FAQ's

General Info:

How does a model schedule a shoot with you? 

If you are interested in shooting the best place to start is to email me specifically what type of images your looking to do. Fashion, Casual, Business, Bikini, Glamour, Lingerie? Is it to update your portfolio? Is it for a Comp Card (Zed)? Is it to capture a new look you have or possibly shoot for submission to a particular magazine? It helps to narrow down what you want to use the images for. In addition please attach a few recent images of yourself (not webcam or picture phone images please) or direct me to a website or on-line portfolio where I can view your images. If your comfortable to discuss things over the telephone than by all means give me a call at 702-403-7670. I find it far easier to speak directly than go back and forth through email. Once we can determine the type of shoot we then can discuss, attire, location, rates and scheduling the shoot. Note: I will be putting on my site an on line Model application very soon to speed up this process.

Do you have a specific style in your shooting?

I believe I do and that is Glamour. I do not as an example shoot high fashion like what you see in NY. I find it cold and harsh and not flattering to a woman. I do appreciate it's style and admire many who do it but it's not for me. I may one day try my hand at Pin Up style like the famous photographers of the past. But for now my goal is to shoot glamourous, sexy, but tasteful images. Whether it be in a business suit or in lingerie I want people who see my work to want to take a second look. If my images make you say "WOW" then I have done my job. Ultimately if I can make the model happy then I will be content.

Why did you decide to do model photography?

I decided to work with models because I saw many models lacking the type of quality images needed to compete. Models who have great images get the work and the models who have plain, boring, washed out images sit home. Do you want to be that busy model or that sit home wannabee model? Your image defines who you are and the impact that your image has on the viewer is immediate. Best stated it either makes or breaks you. I shot model content for a few years but never looked to fine tune my abilities. That has changed now and I am really looking forward to working with a lot of great, talented and beautiful people.

Do you shoot nudity and or topless?

The answer for me is simply NO, but one I should elaborate on. I feel strongly on the subject of models shooting nudity of any kind. I always ask to who's benefit is doing it? Is it a smart business plan? Let me state that I do respect and admire the pros who do this type of photography and some of the work I have seen is incredible. When there is a purpose behind it I say find the best and go for it. (And YES I can recommend the right photographer for this style).
That being said I see in the mainstream it being a hinderance to the model both personally and professionally and something that unless you have a definitive goal like "Playboy" or a members/paysite in mind it is non productive. Many models are not aware that the photographer owns all rights to the images and can do within legal limits what they please with the images unless a prior arrangement is agreed upon. So for example the photographer convinces the model to do nudity and the images end up on a website or in a publication 3 years down the road. The model has no idea and a co worker, family member, friend or possibly a client you are working for sees them. Humiliation, possible loss of a modeling contract and in general just bad karma.
My goal when shooting is to shoot glamorous, sensual, sexy images that allow people to use there imagination. No need for nudity if I do my job right. Sorry I guess just "no" would have been sufficient but when I see so many young models displaying nudity with wild abandonment all I have to ask is why and what for? Who benefits? To shoot nudity with no real intent thinking it shows you have a VARIED PORTFOLIO gives all the wrong impressions.

Will you do TFCD shoots?

Yes I will consider TFCD shoots on a very select basis and schedule permitting. The TFCD shoot will be one of course that will be mutually beneficial to both the model and me. Typically my rates apply to all shoots but if a model is strapped for cash I am open to negotiate my fees to some degree. After all shoots paid or tfcd you will get a cd of the images either that day or mailed within a few days of the shoot. No not 2-6 weeks as I have been told happens to so many models.  I have even heard of some models never getting a CD of there work. That is shamefull and will never happen. You will also get 10 edited images emailed to you for personal use to promote yourself within 5 days. If you need additional editing see my rates.

Will you shoot other things than just models?

Yes I will shoot children's portraits and people in general. I will not do weddings at this time. I really want to concentrate on where my forte' is.....Model Photography, and that is where my heart and passion lies at this point in my life..

