many contrasts that this world has : light and dark, rough and smooth, old and new, moving and still. " Warren Brown

"Turning Away..."

You'll find Warren Brown at his official site, deviantART.

"Entrapped"
Art Model Fi

Warren Brown is Australian, what means a lover of great landscapes, working majestically with the light and the shadows, these contrasts he enjoys so much.

As usual, progressing step by step in his portfolios, taking on the way a new lesson in harmony and grace, I've discovered a creative photographer, working with inspired models he never forgets to thank.

In his work on nude art, Warren Brown combines nature, geometry, light and technology perfectly.

I'm based in Sydney, N.S.W., Australia, but I often travel to Newcastle, the Central Coast, or Bathurst in the state's Central West, as well as travelling across most of Sydney at need.

I'm currently doing a fair amount of art-nude work, but also dabble in portraiture and other areas. I work in both digital and conventional film.

"Convergence""Hard edges and the stillness of cold concrete balanced against the softer lines and living textures of the human form."

I enjoy working with the many contrasts that this world has : light and dark, rough and smooth, old and new, moving and still. I try and express that through my work.

I prefer to work in BW, but experiment with colour sometimes.

I'm always on the lookout for unique places with textures that I can use in my work, and other artists who like to think outside the square occasionally.

Being challenged - by a location or a person - is a great thing, and benefits us all as we follow our artistic visions.

"Time Is Ours"
Art Model Niansa

"Corrugated Heart"
Art Model Niansa

"Taken in some very hard, cloud free sunlight."

From Michelle 7 (where he was exhibited 4 times) :

" Living on the northwestern outskirts of Sydney, Australia, Warren Brown has had a camera in his hands since his early teen years. He studied Photography at a technical college and developed a love for 35mm film, something he still works with quite frequently. He also shoots digitally but recently moved to a medium format film camera for most of his landscape work."

"Kickin' Back"
Art Model Sutha









Regardless of our medium of expression – be it chalks, pastels, acrylics, filmbase, charcoal, the 1’s and 0’s of digital, clay, or any of the many other mediums through which artists express themselves, it is the model who helps our creative vision take form... often asked to pose in odd positions for long periods, indoors and out, in the hot sun, cold wind, in various forms of attire (or none at all) without our models and muses, artists are left somewhat berefit of their vision.

So a short nod of thanks to the many models for helping us to realise our visions and give them life.

"Rising From The Threshold"
Art Model Believe Hope

"This image was shot just after dusk in a strong wind on a cool evening,
which explains the slight movement of the hair of the model."

There are some days when you go into a shoot, and no matter how you prepare, nothing works. There are other days that the shoot just flows, and everything just hums. Everything is going so well that you don't want to stop.

"Holding Me"

"For everyone who's ever felt the need to walk away from the modern world for a while
and try to be at one with nature, if only for a short time."