Home > Resources > Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zero your real name? [^TOP^]

Yes. To read more of an explanation, please see the about the artist section of my web site.

Do you provide TFP/CD and/or testing? [^TOP^]

Other than the 1 free shoot I give away each month, I no longer provide TFP, but I do occasionally provide testing opportunities or discounts to models that I feel have the potential to benefit my portfolio or that I feel would provide a unique or unusual opportunity or an interesting experience. And every shoot, regardless of whether it is for testing or not, requires a $25 scheduling fee (or a non-refundable deposit) to be arranged. (Why? Because by paying the scheduling fee, you are agreeing to my terms of service which among other things, protects me against last minute cancellations and "no shows".)

Testing in terms of what a model gets is very similar to "TFP". However, where TFP may favor the model in fulfilling specific requests, "testing" is geared towards allowing the photographer to experiment with different looks, ideas, techniques, and equipment. Often this results in very unique and eye-catching imagery.

All shoots, regardless of whether they are "testing" or not, require a minimum scheduling fee of at least $25 (some require a higher scheduling fee depending on the circumstances).

Please note that I am very frequently congratulated on the quality of my work and in the same correspondence, requested to provide my services for free (TFP/CD).

If you shop around a bit and compare prices, I believe you will find that my services are surprisingly low. I keep my rates low and on display on my web site on purpose so that more people can afford to have the opportunity to work with a professional photographer.

It would be impossible and impractical for me to find the time to fill all of the TFP requests I get.

Consider this... when was the last time you walked into a beauty salon and asked for their services for free? Probably never, right? A good photo is worth its weight in gold and lasts forever. Your hairstyling and nails that you may pay for do not. Please take this into consideration before requesting a free shoot.

Although I only offer limited test opportunities, I do offer a broader range of "TFP alternatives" that may interest you. These opportunities include shooting portfolios at discounted rates in exchange for stock photo & commercial purposes. The rate is negotiable. If you have questions, just ask.

Another way to possibly get some eyecatching shots at a reduced rate would be to get involved with one of the ongoing "Zerotopia Projects" I provide.

Please understand that I treat all test shoots with the same attention to detail as I do my paid professional shoots. The degree of service that you get is virtually identical. What this means is that you will receive what many clients typically pay hundreds of dollars for.

How do I schedule a shoot with you? [^TOP^]

It's easy. Simply fill out my photo shoot request form to get the process started. This form helps provide me with enough information to determine when, how, and if a photo shoot with you can be arranged.

Do you pay models? [^TOP^]

No. I only pay models if/when I am working through a 3rd party (company, client, agency) that also sees that I am paid for my services as well. Unless specified, a model is also responsible for his/her own travel expenses.

Why don't you pay models? [^TOP^]

Those who are serious about getting quality photos know that investing in having professional level photographs taken will often pay for itself in very little time. These are the types of photos that get you noticed and pave the way for success.

The services I offer are, by design, very affordable and very generous compared to most. My rates are low so that you get more and you pay less. Continued demand for my services means that I'm provided with numerous opportunities to work with quality talent without having to resort to paying models to do so.

As a professional photographer, photography is my main source of income and how I make a living. I do this full-time and I've invested countless hours and literally tens of thousands of dollars to be able to provide the level of services that I do. The quality of my work and the services that I provide are a result of this investment and my commitment to constantly improve my skillset and the experience my clients have while working with me.

I truly love what I do and if I could get away with providing everything I do for free to everyone who requests it, I would. Unfortunately, professional photography is an expensive career with lots of high overhead costs and bills must be paid. Plus, as a full-time professional photographer, 30% of my income goes directly to taxes.

What do your model assistance services include? [^TOP^]

I am not an agency. However, because of my involvement in helping several models get started in the industry, I've decided to formally offer "model management" services to people I work with. These services include guidance in all aspects of modeling, from posing and facial expressions to getting headshots and comp cards done, to getting paid work, setting up a web site for your on-line portfolio, and much more. As an added bonus, models that I manage receive free shooting opportunities.

