Policies and Procedures
At Billy Monday Workshops
models:
Our models are professional figure models, and it is important to treat them with respect at all times. I have no tolerance for rude artists, and anyone treating a model poorly will be instructed to leave immediately, with no refund.
My primary consideration in hiring models is their reliability. In the unlikely event that a model is unable to attend a given workshop, I will provide another model of equal skill and experience.
I'm always interested in talking to experienced figure models who might be interested in modeling for us. Standard rates are paid and models are always treated well and have fun. Please email me for details.
nudity:
It is our goal to present art which portrays the beauty of God's creation in the most positive and flattering light. There are those, however, who don't respect our vision. Accordingly, you must be 18 or older to either attend or model for a Billy Monday Workshop.
experience and equipment
Photographers of all skill levels are welcome at Billy Monday workshops. Please know how to use your camera's manual features (both focus and exposure), since we usually are working with professional lighting equipment and desire to maintain full control over our images.
Small and medium format film photography is welcome and encouraged, but most attendees use a professional-level digital SLR. If there are any unusual equipment requirements, I will be sure to warn you about them before the workshop day arrives.
images:
Images made at Billy Monday Workshops remain entirely your posessions. All copyright laws are respected. You will be given a release for each model who attends my workshops, granting you the use to use the image in nearly any situation, including fine-art or commercial use. The exception to this is usage on websites subject to US Government record-keeping statutes.
weather:
Rain brings soft light, and sometimes rainbows.
Most outdoor locations I choose have some shelter available, but I will make every effort to keep the workshop going in wet weather. Your camera is tougher than you think, and so are you. The deciding element is usually the model's comfort.
cancellations:
If you have reserved a spot in a workshop, please make every effort to attend. If you are unable to attend, please let me know as soon as possible. Cancellations less than two weeks before the workshop date will not receive a refund, but I will be happy to help you find someone on the waiting list to whom you can sell your slot.
working procedures
At most Billy Monday Workshops we work on a scheduled "rotation" basis. Each photographer, in turn, has a 15 minute period during which he/she controls the scene. This "lead" photographer has full decision making power when it comes to posing, lighting, props...everything. Other photographers are welcome to shoot at any time, but must remain behind the lead and may not direct until their turn arrives. If we are using strobes (which is unusual) only the lead may have the strobe trigger. Typically each artist gets three 15 minute lead periods for each model in attendance.
The intent of this procedure is to avoid the free-for-all nature of some other workshops, and to encourage photographers to create images unique to them. At the same time, you are able to use your downtime productively. Past participants have appreciated this method, so please give it a try and show consideration for the lead photographer.
It is not my desire to set lights and pose models so that you can press the shutter release and claim that you have made a photograph. In contrast to some workshops, you are encouraged to bring your ideas to every shot, and to take control of the creative process. I enjoy helping with lighting, posing and theming but in general I do my best to facilitate your work, and otherwise to stay out of your way.
Please feel free to email with any questions or comments