Vegas Alien Photography - Milwaukee - Racine - Chicago

First Photography Book Now Available!

2012-01-26T04:32:00.002-06:00

I've self-published my first photography book, Licht Sprechen (Light Speak) is a cozy collection of my favorite nude images. The 20-page book features a diverse array of phenomenal models, each celebrated in their own wonderful light.

A 7-page preview is available on the purchase page:

$50 Portrait Specials!

2011-11-19T12:58:00.006-06:00

Black Friday Photography Deal!

Vegas Alien Photography is offering an incredible portrait deal.

$50 portrait sessions through December 31 (normally $150).

Your session includes:

60-minute session in my Racine studio.
Same-day proofs.
5 final, professionally retouched and enhanced images.
Print- and web-ready files of final images to print and use as you like.

Sessions must be paid for in advance and be scheduled by December 31. Sessions must be completed before January 31. No more than 2 people per session.

Order as many looks as you need! For sessions of 2 or more looks, I can come to your Milwaukee or Chicago location, if you prefer.

Go to www.vegasalien.com for details.

Vegas Alien Prints Available Online

2011-05-09T21:34:00.003-05:00

I am now offering my images for sale online as unmounted or framed prints and gallery canvas wraps. I will be expanding my offerings constantly and you can choose from artistic nudes, erotica and Vegas Alien custom portraits.

Click to visit my online print gallery!

You must be 18 or older to view and order nude prints.

Now in Racine, Wisconsin!

2011-04-27T22:32:00.001-05:00

Vegas Alien has moved! I am now headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin in a great new studio and am serving the midwest from Milwaukee to Chicago. Booking like mad for May and June. Get yourself on up here or have me come to you. I am mobile and ready to create some exceptional images for you or your business.

Now taking shoot deposits online!

2011-04-18T11:35:00.002-05:00

For your added convenience, Vegas Alien Photography is accepting shoot deposits online, with a link accessible from my About and Contact pages. Once we've arranged our shoot, go there to send your deposit via Paypal and you can pay with a credit card or Paypal.

New studio coming in May!

2011-04-18T02:05:00.002-05:00

I'm moving from the West Loop loft on May and into a new space. Pics and details are coming soon. Now booking May and June dates.

Band Photography

2011-02-11T19:10:00.004-06:00

Vegas Alien Photography is a great solution for band photography! Whether you have a full band, you're a solo entertainer, performance artist, dancer or trapeze artist, we will create jaw-dropping, original images that will get you attention.

If you want showcase shots of your musical gear, I do that, too! Shoots are fun, affordable and turnaround is fast!

I also design band posters using either original images or images from the massive Vegas Alien archive.

Break with Tradition

2011-01-17T01:04:00.003-06:00

The phrase "traditional portraits" brings to mind the formal shots in front of either mottled or fake scenic backgrounds, using lighting formulas per an age-old tradition. I don't wear medals and do not need any sort of title. Nor do I wish to be part of such a club. It's fine to learn some lighting formulas and adhere to them to make consistent images, but I am not part of that society.

I believe that each image should be unique to the subjects in front of my camera. Over many years I have experimented played, tested and fought with different ways to bring my subjects into their best light. All of this experimentation has developed my photographic vocabulary. Every new person I work with brings a fresh opportunity to create something very special for and unique to them.

I don't have pre-set, cookie-cutter lighting scenes, nor do I treat clients like cattle to be herded through some type of photo mill. The finished image is heavily influenced by the personality of the sitter. Your photo session will be light-hearted and fun. The more comfortable a person is, the more authentic and personal that image will be.

Vegas Alien Podcast Interview

2009-07-16T10:32:00.002-05:00

Hey folks. Just wanted to let you know that the podcast interview I did with Ron Davis and Shawna Rencher is now live.

You can check it out on the Glamour Apprentice web site or download via iTunes.

My thanks again to Ron and Shawna for their interest in sharing my vision and approach with the world. Be sure to bookmark the Glamour Apprentice web site to check out other featured photographers and some great educational content.

New Images

2009-07-14T20:47:00.003-05:00

Here are a few recent images of some fantastic models I was privileged to work with.

Patricia

Dejah

Upon Reflection...

