Stranger Sessions
'Stranger Sessions' in a nutshell.
In the past couple years, I've been blessed with a ton of client work, some that I've always dreamt of -- I've worked/working with some of the biggest artists, and influencers in the industry with Photography, Creative directing, Music videos etc. I always enjoy every shoot im on like its the first, This past year I promised myself to start shooting for myself with no other voices over my shoulder, with that I've also realized I've been limiting my work from people, that cant afford my industry rate. So Im launching a new experience where anyone can book me for 30 mins, and we will shoot a mixture of experimental setups, creating beautiful moments constantly. Just, my camera, You and me for 30 mins, creating ART.
Book your 'Stranger Session' now
Click on any of the bolded dates below, the available time slots will appear and the rest is pretty self-explanatory. If the dates below, don’t work for you, PLEASE join the mailing list below to be notified of new dates.
WHERE DO THE SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
All Stranger Sessions take place in my loft in Downtown LA
You’ll get specific directions once you book your session.
WILL YOU BE OFFERING THESE SESSIONS IN OTHER CITIES?
At this point, no I won't be.
WHAT WILL MY PORTRAIT LOOK LIKE?
For starters, check out the examples above. Your image will have a more moody look to it. Viby/edgy/cinematic, etc. I can also now throwing in a brighter, beauty look as well so you’ll have options. Just be sure to mention that if you definitely want a brighter look. It will also only include your head, shoulders and chest and you’ll be sitting.
WHAT TO EXPECT
When you arrive, just come on in with your receipt.We'll say hi briefly but you'll get right to your portrait since time is limited. Im very laid back and this shoot will be as well. No need to stress in any way. Photoshoots are fun and this is meant to be fun. If you feel nervous or awkward, that makes you normal. No one loves having their photo taken and everyone is insecure, even the biggest of celebrities. So be at ease and enjoy yourself!
DO YOU PROVIDE HAIR/MAKEUP?
No, please arrive camera ready.
WHAT AGES ARE THESE SHOOTS FOR?
CAN YOU PHOTOGRAPH MY CHILDREN?
These shoots are for ages 10 and up. You’ll see once you come to the my loft that the setup is very small and tight and framed for grown people. Plus there is tons of gear and cables for smaller children to trip over.
CAN I STILL BRING MY CHILD? CAN I BRING MY FAMILY?
Ideally, for the reasons, above, bring as few people as you can. But if you really need to bring someone with you, that’s fine. However, Im only able photograph one person at a time for that 30-minute block of time. If you also want another person (13y/o and older child, friend, family member) photographed, you’ll have to buy an additional block of time for each person. This setup is just very specific and tight and is only meant to frame one person at a time.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
You can wear whatever you want to wear, because this is your portrait to have for forever. But generally speaking, it’s good to keep it simple and timeless. There will be a variety of backgrounds that I will use so it doesn't necessarily matter what you wear.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$150 for the 30-minute window of shooting and digital delivery of final selects.
WHAT GEAR WILL YOU USE?
I will be shooting with the Canon 5D Mark II or III, For lighting, I will be using a slew of lights and diffusers from both Profoto and Alienbee Lighting.
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO YOU SHOOT IN THE 15 MINUTES?
These sessions move at a very rapid pace, In fact, 30 minutes is almost too much time. Typically, he shoots for 20 minutes and reviews the photos with each client for 10 minutes. The amount of portraits taken during that 20 minutes is typically between 100-200 portraits.
HOW WILL I GET MY PORTRAITS AND HOW MANY DO I GET?
I will choose the strongest portraits (generally anywhere from 4-8 winners) and will send you an email with a dropbox link to download it within a week after the shoot.
WHY DO YOU CHOOSE THE PORTRAITS?
This isn’t about the best or most flattering photos of you. This is about the strongest, most intriguing, definitive portraits of you. I have over a decade of experience shooting portraits and identifying what makes a good one. And the biggest thing I've learned in that time is that it’s always obvious, sometimes immediately, which portraits are the strongest.
CAN I FURTHER EDIT MY PORTRAIT AFTER I RECEIVE IT?
I would really prefer you not touch your portrait after you receive it, for the same reasons you wouldn’t paint over a painting that someone has made for you. I know those VSCO presets or that Instagram “Nashville” filter are tempting to use, but please do not further edit your portrait in any way.
CAN I USE THESE FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES?
Can I use my portrait for my album cover? Book cover? Advertising? The short answer is no.
These portraits are for personal use only. Posting them to social media networks is great and encouraged but they may not be used for any commercial uses UNLESS we negotiate that usage separately with a different contract. Why? Offering $150 commercial shoots would be undercutting my entire industry and all my peers and fellow photographers. That’s why this is mostly for personal use and social media use. You may also use them on your business cards, on your website if you’d like and as a general publicity headshot.
(Please note: we will require you to sign a simple agreement stating everything in the paragraph above, that you’ll only use your portrait for personal use and social media, not commercial use.)