Gear Review: Hoodman HoodEYE eyecup

I just got this camera accessory called the Hoodman HoodEYE. The Hoodman HoodEYE is designed for people who wear eyeglasses. It helps you get your eye close to the viewfinder without scratching your lenses and it helps keep out ambient light.

The rotating eyecup slides over your eyepiece mounting rails. The eyecup is made out of silicon rubber and completely covers your eye and DOES keep out light. The large eyecup also covers part of your LCD screen. You must tilt your camera slightly downwards to see the full screen, which is a minor nuisance.

I recommend this eyecup for bespectacled photographers. Check out the official Hoodman HoodEYE page here.

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Model Pay by Hollis Ireland

Photos by Creyr Glas Lightworks.

Despite the overwhelming amount of women who are comfortable disrobing for a camera, I still believe that shooting the female form should be considered a privilege, not a right. Therefore, I think a model should (almost) always charge a fee, no matter how small, when shooting artistic, glamour, or Playboy-level nudes, and she should always charge a fee when shooting erotic or Hustler-style content. I think nude trade should only be pursued with extremely talented, well-known photographers (and although the two don’t have to be mutually exclusive, working with a big-name photographer can help boost a model’s brand). If a new model wishes to build a portfolio of nudes, or any type of high-quality photo work for that matter, she should consider paying a highly-skilled photographer instead of shooting trade with an often unworthy-but-willing amateur.  

With the above exception of portfolio-building or worthwhile trade with a professional, I don’t think a model should accept unpaid gigs regardless of how much she enjoys her craft. Can you imagine how many individuals would be out of a job if every profession adopted that attitude? When a model chooses to consistently work for free, she does a disservice to herself and to every single female trying to make a living creating nude images. On top of devaluing her talent, beauty, and professional behavior, she is also making it that much harder for every other model to find photographers willing to pay for the privilege of shooting her. Even if a woman only models part-time and doesn’t charge an industry-standard rate, it still enforces the idea that she deserves compensation in trade for sharing her nude form.  

When shooting erotic work, I don’t think any exceptions should be made unless the model owns and runs a website or other sort of business venture, and will be able to profit from the images in the future. There is nothing wrong with a woman who is comfortable being photographed in sensual, erotic, or downright sexual situations as long as she is being treated like a business person. Too many photographers seem to believe that if a woman enjoys showing off her curves, it is his right to see her more private parts (and potentially photograph them in detail). This is an attitude that can only be made right by models denying a client this type of content without proper payment. In the case of erotic work, rate discounts or negotiations should not be taken as far. If a man cannot pay a decent rate, then he should not be allowed to photograph a woman in such an intimate situation. Even with the prevalence of pornography, which in itself is far from being inherently wrong, more models need to take control of how men value their contribution to the niche.  

~ Hollis Ireland

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Let us know what you think in the comments!

Sinical Europe 2013 - Photo Book

6 months in the making, Sinical Europe 2013 - Photo Book is now available.

In this collection, we present seven models from seven European countries: Drakaena, Elisanth, Ewel, La Esmeralda, Melissa Hayward, Nephania, and Vesmedinia. The models are from France, Moldova, Slovakia, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and Spain. They were photographed by seven of the best photographers in Europe with the common fetish clothing themes being nylons, corsets, and high heels.

Limited edition. There will not be a digital version.

You can order print copies here.

Melissa Misfortune Interview

Taylor Mahoney Photography 
Corset: Razorbarbie.com 
MUAH: Melissa Misfortune

Melissa Misfortune (Sinical #8 contest winner) is an alternative model based in Flagstaff, Arizona. This interview was featured in issue 08 of Sinical Magazine. Print copies can be ordered here.

Sinical Magazine: Where were you born and raised?

Melissa Misfortune: I was born and raised in beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona right along Route 66.

Sinical Magazine: How did you get started in alternative modeling?

Melissa Misfortune: I had been dreaming of pursuing it for several years before I ever did anything about it. In 2007 a friend photographed me when she was going to school for photography. We lost touch then got back into contact 3 years later in 2010 and shot again. J Cervantes Photography was the first photographer I worked with and I hope to shoot with her again soon. After that I decided to shoot as many ideas as possible with as many photographers as possible!

Sinical Magazine: What are your measurements?

Melissa Misfortune: Height: 4’11” Bust: 34” Waist: 24” Hips: 37.5”.

Sinical Magazine: What do you think makes a model stand out from others?

Melissa Misfortune: Creativity! Original ideas (or new takes on old ideas), unique designs and incredible styling all make for fantastic and memorable photos. I also think shooting what you love really makes your photos stand out. The more you love it, the more it shows and the better the shots will be!

Sinical Magazine: What is the most interesting or amusing thing that has happened to you as a model?

