From the Mind of SunArcher...

Back At It Again in 2010

2010-01-19T10:30:00.002-06:00

The holiday season is behind us, and now it's time to get back up and make it happen!

It's been a while since the last blog. I do apologize for that. It got a little slow around the studio, and now it's time to regroup, reassess, and attack. Me and The Masquerade Belle (pictured) are planning new concepts and series, including adding to the Metro series and starting some new fantasy-based ones. We're tidying up the pricing and packaging structure, and we will be obtaining new equipment to allow for more capability and better quality products. Stay tuned!

We are everywhere on the Internet! from SunArcher's main site to Twitter to Facebook, there are several ways to connect and communicate with us. We hope to hear from you soon!

Against the Grain...

2009-10-30T16:56:00.002-05:00

Been a bit since I wrote in the blog. I try to do so every two weeks, but sometimes life gets in the way. It slowed down a bit on the photography front. No worries, just means it's time to refocus, study up on hustlenomics, and get it done.

Several folks have come through the studio. Big shout out to India Irvin, who just got signed to an agency in New York! Some favorites have come through, like Stephy C, Jenise, Tessa, and Kristina Divine (pictured). So for the rest of you, swing on down to Waldorf and take advantage of my fall special, which expires November 15!

Anyway, I have several projects to finish up. The Metro Series is about to get back underway, and The Masquerade Belle and I are going to catch up on some concepts that we want to try, so stay tuned for more from ya boy SunArcher!

Also, check out my YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/sunarcherphoto to see my first two uploaded videos.

Can't Slow Down Now...

2009-10-07T02:21:00.003-05:00

Man, it's been a while since I blogged. I didn't know that it had been over a month since my last post, so I'm sorry if you were looking for more musings.

Moving on, I can't lie, it got slow around the studio. That means that it's time to get my face out to more people. So for late September and October, I went out and shot. A building, some leaves, a car, whatever. I just wanted to shoot. The Sly Horse Meet & Greet on October 3 helped as well, as I saw a very amazing model. Look for that lady named India Irvin in my port soon!

In addition, I can now say I shot someone that was in Playboy! Sort of. The lovely Stephy C (pictured above with yours truly) stopped by the studio for some shoots in the area. She was recently featured in the October 2009 issue of Playboy Naturals. hmm...gives me something for which to aim, right?

I'm itching to shoot some new stuff. High fashion, fetish, just something different that I can create with my team. With that said, I'm networking my butt off, and the paid shoots are picking back up. Check out some of the new work on Model Mayhem, Facebook, and at sunarcherphoto.com!

The Metro Series Begins

2009-08-31T15:07:00.005-05:00

After a brief mourning period and some delays, the Metro Series kicked off with a visit to the Branch Avenue station, the southern terminus of the Green Line.

After a conversation with Metro employees on the constraints of the shoot, we got to work. The Masquerade Belle did her thing on the makeup ones and twos, while Natavia (pictured) worked her magic with the pose and poise. As trains came and went into the station, we found differing vantage points, but a piece of construction equipment impeded some of the shots where the subway car's front fascia was behind the model.

All in all, it was a great shoot with great people. I hope you like the result. Stay tuned, New Carrollton, you're next!

Whew...Yin and Yang!

2009-08-25T01:30:00.002-05:00

Howdy, everyone! After an almost two-month layoff from writing in the blog, it's time to play catchup.

For the most part, I got a lot of shooting done! I did some fashion tests, and I also did some side projects of mine. With that said, it was time to focus on the core business of paid shoots, so I put another bucket of elbow grease into getting everything updated. All my modeling networking sites got updated, as did the main SunArcher site, the mobile site, and the promo materials. So look for the larger flyers soon, DMV!

It got a little rough at times, and I had to step away, but it's time to get the fire back going and get out there, The early bird gets the worm, and I'm trying to get those suckers. Who's down to help me?

In addition, I switched Facebook pages, and because I already had 100 fans, once they went to the new site, it got its own username. So swing bu http://www.facebook.com/sunarcherphoto and become a fan! Check out the new work, Facebook specials, and goings-on with good ol' SunArcher!

