Posted by COCCO on July 28, 2005 at 11:52:08:
I would like everyone's input and ideas regarding an event I would like to create. The features of the event I am proposing are unique in many ways and making it work really depends on the efforts and participation of the people attending to make it work.
Here is the idea.
This is specifically a photography event. Each event will generally be small, maybe a dozen photographers attending. But the event can be repeated and staged in many different places, depending on interest and demand.
Each photographer attending will be required to bring at least one photo-subject. During the day all photo-subjects will have photo sessions with any photographers who want to shoot them. It can also be done in groups of subjects and/or groups of photographers, though we do not want the pandemonium of Nudes-a-Poppin or the European Bodypainting Festival. That is why we ideally want a one-to-one ratio of photogarghers to models.
A reasonably remote and photogenic location will be picked to shoot at. It will generally be within and hour or two of a major urban center. For example there are many beautiful beaches with coves and cliffs in California. Hopefully there will be enough landscape space available for small groups or photographer/model pairs to go off a short distance on their own and avoid having everyone shoot the exact same thing. The exact location of a particular shoot will probably not be revealed in advance. Participants will assemble in a parking lot within 30 minutes drive of the location and receive final instructions at that time. This is to avoid "hangers-on" and "gawkers" from showing up and messing up the event.
By keeping the event small we can keep the organization of it casual. We can just show up in some public but reasonably "private" place and do some shooting. Should there be a problem we can relocate someplace nearby in most instances.
All photographers and photo-subjects must pre-register through our website. Photo-subjects who come with a photographer do not need to pre-register but all models will need to sign a release form and present proof-of-age on location (or in advance) before participating. People who hear about the event and want to participate as subjects can apply through our website. The more models, the better. It's a great opportunity for anyone who wants pictures of themselves for various purposes... self-promotion, showing off, narcissism, or just plain fun.
This is a non-monetary, volunteer, event. There is no admission fee. No one gets paid for attending. It is also a "leave no trace" event, which means you pick up your own garbage and remove it from the location.
BUT there are prizes to be won by both photographers and models. We would come up with some generous prizes. The winners will be determined based on photos and galleries submitted to the site, of course.
The identities of participants will be kept confidential, in fact I don't think even the nicknames will be revealed at any point. It will be up to the participants to reveal to other participants anything personal that they feel comfortable with.
The photo-subjects you bring do not need to be "super-models" by any means. Regular, reasonably attractive people will work just fine. Models can be girls or guys. For that matter photographers can be girls or guys. The style of shooting can be anything you like, naturalistic, posed, reality, fine art... but nothing sexual. Subjects must be nude, not in a bathing suit or g-string etc. We should be open to creative approaches, like if an artist wants to bring models, paint them and have them photographed, that would be cool! People with great tattoos might want to show them off... Let's be open to lots of possibilities.
There will likely be at least one designated person doing some coordinating and will have essential items available like first aid kits, extra release forms, sunscreen, whatever. We would pay to have some food and drinks on-site and maybe reimburse someone who could let the group use their motorhome as a washroom facility. If we keep the event small this should all be very manageable and pleasant.
The idea is to have a fun day in the sun, shoot some nice pics, have a picnic...
Any ideas for what this event should be called?
Please post your thoughts on this. Would you participate? As a photographer? As a model? Do you think it should be organized differently? Maybe you have a better idea how to do the whole thing. Please feel free to comment.
Love,
COCCO