Disclaimer

There is no nudity on lucas-photo.com.

However, the site contains photos of bodybuilders and other fitness athletes in the revealing attire common to the sport.

If you think you might find these images inappropriate or offensive, please use your own good judgment in deciding whether to proceed into the site.

FAQ

If you’re reading this, chances are that we met at a contest (or somewhere unexpected!), and I gave you my card.

Now you’re interested, definitely a bit curious– you have a bunch of questions and you’re not sure how to go forward. So here’s a list of the questions I get asked all the time.

If you don’t see your question here–
ask!

How much does this cost?

    For a complete session which includes a CD with at least five publication-quality shots, the rate is $300. This includes any needed post-processing.

    For event photography, the rate is $125 an hour, plus mileage at State of Florida rates.

    However, I will continue to do some time-for-CD work. If you already have a working relationship with me, or if I approached you and asked you to do photos, there will be no charge to you. I will also continue to shoot some bodybuilding contests, emphasizing those closer to home, for no fee.

Is there a “catch”?

    No. I do photography because I enjoy the creativity and because I’m good at it.

Can I bring someone along?

    Yes, absolutely. This is above board, and it’s important to the quality of the shots that you’re comfortable, so bring whoever you like that helps you reach that comfort level. Two caveats, though– whoever you bring, please request that they take care to not interfere with the shoot, and suggest that they bring something to do. (Shoots are fun, but in my experience, people not directly involved with the shoot feel excluded and quickly become bored.)

Why did you give a card to me?

    Quite simply, if I unexpectedly gave you a card, it means I think you’d photograph well. And I don’t give out cards to people that I don’t think that about. If you never thought of yourself as someone who could photograph well– and a lot of people don’t– now at the very least you have a new concept to consider.

I’ve never done anything like this before, I wouldn’t know what to do or how to pose.

    Not a problem. The hardest thing you have to do is relax, and one of the things I do best is helping people relax in front of the camera. Somehow the whole process of “modeling photography” has acquired a kind of Hollywood mystique, but really, it isn’t rocket science. I see too many photographs– many of which are absolutely brilliant from a technical standpoint– in which the subject has a sort of “deer-in-the-headlights” look, which says to me that the photographer has forgotten that they’re photographing a person, not an object.

What should I wear?

    Whatever you feel comfortable in. I’ve done everything from professional resume’ shots to swimwear and lingerie photos. (IMPORTANT TIP: Don’t get the shots mixed up.) The Thomas Center here in Gainesville is one of my favorite places to shoot; many of the portfolio shots on my site were taken there.

Can you help me put together a modeling portfolio?

    If I continue to get requests for this I may offer this service in the future. There are a number of photography service dealers in the area who can help you.
What happens to the photos when we’re done?

    I’ll publish some of them on my Web site if (and only if) you want. While the images remain my property, I will not use, sell, or publish them in any other way. By the same token, if you publish my images you must ensure that I am given photo credit (and please let me know about it).  That’s the only stipulation I put on their use– though if someone offers you a big lucrative contract I would HOPE you remember to take your humble photographer for a steak dinner!  :)

Why do you only shoot the prejudging at bodybuilding competitions?

    Lots of reasons. Here are a few.
  • Night show admission is MUCH more expensive, sometimes obscenely so. While I’m glad to shoot shows to help promote the sport, remember that it all comes out of my pocket.
  • Prejudging is general admission, so it’s usually straightforward to arrive early and stake out a seat with a good shooting angle. And you can move if something changes. At the night show, though, you’re restricted to available reserved seats… or the general admission section in BFE.
  • At prejudging, if you miss some shots (and I’m not perfect, and some competitors are really bad posers, so it happens), you can catch up during the mandatories. In the evening, you get one shot at it– if you miss it, too bad.
  • Timing is also an issue. There are usually four to seven long long BORING hours to kill between the shows, and the night shows also often include filler to extend the show length. Instead of a morning trip, I would have to spend an entire day and evening to shoot both shows. That also involves hotel costs, extra meals… you get the picture.
  • And finally, often competitors don’t put the same preparation into the night show as they do for the prejudging, especially if they think they’re out of the running for the overall. I certainly can’t fault anyone for that.
  • I’ve already seen all the competitors.

So that’s it, basically. Rather than pay MORE money to hang around and get a worse seat to see things I’ve already seen, I’d prefer to go home, relax, and get started with the photo post-processing. Crazy, innit? :)

What if I still have questions?