JAY FINE ART

Background

Jay, the stage name for photographer John Baker, has been a photographer since the tender age of 5 years old. His first camera was a Brownie Cresta 120 which started him on a 50+ year journey leading to commercial, industrial, technical and wedding photography, as well as experiencing photo retail and some of the more obscure corners of the photographic world. All this experience culminates in an eye for detail, composition, and beauty, both in the capture of images and their presentation.

Jay Fine Art (JFA) was founded in the 1990’s and has always strived to provide an ‘edge’ in any imagery created. Over the years, and with a transition and transformation from analogue Canon equipment to digital Nikon kit, the journey continues.

Now JFA is re-born with a new web site, a new working base in the Highlands of Scotland, new aspirations, and new challenges. With the advent of recent advances in digital publishing technology, projects are easier to see to completion, and provide more varied output than ever before. Today, the so-called coffee table type books of the 1960’s and 70’s can be produced in theirs 10’s instead of their 1,000’s, and if the end-result is for someone or something really special, a single private copy can be produced.

All of this leads to models, artists, and any other collaborators, more easily benefiting from a share of the results.

Welcome, to Jay Fine Art Projects.

Project Types

Let’s first take a look at the project types, and then at how you might help JFA achieve the end results. The projects break down into distinct categories:

TFP/CD COMMERCIAL COMMISSIONS COLLABORATIVE (PROFIT-SHARE)

TFP/TFCD

These are somewhat outdated terms. TFP used to mean ‘Time For Prints’ or ‘Time for Photographs’. TFCD meant ‘Time for CD’. In both cases the model would allocate time to the photographer to enhance their own photographic styles for their portfolio, then donate additional time to work on the photographers portfolio. Today it is most likely that a set of digital files and not even a CD, that would be the norm in exchange for giving the photographer time. The generic term used at JFA is TFP.

Example: ‘Harriet Contemplating’ is from her very first TFP session

©jayfineart.com

There are always TFP projects in which a model can participate. TFP projects are structured so that both Jay AND the model benefit in terms of increased portfolio depth, and of course, experience.

TFP Project Overview

Please remember that as the model, your time NEVER goes un-rewarded. The JFA principles of TFP are:

“Whatever time you spend shooting for me for my material, I will spend an equivalent time shooting for your requirements or style.” Jay

For all TFP shoots, the model will receive: • A copy of all images shot (for safety, security, and peace of mind) • Where appropriate, a set of cropped, colour corrected shots processed or manipulated using the latest Photoshop software

A Standard Model Release is available on request, but models should note that by default, and unless otherwise arranged, copyright of all images lies with JFA. The model has the opportunity to use the images as part of her portfolio or web site for illustrative purposes, but not for sale. (Individual images or sets for sale by the model, will be part of a commercial agreement.

Ongoing TFP projects usually cover: • Studio portraits (all styles*) • Outdoor portraits (all styles*) • Mock magazine, CD, DVD and book covers (e.g. FHM, Elle, Bliss, Loaded, Bizarre, etc.) • Fine art nude studies

* All styles means Casual, Fashion, Swimwear, Lingerie, See-Thru/Sheer, Fine Art Nude and other styles by arrangement and depending on the models requirements.

The following section shows examples of the quality which can be achieved by working with JFA on a TFP basis - even if you are totally inexperienced.

TFP Studio Portraits

Although the term 'portrait' is used, this can cover an extremely wide range of styles or pose, from a relaxing pose on a sofa against a plain background, to a full studio set such as a bedroom. JFA now has a variety of studio backgrounds to choose from.

Studio portrait sessions offer a great opportunity to add a wider variety of shots to a model’s portfolio, or to form the beginning of a novice portfolio. Many amateur models shoot just for the pleasure of being in front of the camera as it is not to be their main job, but for the beginner, any photo session builds personal confidence and increases self-esteem.

TFP in the studio is also a good opportunity for less experienced models to work in front of studio lights. The setting up, testing and general proximity of large lighting arrays can be daunting for a model if they have not experienced the studio environment before. The image at left is from Alana's first ever shoot, which proves that even without experience you can get worthwhile images from a first-time studio sitting. ©jayfineart.com

TFP Outdoor Portraits

Outdoor portraits can also cover a multitude of situations and styles. The style can vary from a casual fashion type shoot on a park bench, to a sports car shoot on a quayside, or a real fine art shoot at one of many great locations available in Scotland, or around the UK.

With a variety of styles to choose from, a model can obtain something to grace her portfolio, regardless of experience.

The week before the image of Fiona to the left was created, she had a test shoot with Jay. Fiona had never been even semi-naked outdoors before! The idea was to simply get some great semi-nude outdoor shots for her own personal use, but as the session progressed she went fully nude and was so proud of the results, she ended up showing her family and friends.

TFP Mock Magazine, CD, DVD, Book Cover

This is something that has interested and intrigued Jay for some time, and his particular technique involves shooting for a certain magazine style, then creating a mock-up of the cover using Photoshop.

Although originally conceived for Jay's professional portfolio, the technique does provide something different for any models portfolio, or as a memento for a special person if printed and framed.

