Steve Homer Photography

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be?

You must be 18 or older and you must bring a driver's license or equivalent photo ID to your photo session.

Do you photograph both men and women?

Almost all of my models are individual women or lesbian couples. I would like to photograph more straight and transgender couples. I am not looking for individual male models.

I'm thin/fat/old/pimply/scarred/whatever. Do you want to photograph me?

I photograph people of all shapes and sizes. I am especially (but not only) looking for women with boyish figures and/or androgynous styles.

Can I meet you first?

Yes. I always like to meet prospective models in a cafe first, where I can show you a portfolio and answer your questions.

Do I have to take my clothes off?

I never ask people to do anything that is uncomfortable for them.  However, most of my work does involve at least partial nudity. Please be clear about your modesty limits when we are planning a photo session, so that we do not waste each other's time.

Where is your studio?

In my home in the Live Oak neighborhood of Santa Cruz, two blocks from the Capitola Mall. For directions, see Preparing for Your Photo Session.

Can I bring a chaperone?

Of course! But make sure it's not someone who'll interrupt us with "advice" on every photo. The perfect chaperone, from my perspective, is a friend of yours who is also thinking about modeling for me.

What do I get?

You get two 8x10 prints or four contact sheets (small prints of each negative on one roll of film). When I photograph couples, each person gets two prints. After I finish processing the film, you can come back to look at the contact sheets and pick the two prints you want. I keep the negatives.

What if I want more prints?

I’ll also give you two more free prints for every model you refer to me (if I photograph her). If you model for me a second time, I'll give you two more prints. If you are an experienced model and you already have a modeling resume and portfolio, we can sometimes work out other compensation arrangements.

What is a model release?

A model release is a contract between us that says how I'm allowed to use the images. I use a standard commercial model release that lets me publish the work or sell prints. I'll ask you to sign a release before we take any photographs.

What do you do with the pictures?

I exhibit my work in art galleries, body piercing studios, and cafes.  I try to sell prints to people who see my exhibitions. I don’t plan to sell your pictures to magazines, but if someday an art magazine decides to publish my work I'll be delighted. I don't currently publish much of my work on the Internet, but I might do that in the future. (If you don't want your pictures published on the Internet, that's fine. Just ask.)

Will you "exploit" me by selling my pictures to dirty magazines?

No. Photography is a passionate avocation of mine, but I don't want or need to make money from it. I make a very comfortable living as a software documentation consultant. 

How long will it take?

Allow 3 hours. We'll usually spend 2 hours in actual picture-taking, plus time spent getting ready: signing a release, adjusting the lights for you, and so forth.

How should I prepare for the photo session?

Please read Preparing for Your Photo Session.

I want to be a fashion model. Can you help me launch my career?

Any experience in front of a camera is good for a beginning model, but don't expect me (or anyone else) to give you a good, free fashion portfolio. If you're serious about being a fashion model, my advice is to pay a commercial photographer who specializes in this sort of work to shoot your head shots and a basic model's portfolio. Black-and-white art photos like mine add a nice "accent" to a good commercial portfolio.
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