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Model Sessions

Model – Ash D. Model – Ash D.

Ash is a makeup artist I’ve worked with on and off for a few years but she... 

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Books and Reviews

Boudoir Photography Course – Coaching and Mentoring Boudoir Photography Course – Coaching and Mentoring

I just wanted to let you in on a little special that’s going on this weekend,... 

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All Articles

Model – Ash D. Model – Ash D.

Ash is a makeup artist I’ve worked with on and off for a few years but she has since moved back to New Mexico and is now raising a family. Lisa Medley helped with the styling and artistic direction of this shoot which we just wanted to do a cross of boudoir and color glamour. We used glamour lighting for this type of shoot, basically a strobe... [Read more of this review]

Boudoir Photography Course – Coaching and Mentoring Boudoir Photography Course – Coaching and Mentoring

I just wanted to let you in on a little special that’s going on this weekend, and only this weekend. This weekend Michael Zelbel, author of “The art of boudoir photography with speedlights”, is opening his photography coaching club ProPortfolioClub.com for signups. Signup will be possible from Friday June 29th until Monday morning... [Read more of this review]

Hollywood Glamour with Kelly Devoto with Lighting Diagrams Hollywood Glamour with Kelly Devoto with Lighting Diagrams

A while back I had the pleasure of working with an up and coming star, Kelly Devoto. When Kelly came to me she was just doing modeling and building her portfolio. She wanted some old style Hollywood Glamour stuff so we did a few different takes and settings. Later Kelly contacted me to use one of her photos for her contact card, of course I obliged.... [Read more of this review]

Boudoir Photography eBook – Latest by Ed Verosky Boudoir Photography eBook – Latest by Ed Verosky

Boudoir Photography: The Quick-Start Guide For Professional Photographers, by Ed Verosky is now available! This is a compilation (including new content) of his two previous boudoir eBooks, “10 Ways to Improve Your Boudoir Photography Now,” and “25 Amazing Boudoir Photography Techniques” and Much Much More! This new book has it... [Read more of this review]

Film Noir Lighting with Lighting Diagrams Film Noir Lighting with Lighting Diagrams

Film Noir, emphasizing low-key lighting and unbalanced compositions and literally translated means “Black Film”. Not just the colors of the film but the sub-currents or undertones of the movie moods and expression. Film Noir is a visual style who’s roots are in German Expressionist cinematography, and typically set in the early 1940’s... [Read more of this review]

Fashion Glamour Photography – Lighting Diagram and Explaination Fashion Glamour Photography – Lighting Diagram and Explaination

Hey folks, this is one of my favorite shoots and favorite ways of doing a night shoot. With an small strobe and a long exposure. We know that Aperture is what controls the flash and that shutter speed controls the ambient light. Here’s the formula: 1. Expose the face for flash using aperture(size of the hole). 2. Expose for ambient background... [Read more of this review]

How to Photograph Nudes Like a Professional by Ashley Karyl – eBook Review How to Photograph Nudes Like a Professional by Ashley Karyl – eBook Review

How to Photograph Nudes Like a Professional by Ashley Karyl – eBook Review 20% Discount on eBook, Use code: darkman Ashley Karyl is a professional photographer who’s been shooting nudes for upwards of 25 years now. His eBook “How to Photographer Nudes Like a Professional” is a culmination of all his experience during this period... [Read more of this review]

Hollywood Glamour Photography, Behind the Scenes with Daisy Devine Hollywood Glamour Photography, Behind the Scenes with Daisy Devine

I thought I would post some behind the scenes shots from a shoot I did a while back, in fact several years ago, with one of my favorite models, Daisy Devine. In this shoot we were going for a Joan Crawford Hollywood Glamour type shoot. We had planned it out and chose Daisy for the shoot as we felt she would portray Joan Crawford best. In this Hollywood... [Read more of this review]

Model – Bianca Malise, Nude plus Glamour Lighting Diagram Model – Bianca Malise, Nude plus Glamour Lighting Diagram

I did this nude/boudoir shoot with Bianca Malise a while back at her San Diego residence. Done in her upstairs bathroom to give a feeling of intimacy, and set in place that makes the subject feel naturally relaxed and at home. This image in particular receives many questions as to the lighting and how it was shot. It’s actually pretty simple and... [Read more of this review]

The Illustrative Look – Band Photography The Illustrative Look – Band Photography

