i always insist that art is not a competition.  critics and curators miss the fact that valid work takes place across a wide spectrum - they are in love with the mode du jour and they cannot see that there are many valid concurrent modes of thinking among artists.

- sam haskins

when i work with models who are used to working with normal commercial photographers i often get lots of questions or confused reactions as to why i work the way i do.  i don’t like traditional lighting.  i don’t spend tens of thousands of dollars on over-rated equipment.  i don’t hire multiple hair & makeup artists, assistants, stylists, or editing technicians.  i do it all myself.  i sometimes bring in a hair or makeup artist, but their involvement is limited in the artistic process.  i like to be cheap… so i can offer inexpensive services.  plus, it makes it much easier for me to create personal art if i’m not over-extending myself financially.

many photographers(and models) often show elitist qualities by criticizing another photographer’s methods.  i suppose that’s the difference in art and commercialism.  i’m glad others can find success in working the system, learning the skills to emulate popular styles, and stay in the circles of others doing similar work and styles.  i won’t knock them. that’s their path.  MY path has led me down a road that allows me to create beautiful images without conforming to “industry standards” or over-extending my resources.  i’m not a part of any industry.  i’m an artist.  and i think i’m doing pretty well.