The cover style can be from any magazine, but might include such specific titles as: FHM (defunct), Elle, Bliss, Loaded, Bizarre (defunct), Mayfair, Penthouse etc., and more generally, parenting, pregnancy, sports, fitness, motoring, technology or indeed any style of magazine.

If there is a particular style you would like to shoot for, just ask!

Sam - First indoors shoot ©jayfineart.com

TFP Fine Art Nude Studies

Many models at all levels of experience are keen to have moody and pensive fine art nude studies to show. This is not necessarily just because they like the style, but also because it will show the models figure to best advantage, and demonstrates their versatility in front of the camera.

The style is often only associated with more experienced models, but as TFP suits first time or inexperienced models who are building their portfolio, striking results can still be achieved.

The image below, which is also the showcase image for this section on TFP modelling was taken during a first time shoot.

Harriet - First modelling session ©jayfineart.com

If you have an affinity for any particular style or genre (e.g. Helmut Newton, David Hamilton, Jan Saudek, Bob Carlos Clarke, Helmut Newton etc.) please ask when contacting JFA. Excellent examples of their work are available via Google.

Submissions of existing work in all styles will be considered for a commercial arrangement.

Examples of JFA commercial work ©jayfineart.com

Collaborative (Profit Share) Projects - Overview

A collaborative project is where both the model (or their company) and JFA, have total control of content and sales and share the profit after costs.

The mechanics are simple. The model and Jay Fine Art perform a shoot on a non-paid speculative basis (details about incidental expenses are covered further on). The images are ‘processed’ ready for the final presentation medium.

The model gets: • A copy of all images shot (for safety, security, and peace of mind) • A set of cropped, colour corrected shots processed or manipulated using the latest

Photoshop software

It is then agreed when reviewing the images, which are for inclusion in any particular project. If the images are sold, JFA deducts the cost involved in producing the prints, then the net profit is split with the model 50:50.

For example:

Fine Art print order received for 30" x 20" image of the model, at (say*) £195 The cost to produce the print is £50 Post & packing + insurance to the customer is (say) £15 Total cost £65 Net profit £130 Model receives £65 Jay Fine Art receives £65

* Typically, professional photographers charge up to £500 (or more!!) for a framed 30" x "20, so the price might well be in excess of the £195 example quoted here.

JFA undertakes to provide full disclosure of the cost of producing and delivering the print to the client. This will normally include, copies of receipts for printing and P&P, a copy of the order (or sales invoice) from / to the purchaser. In this way, the model will see that JFA is being fair when a print is sold.

Joint project income can come from a variety of sources. It may be for fine art prints sold off of the JFA web site, through a print sale in an art gallery, sale of stock images, editorial or book sales.

A specific shoot list can be provided for any project if a model is unsure of the project style or content required.

Collaborative projects may take several forms as mentioned. Here are some more details.

Competitions

If a model shoots with JFA, some images may be submitted as competition entries. There are many competitions around the world, and if a cash prize is forthcoming from an entry of a models image, the split will be 50:50 after deducting the costs of entry or the production of prints.

Books (+ Fine Art Prints)

Book projects tend to have a longer lead-time than other projects as it takes time to amas and edit content. This should not detract from the fact that there can be reasonable rewards. If a shoot is undertaken for a book project, fine art prints can sold in the interim to maximise earning potential.

Note that the profit split on book projects would be pro-rata depending on the number of models used to illustrate the book. This could range from a 50:50 split between JAY and a single model, or a straight % of revenue gained from the sale of the book to a publisher if multiple models are used. (2x models = 33% split, 3x models = 25% split etc.)

The net profit is calculated from book sales revenue less the cost of production, (e.g. the cost of the initial shoot, production of any prints for both parties + print costs and any additional expenses incurred.)

eBooks

A relatively recent concept is that a book is published digital-only. After previewing several selected pages for free, the purchase of the book is initiated. The model will receive a 50:50 cut of the net revenue, or pro-rata if more than one model is featured.

Your Ideas

As a model at any level of experience or style, you most likely have ideas of your own which you would like to bring to fruition. Perhaps a collaborative effort with JFA is one way of achieving that goal.

Current Project List Collaborative Projects Available Now

The list that follows is always changing. Some projects are self-funding and for others, funding will be sought from art organisations and other benefactors such as crowdfunding.

Please feel free to discuss your levels of expectation, style(s) you will work to, and your general interest.

The projects are identified by:

Title Status Models Style Location Lead-time Outlet Overview the name by which the project can be uniquely identified regarding funding potential (where applicable) number required and any special requirements for the model(s) the level at which the model will be required to perform indicating where the project can be shot relates to whether any income can be expected short, medium or long-term potential areas it is intended that the project be marketed a layman’s view of the project (detailed shoot list available on request)

Metamorphosis

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art nude and semi-nude Location: Anywhere outside Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview The emergence of woman over the centuries is a force to be reckoned with. Depicted in Metamorphosis as coming from a watery cocoon through to the full beauty of womankind, all aspects of the journey are covered.

