Working with Me

I am a competent and experienced photographer, familiar with many different styles. I can provide prints and/or digital images on CD which are suitable for personal and promotional use. I offer a limited number of TFP shoots (What is TFP?) but most basic portfolio work is on a paid basis. I think you'll find my rates very reasonable. Click Here to email me to discuss your needs and day rates.

I do most of my shooting in a Pilsen-area studio just south of the Loop in Chicago. I can also do location and casual shooting in the south surburbs of Chicago as far as Kankakee. Outdoor shoots for casual or swimsuit pictures are seasonally available.

Rates and Availability

I do shoots on the following schedule:

Tuesdays: All day. Shoots normally start anywhere from 9 AM to 6 PM, although bookings outside those hours are available by appointment.

Thursdays: Mornings and early afternoons. All shoots must conclude by 4 PM.

Saturdays: Late mornings and afternoons. Shoots can start no earlier than 11 AM. Evening shoots are also available.

Sundays: All day. Shoots normally start anywhere from 9 AM to 6 PM, although bookings outside those hours are available by appointment.

Please note that my schedule tends to fill up fast. Bookings must be confirmed in advance. No deposit is required for a initial booking but may be for rebookings if cancellation is not properly made.

Portfolio Work

A basic portfolio session lasts approximately two hours. However, I do not charge by time, but by the look. My standard portfolio booking is $75.00 for one look and $200 for three looks. For that price you get my time, studio use, and retouching. For that fee, I will also deliver one print per look (up to 11"x14") and a CD-ROM of the best images from the session, retouched and suitable for online use. You recieve a copyright license with unlimited and perpetual self-promotional use rights. Additional prints are available on a cost-plus basis.

Other Work

I am available for location, event, fashion and editorial work as well as product photography. Rates for this type of work vary with location, time required, and use rights desired. You will find my rates reasonable and my work professional. Click Here to email me to discuss your needs and prospective rates.

Shoot Rules

  1. I do not do nude or full-body “high” glamour work with models under 18. No exceptions. I will require a copy of your driver’s license or other proof of age before beginning any nude or glamour shoot.
  2. I encourage chaperones and helpers whether or not the shoot involves nudity. However, they are required to be quiet and respectful while the shoot is going on.
  3. Models must sign releases. No exceptions. A sample release can be seen by clicking here: Model Release. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.) I will also need to see a current, government-issued Photo ID of some sort.
  4. Everybody’s cell phone/pager must be turned off during the shoot. (That includes me.) If you absolutely must have it on, taking a call for more than three minutes, or taking more than two calls during a shoot, will result in the shoot immediately ending.
  5. I do not give out full-session RAW or untouched image files. No exceptions. If you want to do your own retouching, individual source images may be available on an as-negotiated basis.
  6. I love glitter makeup too, really I do. However, I won't take pictures of a model wearing it. It gets all over everything and under studio lighting it makes you look like you have radioactive pimples. If you show up wearing it you will be asked to remove it. If you put any on before or during the shoot, you will be sent back to makeup. No exceptions.

Shoot Guidelines

  1. If you’re a beginning model, I will be pleased to advise you on what sort of basic pictures you might want in your portfolio. However, if you plan ahead, you can consider specialty pictures for the sort of fields you want to specialize in.
  2. I highly recommend makeup artists for all modeling work: I can arrange for one at an additional charge (which goes right to the artist: I do not get any commissions or referral fees of any sort.) Models are encouraged to get one, even if it’s just a friend who can help you. If you’ve never done makeup for photography before, be aware that a somewhat heavier makeup than you might wear casually is often appropriate.
  3. Unless otherwise agreed upon, I do not provide wardrobe. Bring your own, as much as you reasonably expect to use. Private changing areas are provided, and wraps for walking between the changing room and the set.
  4. There is a convenience store a block from my studio and I will provide refreshments for most shoots. If you like a particular sort of refreshment, feel free to bring some along, or let me know and I will make reasonable provisions. For professional reasons alcohol is not allowed in my studio.
  5. Address and transport information is provided when bookings are confirmed. My studio is easy to find and accessible from public transportation.
  6. You are welcome to bring music to play during the shoot. I can also provide a wide variety of music on request.
  7. Although I don’t do exclusively nude photography, if you are considering nude or semi-nude work and don’t know how to describe what you want, you may find this list of definitions handy: Types of Nude Photography.
Email me at stmarc@unspeakabledreams.com if you have any further questions.

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