[Mike McCarty]

Pat,

I am not shy about asking people to pose. I have been doing this for a long time. Many, indeed most people, will never have the opportunity to see themselves in a good light. I offer people an 8x10 photo of themselves in return for a few minutes of their time. I consider this more than a fair trade. These terms are understood up front along with a model's release. The Mardi Gras birthday girl has signed a release so I can do with that image what I please.

Most of the people I photograph are not complete strangers, but some have been. Sometimes friends will bring me people to photograph.

I have always considered this my cost of education. For them it's just a passing lark, for me it was always a serious exercise to obtain additional knowledge.

I have reams of photos of people that I could paint when no one will pay me to paint. As far as what do you do with them? You have to be able to physically show examples of your work. It can't be just in the abstract, or web site or a photo reproduction. These examples should be of the highest quality work you can produce.

A lot of the photos I have taken I have passed on for painting reference. I still have to coach myself, and keep reminding myself that I am not trying to make good photographs but good painting reference. The photo just above of Fevie is a good example. I have passed on that one many times but I do love the photo. There is a fine line that I tend to blur often. This is why I always jump to the opportunity to practice. I say hone your skills before you're under the pressure to make it happen for real.

The following is a slightly abused photo of Duke the heat and air man. Five minutes before this photo was taken Duke was putting freon in my a/c units in the back yard.