Louisiana, stay tuned. I hope to make a return trip soon. I'll be offering discounted shoot packages, and I'll be looking for a good MUA while I'm down there. Watch for me!

She's Baaa-aaaaack...

2009-06-28T06:52:00.002-05:00

Man, it's been wild around the studio! The last two weeks have probably produced the most shoots I've done so far. And the best part: no flakes! Knocked out shoots with four models on Saturday, with assists from The Masquerade Belle and Shon D's new wardrobe styling division.

The Country/State Pride series has new additions from The Philippines (Yes Gomez-Xiang), the Soviet Union (Juelles Chester), and the U.S. state of Maryland, represented by Isis King (pictured). The Roman Deities series has another addition: Ceres, goddess of the harvest (portrayed by Tasneema Hakim). I also whipped out the Nifty Fifty and shot some journalism-style shots behind the scenes of a 40Three shoot, with LaTonya Winters doing her thing with the brushes.

It's getting fun. Cool models, ideas coming to life, better lighting techniques. But I'm not satisfied. I'm still trying to step my game up. Still trying to get better. Still looking to the top. The summit. Still climbing.

Shooting, Shooting, Shooting

2009-06-01T02:25:00.003-05:00

Man, I'm beat! I'm supposed to be asleep, but I'm not, and I'll probably pay for it tomorrow, but alas it's ya boy, SunArcher. And man I've done a lot of shooting this week!

After shooting my Romania piece for Country Pride, it was time to get back to building the book. And I wake up on Saturday and who's visiting 40Three Studios: Virginia photographer Shon D and ANTM's Isis (both pictured). Hmm...can you say SHOOT?!

Got some good shots with Isis, along with DC models Melanie Blue and Mizz Jaye. Fashion fashion fashion, with the assist from my 40Three shooting partner, makeup artists The Masquerade Belle and LaTonya Winters, and stylists Shon D and Tres Urban Chic. Check out sunarcherphoto.com for some of the new work, including tonight's shoot with Jenise once the pics get edited. It's gonna be FIRE!

SunArcher Photography. Takin' out you suckas and ya don't know how I did it...

Heritage Continues

2009-05-26T21:59:00.002-05:00

After getting shots for the fashion and glamour books, it was time to get back to my own project: the Country Pride series. In this installment, Anca Uliu represents the eastern European country of Romania.

With an assist from The Masquerade Belle on the makeup and my fellow 40Three Studios photographer with the backdrop, I think this shot came out well and displays color, poise, and grace without being too busy. I'm really excited to continue this series, with Jamaica, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Soviet Union on tap next. Stay tuned!

Back on My B.S.

2009-05-17T11:42:00.003-05:00

It's not just the name of a Busta Rhymes album. It's what I'm doing right now. No time for excuses and whatnot; time to show and prove.

40Three Studios was busy this week! Several Mayhemmers came through, and now with me in the scheduling mix, more are headed this way. Anca Uliu, Lanea Edwards, Juelles Chester, and Doug Ramsey (pictured) all got a turn in front of the lens, with laT on the ones and twos with the makeup. Now it's my time to shine. Up on deck this week: Natalie Leon headlines the lineup and The Masquerade Belle comes in with the makeup assist. I have four scheduled and several on deck waiting for confirmation, so all you suckas out there better watch for The Kid.

Lemme introduce you to the new talk: 40Three Studios. Takin' out you suckas and you see crystal clear how I did it. Let's get straight to it!

Turn My Swag On

2009-05-07T00:52:00.002-05:00

One of the benefits of being in the Washington, DC area: you never know who's gonna be in the area. This week, Stephy C and Victoria Vertuga dropped by the studio for a little shooting.

I got an assignment for a lighting test, and the pic to the left was one of the results from it. Of course, I had to edit it for the purposes of this blog, but you get the idea. Both Stephy and Victoria were fun to shoot and great to work with! Now to clean up all of this damn milk I spilled in my kitchen because of this shoot! LOL

Slowly But Surely...

2009-04-12T11:34:00.002-05:00

It's been a little while (okay, almost a MONTH) since I blogged, but things are coming into their own now.

First and foremost, Ransom Rockwood has now made his presence felt in the Washington, DC, area. He is shown above shooting at the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station in downtown Washington.

