rtatn8

About me

I am Russ Taylor a relaxed hobbyist photographer who has shot all sorts over the last 30 years for the fun of it. My ambition here is to challenge my shooting by adding more portraits to my portfolio and for some small recognition on social media (more than happy to collaborate with models and MUAs on Instagram). I consider myself an experienced photographer but still have much to learn when it comes to using and directing models. I am pragmatic enough to realise making a living from photography is very difficult and beyond my current ambitions and really just want to enjoy my photography and expand my portfolio.

Equipment

Although Canon (AE1 & later A1) was my choice when I used film when I migrated to digital it was a Nikon D3200 I chose and I now have a crop sensor D500 for nature and action photography and more recently a full frame D750 for landscape and portrait shots. To supplement the cameras I have a variety of lenses including 18-55, 24-70, 50, 55-200, 85 and 200-500. I don't have a studio but I do have a pair of Nikon Speedlights and reflectors to assist in low light conditions and indoors. I prefer to shoot in RAW format which can be edited and output in most major formats.

Types of Photography

One of my passions is wildlife and being in the UK that really means birds but to a lesser extent I have shot landscapes, seascapes, street, macro and people. Currently I am putting more effort into portrait photography (face, torso and full body portraits) using natural light and/or flash. Family and friends have limited patience and desire to be models therefore I am seeking models to shoot.

The shoot

I would prefer to agree the details of the shoot (direction, makeup, wardrobe, theme, model release terms, where and when) with the model beforehand. My aim is the shoot should be casual, comfortable and fun for all involved. Chaperones are more than welcome to help make the model more relaxed and comfortable.

Where and when

I try to limit my travel to Watford and and the surrounding area including Central and North London. I can shoot either in outdoor locations with natural light or in a home/studio and am usually available to work most days and times unless I have a prior commitment.

Models

I am not interested in shooting anyone under the age of 18 and would expect identification to be shown if I am in doubt. We would both need to agree the terms of a shoot on a model release form beforehand. The form  is based on the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Model Release Form that can be found on the internet.

What's in it for the model

Payment

As I am not proposing to sell my work I have a very limited budget to pay models and I would prefer trade a model’s time for digital copies and experience (TFP/TF/TFCD etc). Of course if the model wants a particular theme or style I am more than happy to work with this.

Photographs

Within a week of the shoot I can supply (free of charge) the model with edited digital copies of images without watermarks in an agreed format and with the right to use for their personal and/or professional promotion.

References

Following any shoot with a model I can provide a reference on PP and anywhere else the model requests.

Examples of work

Portfolios containing some of my work can be found here but also on Instagram under my name rtatn8 and on Flickr by searching for rtatn8.

Questions

Please feel free to contact me here if you have any questions or if you are interested in doing a photoshoot with me.

Thank you for looking at my profile and good luck with your modelling career.

Russ