After a very successful exhibition and book launch for my Naked In Baja limited edition printed book last month, I’ve been working hard to create an eBook version which represents the same high standard as the printed book. Of course you can never replace the tactile beauty of a high quality printed book but the images in this eBook do look quite stunning on an iPad.
Containing all the images of Samantha Grace, Carlotta Champagne, Ella Rose, Anne Duffy, Stephanie Anne, Anoush Anou, St Merrique, Sara Liz, Brooke Lynne and Meghan Claire that appear in the printed book, the eBook (iBook) version also contains an extra bonus of two small, behind-the-scenes videos from my shoot at Playa Las Cachora with Carlotta and Sara.
The book contains an introduction by Zoe Wiseman along with 8 chapters of artistic nude photography totalling over 110 pages. The eBook is now available through Blurb for immediate purchase and download.
I can’t believe it’s been just over a year since we were all basking in the Mexican sun, eating tacos, drinking margaritas an oh, taking lots of beautiful art nude photographs of course! It took my reminiscing about Mexico and missing everyone at Fest XI in Palm Springs while I was stuck at work back here in Brisbane to prompt me to finally do something serious with all of my art nude images.
So the Naked In… projects were born and I decided the first in the series should be Naked In… Baja Mexico. Each project will consist of a fine-art limited edition book, an eBook, a limited set of postcards and a series of signed prints. To help raise funds for the design and production of the limited edition book from this first project, I have started a community funding campaign which, much to my amazement, managed to raise the initial funds needed to cover the basic costs in only 3 days. There is also a website / blog to support this and the future Naked In… projects so make sure you check it out and keep visiting to see the latest updates – www.naked-in.com
Of course it would be great to see the support for this project continue so if you are interested in supporting it, click on the photo and head to the Pozible campaign and have a look at what’s on offer.
As stated in previous posts, I had limited my shoots to the Hotelito corridors, for the most part. Finally the thought to take to nature and take advantage of the spectacular surroundings of the beach was eminent. Meghan and I were to collaborate there.
As for the title, ‘A Lesson Learned’, is a two part ordeal. First lesson, and it is one I am familiar with, is crowd control. The concept to capture there was to shoot waves coming in in various states of shutter speed. We were able to do so, but only one roll, as I hoped to take advantage of more. We were there before sunrise and all was good, but there were early morning beach walkers about which hindered the process. Enough so as to change the scene and game plan .
The second lesson with that roll happened once I got home and started developing film. The developing tank I had used, has a tendency to hang spools up on the shaft out of the fluid height. That said, the one roll taken on the beach had full development on 2/3rds of every image and partial on the remainder. With those, I played farmer and cropped 🙁 (thanks JR for the great quote). They do still display evidence of negative damage. Here are examples…
From that point on we went to a different location made took advantage of the natural shrubbery. I am so used to rainforest that this different look was a blessing. 🙂
Back to the Hotelito for one last hurrah, and have a tea party. Set the table and chairs but something was missing… a secondary participant. Just so happened that Brooke was walking to Mick’s suite to do a session with him, but was a bit early. She had time to help out and all of us made tea party magic. 🙂 Again, this will become a series look so a couple of examples in the individual form. That said… Enjoy the tea!! 🙂
In addition to the shooting around Todos Santos, their were the wonderful moments meeting many new people. One afternoon I went to the pool at the Casa Bently to appreciate the experience while contemplating the cold and snow I was reading about back home. There at the pool, I meet world citizen Tara Tree and had a most splendid chat with her. Later my wife Dee Dee told me of her experience at the turtle release and how much more enriching it was because of Tara’s translations. Thank you Tara! Upon my departure from Todos Santos I was taking Brooke Lynne to the Aeropuerto and Samantha Grace rode along as she had a flight later in the day. To kill some time Samantha and I explored a couple old cemeteries where the locals were preparing loved ones’ grave sites for the day of the dead festival, then a formal catus garden and ending in the downtown of San Jose del Cabo for lunch where she expanded my vocabulary. Muchas gracias Samantha and loco tacos!!!
–
The following is a little taste, a sampling, from my time shooting at the Zoe Fest X in Todos Santo, BCS, Mexico.
–
Meghan
Meghan – Mexico 2011
In the palm oasis that divides Toto Santos. In addition to her modeling, I also highly recommend checking out Meghan’s photography.
–
Candace
Where the Cactus Dance
On the bluff overlooking the old port dock. Worth the bumpy drive up the mountain and worth the full insurance on the rental car.
–
St. Merrique
St. Merrique – Mexico 2011
A little shoot with big rewards!
–
Anoush Anou
Fusion
Unlike other shoots, I did not have a lot planned. I am glad, because what she created was splendid.
–
Brooke Lynne
Brindled Lagoon
A friend who shares her art with me. Thank you!
–
Stephanie Anne
Mi Casa
A day before the Fest I explored this house and it looked like none had set foot in it for years. It soon was evident how popular it became, I thought a little make over would create something unique.
My tenth shoot! In year 10! In the 10th month of the year! On the 30th day of the month! 3’s. 333. I made a wish for good photos. Brooke Lynne is awesome so wishing was kind of silly. Enjoy.
Looking forward to seeing all the rest of everyone’s images! I have two more shoots to post then my fun posting is over. Kind of sad about that. I need a commune somewhere so this can continue all year round. ho hum.
The session with Brooke Lynne was almost over after we’d shot one roll of film and we were finishing up with a few extra digital captures when the last couple of poses made me stop to think I should run another roll.
I knew there were several images that would certainly fit with the series but decided one more roll was needed to quickly work with what we’d come up with.
This whole shoot from start to finish took less than 15 minutes.
The selected image for the series is in the top left corner …
I started a new “tradition” last year in Australia. It seemed only fitting that I do it again.
There will be video soon…
Every model who was at the festival!
Claudine, Ella Rose, Anoush Anou, Meghan, Stephanie Anne, Kiera Grant, Rebecca Lawrence, St. Merrique, Candace Nirvana, Brooke Lynne, Carlotta Champagne, Samantha Grace, Anne Duffy, Tara Tree and Sara Liz. Thank you, Ladies! Stay tuned for the video!
What an absolute delight Brooke is to work with. From the start of our shoot she apologized for not feeling in top form…I was amazed the effort this girl put in while ill. Her attention to detail in every pose was a priority. I’m not sure if I will get to shoot Brooke here in Australia next, or if I will have to make another trek to America. I certainly will be campaigning for her to take a working holiday downunder.