Second, I will have my studio space set up hopefully on Wednesday, April 15. Stay tuned as we get the dust out of the place and ramp up for more shoots, more fire images, and more learning processes.

In addition, my phone number changed. In case you missed it on the Web site, you can reach me at (240) 416-4338. Get at me and let's make it happen!

All Hail the Queen

2009-03-14T14:54:00.004-05:00

After getting settled into the DC area, I had the itch to shoot. Understanding that I have to network and advertise and market and all, I felt the itch and wanted to shoot something. So I linked up again with The Masquerade Belle for a hybrid concept, combining the regalness of royalty with a hint of both of our native homes: Louisiana.

I decided to challenge myself. No seamless. No studio. One strobe. Shadow play. And a theater actress, as opposed to a "model chick." I was pleasantly surprised: "Queen of the Masquerade" was the result. Combining power, femininity, tragedy, and conflict, I think this shot speaks volumes with its simplicity. No over-the-top set or funky props. This series will be posted soon at sunarcherphoto.com, so check it out when it comes!

Crossing the Potomac...Tweet Tweet!

2009-03-12T05:00:00.004-05:00

After over 1,200 miles and crossing through seven states, SunArcher Photography has crossed over the Potomac River Bridge and is settling into the Washington, DC area.

As I acclimate to our new surroundings in Waldorf, Maryland, I ask for your patience in allowing us to get set up and established. With that said, I am available to shoot on location and will have my studio setup available soon. The number's the same, and the Web site's the same, so there's no real break in communication.

In addition, we are now on Twitter! Check us out at http://www.twitter.com/sunarcherphoto. We hope to hear from you Marylanders, Virginians, DCers, and Delawareans soon!

Maryland, Here I Come!

2009-02-25T17:15:00.003-06:00

As we wind down operations and clear out the studio here in Shreveport, my mind now begins to turn towards the challenges facing me as I enter the Washington, DC market.

I have a lot of ideas. I have met a lot of models. Photographers. MUAs. And I think it will be a challenge worth undertaking. I like the area. I like my chances. I'm looking ahead. Optimistic. Positive. Even in the face of long odds and a slumping economy.

So Washington, I'm ready for you. If you're ready, let me know. Let me know you're dependable. Can follow through. Can nail the pose and expression. And I'll handle the behind-the-camera stuff. Let's make magic. Let's do this already!

Overhaul

2009-02-10T15:37:00.002-06:00

My blog has a new, fresh look. I decided to ditch the black in favor of a color scheme closer to our new look.

In addition, I may go ahead and retire the old SunArcher Photography logo. I'm headed to new digs, a new market, and I'm taking a new outlook. As such, the fleur-de-lis keeps me rooted in where I'm from, and the old logo will now represent our parent company as it reorganizes and expands to new things.

So if you're living within an hour of Washington, DC, watch for me as I get settled in. I anticipate that I will be in the area for good by mid-March. I hope to network with you all soon!

Well Shreveport, I'm About to Bid You Adieu...

2009-01-29T02:40:00.003-06:00

It's been a great three-year run here in the Port City, but after further consideration, it appears that SunArcher Photography will be relocating.

There are several reasons for the move, but for the most part, I'm ready to grow. I'm ready to learn more about my craft. I have networked with several great photographers and models, but as the old adage goes for those aspiring to be models, you have to be where the work is. And for what I want to do, that place is elsewhere.

I've shot with experienced models who have dropped in, and I have shot with new models looking to make a name for themselves. I've shot for rappers, and I've shot folks who just want pretty pictures. I put my all into every last one of them. And now it's time for another challenge.

I'm looking to get published. I'm looking for broader opportunities. I'm looking for a wider variety of models in a wider variety of genres. And I'm looking again to network. To see how the business side flows. To get a greater challenge. To market myself to more people who can get me in front of folks who can make it happen.

That's not to say that it's all bad in Shreveport. Not at all. But for what I want to do, there's more action and opportunity (and yes, more competition as well) elsewhere. So here I stand. Getting ready to close down my studio, pack it in, and head for another pasture. May be greener, may be leaner. But it's a new pasture. I hope to keep in touch with my core group here as I transition, and to those in the Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD area, look out. SunArcher is coming your way. Clear off a couch for a bruh and let me see you! I cook a mean gumbo, so let's network!