I also take a direct role in helping you manage your work referrals and guide you in determining which opportunities are good ones, versus which opportunities may not be worth your effort. I help you avoid getting into uncomfortable or shady situations that you hear about so many models having.

In addition, I also help in the interaction between you and your clients (photographers, companies, etc) to make sure that the expectations of a shoot are clear and help to ensure that all parties will have a good experience and be happy with the results.

If you are interested in the possibility of being managed, please be sure to visit the "rates & services" section of my website for additional details.

I am a model or want to be a model, will you help manage/assist me? [^TOP^]

I might. I handle all model assistance matters on a case-by-case basis. I also prefer to work with someone at least once before making any "model management" matters official (this is for your benefit and my own).

If you are interested in being managed by me, all you have to do is ask.

I don't live in your area, will you still consider managing me? [^TOP^]

Yes. All model management is handled on a case-by-case basis and is not constrained to any one geographical location.

Why should I work with you? [^TOP^]

Well, this is entirely up to you. But if you are reading this, it's probably because you like my work or you heard about a positive experience that any one of the number of people I've worked with have had. The chances are very good that if you like my work, then you will also like the work I do for you.

I am a fun (but professional) reputable, no-pressure, non-sleazy, easy-going photographer who cares about your comfort, your safety, your satisfaction, and your career (or aspiring career) in modeling. And you don't have to take my word for it, you can read the testimonials section of my site to see what others had to say.

I take a very relaxed an easy going approach to my work. I will not pressure you to do or try things you are not comfortable in doing and I will not put you in uncomfortable or dangerous situations.

Regardless of who you are or where you are from, I give equal respect and provide the same caliber of service and attention to detail to each and every person I have the opportunity to work with.

Is it worth paying for photos? [^TOP^]

That depends on who you pay. But, in many cases, I would say yes. Investing in having professional photos taken will generally pay for itself when you work with the right photographers.

If you want to know whether it's worth working with me, all I can say is that the services that I provide often lead to paid work and significantly more exposure for the people I work with. I am contacted often by models telling me they got a paid gig or attracted a certain photographer or company because of the shots we got while working together.

In all my experience of working with people, I've never once been told by anyone that they felt they paid too much. Usually it's the opposite. They can't believe how much they got compared to what they've spent before or heard that other models spent for photos.

If you're at all hesitant, I encourage you to "shop around" first. Please check out the rates that other photographers charge. I am confident that you will find that my rates are far below the industry average. And if you find a photographer offering comparable quality work and services for less, I'll match it and knock off an additional 20%.

I have limited funds and can't afford an expensive shoot, can we still work together? [^TOP^]

Yes. I will always make special exceptions to work with people who might not otherwise be able to work with a professional photographer. I will work with any reasonable budget goal to help you meet your photography needs.

Where do you shoot? [^TOP^]

After moving here from the east coast, I am currently in the process of locating and setting up permanent studio space. In the meantime, I am taking advantage of various studio facilities in the Los Angeles area based on my clients' needs and desired availability.

When I am not in the studio, I shoot everywhere. Indoors and out and throughout the United States. The world is my backdrop. I thrive on the challenges of shooting outdoors and on location during all seasons. With models who are interested, I am entirely open to traveling in order to reach scenic environments and ideal shooting locations such as parks, beaches, etc. I'm a Los Angeles photographer and a southern California photograher.

I occasionally travel significant distances for prime opportunities and to work with exceptional models. If you're from a region outside of my local area (or even across the country!) and are interested in the possibility of working together, please don't hesitate to let me know.

I am always on the lookout for new places to shoot. If you know of any interesting or exotic locations available for shooting, please contact me. This includes both indoor and outdoor locations such as large houses, barns, farms, open fields, parks, historic sites, pools, lakes, yachts, etc.

