3 - How often can I send in sets?
Standard practice is to wait until your current set is scheduled in the system before submitting another. This can take days or months depending on how your set meets their content needs and how much they like it.
4 - Do I need modeling experience?
Most of the models we shoot for DN are not professional models and many have had no modeling experience. We will work closely with you and guide you on posing and expression and the flow of the set. We work with new models all the time - if you passed our model screen and have a shoot set up with me it is because we have confidence that you can do a great set. Shooting is a very collaborative process - I will guide you but it is up to the model to take the feedback and do something good with it. I will show you how things are coming as we shoot and you are free to experiment and try things as you wish.
5 - How long does it take for you to edit and send in my set?
Properly preparing a set can take a lot of time (average 6 hrs to edit a set and apply the logos, make thumbnails, send it in and discuss with review it with DN) - all this in addition to planning and shooting it. It varies depending on my workload and how much editing is required (please plan in advance if razorburn might be an issue - this can add an extra hour or two to the editing time) -it usually ranges from a few days to a few weeks - rarely longer than a month.
6 - If you shoot my set will it automatically be accepted?
No. Even though I am staff I have to submit sets for review. My goal is to shoot some of the best sets on the site - to raise the bar with creativity and style and sensuality. If the set we shoot does not meet my standards - I may choose not to send it in and possibly request that we shoot another set. If you are not comfortable with this, please shoot with another photographer.
NOTE: If your set is not accepted by DN for any reason it falls under my standard TFC model release and becomes copyrighted to Lithium Picnic like the nonDN work on my site. I do grant the models usage rights for noncommercial use so you can have them and portfolio the images. If you would like to buy the rights to a set that was not accepted from me that can be arranged. Either way, I get compensated for my work. If you are not comfortable with this, please consider shooting with another photographer or hiring me at my normal studio rate of $150 an hr. to shoot photos that will be yours.
Furthermore, please be aware that my agreement with DN allows me to use a small number of images from my sets in upcoming book and gallery projects if the photos. If you have an issue with this please discuss it with me in advance.
7 - How nude do I need to get for the shoot?
At some point in the set you are required to get fully nude. If you are not comfortable with full nudity or if you are concerned that your BF/GF/husband/parents/rabbi/sunday school teacher may see the set and have issues then please do not continue this process until you are 100% sure about shooting a set. Approximately 3/4 of the images should be nude or on the way to nude. I don't really shoot Hustler style shots - if I am shooting full nudes it is usually something natural that seems unposed. Full "frontal" nudity is not required, but sets showing "some" have historically been rated higher, gotten more posts, and been accepted faster. If you are uncomfortable with this, feel free to shoot your own set or reconsider you decision to shoot for DN.
8 - Where should we shoot? What setting?
FOR HOUSTON SHOOTS: I have locations that we can use, but most of them have been used a lot. I have shot in almost every corner of my studio and warehouse. Where we shoot depends on the concept - some things are better shot in studio.
OUTSIDE HOUSTON: When I am traveling I often have to rely on the model for hooking up good locations for shoots. This doesn't mean an expensive studio... a friend with a nice loft apartment, roof access, a rusty staircase, a rustic alley or secluded patch of trees, a cheap motel or a bar that is willing to let us shoot afterhours or before opening - these are all examples of potential locations. I get a lot of requests for shoots when I travel so preference will go to models with good set concepts and ideas about location. I have a very strong preference for not shooting on carpet.
9 - What should I be doing in my set? What theme should I choose?
What you are doing in the set is the key to a good story. What you are doing is usually more important than what you are wearing or what props are in the shots. I am not really interested in shooting sets with gore or blood, suicide or murder themes, any type of wings, guitars, cars, or guns unless your concept is an exceptional reinvention of the use of these overused props/themes.
10 - Should I do my own makeup?
Please be prepared to style your hair and makeup appropriately for the shoot or make arrangements (with me or on your own) to have it done. This can really make or break a shoot. If you are having us do it please bring the makeup and hair product that you normally use or think you might use - our rates are far below market rates and this helps us keep the styling costs low.
11 - What should I wear? Do you provide wardrobe?
