Blog, News & Announcements from photographer Bryon Paul McCartney

Back in the U.S.A.

2012-03-19T22:25:35Z

Hello dear friends and followers. Yes, it’s been a while, I have been out of touch and I apologize, but there have been many, many changes in my life. The most significant change is that I have moved back to the USA. After over elevent years living in Switzerland, my wife and I decided it was time to come home. Fortunately, for us, we had a choice of places to move back to and we chose Southwest Florida. So far, we love it, it is sunny and warm nearly every day and you can’t smack the smile off my face sometimes.

So, as I am getting settled in down here, I will keep all of you posted. I am planning some great events and workshops for the coming year and beyond, so stay tuned.

To start off, I want to let you know about my new friends here in Fort Myers at Boller Brothers Rental Studios. Kevin is running the show and he has setup a dream studio about five minutes from RSW International Airport. There are three rooms to shoot in, plus an outdoor area. The shooting bays are incredible, with high ceilings and garage door access for cars and motorcycles. This is a pro shop!

The help these guys get off the ground, I suggested they do some free events, so coming up on April 13th, 2012, we are going to host a Critique Night. If you are in the area, you should bring your best images and come along to check the place out and meet the people involved, even if you can never imagine renting a studio. Why? Because Kevin is a little crazy and he is giving away a free day rental at this event. Even if you don’t win the drawing, you still win because you will gert $25 off your first half or full day rental.

Please check it out and come on down, you’ll find more info here and you can RSVP here. If you are busy that night, don’t fret, this will be a regular event, so go to the RSVP link anyway and sign up for the mailing list so you don’t miss out.

Las Vegas Erotic Nude Photography Workshop - Sept 10/11, 2011

2011-07-26T07:29:58Z

View this gallery here.

UPDATE: Our workshop base will be provided by Dr. Laura at the Sin City Gallery in Las Vegas. Check her out!

I am currently seeking participants for my first Erotic Nude Workshop in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 10th and 11th, 2011. For those of you who will be attending the PhotoshopWorld Conference, this is an excellent opportunity to extend your educational experience with hands-on photography learning.

What is Erotic Nude Photography? Let’s use my definition: sexy, sensual and suggestive photography. It’s a simple idea, build a rapport and trust with your model, then guide the experience in front of your camera while controlling the light and composition. Erotic photography does not need to be complicated. This workshop will focus on these key points.

This will be a very limited workshop with a maximum of four participants and two models. The schedule will be intensive and we will pack as much information into the program as possible. The main goal of this workshop is to help you develop and improve your eye for tasteful erotic nude photography. We will also discuss how to select and work with models, how to communicate with and direct models, how to visualize and compose your images, and how to edit and post-process.

Each day will include two three to four hour shooting sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening (locations to be determined), in between, we will have time for discussions and critiques of work shot.

If, like me, you love to shoot fine art nudes, do not miss this special opportunity to work closely with me in Las Vegas. Contact me directly at info@bryonpaulmccartney.com to register.

Additional Details:

Description: Two-day photography workshop with Bryon Paul McCartney
Dates: Saturday, 10th September and Sunday, 11th September, 2011
Enrollment: Limited to Four Participants with Two Models
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding area
Theme: Erotic Nude Photography
Program Content: Guided and individual hands-on shooting sessions, discussions and critiques
Costs: $950 per participant, includes after-workshop online critiques and Skype follow-ups.

If this seems expensive to you, please keep in mind that you will have plenty of shooting time and plenty of one-on-one guidance. I know from previous workshops that this kind of intensity can really benefit participants. Limiting the numbers gives each participant the chance to go deep into the topic with my guidance. If you are looking for a model sharing opportunity, this workshop is not for you. I am looking for participants who want to learn how I approach and shoot in the genre of erotic nude photography. If you have questions or want more details, contact me to setup a skype conference.

Register Today! Space is limited to four participants only! Email info@bryonpaulmccartney.com to for more details and to register.

A lesson learned from my own workshop, and a message for 'Chris' the Pirate Hater.

2011-06-02T15:49:42Z

The disputed image - Gio under the waterfall at Bagni San Filippo

The other day I received an email from a former workshop student. The message was in reference to an image I had on my website (a version of the image above) and the student was asking why I had put my copyright info on his image and used it in my portfolio.

I was a bit surprised because I clearly remember taking the image myself and I would certainly never knowingly take credit for someone else’s image. As soon as I was able, I got on my computer, reviewed the metadata and the date/time stamps of the image and I verified that I had many similar images from the same sequence. The images were taken by my camera as verified by the embedded serial number and camera information.

I reported my findings back to the student, who, naturally, found it difficult to accept that he could have some of my images on his computer. I do not think anything untoward happened, I recalled borrowing a memory card that day and I assume that when I returned the card, it may still have had my images on it.

Honestly, I don’t know for sure, it’s a complete guess how he got them and frankly, it is totally irrelevant to this post. I don’t think he stole my images and I certainly did not steal his, it was just a simple case of mistaken attribution.

