Alysa rocks. I did about three shoots with her, and she didn’t have the need to be “pretty” even though she is obviously quite gorgeous. Modeling was her way of contributing to the arts, and I’m so glad I had the chance to work with her. She wasn’t afraid of going dark and gritty. Fiercely intelligent, and I sometimes find myself going through her shoots and finding an image I hadn’t noticed before…
Note: only put a model in the fireplace if it is clean, and more importantly, not lit…
This is a dear friend from high school. I was interested in photographing her before photography itself. She hated having her picture taken…really hated it! I thought she had the most beautiful face, so I talked her into letting me take a few picture of her, with a camera I had since 5th grade. Guess what? She modeled for me several times after that, and even did a little professional modeling on the side. I love making people understand that they’re gorgeous, especially when they don’t know it…
Hello and welcome!
I am a New York based photographer who absolutely loves taking portraits. My interest in photographing my original muse actually preceded my interest in photography itself. She’s a beautiful girl who didn’t know she was beautiful, so I decided to prove it to her. I enjoyed the experience so much, I decided to continue. I took one film class at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I graduated in 2003. I learned with a film camera and darkroom, an experience I am grateful for, despite all the harsh chemicals. I continued shooting wherever life took me, from Chicago to Japan to NYC once again. I’ve done head shots, catalogue fashion work, and product photography, but nothing compares to watching someone come alive in front of my lens, inhibitions shed, truly being what they want to be. It’s a very therapeutic process for many.
LizZusev 