Began the edits of my most recent shoot this evening

It was a long day at work; but I really wanted to begin the editing process for my latest shoot with Oocelot, an amazing new model currently living in North Miami Beach.

Selecting which photos are worth keeping is always the most difficult part of the editing process for me. They're like children -- each has its potential and its flaws -- and I'm reluctant to discard anything for fear that I may be missing something that others would enjoy. Yet, when you're looking at 400-500 images from an afternoon, you know that only a few are going to pop in the way that really grabs other folks' attention. So my mood shifts between ruthlessness and remorse in the selection process.

After that selection process is complete, the process of editing for me is pure joy. I think of photoshop as my darkroom. Once I have a concept for the image or a series, I start playing with different tools until I create something that is characteristic of "my look" while staying true to the intent of the shoot. I really dislike images that are photoshopped so much that they are parodies of themselves. There has to be integrity in the approach as well.

After I figure out the approach and the appropriate tools to achieve the look I'm going for, the rest is just about staying in the zone. I liken it to a Zen moment...totally immersed and totally present at the same time. And I usually stay with it until I physically drop -- which is what I'm about to do right now.

I spent so much time selecting just the first few score of images that I was only able to edit five from the hundreds that Oocelet and I did out at Boca Chica. But it's a good beginning I think.

More edits to come next week as I have a whole other shoot planned for the July 4th weekend with Chad Glenn. Some thoughts about planning and conducting a shoot in the next few posts. But for now I'm including one of the images that I believe I can safely publish here on the blog. Hope you enjoy.

Introducing the Male Figurative Photography of Studio 4496

About the Artist -- Michael Kilgore

When I was five years old my parents took the family on a vacation to Daytona Beach. Playing in the sand near the Boardwalk was boring for a little comic book-aholic and I’d spotted a stand nearby. It was safe back in those days to let your kid out of sight so Mom gave me a few quarters and sent me on the way. While looking through the standard kid comics I couldn’t help but notice a drawn white curtain and decided to explore.
The shelves behind this veil were packed with the beefcake books of that day such as Physique Pictorial and Physical Culture. I was immediately transported to my personal little heaven. No more Batman for me! I made a selection and marched proudly to the counter. The sales clerk took one look at me – then the books – and I found myself outside in the sand with a “Don’t come back!” thrown in for good measure. I was a little shaken up (it’s easy to pick up a five-year old) but dusted off the sand. And knew at that moment I’d found my calling!

Fast forward thirty-seven years to 1992. At that time I decided to get serious about photographing men and began working under the name of Studio 4496. I have since developed a small, but ever growing portfolio, of approximately 70,000 images with a primary focus on male figurative and art nudes.

After years of practicing my craft, I've arrived at a style which is distinctively my own; though, no doubt, it will continue to evolve and, hopefully, improve. My goal through this blog is to broaden the audience for the images as well as market my soon-to-be revamped Web site http://www.studio4496.com/. Right now the archival site that's looking pretty outdated is still running but it should give you at least some idea of the path that led to this point. More current images may be viewed on two other sites http://www.studio4496.deviantart.com/ as well as http://www.modelmayhem.com/ where you'll need to search for member #12269.

Oh, by the way, the models and I are having a blast and I don’t worry about getting sand kicked in my face anymore. I'll be shooting a lot during the coming months and will be sure to keep you updated regarding the shoots, the models as well as Web site developments.