I love band photography, it gives me a chance to seek out a bands presence, or their vibe and create something original. This band was a band that had been broken up for a few years and recently gotten back together and needed a photo for their press package. They wanted something original, and cool looking, as well as something they called “Urban... [Read more of this review]

Comic Con 2010, Sometimes you just never know… Comic Con 2010, Sometimes you just never know…

Who you’ll run into at Comic Con 2010. Kevin Grevioux was coming down one aisle, I was going across another and as he came around the corner we almost ran into each other.  I looked up and was like “You’re that guy from Underworld, What’s your name?”. Duh, I feel so stupid. I rarely get star struck anymore, because I’ve... [Read more of this review]

Jean Harlow and the Bear Skin Rug for Vanity Fair – Lighting Diagram Jean Harlow and the Bear Skin Rug for Vanity Fair – Lighting Diagram

The classic Iconic image by George Hurrell of Jean Harlow on the Bearskin rug, is a classic that many photographers equate to the quintessential Hollywood Glamour. It’s really not that hard to reproduce if you know where the lights are coming from. All you need is a Polar Bear Skin rug(good luck). The lighting is the easy part. The negative sold... [Read more of this review]

Model – Mia Vixen, Hollywood Glamour and Film Noir Model – Mia Vixen, Hollywood Glamour and Film Noir

Mia Vixen is a Southern California Model and Burlesque Dancer I had the pleasure of photographing a little while ago. This first shot Old Hollywood Glamour and reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe, with the second shot being more along the lines of Film Noir. Each shot was lit with Fresnel Studio Lamps, and each had a different number of lights used. Can you... [Read more of this review]

Model – Lindsey Lou, and Glamour Lighting Diagram Model – Lindsey Lou, and Glamour Lighting Diagram

In this post I wanted to show how I lit this Hollywood Glamour shot of Lindsey Lou, with just one Fresnel studio lamp. Fresnel Studio lamps can be purchased at Amazon.Com, at various sizes and various wattage’s. These are what I use to get that Real Authentic Hollywood glamour photography look. In this image you can see the Butterfly Lighting... [Read more of this review]

A Day with George Hurrells Last Assistant A Day with George Hurrells Last Assistant

Back in December 2009, I was given one of the best Christmas Presents I think I have ever gotten. I was given the opportunity to spend the day with George Hurrells Last Assistant, Richard Settle. Not only did I get to spend the day talking with Richard about George Hurrell and his techniques, I was able to watch never before seen footage of George Hurrell... [Read more of this review]

Model – Apnea Model – Apnea

In this shoot with the well known Model Apnea, we did a faux fashion article shoot, in which I made an faux magazine cover from the image. The lighting was two Fresnel lights both from camera right, one on the background and one on the model herself. The background was a plain white wall in a hotel room. We didn’t have much space for backgrounds... [Read more of this review]

Model – Ash DeLovely Model – Ash DeLovely

This shoot with Ashley, a makeup artist for Mac, was a collaboration between the two of us. Shoot in my home studio on a chaise lounge, using one strobe and a beauty dish with grid. Originally in Color I personally liked it better in Black and White. The setup in the Lighting Diagram shows the camera with lighting to camera right and model being slightly... [Read more of this review]

Jean Harlows Bearskin Rug Negative Commands $57,500 at Auction Jean Harlows Bearskin Rug Negative Commands $57,500 at Auction

Jean Harlow, Bearskin Rug © Epstein&Schwimer At the Profiles in History Auction held on March 26 and 27 in Calabasas, California, the bearskin rug portrait camera negative of actress Jean Harlow (1911-1937) sold for $57,500. Shot by George Hurrell, while a resident photographer at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, for the January 1935 issue of Vanity Fair. This... [Read more of this review]

Largest Collection of George Hurrel’s Hollywood Glamour Photographs Auctioned Off Largest Collection of George Hurrel’s Hollywood Glamour Photographs Auctioned Off

Last month the largest collection, in one auction, of George Hurrell’s Hollywood Glamour Photography Images, Negatives and other items were auctioned off to the public for nominal prices. I was happy to go to the auction preview. While the original photo images may have been made from a Hurrell Negative, Hurrell didn’t print these, nor did... [Read more of this review]

The Magic of Black and White – Andrew Gibson The Magic of Black and White – Andrew Gibson

The Magic of Black and White – Andrew Gibson An eBook about Black and White Photography From the website of Craft & Vision: “Black and white photographs are a different medium than colour and require an ability to see in monochrome. Becoming aware of the differences between black and white and colour images, in both how they are seen... [Read more of this review]