I am not from your local area, but would love to work with you. Will you work with me? [^TOP^]

Yes. Photography leads me to many different places nationwide and I am always willing to travel for paid opportunities. I shoot everywhere as long as my travel expenses are covered by the cost of working with you.

Pay my travel expenses and your shoot is FREE? [^TOP^]

I love to travel and work in new areas and always welcome any opportunity to do so. Paying for my travel expenses to work with you in your area can often be less expensive than hiring that local photographer. For example, paying me $200 r/t airfare to Los Angeles + $100 hotel for 1 night ($300 total) to work with you for FREE can be cheaper than paying a local photographer $300+ to provide services that are often more limited (looks, wardrobe changes, etc) than what I offer.

My typical "local" area of coverage puts me in a group of other Los Angeles photographers, southern California photographers, San Diego photographers, Las Vegas photographers, and Santa Monica photographers. Recent long-distance trips have led me to northern California, Nevada, Arizona, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Washington DC, etc.

I would like to consult with you before shooting. Is this possible? [^TOP^]

Yes. Being prepared for and comfortable and comfortable during a shoot is important. I charge a $25 consultation fee for a 30 minute consultation scheduled prior to a shoot date to discuss the desired focus and needs of a given photo session, as well as to exchange ideas. Contact me for details.

Can I bring an escort or a companion to a shoot? [^TOP^]

Absolutely! Your comfort and security is important to me, not just at my shoots, but when you are working with others. As such, escorts are welcome at all shoots. I highly recommend that models always travel with a companion whenever shooting with a photographer for the first time. I also encourage models to check references whenever possible.

What is it like to work with you or do you have references? [^TOP^]

Here are some of the things people have had to say about their experience working with me.

In addition to that, let me just say that I am not a "shoot by numbers" photographer. I am genuinely interested in the people I work with and go to great lengths to make sure that you get what you desire out of a photo shoot. You will not find any photographer more into what they do and more intent on making your experience the best that it can possibly be, than I am.

I am also not a cookie-cutter photographer. I do not stick to any one single technique or style of photography with every person I shoot. I embrace experimentation and love to learn new techniques that allow me to switch up my style. I strive to continually raise the aesthetic qualities of my work while also providing each person with photographs that don't just look like every other photograph I've taken.

Do you provide a make-up artist? [^TOP^]

As a general rule, hiring a make-up artist is the responsibility of the model. However, I will be happy to refer you to some make-up artists I have worked with in the past. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the model to communicate with and work out details with the make-up artist.

Do you have any advice for models? [^TOP^]

Yes. Tons of it which I dispense freely. Please see the "info for models" section of my web site.

Do you shoot film or digital? [^TOP^]

I shoot digital photography with top-of-the-line professional digital equipment. I can also shoot film, upon request.

How can I contact you? [^TOP^]

If you are seeking to pay for services, you may call me directly anytime at (760) 444-4725. I give paid work a priority over all other inquiries.

Due to my busy schedule and demand for my time, I am often booked a couple weeks in advance.

For a more specific idea of my upcoming availability, please send me an email (and if you can provide me with a general idea of your availability as well, please do).

I wrote to you and didn't hear back. What's up? [^TOP^]

If you are seeking to pay for services, you may call me directly anytime at (760) 444-4725. I give paid work a priority over all other inquiries.

On any given day I receive between 50 and 200 messages (no, not all OMP). Whenever I am away from my computer on business or travel for any extended period of time, my email has a tendency to pile up. Catching up with it all is a formidable task and replying to all inquires can take days. And when all is said and done, there are times where I will simply miss messages.

With that said, I do try to reply to nearly all OMP & email inquiries within 5 days. During extremely busy times or when I am away on travel, it can sometimes take me up to 2 weeks or more to reply to all inquires (sorry!).

If you don't receive a response from me in a timely fashion, your best best is to contact me through my website or post to my "guestbook/forum". Again, if you are seeking to pay for services, you may call me directly anytime at (760) 444-4725.