Let's Talk Testing and Trade

2009-01-01T13:45:00.010-06:00

It's a new year and a new day for SunArcher Photography. With all of the messages in my inbox looking for collabos, I figure it's time to discuss my feelings on testing and trade shooting, since the topics cause much heartburn on the sites I'm on. I see testing and TF* as two completely different lights and as two completely different things.

I see testing as either me trying out a piece of equipment or the model trying out for a project, either of mine or someone else's. I may have a new lighting setup I want to try, I may be on location and want to do different things, or I may have a model in mind for a project and want to see how (s)he does things in front of the camera. It may be that I am shooting in a genre in which either the model or I do not have much experience or is straying from what we normally do. In any event, there's no guarantee that pics that are usable for display or a portfolio will result from the shoot.

On the other hand, trade shooting (or as I call it, time for images (TFI), which can be prints or digital images), is for a defined project with a defined model and is an exchange of services. Simple as that. The model is not charging me for their time, and I am not charging the model for my time. We both find something in the other that appeals to us, and we get a collabo going. In exchange for this barter arrangement, we both get pictures that are suitable for whatever purpose is agreed upon (Web display, portfolio usage, etc).

Now, with that said, it comes down to this: I only agree to TFI if a model can benefit my own portfolio. Simple as that. Yes, it comes down to "what can you do for me." And it has to be that way, because a model sees (or should see) a photographer the same way. If I cannot benefit a model's port, they are probably going to quote me a rate. It's no different the other way around. That should be the only reason whatsoever to accept trade work. I do not do TFI for people who simply cannot afford a rate and do not wish to negotiate a lower one. Just as a model places a value on his/her time, I do as well. And if that value balances out, either by quality of work or other incentives such as providing a good makeup artist (which I sometimes do) then I'm open to trade work.

Do I pay models? Absolutely. Do I pay makeup artists? Absolutely. Do I pay hair stylists? Sure do. But does that mean I will pay any ol' person asking for a rate? No. Anyone has the privilege to set whatever rate or value on themselves that they want, whether model, photographer, hair stylist, or wardrobe designer. And it is up to each of us to determine if the rate, perceived value, and countervalue mesh together. I will not pay someone, or even work trade with them, if they cannot either improve my portfolio or my business (networking opportunities and opportunities for publishing also improve the portfolio). It's as simple as that. And that's how it works away from what I do, too. For instance, I pay for a certain brand of gasoline, even though another brand may be cheaper. All about value.

So remember, how I see it and how you see it may be the same. It may be different. I can respect the difference. Can you?

Getting Ready for 2009

2008-12-28T01:02:00.003-06:00

As my second year of operation comes to a close, I've had time to sit back and reflect on this past year, where I'd like to be at the end of next year, and what I need to do to get there.

I've learned a lot of things, yet I have so much more to learn. It can get overwhelming at times, but slow and steady wins the race sometimes. So with that said, it's time to focus on the road ahead of me. And what's ahead of me?

TRUE PORTFOLIO BUILDING. A photographer friend once told me that just because you shoot it doesn't mean you have to post it. My portfolio will show off my technical ability, creative mindset, and versatility. But with that said, I also will attempt to specialize in a few key areas so as not to overextend myself or to be the jack-of-all-trades and the master of none.

I WILL TEST UP. If a model cannot improve my portfolio or offer something notably different from what I already have, that model will be given a rate quote. Period. I will no longer hold myself responsible for the financial or life situation of another grown person. That doesn't mean that I cannot be flexible and negotiate with rates, but I will stick to my rate floor and not accept trade or testing work that will not benefit ME.

I WILL FORCE FRIENDS TO CHOOSE. A true friend will support you, not try to get over on you. A friend will pay your rate (a rate that is usually discounted) because it directly helps you keep your lights on and fuel in your car, not make you feel guilty about not wanting to test or trade with them. A friend will see that your rates (again, usually, but not always, discounted for them) are not a handout but are instead a fair compensation for services rendered. A friend will also know when the friendship is jeopardizing a business relationship and pull away if necessary.