Death of a Legend, Peter Gowland Death of a Legend, Peter Gowland

Peter Gowland, one of the most incredible pinup and innovative photographers of the old days and of our days, has passed away. He was 93. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Alice and Peter Gowland, at which time they invited me to their home in Santa Monica and talked to me about photography. Peter’s life in the photography and hollywood... [Read more of this review]

Gallery Preview of Epstein & Schwimer Auction, Largest Lot of George Hurrell Photography Gallery Preview of Epstein & Schwimer Auction, Largest Lot of George Hurrell Photography

Epstein and Schwimer, collectors of fine are and Hollywood glamour photography, are auctioning off some of their collection next month. Tonight is the Gallery Preview. Held at the James Gray Gallery in Santa Monica, this is going to be one HUGE Event I am sure. Parking is probably going to be bad and I am getting there as soon as it opens up at 6pm. If... [Read more of this review]

Books about Makeup for Photo Shoots Books about Makeup for Photo Shoots

I am always getting asked for references to makeup for photo shoots, and what to do before a photo shoot, so I put together a list of books for the ladies and guys if they want, on makeup, hairstyling and eyebrow sculpting. These things are essential to a great photo shoot. They are the elements that make a good photo shoot great. As manypeople know... [Read more of this review]

Hurrell Hollywood, Book of Large Prints Hurrell Hollywood, Book of Large Prints

I feel the best way to look at Hurrell Portraits and imagery is in large format image and that’s usually in a gallery or showing of his work.  Unfortunately, showings of his work in a gallery don’t come around that often anymore. The other way is to have a book of images in large format, which there are only 3 to my knowledge in large format. Book... [Read more of this review]

Evie Lovelle Gallery and Shoot – Hollywood Glamour Photography Evie Lovelle Gallery and Shoot – Hollywood Glamour Photography

After about a month of battling the Flu and a back issue, I am finally getting this gallery and post up regarding the Evie Lovelle Shoot. The day I shot Evie I was actually coming down with the flu, and for the following two weeks had the flu and then back issues, from popping a rib out of place from all the sneezing I did.  Not Fun. Anyway so Evie... [Read more of this review]

Model: Jasmine Worth Model: Jasmine Worth

Jasmine Worth Jasmine Worth is an old friend that I knew from the gothic/industrial scene like 8 or so years ago, before she started modeling at all. We used to see each other at clubs dancing and hanging out and one time she asked me about doing some pictures for her. I had been doing pictures in the club scene for some time, doing the club scene type... [Read more of this review]

Hollywood Glamour Lighting Video and Diagrams Hollywood Glamour Lighting Video and Diagrams

Be sure to check out the Photography Lighting Diagrams for this shoot HERE I have people wanting to know how I set my lights up and how I get some of the effects I do for Hollywood Glamour and Film Noir Lighting. Most times when I do Hollywood glamour photography I use Fresnel lights, the same type of lights they use in Hollywood on movie sets. In fact... [Read more of this review]

Portable Flash Sytem I use on Location Portable Flash Sytem I use on Location

PhotoFlex Poratable Lighting System Some people emailed me and asked me about this portable unit I use when I am on location so I felt compelled to write a little about it. The unit is a Photoflex extra small softbox with an off camera strobe, and I use it for some location stuff when a little light is needed but not a lot. It’s a great little... [Read more of this review]

Model – Masumi Max, Varga BBQ Model – Masumi Max, Varga BBQ

Masumi Max Varga BBQ Masumi Max is a well known fetish model who happened to be attending a BBQ that Roy Varga was having one afternoon. The BBQ was the celebration of the opening of Varga’s studio, which was housed in a custom car chop shop. Masumi was slated to show as a featured guest and model among many others. I had the chance to get her... [Read more of this review]

Model – Katie Kasket – Color Horror Model – Katie Kasket – Color Horror

katie Kasket Hostel Horror Here we have Katie Kasket starring in a spin off of the movie Hostel. My interpretation of the movies posters and cut scenes. These images were shot under a green light and then some heavy Photo shopping done to them to get a grimy, dirty look to them. The main images which is used as the icon for this set, is for sale. ... [Read more of this review]

Model – Katie Kasket Model – Katie Kasket

Katie Kasket Katie Kasket was one of my favorite models to work with. A bit of a cult figure in her own right, she’s had a comic book made after her, and has so many followers on Myspace it’s incredible. Katie has a company called Kasket Kustoms, in which she sells custom hand painted purses. Each purse is hand painted by her and no two... [Read more of this review]

