Snap Matter Magazine

So I have been just a little bit busy the last few months. I have been slinging the lens around as much as possible, but I have been working on something bigger and better than just showing off my photos to the world.

I can now add Publisher to my resume because on March 1, 2011, I released the first issue of Snap Matter Magazine. It is a quarterly magazine aimed at networking with photographers, models, artists, and designers. Anyone with an interest in fashion, glamour, pinup and alternative photography might be interested in this effort. It was more work than I originally planned, but it is rewarding work as it all came together. Please be sure to check it out on the remote publishing site to purchase the print edition.

I have also been writing and shooting for a column in the Vicious Betty's Magazine. The column is called Inside the Tunk Rock Studio, and the slant of the magazine is classic and modern Pin-up. The second issue is due out on April 1, 2011, and you can see it here when it releases. Or you can cruise over to their website to stay up to date to what is happening with them.

Speaking of second issues... The second issue of Snap Matter magazine will release on June 1, and there will be plenty of content from talented individuals from around the nation and over seas. I have been receiving content submissions from as far away as Spain and the UK since the first issue released, and a lot of it is very high quality work. Stay tuned!

Posts are few and far between here on Blogger, so if you're interested in submitting photos or just keeping up to date with the new project, go create an account on the Snap Matter Network. If you want updates as fast as they can possibly happen, make sure to go and LIKE the Snap Matter Facebook page.

Before I forget! Want a FREE chance to win $100? Go enter the Snap Matter Photo Contest! Enter up to three images for a chance to win cash and have your image published in the second issue of Snap Matter Magazine. It's a no-brainer!

Look forward to seeing your support!

More Information:
Remote Publishing is Turning Pages in Northern California
Think Tunk Fan Page
Sacramento Photography

eric

Inspired by Dia De Los Muertos

Ever since I was introduced to pin-up photography, I began to see more and more shots like the one above across the web. It had me quite intrigued. While I wouldn't categorize the shots in this post as pin-up by any means, it seems to be pin-up models who have a great appreciation to participate in this type of shoot.

I've always wanted to do a "Muertos" shoot, and thanks to one of my favorite makeup artists asking me, I was finally able to get one under my belt. Neither of the models pictured in this post are actual pin-up models. In fact, one of the models (Caro) has never modeled in front of the camera. I chose the other model, Andrea Gilliam, because I thought her brown hair and brown eyes, along with her facial features, would be a good fit for the makeup she would be wearing.



I think if I could do it over again, there is a couple of considerations I would give more attention. The first would be a realistic start time. With the days getting shorter, after planning to shoot outside, getting an early start on a style of shoot you have never done before is paramount. Makeup alone is a very lengthy process; a two hour minimum per model is not uncommon for a muertos shoot. And then they have to have elaborate hair as well. Add another model to the mix, and you quickly realize the project requires a lot of preparation.



The second thing I would plan a little better is the type of shots I want to get. During this recent shoot, light was falling out of the sky faster than I could secure my creative beanie atop my head. As a result, I found myself directing the models to do fashion poses in a pinch. It didn't really feel appropriate, but at that point I was just happy to get close up shots of Tabi's makeup work for her. While setting up scenarios probably would have been a better option for the location, I am still happy with the shots I captured during the shoot.



One more thing I would consider is shooting this concept in the studio. That way you have more control over light, you can feel free to spend a little more time being more creative with makeup and hair, and you can basically shoot until everyone is yawning and starting to complain about how late it is. The next time I am asked to shoot a muertos concept, I will suggest the studio unless there is a prime location involved.

POSH Makeup by Tabi
Marly's Hair and Makeup
Andrea Gilliam imagery by Eric Courtney
Think Tunk Productions Facebook Page

For more local photography info, check out my column on Examiner.com.
My website: Sacramento Photographer