Learn nude photography

"My trade mark is probably the slightly detuned colour saturation as it fits the moods that I try to capture (too much colour distracts a bit from the feel and mood). I haven't made the leap to digital cameras yet although the latest Canons have sufficient resolution for professional use. I simply can't afford it at the moment and will have to wait until the prices drop substantially (heaven would be a sponsorship by Canon seeing that I use their equipment extensively and they get free advertising in articles such as this, ha ha)."

Finding models is a mission and is the question most asked by other photographers, he says. It seems that most local photographers think that he has this endless source of models but it is simply not true. "My shoots are totally governed by the availability of suitable models. At some stage I handed out business cards left right and centre, whenever I saw potential. The hit rate is about 1 in 10 and you have to deal with the occasional aggressive reaction.

"I have toned down on handing out cards as there seem to be some other guys out there using the same ploy but with different aims. One can thus not blame the girls for being suspicious. My shooting of the Goth band Silex has brought me into contact with the Goth scene and I find the girls much more willing as they mostly know my work and are not scared off by the Goddess theme (my passion).

"My website also helps as I get some models totally out of the blue (far more offers from overseas than local though). Oh and yes, I have used professional models but with mixed results. They mostly think that they know what you want and go through their standard range of poses. Mostly you end up with pics that looks just like anybody elses. I thus prefer working with models who do it for other reasons than money (i.e. passion, fun or some fantasy).

"And then we chat for an hour or so before the shooting starts (this is mostly the driving time, fiddling with make-up and working through the wardrobe that she brought with). Sometimes I break the ice by doing a nude shot right at the start, but mostly start of clothed and work gently towards the nude stuff. This gives her far more time to get used me and the camera and probably work best.

"As for locations I often just drive around looking for interesting places. I am based in Pretoria and there is not much in the immediate vicinity. We either demolish older buildings and replace them with newer characterless ones, or the squatters move in, making it too dangerous. Obviously I do most of my shoots during the summer months (the current weather might be good for nipple stands but that is about all). Lastly I prefer overcast and rainy weather. This provides far softer and diffused light (you know, the type that studio photographers try and recreate with all kinds of reflectors and filters). Of course direct sunlight is a no no and I only work in the shade."

"I use two very middle of the road Canon 35mm SLRs, one fitted with a 35-75 lens and the other with a 85-300 lens.

Someone once commented that that is more a lens for wildlife photography and my answer was "exactly", sometimes wildlife comes in the strangest of forms.

I have since made peace with the fact of what makes me tick does not necessarily gel with the commercially acceptable. Commercial glamour is not there to make you think, only to enjoy.

"Should anybody care about my opinions? These shots are typical examples of my work, if it works for you then great, if not then by a glamour magazine. To each their own."