FOR HOUSTON SHOOTS: I have a growing stash of shoes and boots and clothing - if you borrow something from the lithium stash - we request that you contribute something you have that you dislike, hurts your feet, does not fit like you thought, that you do not wear, or something that is broken/torn/messed up but still might be good for shoots, everyone wins this way... we have some pretty cool stuff to mix and match and with the help of our friends it keeps growing.
OUTSIDE HOUSTON: Please discuss with me in advance. We can make everything from all nude to casual to formal work - I just need to know what you have in mind so we can plan accordingly.
12 - Who comes up with the ideas for the sets?
It doesn't really matter to me, it's usually a collaboration and varies from planned to spontaneous.
13 - Can my boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/rabbi/pet come to the shoot with me?
We prefer that you come to the shoot alone or with a female friend. In our experience, a male friend or partner often creates unwanted tension and/or self-consciousness when on set. I'm sure your situation is an exception, but we base this position on experience.
A stressed out, paranoid, or overly inquisitive partner makes me uncomfortable and it often makes the models uncomfortable. I need my model's undivided attention during shoots as it is a very collaborative process with a tight feedback loop. Most of the time you will be alone with me during your shoot - apnea is usually on site but not on set unless requested. If you are uncomfortable with this, please find another photographer to shoot your set.
14 - What happens to the images if DN does not accept my set?
If DN does not accept the set - the copyright reverts to Lithium Picnic and the terms of the standard TFP release. Models will need to sign this before leaving the shoot. This is the release and terms under which most of the models on the Lithium Picnic site have worked with me.
In short, I will retain the ownership and rights to use and portfolio the images to promote my business and grant the right to the models to portfolio and use the images for any noncommercial promotional use. If you have questions about this ask me before the shoot. You are now allowed to use two photos from each set on your online blogs/myspace/portfolio/etc as long as they are not used until AFTER the set goes live on the DN site. This is the only time you may use your DN pics off of the DN site unless you have some special arrangement with management.
15 - Can my friend pose in my set?
You must be solo in your first DN set. You may shoot sets with other girls later.
16 - I have heard that DN will not let you work with other photographers or be on any other web sites is this true?
No. You are free to shoot your own set and submit it if you prefer. Unlike some of the other sites in this genre DN does not require models to be exclusive and will not sue or threaten you if you model for other sites.
17 - Where are you located?
I am based in Houston, TX but I travel frequently. I visit LA about once every 3 months. Most of the shoots happen here at our studio or at locations near here. If booked in advance you can sometimes find fares online for around $200RT from Houston to LA or from either coast to Houston. We are located between HOU and IAH airports but HOU is easier to navigate and check through.
18 - How do you choose who to work with?
Due to the number of inquires and other work that I have I can't shoot everyone that applies. Girls with great ideas for sets, interesting location ideas and access, creative ideas or clothing and demonstrated experience modeling and posing get first priority. My sets end up fully nude and my goal is to produce some of the hottest sets on the site. My sets are done in good taste and I have an excellent reputation for being easy to work with and professional. References and testimonials are available by request. I recommend that girls that are shy or uncomfortable with posing in a sexy/flirty/playful manner or are not comfortable with complete nudity find another photographer for their first shoots.
19 - Where should I stay when I am there?
(Houston shoots) Some girls stay with local friends/members or family. We are not currently set up to host visiting models. There are a number of budget hotels in the area for around $65. Feel free to upgrade to suit your taste, Houston has some very nice hotels at very reasonable rate when booked online and your hotel may serve as a good location to shoot. We recommend www.sidestep.com for booking the best rates. If you have specific ideas from upscale to 1950's motel fetish please let me know and I'll try to scout locations. We may be able to help with transportation to or from the airport depending on our schedules but please do not count on it. You can map to our studio: 1602 Ovid St. Houston TX 77007.
20 - What's next? How do I get started?
There are two forms you need to fill out to start the process. The first is the model application for DN.
1 - DN app HERE
You do not have to shoot with me to be on DN, but if you would like for me to photograph you I require all of my models to fill out my model info form. This will help me better understand your interests, collect your contact info, and possibly help match you up with other projects that come up. (ads, book projects, fine art gallery, etc).
2 - LP model form HERE
Thank You!
Philip Warner
LITHIUM PICNIC studio
DN FAQ 