I WILL DO ME. I will not make the operation of a business harder by doing it like everyone else. I will not make obstacles for myself, such as differentiating a product that really is no different than everyone else's product. I will be unique. I will respect the value of my services and the results of those services. I will not settle. I will know when to say when, but I will not shoot my own self in the foot. I will shoot in my style, using my vision, and I will assemble the team that is required to get it done. I will delegate when necessary and hold team members accountable for their roles and getting the job done.

I turn 30 in 2009. I'm clearing out my closet. I;m sweeping a way a lot of bull. If that means I have to sever relationships, fine. If it means I have to piss people off, get an aspirin and a quarter, call someone who cares. If you need to know where you stand with me, call me. Email me. Message me. I will not sugarcoat it. And I expect nothing less from anyone who feels the need to tell me about myself, good or bad. But as for me, I'm leaving drama behind in 2009. Are you ready?

Testing and More Testing

2008-12-18T01:31:00.003-06:00

I have ideas in my head! And it's time to get them outta there and into the portfolio...so I decided to do a light test to get used to shooting the white background. So this shoot involved some co-workers from my day job, Catrice and Kimberly.

And I'm glad I tested. You ever have that feeling that something is just not quite right? Sure enough, I went through about two-thirds of the shoot and realized that one of my three strobes was not firing! AAAARGH! But the other two held up, so the pics weren't a total loss, as you can see from the image of Kimberly to the right. There was a friendly but fun vibe on the shoot, and it's cool to not have the pressure of a client or established model on you. Just a fun shoot that's relaxed and casual. Stay tuned for more shoots (and their results) soon!

SunArcher Updates Its Look, and Maybe Its Location

2008-12-06T21:09:00.003-06:00

The ubiquitous SunArcher logo is currently in storage as we revamp our look and image. Our typeset and colors have changed, but not to fear: the old SunArcher logo will return in some iteration soon.

We hope that you like our new colors and revised SunArcher script! Stay tuned for new shoots and models soon! Also stay tuned for a possible announcement, as SunArcher may be moving into new digs (and those digs may be in a new city)...

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T03:41:00.002-06:00

As we pause to give thanks (and as you fawn over that Thanksgiving dinner to the right that yours truly prepared, in addition to chicken sausage gumbo and a pot of seafood gumbo), I figured it's my time to give thanks to folks who helped ol' SunArcher along the way. If I leave your name out, send me a message and scold me there. It's 3:45 in the morning and my memory may not be the sharpest:

- The good Lord. I may not be where I want to be, but I've made it this far because of my Creator. No sense in slowing down or giving up now; to do so would be an absolute waste.

- Terrie Lynn. Mama, you've been gone for half of my life now. It may not have seemed like it at the time, but I was soaking up your intellect, charm, and hustler's ambition like a sponge. I've made missteps along the way, but I sincerely hope that I have made you proud and that you're bragging on me up there. When I see the stars of Orion, just know that it's a reminder that you, Flossie, and Big Mama are never too far away from me. I love you.

- B-Fly. We've come a long way since that stroll on the National Mall, huh? The road may not always have been smooth, but at the end of the day, you were and are there for me. Whether around the house or in the studio, thanks for putting up with my moods, indecision, confusion, and me just generally being an ass.

- The models. Nikki, Brittany, and Phillip, you were all my first. Thanks for the trust. MelissaLynnette, Meli, and Nicole, you know you're welcome at my house any time. London, you know there's some new weird Southern food waiting for you anytime you pass through. Judy, thanks for giving me a chance to shine.

- The photographers. Ransom, keep doing your thing. Thanks for giving The Kid a shot. Roger, your hospitality and knowledge are deeply appreciated and never forgotten. Sita Mae, you damn teddy bear, you owe me a hug, girl! Will, keep shockin' and awein' 'em, dude. Frank, keep it hot in New York. Ted, keep it poppin' in the DMV.

- The stylists. Simaria, you know I'm lookin' you up every time I come to Houston, right? laT, you know I owe you lunch the next time I head to DC. Sharika, keep the faith and thanks for taking my work to the next level. Lane and Jennilee, you know you got a round on me when I come down 59.