Emergence

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art nude, semi-nude with erotic / adult undertones* Location: Anywhere inside or outside Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview * Note from Jay: "This is artistic and NOT pornographic. I do not do that") The emergence of a figure from anywhere is the subject here. It can be a door, a window, a box, a forest, a tunnel, anything.

Dark Side

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine Art nude, semi-nude with erotic / adult undertones* Location: Anywhere outside Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview * Note from Jay: "This is artistic and NOT pornographic. I do not do that") JFA coined the term dark side as a project name years before ‘Fifty Shades’ was even a glimmer in the authors eye. The series looks at the more erotic side of human nature, perhaps ‘fetishesque’, perhaps a little BDSM, but always very lightweight and more suggestive than implicit.

H2 O 1

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models advanced/expert swimmer Style(s): Fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Anywhere there is water Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Jay has included this project to help him overcome a morbid fear of water. The expectation is that the model could be beside, or partly/wholly immersed in water. This leaves location wide open and could be a swimming pool, lake/loch, river, stream, or even in the rain. Suggestions welcomed.

Nymph

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art clothed, nude, semi-nude Location: Forest/wood Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Wikipedia describes the project title as, ‘A nymph in Greek mythology is a minor female nature deity typically associated with a particular location or landform.’ From this atypical idea of a nymph, we add the concept of the nymph being one who flits gracefully between locations, can be of any age, wears long flowing lightweight cloth, and is associated with flowers, leaves, and anything else which is natural.

Goddess in Nature

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art clothed, nude, semi-nude Location: Outside Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Imagine the traditional view of a goddess as being a tall, white, blue-eyed blonde with a perfect figure inside a long flowing dress, then disrupt the theme to include any shape, size , age, race, creed, proclivity, disability, skin colour, in any kind of clothes - or none at all. This is as much about the location as it is the person and what they are wearing. The resulting combination is what counts here.

Back Projection

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Studio/indoors Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Literally meaning images projected onto the back, this can encompass the full body too. Drawing on a wide selection of transparencies which are used to provide projected imagery on the skin, this is a varied and somewhat different project to the norm.

Dreamland

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Clothed, fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Anywhere Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Combining outdoor, studio, and other imagery, this is almost a wholly Photoshop-created project. Blending the model into unusual or sympathetic situations, the aim is to make the reader decide what is real and what is not.

Hidden Secrets

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Anywhere Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview The model is revealed when something is opened. A door, window, hatch, box etc., or where something is partly obscuring the model such as branches, leaves, reflections on glass. The secret is that the model is there. This is not voyeurism but more a journey of ‘discovery’.

Virtually Vettriano

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Clothed, fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Studio/indoors/outdoors Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Most of us are familiar with the work of renowned Scottish artist Jack Vettriano. This project is an attempt to take the JV style and apply it to images in multiple locations.

All Summer Long

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models –must be over 18 and willing to provide proof of age Style(s): Semi-erotic, semi-clothed, to fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Outdoors and possibly indoors Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Note: Models must be willing to do implied/implicit but very soft girl on girl adult scenes. This is erotic, not pornographic. Loosely based on the style of the Emmanuelle film series of the 1970’s and 80’s, the concept is a bright summers day, white flowing dresses, flowers, and two friends out for a walk who discover there is more to their relationship.

Textures

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Studio/indoors/outdoors Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Using a variety of materials both natural and man-made, the body is used here as a counterpoint to the medium. Likely material to be used comprises, a variety of cloth, plastic sheeting, video tape, transparency holders (ask if you are not sure what this is), leaves, wood, grass, hay/straw, branches, water, oils, powder (e.g. talc, flour), paint (safe), plaster etc. Sometimes messy, always fun.

Up Close and Personal

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Clothed/fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Studio/indoors/outdoors Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Showing any detail of the model, this project remit is wide-ranging and suitable for all. From a fingernail to a bodyscape, this is about homing in as a close-up or pulling back to reveal more of the scene.

Divine Wine

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Studio/indoors/outdoors(?) Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Wine. Red, white, rose, images through bottles, spilt wine, deliberately placed wine. The project is looking to discover the juxtaposition of the drink and the human body.

The Art of Food

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Studio/indoors/outdoors(?) Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Similar to Divine Wine, this project takes the concept further and will use foodstuffs as a part of the design within the image.

FRAMED I - Windows

FRAMED II - Doors

FRAMED III - Industrial Decay

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Clothed, fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Indoors/outdoors Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Set in ruined, partly-ruined, or decaying buildings and other structures, the range for this project is immense. Safety is paramount and the decision to enter a building or any structure must be unanimous.

FRAMED IV - Urban Decay

Retro View

Status: JFA and/or funded/crowdfunded Models: Multiple models Style(s): Clothed, fine art nude, semi-nude Location: Studio/indoors Lead-time: 1-2 years Outlet: Book, eBook Overview Another wide-ranging project suitable for all to get involved. The style in play can be Betty Page, Marylin Monroe, Theda Bara, Jane Warner, Samantha Fox, Irving Klaw, or akin to showtime greats such as the Folies Bergère, Moulin Rouge, Lido, Crazy Horse. Retro is the name –photography is the game.