Do you require a model release signed by the model?

Yes I do and proof of age as well. The model release is for fair usage of the images and model/photographer compensation should any of our work get published or be sold for profit.

Do you mind if the model brings a chaperone?

Do I mind? Of course not I actually encourage it for a host of obvious reasons. Your comfort and mine are most important so we can concentrate on shooting. I accompanied my partner to most of her shoots. So I know first hand how comfortable that can make the model feel. On the other hand I never interfered and would not tolerate at a professional shoot any chaperone, friend, husband, fiance', boyfriend, Mom, Dad, girlfriend to interfere negatively. Modeling is all about inner confidence and focus, not just about outward appearance. Negative vibes are not part of the modeling equation and will spoil the effort. A great aspect of having someone with you is that we can put them to work..........they can hold a relfector, assist the model with wardrobe etc. Many times I became the assistant and I was proud to help.

Do you have model references and personal?

Of course. Gladly provided if you ask.

Do you find models work after you shoot together?

I do not manage models and I strongly feel it is a big mistake for models to be managed by photographers. I have heard many stories of Photographers becoming obsessed with the models they shoot. However I do have contacts and can refer a model to an agency I work with here in Vegas if I feel she has a quality that is marketable. If the model wants to do magazine submission type work we can address that goal specifically when we discuss our shoot. If the model wants to do more than PG rated, submit to Playboy type magazines or shoot content for websites such as a members site I can refer you to photographers who specialize in that type of work. I can also design an immediate business plan of action for your modeling career that will help you obtain paid work through self marketing. Basically I can point you in the right direction and am glad to help in anyway I can. I have 5 years experience in the modeling field and my partner is a successful professional model.   

Do you recommend using a make up artist (MUA)? 

I strongly recommend the use of an MUA as it makes a HUGE difference in the outcome of the images. It not only shows in the images but it gives the model confidence that she is looking her best for her important day of shooting. If you are capable of doing your own make up and hair I am fine with this as long as it meets my standards. If your in need of a make up artist I can recommend several.

Do you prefer a specific time of day to shoot?

YES! Early morning to about 11 am depending on the location and late afternoon when the sun is going down. Basically the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. I do not shoot in the direct sun at noon unless for example we were shooting at the Valley Of Fire. Because of the many high rocks shade can always be found or shadowed areas to shoot regardless of the time of day. Please know that the direct sun is not a friend of a model or photographer. We have all seen images shot by the so called professionals and the casual weekend shooter where the model is in the direct sun and completely washed out. You will not find those images in my portfolio or yours if you shoot with me. You will find images that show great control of depth of field where the background is blurred to make you for lack of a better term POP. There will be great BOKEH because of the lenses I use. Bokeh describes the rendition of out-of-focus points of light. When you see my images they will have beautiful colors in the background that are blurred and out of focus but the model will always be sharp and in focus. Nothing bothers me more than when I see a beautiful model and in the background I can count every leave on the tree or every branch behind her. The images should be about you and only you.

What type of equipment do you use?

I shoot Canon digital. I shoot with a Canon Body and three lenses: 70-200mm f/2.8 (the TOP lens for glamour photography), 50mm f/1.4 and a EF28-105/3.5-4.5. I use flash for fill, reflectors natural and man made. I mostly shoot wherever there is available light. I do not shoot in a studio at this time but will at some point buy studio equipment. I enjoy location shooting and on my portfolio page you will some of the locations I like to shoot here in Las Vegas.

What should the model bring to the shoot?

Her entire closet..........I am kidding seriously whatever we have discussed in detail prior to the shoot. Bring the obvious like clothes, make up and accessories. Money if it's a paid shoot. Being prepared, on time and having a positive attitude are most important. I take my hobby seriously, you should take you profession even more seriously. Get plenty of rest the night before as well. Be prepared to laugh, have fun and  enjoy the shoot. Remember if your not enjoying what your doing in life then why bother.

If you have additional questions please email me at dave@dalanimages.com or just pick up the phone and call me.