2009-07-14T20:38:00.002-05:00

I just had a fantastic interview with Ron Davis for a podcast that will be posted soon at http://www.glamourapprentice.com/podcast. I will post the direct link once it's live. I was asked some surprising, interesting and philosophical questions regarding my approach and outlook as an artist and photographer.

I can't get over how much that helped me to reflect and to reach within to illustrate why I do what I do, why I do it how I do, and how I view others' work. I think that's an exercise I will perform myself at regular intervals, or especially when I get frustrated in any way.

I had no problem vocalizing my appreciation for the wide variety of models that I work with. Each one is special and each brings out something new in me. I seek to glorify what makes each of them wonderful to me.

I sincerely appreciate that Ron reached out to me for this podcast and am humbled by the chance to share my philosophy with others.

Outdoor Photography in Chicago

2009-06-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

The nice weather is finally here and now it's time to get outdoors and start shooting something different and more marketable.

I've been confining myself to studio and home shooting with only a few locations over the past few years. Some of it has to do with permits, some with security. The city of Chicago presents millions of opportunities, and I just need to get out there and grab those images!

So I am all up for doing shoots at locations around the city for you, at your home or pretty much anyplace else within reason.

Out of gangland. Now I'm hip.

2009-05-06T23:58:00.003-05:00

I've moved to a new loft in the West Loop. Ahhh.....

Such a nice change of pace from gunshots, garbage and, well.. human garbage. I'm now Oprah's neighbor, conveniently located on Peoria at Randolph. This neighborhood is alive with the sounds of the city, and we're surrounded by galleries, restaurants and other convenient necessities like groceries and Bar Louie.

New Work

2009-01-27T01:13:00.005-06:00

Good shoots lately.

Sabrina

Sami

Amourena

How do I like thee...

2009-01-21T00:19:00.005-06:00

Tabitha

Wild Kingdom Photo Shoot

2009-01-17T23:18:00.010-06:00

No animals were harmed in the making of these images. But one of them creeped me the hell out.

The first night we planned this shoot, Chicago enjoyed the worst tornado warnings in recent history. The model, Gia (Panzer Princess), brought along her cuddly little companion, an iguana named Arson. Nikita stayed away from the reptile but was very curious. We had to keep an eye on her. Amy J was on hand for makeup and she created the kick-ass spines for Gia. By hand.

Before we got too deep into it, we noticed that the online weather reports were severe. Loose debris and Smart Cars were blowing past the windows. We had to call it off and stay away from the windows.

Take II

Gia brought the "big bug" back. Amy J did the make-up and applied the spines with spirit gum. A trying process, but patience and steady hands kept it together.

We got some beautifully artistic but relatively intense shots. A nice balance of softness with edge. I kept the lighting simple, using a soft contrast technique.

No real incident with the crawly creatures. They were laying about two feet apart after the shoot and then the iguana decides it wants to go in the kitchen. Right past Nikita, who was laying down (see picture). Nikita sprung up as the bug scurried past, arcing into a perfect crescent, her tail along the contour of her spine.

The bug kept going and Nikita remained frozen in confusion.

So anyhow, we got some great images, the best of which are posted here.

Wonderful, SImple Light

2009-01-17T23:01:00.009-06:00

You can say so much with so little. While a multi-strobe lighting set-up brings incredible dimension, a single whisper of softness is enough to sculpt dreams out of reality.

Irene

Dana

Image Update

2009-01-17T19:18:00.008-06:00

Here are a few of my newer images. I am constantly progressing and seeking new ideas for presentation of my work. I love light and shadow, and being able to play in them.

Tabitha was wonderful, as usual. It had been far too long between shoots, so we made the most of it. We struggled less with the rabbit than with finding something at a Victoria's Secret.

Tabitha

This was my first shoot with Alice J. A cool lady, she takes direction well and is patient.

Alice J

Finally...A Vegas Alien Photography Blog

2009-01-15T16:47:00.005-06:00

Welcome to my second home on the web.

I am a Chicago photographer specializing in model photography, boudoir photography, commercial and catalog photography and personal portraits.

Watch this space for pricing specials on photography, educational content, video tutorials, seminars and portfolio updates.

It's not much right now and will grow at a humble rate.

Jim Warren

Vegas Alien Photography