I can't create without the gracious time and creative energy of the models I work with. I've shot around 250 models, ranging in experience from first-timers to full-time professionals.

Experience is not required, nor are there any particular limits on gender, size, height, age, ethnicity, or location.

Interested in modeling?

• Send me a friend request on my Facebook profile. If you don't have a Facebook profile or don't use it for modeling, you can also contact me via email at richard@tallent.us or via Model Mayhem.
• Send me a message if you have no prior nude experience or if your modeling profile says you aren't interested in nude modeling or in trade shoots. Let me know for sure that you're cool with bending those rules (details in the "Nudity" and "Compensation" sections below). Clear communication about this is the one big thing I'm picky about. I have to know we're on the same page.

How I book shoots

• There's no waiting list.
• I rarely schedule shoots more than two weeks in advance.
• When I'm available to shoot, I contact models in that location in this order:
  • Facebook contacts.
  • Models on my list who don't have Facebook (via email or text).
  • Models on Model Mayhem, starting with Friends on that site.
• Whoever calls first and matches the shoot requirements, gets the shoot. I won't string you along.
• Most shoots are on Saturdays. If the weekend is a challenge for you, let me know and maybe we can find another time.

Nudity

Obviously, for the genre of work I do, models are posing while in the nude. I maintain a safe, respectful, and professional environment. No one is in the room unless they have a specific job to do. Models may bring someone along to hang out (not in the studio itself but around the house) if it makes them feel more comfortable.

Some models limit their work to anonymous nudes (posed without their face showing, and their identity held in strict confidence).

Please let me know your limits when you contact me so I can match you with appropriate projects.

If we work together on photos that are not anonymous, you need to be comfortable with the idea that someone you know will recognize you and see your body. Please only volunteer to model if you can deal with some of them being immature or judgmental. Once the photos have been released, I will not remove them because your parents saw them, your new boyfriend doesn't like them, etc.

Implied Nudity

A number of my photographs fit the category of "implied nude" (nude, but without any visible nipples, pubic hair, or genitals). Even the others aren't even remotely explicit.

However, please understand that, I can't book shoots for my own artwork where every photograph is guaranteed to provide coverage. This applies to body paint shoots as well--while your skin will be fully covered, the features of the skin will still be visible.

If you are a woman and only concerned about your labia being visible, please grow pubic hair before the shoot. This provides me what I need to light you in a way to keep the genitals concealed. If you shave, I can't guarantee this degree of lighting control, especially if we shoot outdoors.

Compensation

I don't pay models in cash, nor to I pay for hotels or airfare . This is non-negotiable.

In trade for your time, I'm willing to do any of the following:

• I can provide several signed, archival prints ("TFP"), and matching web-resolution JPEG versions for posting on online modeling portfolios.
• If you are traveling through Beaumont, you're welcome to stay in our guest room. I can provide references so you can be sure we won't Dexterize you in your sleep.
• At the end of a shoot, we can reserve some time to create some photos (unretouched) in any genre I don't trade in (fashion, glamour, boudoir, etc.).
• If you're also a photographer and want to trade for some time learning photography, studio lighting, Photoshop, Lightroom, etc., I'm up for that.
• I'm open to other suggestions for non-monetary compensation.

Releases

A signed model release is required for all shoots. For models posing anonymously or for "implied-only" posing, this can include an addendum to that effect.

Workshops

For workshops, I only cast models I've worked with personally to ensure that the model is a good match for the workshop content and participants.

--Richard