Aug
08
The Perversion of Democracy

I’ve been reading the U.S. State Department’s GEC Special Report on Russian efforts to impact our elections. Titled “Pillars of Russia’s Disinformation and Propaganda Ecosystem,” it is absolutely riveting to learn intricate details about the sophisticated networks and misinformation tactics they employed in 2016 and are enhancing and expanding now.

I highly recommend you read it, especially if you’re tempted to spread conspiracy theories on Facebook.

America’s free and fair elections are under attack!

Russian front groups, fake individual online identities, and state-funded media to sow disinformation and dissension about U.S. allies around the world. Russian intelligence operations have perfected the art of laundering distorted and fabricated narratives through media networks, covert hacking, international proxies, and others.

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Jul
22
New Work with Madison

I did a new shoot with one of my favorites, Madison. My long lens makes social distancing a lot easier.

Model in sunflower field
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Jul
22
Alabama Model Search

The editorial team had a meeting the other day in which we discussed scouting new faces for magazine photoshoots. The comment was made that we should find more models who aren’t the stereotypical 18-25. It’s true that there is a power in finding representation in media, whether it is seeing a diversity of races or a variety of ages.

It makes sense. Who controls the money and makes family purchasing decisions? In my experience, it is the mother managing the budget, shopping for groceries, buying the kids back to school clothes and supplies, carrying the checkbook, etc. And she isn’t necessarily 25. I share this desire to photograph more mature men and women.

Of course, I am looking for interesting people to photograph of all ages, etc. From editorial to advertising to stock photography, it’s all about showing a blended variety of humanity.

In my 30 years as a professional photographer, I’ve photographed probably thousands of people. My interest in finding great faces to collaborate with is driven by…

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Jul
04
An American Celebration

I enjoyed watching the Fort Payne Fireworks celebration Thursday evening. Due to the need for social distancing, the city skipped the usual on-site entertainment, which I think was the right call considering how rapidly the coronavirus is spreading right now.

I went with my daughter and watched from the parking lot of the Wills Valley Recreation Center.

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Jul
03
The Russian Election Interference Playbook

I love America with all of my heart. That’s why I am very concerned (and angry) about foreign interference in our elections and our way of life.

Currently, the Russian government led by Vladimir Putin is meddling in our society, having weaponized social media in 2016 to affect the outcome of that year’s presidential election.

I feel bad for the Russian people, who’ve been victimized by their own sham election this week. Election officials there confirmed almost 78 percent of the voters supposedly backed constitutional amendments, one of which will see presidential term limits reset, allowing Putin to run for the job again in 2024 and in 2030 if he so chooses. Independent observers have cried foul, claiming the results are obviously rigged. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who urged citizens to boycott the referendum and not take part in legitimizing the outcome, called the results “a fake and huge lie.”
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Jun
24
Bonnie and Clyde-inspired photoshoot

I did a new fashion photoshoot Tuesday with a new model, Bonnie W. It was loosely inspired by Bonnie Elizabeth Parker (October 1, 1910 – May 23, 1934) who, along with Clyde Barrow, traveled the Central United States with a criminal gang during the Great Depression, known for bank robberies.

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Jun
14
My Favorite Places: Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta in Pictures

One of my favorite places is Atlanta, Georgia. It’s in the OTHER DeKalb County.

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Jun
12
The Power and Trappings of Iconography

Since the international protests over the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, white people have gone out of our way to demonstrate that we aren’t racist.

This was perhaps best demonstrated by a cringe-worthy public service announcement in which white celebrities like Kristen Bell, Aaron Paul, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sarah Paulson, Stanley Tucci, and a slate of other A-list celebrities appeared on black and white video staring dramatically at the camera and saying correct but pretentious-sounding things about snuffing out racism. It felt like virtue signaling, inserting themselves into a legitimate and important discussion with an air of self-importance.

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Jun
09
Honored to Serve my Community

Honored to Serve on the Boards of Landmarks of DeKalb, Inc., and Little River Arts Council

Having an Impact Behind the scenes

I haven’t really publicized it before, but it’s worth noting that I am serving on a couple of boards for local organizations that are near and dear to my heart. It is my hope that by mentioning them to anyone following this blog, our membership ranks can grow as we set out to do some pretty amazing stuff.
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May
25
Recognizing and Avoiding Modeling and Photography Client Scams

SCAMS TARGETING MODELS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS

Online scams

Not sure if an opportunity is legit. These tips will hopefully give you more information to sort out scams from real gigs.

My model and photographer friends, please be wary of people who claim to be art directors, photographers, or international modeling agents for publications such as major men’s lifestyle brands such as Maxim or Playboy. I know the excitement this can generate as we instantly get stars in our eyes and feel as if our big break is happening. Well, it’s too good to be true and may actually be a scam.

I’m writing this blog because the majority of casting scams are for modeling gigs. Although there are lots of real model casting calls as well, be extra cautious when considering modeling opportunities. The key to avoiding disappointment is recognizing how these scammers work. That’s the point of this blog…Read More

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