What a crazy year 2009 has turned out to be. Personal issues aside, it has been one hell of a ride as far as my “photography” goes. I tried to pursue the business aspect of “photography” and never quite took flight. I was headed in the wrong direction as far as what my creative vision was and my own personal goals were for expressing myself artistically. I’m glad I took a break, regrouped, determined what I would and wouldn’t shoot, and came out on the other side feeling like a million bucks, no longer stifled by the constraints that the terms “photography” and “photographer” seem to box you in to.

A lot of good things began happening for me in late 2009, both personally and related to my creative outlet. With the launch of Appeal Magazine, I have actually had the most fun and fulfilling times creating art for the covers, fashion spreads, and articles. The editors of Appeal have given me almost complete creative control of the photographic elements of the magazine and I love it. I can honestly say that I am dedicated to and believe in this new publication because I definitely feel they are 100% committed to me and assisting me in making my visions come to life.

With the close of 2009, I am hoping to launch my “throw your name in the hat” Model Discovery web site. This site will allow interested parties to register and provide their physical characteristics as well as their modeling and artistic interests for the possibility of being cast in an upcoming project of Jeff Cross Photography. A project could be for my own personal portfolio (and that of the participant), a client for use in advertising, or for artwork that is to be used in Appeal or any other publication. So, if you’re interested in working with me and Jeff Cross Photography on upcoming projects, visit http://www.jeffcrossphoto.com/discovery/ for more information or e-mail us at discovery@jeffcrossphoto.com.

I am also hoping to launch a little contest on my web site within the next few weeks. I’ll keep the details to myself for the time being but just know that the reward for the winner will be a $25 iTunes gift card. It will be very enjoyable for me to see this contest transpire. I hope you’ll visit often and stay tuned for further details.

And, last but not least, early next year I am planning to have a full-fledged web site and portfolio up and operational again. I took my entire site, blog, and photo blog down in August of this year and haven’t done anything with my site since. A lot of you have been asking about my blog and/or portfolio so just know that it will return and soon!

I think that pretty much gives you the highlights of 2009 and what to expect in early 2010. I trust you all have had a very Merry Christmas and keep it safe this holiday season. I look forward to corresponding and working with you in 2010! Once again, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!!!

Until next time…

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to shoot with Anni Bishop, a young lady I had previously worked with for Appeal Magazine. I shot Anni on one of my seamless backgrounds that I haven’t had the opportunity to use yet. I don’t normally shoot in a “studio” environment as I prefer to shoot on location, out in the field, or whatever you want to call “outdoors and/or not against a backdrop“. I like creating a scene or image rather than just a photo of an individual on a plain backdrop.

But, yesterday may have changed my mind, if only a little bit. Maybe “changed my mind” isn’t the correct way to phrase it, but it has at least given me the confidence to at least shoot in a studio environment if the need arises. I am very happy with my results from shooting on the seamless, as well as the performance by Anni throughout the shoot.

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