Unfortunately, during our back and forth emails trying to sort this out, I received the following email message from another party:

Why would any photographer copy another photographers work and tag it as their own? Just how many stolen photographs do you have in your portfolio?

Chris…

I don’t know ‘Chris’. The contact info he provided was just a fake number and a fake email. Chris, if you are reading this, it’s really easy to make accusations, false accusations in this case, without knowing all the facts. However, in this case, you made a very wrong assumption, and made no attempt to ascertain the facts.

I don’t take such accusations lightly. I have never copied someone’s work and claimed it as my own. It makes my blood boil that some nameless, faceless person may be shredding my good reputation without the facts or truth of the situation.

However, this episode certainly brings to light an important lesson if you are attending a workshop. Be sure you take care to guard and protect your images.

If you borrow a memory card from someone, be sure to format the card before using it and after you are finished with it. Do not let anyone copy your RAW files. If your camera allows you to enter copyright information, be sure it is entered so all of your images are copyrighted upon creation, with your name and any other relevant data. Take all steps necessary to ensure you have your work properly organized and verified.

In the end, I know these images were mine. It was never really a question for me, I remember many details about that day and this shooting sequence in particular. In fact, I can recall many details about most of my shoots, they are burned into my brain. However, because of some carelessness or sloppy handling of a memory card, I have so far spent several hours trying to collect proof that these were my images. That’s time I could have been doing something much more enjoyable and constructive.

Evolving the workshop experience.

2011-04-29T20:14:22Z

During my Easter break in Tuscany, I had a great time relaxing at il Poggiolo and traveling around the region. The time off gave me the opportunity to think about my upcoming fine art nude workshops and to start to lay some plans and scout new locations that we can recommend to students.

One major change this year is that we will have more of a focus on individual tutoring and reviews. I feel this will allow students more flexibility to decide what, how and where they want to shoot. I have always had a focus on individual development in my workshops, but in the past, we always had a big focus on going to locations together as a group. This year I am planning to give students more control on how they spend their time. Of course, there will still be some group shooting sessions. However, this year, I want to take more time to work with students individually, to help them move in their own unique directions.

I am confident that this will provide both returning and new students a deeper sense of development. I think it will also allow everyone to utilize their time in whatever way they prefer.

For more information, or to sign-up, please click here to visit the ViewFinder Center.

Update! 2011 Fine Art Nude Workshops in Tuscany

2011-04-28T13:23:55Z

Iveta in Tuscany, shot at my workshop in 2010

The past month has flown by me. I had corporate assignments in Mexico City and Houston, Texas, then came back to Europe for an eight hour drive to Tuscany, Italy for my holidays. At the moment, I am completely exhausted, but I already have so much to catch up on. I wanted to quickly update you regarding my Summer workshops in Tuscany.

The big news is that we have added another week of workshops from 26 June to 2 July, 2011. This will give us three weeks of fine art nude photography workshops this year in Tuscany. Our second week, from 3 July to 9 July has only one place remaining and the third week, from 10 July to 16 July, is fully booked.

The main difference for this added week is that it will focus on what I like to call an ‘intimidation-free’ experience. In other words, no matter what level of proficiency or experience you have with fine art nude photography, this workshop will allow you to find your own creative space and help you to take amazing images with our experienced models.

This will be a no-stress, no-complications experience. You can learn at your own pace and comfort-level. In this workshop, you will learn everything you need to know to: contact, communicate with and direct models; how to find great images and control the lighting and locations to your needs; how to edit and select your images and how to process them for the best result.

For more information, or to sign-up, please click here to visit the ViewFinder Center.

My interview for the Audacity of Nude blog

2011-04-20T20:37:24Z

Audacity of Nude Interview from Bryon Paul McCartney on Vimeo.

In response to a request from model Ameena Payne, I answer questions about my fine art nude photography work.

Audacity of Nude Interview from Bryon Paul McCartney on Vimeo.

In response to a request from model Ameena Payne, I answer questions about my fine art nude photography work.

In response to a request from model Ameena Payne, I answer questions about my fine art nude photography for her blog, The Audacity of Nude. Please excuse the length of this video, it’s uncut, but it will give you an idea about my background and some of the things that got me started in fine art nude photography.

Toward the Within

2011-03-14T23:30:01Z

Claudia shot by Bryon Paul McCartney at a Paris hotel.

Someone really famous or smart said that great photographers do not take pictures, they make pictures. When I first heard this, I understood the words, but I did not know their importance. It’s so true. Even if I work with the best model and all other elements are perfectly planned and organized, I still have to stand behind the camera and direct what’s happening before me. Sometimes it can be a struggle (we all have bad days). Sometimes it takes only the smallest of suggestions or a simple wink or smirk. Sometimes I have to raise my voice. Sometimes I have to gently beg. But in every case, I have to make the picture happen in front of my camera. It surprises me to no end to hear a model or even another photographer complement me on how I work with models. It’s what comes most naturally to me.

