I have the urge to go on a drunken rant of the hilarities that are the friend-zone and how much of a shit show it proves life to be typically..... But at the same time I am way too tired to really go on this rant.... Stay tuned....

And in the mean time, here is the offender in question with myself at a recent event i dragged her along to....

Welp, it's been an interesting few weeks to say the least. To fall in and out of love a few times is a kicker. Big time. But that brings out the question of what defines love? That screwy fucked up subject that 95% of the world scoots around and doesn't quite get.

So to sum it up, two of my dearest friends relationship crumbled. Found out that he was a lot less of a man then we all thought. And because of it she is a wreck that I just can't help but want to lift up, but as we all know, most of the time it just takes time.....

Other then that, with New Years poking its head around the corner, it's time to start on the resolutions. I have already started one, quitting soda and energy drinks. Let me tell you, caffeine withdrawal is a bitch! Between the headaches, mood swings(on top of the already emotional wreck that I was) and the insomnia, I'm surprised I made it a week, but yes I did it! Sure I started this resolution early, but my real big one this year(as if the other one wasn't big for me) is to once again shape up. The wolf man needs to trim down about 60lbs. It's a big commitment, but it has to happen. And one final resolution is to do another big year of shoots. I have a few ladies on the book for some burlesque stuff, and hopefully have a few new sets submitted with my name on them, and maybe a few go pink! Fingers crossed!

Well if that isn't a random post after being in the dark for a bit, I don't know what is!

Well here is to 2013, and if you get bored come on over to Rob's Sky Lounge for the party in Chi!

Just wrapped up giving myself a hair cut. Always amusing when you give yourself a buzz cut and realize how many times you've hit your head with all the wonky marks and crap on it. Feels so much nicer in the summer, and working in a very physical industry makes it even better. Speaking of which, I'm working on a new show at a new theatre, so I'm slowly expanding my empire....

Other then that, I have 2 new sets planned to shoot with 2 new girls so expect to see some new work by me posted fairly soon!

Morning all and a happy holiday weekend! Hope all is well on your end of the world.

As usual, the job hunt continues. Been working as much freelance as possible. Worked a small gig last night with a number of circus acts and may or may not have fell in love. But who knows. Some awkward flirting and hilarity ensue, so we shall see what happens. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a circus girl.

Hey all,

I feel I have neglected the blog lately but not much exciting has been going on. I have been babysitting a 56 year old toddler for the past week or so. Papa bear just had a complete knee replacement so it's been a shit-show on the home stead.

Other then that, I just set up an appointment to get some new ink done. Working a tiny bit more on the quarter sleeve. A shout out to my friend Alyssian, as it is kind of a compliment to some recent work she had done. Pics and story to come in the next blog entry.

Cheers

A big guy being a cry baby.

So yesterday I ended up shooting a pin up set for a new girl I haven't worked with in the past. It was the usual stumble onto my site, set up a time and a place for a consult.

I went to the consultation and it went as usual. A quick get to know each other and then I went down my list of typical questions and inquiries. One of my favorite questions to ask is 'why are you doing this shoot.' I usually get a barrage of answers ranging from 'for my modeling portfolio', to 'for my better half', to 'I feel like getting into this sort of thing.' But the one answer I rarely get, but absolutely love to hear, 'I am doing this for me'. So a little back ground to the client (with her permission of course). She had been a curvy girl that was pretty much picked on and abused to a point she couldn't take it. She dropped over 100lbs in the last few years and wanted to show it! Being a portly gentleman myself, I respect this and offered to do this shoot entirely on the house, from sitting fee, to even prints for her. I felt a connection that was very personal.

So from this point, we set up a time and place to do the shoot and settled on using a studio I have used in the past. Shook hands, hugged, and parted ways.

Time and place rolled around and I met up with her for her shoot. There was the typical getting used to a new photographer, but as we went on we got into deeper conversation and got to know each other very well. As we wrapped up the shoot, she stepped out to get redressed and pick up a bit as I began my post pro on site just to give her a taste of what we achieved that day. She was giddy with excitement and couldn't wait to see the rest.

I went home and went thru my typical post pro, spending a little extra time with this one because I knew this client would be a life long friend after this. So I wrapped it up and set up another meeting to go thru the shoot.

We met up at a Starbucks and sat down and started shot by shot going thru the set. I let her take the reins scrolling and one after another I saw her eyes begin to water, but with a smile on her face. I asked if everything was ok and that was a breaking point for her. I grabbed her a tissue and helped her recompose herself and relax a little and got her to explain what was wrong. Little did I know there was nothing wrong at all.

She explained that she had never seen herself in this light before. She had always seen this (direct quote from her) 'tubby slob that no one could ever really love.' And for the first time she saw how truly beautiful she really was. A well curved woman that could melt her own heart.

As we continued going thru the shots we talked further and getting to hear a girl love herself for the first time is one of the most satisfying things to hear, and to know that I helped her get there, It brought me to tear up myself.

So we wrapped up the meeting and I handed off discs of the shoot and we exchanged info again, hugged, a kiss on the cheek and parted ways.

This morning I got an email from her with a list of prints she wanted and as I sit here this morning prepping her order, I can't help but think about how something I do for fun(work in photography) Could directly affect someone's life in such a way. People ask me why I do it. Many think it's the 'ultimate guy job' getting to hang out with girls in little to no clothing, and meet new people. That isn't why I do it. I do it for the stories like the one I told here today. There is no such thing as an ugly woman to me. It's simply a matter of how one see's themself. If I can spend 20 minutes changing someone's life for the better, I'll do it, for pay or for nothing.

And as she permitted, attached are a few shots from said shoot.

So just remember kids. You can't be loved until you love yourself.

Cheers,
Rob

Had an amazing night last night. I ended up going for drinks with a lady friend to a new friend's place who also happened to be the lighting designer for Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson, and Evanescence. I learned more last night then one learns in a life time. When you meet with someone that successful you usually have the arrogance with it but not this down to earth person...


What a night, and more to come!

Cheers,
RT

Is planning on posting a new album of misc. shots from a few sets lately, but has to weed them out.... Too much good stuff!

Cheers,
RT

Yesterday's set went amazingly well. Some great material for me and even better material for her. Just getting to see a girl's face light up when she sees how beautiful she looks that just makes all the time and effort worth it without a doubt.

Cheers to all the photographers out there who know what I'm talking about!

-Rob

Just joined up and am loving the site so far. I have been a supporter for years and now a new subscriber. Thanks for all the warm welcomes everyone, but if you will excuse me, I am off to shoot with a new girl.

Cheers,
Rob