The Boyz… The Boyz…

Da Boyz... These are a couple of friends of mine I haven’t seen in a few years. I ran across this images as I was looking for work to submit to the “Art of Photography” show. I’ve been meaning to enter the show for a number of years and I am finally going to do it this year. I have several shots I will be entering, and of course... [Read more of this review]

Model – Heidi – From Fresno Model – Heidi – From Fresno

Heidi from Fresno Holly from Fresno contacted me via Myspace for a private shoot. She agreed to let me post the best images on my website. She came down and stayed at a friends house, and we shot one day and she came back the second day and finished up her shoot, with some color pinup stuff which I will post later. Her B/W Hollywood Glamour stuff came... [Read more of this review]

Model – Bella – Shower in the night Model – Bella – Shower in the night

Bella Rosa - Shower at Night This is a model I had the pleasure of working with Named Bella. This was a private shoot but she agreed to let me post the best images on the website.  The lighting was a nifty trick of placing a big spotlight, a 1954 era Fresnel from Hollywood, outside the shower windows. The lighting gave it a feel of either early morning... [Read more of this review]

Desolate Metropolis – a Photographer Desolate Metropolis – a Photographer

On Photography I usually don’t get excited over other peoples photography. Except the exceptional, and I mean that, I just don’t. Today I came upon a photographer who just wowed the hell out of me. This person does what I want to be able to do. a style of photography that I have always been interested in since I was a child, I just never... [Read more of this review]

Model – Lindsey Lou – Limited Edition Collectible Prints Model – Lindsey Lou – Limited Edition Collectible Prints

Lindsey Lou Black I have decided to start putting my work up for sale here on my site. I have sold my work before in different arenas, but never on my own website. Galleries, privately and even on eBay(groan). Now that I am going to take my life in the artistic direction I have been wanting to I need to start presenting my work as what I do for a living.... [Read more of this review]

Lighting Techniques for Hollywood Glamour Photography Lighting Techniques for Hollywood Glamour Photography

Model: Kristabelle Be sure to watch the Hollywood Glamour Photography Video for this shoot HERE Photography Lighting Techniques are sometimes huge mysteries, at least to the beginning photographer. Sometimes to the seasoned pro too, only because maybe it was such a simple setup that it just couldn’t be that easy, right? I know I am that way sometimes... [Read more of this review]

Annie Leibovitz – Behind the scenes with Profoto Founder Conny Dufgran

Annie Leibovitz is one of my favorite photographers.  Her work is well known, spans several decades, and several magazines including Rolling Stone and Vogue. In this video she is photographing the founder of Profoto, Conny Dufgran, for a 40Th year anniversary head shot and celebration. Profoto is some of the finest equipment in the industry and I am... [Read more of this review]

Photographic Therapy – A Free Photography Book – by Rolando Gomez Photographic Therapy – A Free Photography Book – by Rolando Gomez

Photographic Therapy – a Free Photography Book – by Rolando Gomez Photograhic Therapy Rolando Gomez, well known author of several photography books, has a new site called Free Photography Books. Go there, sign up for his mailing list and you will be notified of more free photography books he puts out. His current free book is “Photographic... [Read more of this review]

Hollywood Glamour Photos and How To Take Them. Hollywood Glamour Photos and How To Take Them.

Daisy Devine Be sure to check out the behind the scenes shots from this shoot, the link to that article is posted at the bottom of this article. I’m asked all the time “How do you do that?”, the style of Hollywood Glamour Photography I do. I had a great teacher, George Hurrell. Someone introduced me to the work of George Hurrell a... [Read more of this review]

Photographing Bauhaus and David J of Bauhaus. Photographing Bauhaus and David J of Bauhaus.

David J of Bauhaus I have always had a camera in my hands, in some way or another. I have not always had the best cameras either, but I always made due with what I have had. My parents always gave me cameras when I was a kid and I always shot black and white film. I have since gotten a few digital cameras and one of my cameras was an Olympus 5050. Not... [Read more of this review]

Model: Guy Chapman – The Film Noir Villain Model: Guy Chapman – The Film Noir Villain

Guy Chapman I met guy through a mutual friend that introduced us with the intention of needing to get some head shots done. Guy is an actor and has been in a few movies I am sure you have heard of: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and  Red-Eye as well as a few TV Series on HBO. Guy contacted me about some head shots(can be seen on his... [Read more of this review]

3 Facts about Pictures, Photography and the Law <br>you may not know. 3 Facts about Pictures, Photography and the Law
you may not know.

