I've been asked about doing a photo shoot. What happens at a photo shoot? It's pretty simple.  You and I meet up and I take photos of you.  I tend to do some head shots, some upper body shots and some full head-to-toe shots.  No special training or skills are needed.

A requirement is that you must be 18 years of age or older.  The age minimum is because a model release may need to be signed (such as for an exhibition), and contracts may only be legally signed by adults.  
  
What are the pictures for?

The photos that I take are for multiple purposes. Since I'm working on building a name for myself, I enter art competitions and (only occasionally) donate my works. I have had my photos featured in "HIWI - The Book " (a published photo collection about Houston) and in an annual art competition at Lawndale Art Center called "The Big Show" (for which, incidentally, one of my photos was selected for exhibition for the second time). Also, each year I donate works of mine to an auction at DiverseWorks, an alternative art organization near The University of Houston's Downtown campus. Visit the Photo Credits page to see more.

Some of the images I create decorate my web site. On many of the pages, you will notice random photos appearing off to the right. (You can see other random images by pressing F5 or refreshing the browser window.) This serves as a demonstration of my skills as a photographer for visitors to the site.

I also do shoots as a sort of test and model search. If I bring someone in for a shoot and the shoot goes well, then I may approach that person again for a project like "Water Bearers", a project I did for FotoFest (on my site, click on "Photo Exhibits", then scroll to the right and click on "Water Bearers").

Finally, photo shoots also serve as practice for me. I have done shoots with a number of different cameras during my time as a more serious photographer and find that I still have much to learn about the art of creating photographic images. Experimentation with different photo techniques is an important part of my work.

In summary, the photos are NOT pornographic (no nudity, not X-rated), NOT commercial (that is, for advertising or stock libraries), and NOT journalistic (for news articles). If you're concerned about something you feel I haven't explained to your satisfaction, please feel free to ask.
 
What do I get out of it? That's up to you.  Some of my subjects like getting high-quality digital images on a CD that they can reuse, for free (to send to friends, to post on personals sites, etc.).  Others with an interest in modeling or the theatre can get some practice time in front of a camera.  A fairly common thing I hear, though, is that the people I ask say, "I don't have any good recent pictures of me."  They seem to enjoy this the most. If you'd like to be paid for your time, please be sure to ask; since this not a true for-profit business, it makes no money so I won't be able to pay much.
 
Does it cost me anything? Zero - it costs you nothing at all.  If, however, you request enlargements or reprints from me, there may be a cost associated with that. With the photo CD or DVD you'll be provided, you can, of course, have your own reprints done wherever you wish at a place that's within your budget.
 
Do I have to take my clothes off?

Not below the waist.  Most of my subjects tend to be guys so that's usually not a problem unless someone feels awful about the way they look.  The vast majority of the pictures I take are in one of several modes: in an shirt unbuttoned to the waist, or shirtless. (Occasionally, but not always, some photos are taken in what's called a "half-shirt" - a cut-off athletic shirt that exposes the stomach. The stomach / midsection area is a recurring theme in my images. If I don't feel such a garment will "work" on you visually, I won't ask you to put one on.)

Generally speaking, if you're too shy or uncomfortable showing off your stomach, I probably can't work with you (unless you're just getting head shots or publicity shots done).  But you absolutely WILL NOT be asked to pose nude (I have a reputation, too, after all).
 
How long does a shoot take? I try to keep shoots to about 45 minutes.  Some go a little longer, some go shorter.  It depends, to an extent, on you.  If your time is tight, I can work to that; just let me know.
 
Can I bring my boyfriend/girlfriend/
lover/roommate?		 Yes, but not more than one guest, please.  If doing a "studio" shoot, I don't have a lot of space where I shoot (a 700 square-foot apartment which doubles as a studio), and I generally like to work with as few other distractions as possible. Outdoor shoots offer more space, naturally, are more convenient to other attendees, but I prefer as few distractions as possible.
 
I don't think have much of a build. Why did you ask me? I'm not looking for physical perfection, just what looks attractive to me.  I enjoy working with guys with (for lack of better wording) "average" builds.  I'm not really seeking enormous, muscle-bound bodybuilders.  Maybe it's something in your hair (especially if it's really long), in your face, in your features.  There's just something about you that impressed me, and that's why I asked you.
 
Can I use the pictures you take of me for my web site/magazine article/
etc.?		 Yes!  One of the reasons I have a web site and approach people like you is I'm looking for exposure and other opportunities, particularly when it comes to male imagery.  I only ask that if your picture is run in a newspaper or magazine that you request a by-line for me (e.g. "Photo by Charles Tatum II" or similar).
 
Do you do weddings, baby showers, kids' birthday parties, family gatherings, etc.? No.  Those are not areas of interest or specialization for me.  Any "one-take" events where you have to get it right the first time I avoid since the responsibility is so high.  I do studio photography where I can do it over if I mess up.  I have my own lighting equipment.
 
What are your goals?  Where are you going with this? I'm interested in opportunities involving male imagery.  There's never been a bigger market for male images than right now.  If you pick up magazines like Details, Men's Health, or GQ you'll see tons of images of strikingly good-looking guys.  But my definition of "good-looking" is broader than the rather harsh standards that our society holds up for "hunks".  Generally speaking, I photograph who grabs my eye, even if no one else is (immediately) impressed.

Guys are also being featured in everything from greeting cards to product packaging.  Modeling truly isn't just a woman's field anymore.  

Near-term goals would be to photograph actors, bands, and aspiring models, as well as to win photo competitions.  The ultimate would be to publish a collection of my best images (or appear in a published collection of photographers).