- Model Mayhem. Enough said. The characters, the professionals, the haters, the idiots, the noobs, the up-and-comers, the forum rats. Thanks for making life interesting.

- Everyone else. There are lots of people who have encountered me in various roles, positions, and assignments. Each one of you contributed in some way to who and where I am now. Though I don't have room to name all of you, just know that I am eternally grateful for your contribution and efforts. Thank you.

The timer's going off, so the gumbo is about to head to the stove. To you and yours, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday, and GO GRAMBLING!

Back to the Studio...

2008-11-15T04:23:00.003-06:00

Time for a change. So I grabbed another roll of seamless and lightened up the portfolio a little. Today's guest to the SunArcher studio was Tyler, Texas's Ariel Danielle.

Ariel was a ball of energy from the start. She came with some great outfits that contrasted against the white background, so we rolled with some ideas and hybrids, hence the pic you see here. I like to call it "FAA Regulations Require Me to Tell You to Sit Your Butt Down!"

We also shot at the State Fair of Louisiana. Man, that was a near-disaster. We lugged the battery pack and the strobe up in there, just to find out that the friggin' battery did not charge! Display showed ZERO percent capacity! Ugh, so it was on to my trusty SB-600 flash, and we salvaged an otherwise frustrating shoot. And while she munched on roasted corn, I wolfed down a funnel cake with whipped cream, a delicacy I hadn't enjoyed since Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2005.

With that said, I have one more shoot before I head on another project that will require my attention. I have several shoots I'm working on confirming at this time, so I look forward to being back in the saddle soon!

Change.

2008-11-05T02:26:00.005-06:00

I don't know what to think. To say. To do.

Somewhere in heaven, four little girls from Birmingham are probably crying their little eyes out. My friend says they are "playing ring-around-the-rosey with MLK."

Some say this country will be divided now because of America's choice. And they are right. Those who will not reach across the aisle. Those who put ideology ahead of country. Those who simply will not admit openly and plainly that they would not vote for a black man or for someone with a funny name. Whatever the reason, as much as this country needs to come together, there will simply be some who will leave the sandbox because someone new has arrived. And you know what? Screw 'em. Get out of the way and let new ideas and people shine.

It's time. Time to talk. Time to heal. Time to move forward. Time to have a consensus. We don't have to agree. Let's just start with a consensus. We have our marching orders. Time to show and prove.

Barack, Michelle, Malia Ann, and Natasha, celebrate. You all earned it. I'm proud of you all. Those who voted for Pres.-elect Obama are proud of you all. And a lot of countries around the world and their citizens are proud of you all.

Change. Enough said.

Sometimes You Just Wanna Shoot!

2008-11-01T10:33:00.002-05:00

I'm getting my mojo back. After a bit of mental focus, it's time to get the creative juices flowing again.

To the left is Valencia. We met in a Sephora. I liked her hair. No lie, I shot her mainly because I liked her hair. Yeah yeah, her hair isn't really visible in the photo here, but I think we got some good shots out of it. Who knows, maybe you'll see her on Model Mayhem one day!

With that said, I'm looking to do some more test shoots. Gotta add to the portfolio. Basically, it's time for new things. It's time to add different looks and models to the port. With that said, if you can add something different to my book, let's see it. If you're of a different race, if you're tall and meet fashion spec, if you're tattooed, or otherwise can add something to my site or book, I want to see it! Who knows, maybe a test shoot will come out of it...

Getting Back on the Horse...

2008-10-04T15:01:00.003-05:00

The trials of life kicked me square in the butt. I had to focus on other things and waded off of the beaten path of photography. Now that the crap is somewhat out of the way, it's time to refocus. Lots of things I want to do. Need to do. Time to get 'em done.

I like that shot to the right. Just applied some lighting techniques I learned in Las Vegas, and out came something that one could consider artsy. So I figured I'd label it SunArcher Special Edition. Not quite as in-your-face, blatantly sexual as Ninth House, but perhaps something you can hang on the wall.

Right now, the focus is commercial and Special Edition stuff. More to follow. But I'm looking to link up with some folks that I've shot with before for this project. Holla back if you're interested in being stripped naked, doused in cooking spray, and posing like you're headed for a museum wall. LOL