3 Things about Pictures, Photography and the Law you may not know. Copyright Law states “Copyright is a property right. Under the Federal Copyright Act of 1976 (effective January 1, 1978 and amended when the USA joined the Berne Convention in 1989), photographs are protected by copyright from the moment of creation.” Did you know: You cannot... [Read more of this review]

Model: Bianca Malise Model: Bianca Malise

Bianca Malise This was my first shoot with Bianca back in July of 2006. A great model to work with, who is now turning toward the scene behind the camera. We did several different scenes for Diva Devotchka, a defunct site of mine which I might someday redo and get back into, I just need a little help running it. I hope you enjoy these two images of... [Read more of this review]

The Mantis and The Money Toad The Mantis and The Money Toad

The Mantis and The Money Toad This is an actual photograph I took one day while editing images at my computer. This mantis or his twin brother was following me around the whole day. I was on my balcony in the morning and there he was. Later that day I went out to my garage and there he was again on the garage door. Finally that evening I was editing... [Read more of this review]

Model: Apnea – The Reluctant Idol Model: Apnea – The Reluctant Idol

Model: Apnea My first and so far only shoot with the model Apnea, the well known model wife(soon to be or now ex) of Lithium Picnic, The well know and controversial ex-photographer of Suicide Girls. Great lady to work with, quiet I suppose, then again we had just met that day. We did a few shots for a friend of mine who had her modeling a couple corsets... [Read more of this review]

Model: Tanya(BluegirlB) – Gothic Hollywood Glamour Model: Tanya(BluegirlB) – Gothic Hollywood Glamour

Tanya is a friend of my from the goth scene in San Diego, and I had seen her do some modeling for another photographer friend of mine Gene Johnson.  Anyway I had her come over one day to do some Hollywood glamour stuff, but these were done with film and a digital camera. can you guess which ones are the film shots? I scanned the negatives, not the... [Read more of this review]

Model: Kristabelle #2, Color Burlesque Pinup, Black and White Glamour Model: Kristabelle #2, Color Burlesque Pinup, Black and White Glamour

Kristabelle - Color Here’s a couple more from Model Kristabelle. I did a couple in color for a burlesque project I am working on, and thought I would share here. Kristabelle is also going to be our opening lady for Pinupofthemonth.com.  Pinup of the month for January 2010. I would like to hear from my readers which ones they like, the color or... [Read more of this review]

Black and White or Color, which would you choose? Black and White or Color, which would you choose?

Model: Kristabelle I have a question for my readers. I have images that I edit, some in color and some in black and white. Both look great but you can’t have both, you have to choose one or the other. Which would you choose? How would you choose? Let’s say you have a contest to enter and you have one picture to enter, but you don’t... [Read more of this review]

4 Reasons to use a Makeup Artist before ANY Photo Shoot 4 Reasons to use a Makeup Artist before ANY Photo Shoot

Makeup Artist at work, Wedding Day Why You Should Use a Makeup Artist. Many times new photographers ask the question of  “Why should you use a makeup artist before a shoot?”. I will tell you some of the reasons why I use a makeup artist with my photo shoots, and why I always recommend to client and new photographer to use a makeup artist... [Read more of this review]

Model: Sandee Betty Model: Sandee Betty

Sandee Betty This was my first shoot ever with Sandee Betty back in May of 2006. It was my first soot trying to do Old Black and White Hollywood Style Glamour, and was shot with my Canon 20D. Sandee and I have worked together on numerous projects since. I haven’t been in touch with Sandee in a year or so but I do know that her and her husband... [Read more of this review]

Model: Kristabelle Model: Kristabelle

I just thought I would edit a couple more before bed. I am glad I had that shoot yesterday,it’s been over a year since I shot last and I have been missing it. Having a baby sure does take a lot of time and energy. So does shooting but this is different. 🙂 I met Kristabelle at Ink and Iron 2009, and actually had talked to her before over email.... [Read more of this review]

Whats Happening to Darkman’s Darkroom? Whats Happening to Darkman’s Darkroom?

Kristabelle HI folks just a word real quick before I head out to class, I know some of you are probably wondering what’s going on with Darkman’s Darkroom. Well, we are upgrading and doing a bunch of New and Exciting things for the future. First off one of the biggest things happening in the world of Larry”Darkman”Clark is PinupOfTheMonth.com.... [Read more of this review]

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