This image of Claudia is a simple reaction to a suggestion. I don’t remember the precise details, but I do remember asking her to imagine she was laying in bed next to her lover. I was asking her to draw some emotion from her memories, from deep inside. To show me how she would look at someone she wanted and needed to be close to. I don’t know if the expression is honest, it’s not a requirement, all that is required is the result, the viewer can place his/her own interpretation to what they say. That is the true beauty of photography.

Test shoot with Hasselblad 503CW and 39 MP Digital Back

2011-03-02T16:25:31Z

Recently, I decided to take the giant leap* into the world of medium format photography. I had been contemplating this for about a year, ever since I had noticed that prices for medium format equipment were starting to come down to reasonable levels.

Back when I was working as a graphic designer in Chicago, most of the photographers I worked with shot medium format. I was always fascinated with the Hasselblads. They are amazing cameras both in their simplicity and complexity and the images they produce are stunning. It was always my dream to own a Hasselblad and when I recently started looking around, I found nice deal and made the plunge.

The day after I picked up my new gear, I headed over to Light & Byte in Zürich to rent a medium format digital back. I opted for the Hasselblad CFV 39 Megapixel back. The people at Light & Byte gave practically gave me a one-on-one training to get me familiar with the gear and supporting software, they were extremely thorough and I really have to tip my hat for taking the time to get me sorted.

My good friend Dave Kai Piper did the retouching and digital finishing, Alina Zbinden was the model and Simone Zbinden from b•perfect did the makeup.

It’s difficult to explain in words how impressed I was with this system. It took some getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, I was hooked. It’s not only the quality but also the mechanical and precision feeling of the camera. It’s manual focus, not push button auto-focus. It’s a camera that demands your respect and attention to detail. It feels special in your hands, it sounds amazing, and once you see those images in full resolution on the screen, wow, you don’t want to go back to anything less.

I’ll be shooting more medium format throughout this year, and I hope to bring the kit and a digital back to my Tuscany workshops this Summer. Thanks to everyone involved in making this test shoot a resounding success.

* Did you know that Hasselblad was the camera system used by NASA during the missions to the moon. Twelve Hasselblad bodies remain on the moon’s surface to this day. I wonder what they would fetch at auction?

Bound

2011-02-25T11:48:22Z

Bound, shot at Orangerie le Club, Wängi, Switzerland

For me, this image evokes tension, allure, eroticism and playfulness. This was a fun shoot, organized by the model. We kept everything as simple as possible, which was a good thing, considering that we were in a sex club that was open for business. I am not into sex clubs, but this place is one of the nicest clubs of any kind I have been to, it really has a nice atmosphere.

Feel free to share this image on your twitter feed or facebook profile using the convenient toolbar at the bottom of the browser window. Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what type of posts you want to see in the future. What can I tell you about my work or shooting techniques, what would you like to know?

Do you want to be a nude photographer or just a GWC: a guy (or girl) with a camera?

2011-02-22T15:07:43Z

Iveta, shot at my workshop in Tuscany, Italy, Summer 2010

Nude photography, in all of its many forms and manifestations is a very large planet within the solar system of people photography. Whether you are shooting fine art nudes, glamour nudes, implied nudes, erotic nudes, conceptual nudes, landscape nudes, infrared nudes, fetish nudes, bondage nudes, black & white nudes, sculptural nudes (the list goes on and on) or a combination of different types of nudes, you need to have a purpose for shooting them.

Without purpose, you may fall into that dreaded category of photographers who take pictures of naked women (or men) for the sheer and selfish pleasure of seeing them naked, also known as a GWC.

So how do you avoid becoming a photography cliché?

Find your purpose, your reason, your concept, your muse: Look for a way to create images with purpose and meaning. If you can’t figure out what type of photographer you want to be, then be certain about what type of photographer you do not want to be. Sit down with your images, review them, analyze them, understand them, show them to others and ask them questions about them. What do these images have in common? What stands out? What do you feel when you see them? Do they remind you of something? Do they speak to you? Do you see a story or message in the images?

Interpretation is everything. What I see in an image may be completely different from what the next person sees, it all depends on your own experiences and references.

In my own work, I mainly focus on three types of nudes: bodies in motion, sculptural nudes and erotic nudes. In all of my photographs, I try to present my models as strong, independent and desirable women. I try to give them power in the image. I try to create a visual story in the image. I do not want to show my models as weak or powerless, I do not want to exploit them or demean them. I want to bring out the best of what I see in them.

The image above features Iveta, one of the models I have worked with most frequently. On the surface, perhaps some would say that this image portrays her as weak. I prefer to see her more in the role of the sole survivor. Alone, washed up in the surf, naked and alone in the sand. She may be down, she may be struggling, but in the next moment, she will persevere and overcome the challenges she is facing.

In my Amore Toscana fine art nude workshops I discuss topics similar to this one. I challenge my students to find their own personal purpose, direction and vision.