Melissa Misfortune: I once did a shoot that involved mint flavored theatrical blood, I kept sampling it, it was just so tasty! There is a behind the scenes photo of me and the other model licking the blood on my Facebook page. I also am a master of cheesy dance moves, Edson Carlos took a shot of me doing “The Carlton” (ya know, from Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and I especially love to do The Sprinkler to loosen up on shoots!

Sinical Magazine: Who are some photographers you’ve worked with and who are some you would like to work with?

Melissa Misfortune: Over the last two years, I have had the pleasure of working with so many amazing, talented people. I have shot with Edson Carlos, Kat Attack Photography, Chris Gomez Photography, Cherry Club Photography and many, many more! I work with Taylor Mahoney Photography, Jillian Danielson Photography and Saaty Photography regularly. Just to name a few, I hope to one day work with I Must Be Dead Photography, Viva Van Story, Travis Haight, No Regrets Photography, Tage Michael Photography, Mannon Pictures, and Vestige Photography.

Sinical Magazine: who is more of an influence: Bettie Page or Dita Von Teese?

Melissa Misfortune: Personally, I admire them both but if I had to choose, Dita Von Teese. I have always respected people that do what makes them happy, not what makes others happy like both of these incredible women have done. Bettie Page and Dita Von Teese have helped a lot to pave the way for girls like us and thank goodness for that. I love to read interviews with Dita and often read many of her quotes when I am feeling uninspired. A couple of my favorites are “It’s not about seducing men, it’s about embracing womanhood.” and “True sexiness has many facets. The elements include things like confidence, strength, intelligence and humor.”

Sinical Magazine: Who are the top 5 alt. models, currently?

Melissa Misfortune: That depends on who you talk to. I honestly don’t really pay close attention to who is getting the most work, getting published the most and has the biggest fan base. I can however, tell you who my five favorites are. In no particular order: Mosh, Projekt Malice, KandyK, Ulorin Vex and Micheline Pitt.

Sinical Magazine: Who are the top 5. alt. photographers, currently?

Melissa Misfortune: Again, it really depends on who you talk to. Five of my personal favorites that I see as a few of the top alt. photographers are Shannon Brooke, No Regrets Photography, Kat Attack Photography, Redrum Collaboration, and Andy Hartmark. 

Sinical Magazine: Clothing wise, what is your main fetish?

Melissa Misfortune: It’s a tie between latex and corsets. Please don’t make me choose!

Sinical Magazine: Who are some of your favorite designers?

Melissa Misfortune: I have always had an eclectic style so many different designers appeal to me. I adore Betsey Johnson, Vital Vein Fashion, Pierced Heart Clothing, Miss Lizzy D. Creations, Cinched Tight Corsets, Vintage Suits by Mary, Red Devil Clothing and Naucler Design. Over the years, my amazing seamstress of a mom has made me many custom and reproduction pieces that are favorites in my wardrobe. Although she has been sewing for a very long time, she has just started her own business, BlackJack Threads. For accessories, I drool over Pearls and Swine’s incredibly creative fascinators, half masks and more. Yardley December is one of my favorite jewelry designers. I really love Sugar Lily Accessories’ head bands. They are so pretty, well done and comfortable! She also makes gorgeous jewelry and flowers. One day, I hope to splurge on a pair of Vivienne Westwood heels.

Sinical Magazine: What type of music do you listen to?

Melissa Misfortune: Anything and everything! I really love rockabilly and psychobilly, which is apparent in my day-to-day wardrobe. I especially love Moonlight Howlers, Voodoo Swing, Three Bad Jacks, Mad Sin, Hillbilly Moon Explosion, Zombie Ghost Train and well, there’s just too many to list. Punk will always occupy part of my heart. Most people are surprised to learn I also have had a long time love affair with metal, goth and industrial. Wumpscut, Rasputina, Killswitch Engage and Covenant are bands I play a lot and I go to a lot of Black Orchid and Hemlock shows. Other than that, I also listen to The Faint, Metric, The Distillers, Streetlight Manifesto, Hank III, The Cramps and lots of others.

Sinical Magazine: What is the alt/fetish scene like in your city?

Melissa Misfortune: It varies a lot. The metal scene is almost always great (hooray for that!), the rockabilly scene comes and goes as does the punk scene. As far as I’ve seen, there isn’t really a fetish scene here at all. The closest place to go for that sort of thing is Phoenix, about 2-2 1/2 hours south. In general, Flagstaff is a pretty alternative, open-minded place. I love it!

Sinical Magazine: Where can Sinical readers see more of your work?

Melissa Misfortune: You can see more photos, find out about events I am attending, order prints, contact me and stay updated by checking out my Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/MelissaMisfortuneModel and soon you’ll be able to stay updated through my website at www.MelissaMisfortune.com!

Sinical Magazine: What’s up next for you?

Melissa Misfortune: In my modeling life, I have more publications around the corner, some work with companies that I am really excited to share, lots of events and as always, more shoots! In my personal life, I plan to start beekeeping this spring, get more tattoos, and I am currently on the hunt for a rat rod to build.

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