MWS UPDATE - DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS - May 2016

         DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS
The last few months the Project Manager (Wiliam)  and I have been consulting with professionals in the publishing industry (agents, houses, authors, etc.,).   The feedback has been interesting and at times a bit shocking for us.  We are hearing, "beautiful, interesting, magickal",  the shocker for me especially is hearing "too regional".  Even with our data reflecting national and international interest and thousands of views/hits via the MWS gallery on Performance Art Photography website, blog and Facebook pages (especially the gallery - a real "hit" you guys!).  
Being so surprised by the "regional" comments and feedback, William and I are now having to re-evaluate the direction and ultimate goals for MWS.  In fact, the entire project and it's intention is being reviewed and re-calibrated.  Confused yet?  Let me explain and get a bit more specific.
The professionals are saying that MWS is too regional, implying that the only interest/sales would be from Salemites and the surrounding areas.  Our data and numbers does not seem to sway this opinion.  The next possible direction and scenario for the project, in William's opinion (as well as mine), leads us to major decisions that will effect the future of MWS tremendously.  
Several sleepless nights later along with the feedback/opinions from MWS ladies, published photographers, artists and mentors we have streamlined and come up with the following possible scenarios.  The first being...MWS would become one chapter in a much larger and expanded version of the original concept...ie, other locations and women would be included and featured in the book.   Of course this scenario would cost mega bucks and several years before final compilation and publication.  That being said, I am reminded of the old saying, "what the God's and Goddess's have in mind is much bigger than you can ever imagine".  This in itself is haunting us throughout the decision process.  The second scenario would be to stick to the original concept and try to self publish MWS.  This means that I would have to sacrifice the "fine art" label and quality of the final product.  Please understand that my vision of the book is done by Master Printers (very few have the knowledge, equipment and ability to produce a book of this caliber).  I did consult with Christopher Penczak and Copper Cauldron Publishing and his response was that for a project like this, they just did not have the equipment to take on MWS - at this time. He concurred that MWS could only be produced/printed by a select few in the publishing industry.  This was certainly confirmation for me. 
If we should decide to produce MWS on a local level, even at a lower quality than my initial vision, it would still cost several thousand dollars. The photography books that I have seen around Salem that feature the historical sites/locations of interest...etc., etc., are not in the same league as those that I have photographed...even a novice can see the vast difference.  Please be clear, am I implying that I am this incredible world class photog?  No.  However, I do know for a fact that my advantage and "edge" is that I had other forces clearly working along with me and in my (and MWS) favor.  People will see this vast difference when the location shoots are revealed...they are sealed and have not been seen by anyone other than those working with me on MWS shoots around Salem. 
At this point we have to analyze the intentions and directions being made for MWS's future.  Scenario two would pacify the ladies of the project and some of the locals...is that why I would consider # two?  Number one is a much, much bigger project and would require an incredible amount of dedication, time, and not to mention dollars.  So...which is it?  Which path is the correct one?  Which one will please the Goddess? Which one will benefit the most people?  
Have we put aside all personal gain and considered what's best for the project?  

Those are the million dollar questions at this time.  
We shall see peeps...we shall see.  R :|

Currently - Negotiations/Proposals/Data Analysis/Update Info.

                      Happy Spring Equinox and 
                                      Ostara  !!!
The above photo was taken during my theater makeup class a couple of years ago...just fyi.

The project is going full steam and we are busy gathering information, data analysis, preparing proposals and updating information for agents and publishing houses.  This is about all I can tell you at this point...just letting you know we are still working hard !  The wonderful thing that we just found out last night is that all the pr campaigns, promotions, social media, websites, fb pages, etc., etc., was NOT done in vain!  Those of you who know me personally, know that I griped and moaned about all that work from day one.  Well...I am certainly "eating my words" now.  William and Brian were absolutely correct in pushing me to do all those things for the last 5 years, as these are mandatory by publishing houses.  The beauty is that we are absolutely 100% ahead of the game.  Had we NOT done these things over the years we would be scrambling and trying to get all the aforementioned designed, up and running as fast as possible.  Hence we would easily be talking about six months or more before we could produce solid numbers and presentable sites/information for interested parties.  
I know there has been criticism about how MWS has been handled over the years.  I for one was questioning myself as to why we were doing PR campaigns without a finished product to promote.  The answer is folks, because that's the way it is done now days.  The days of handling a project over to a house and them taking care of all these things are long gone and will never be handled like that again.  Essentially, I am told first hand that you have to present a project to interested parties as if you have no publisher and the project could be done without a house...plain and simple.  So...folks, we ARE absolutely correct and again ahead of schedule in comparison to a project that was not promoted, no web sites created, no pr campaigns,  no shows, etc., etc.  We would be AT LEAST six months to a year behind.  So MWS is overjoyed and elated at this news!!!  I hope you are all celebrating with us and we shall continue to "plug away."    
The project has taken priority over the Tarot post, however, it is coming...just a matter of typing it all !  
Enjoy and have a safe Ostara, Spring Equinox, and an upcoming lunar eclipse !!!  
R :}

What you get AS A MYSTIC WOMAN

If you are selected, after interviewing, to become a participant in this project you will be presented with the following :

Signed Originals!

(2) 8x10's of your choice (excluding the top candidate for publication) of your studio shoot

or

(1)  11x14 of your choice      "                     "                    "

These prints are museum quality and are processed by a master printer.  Value = $500 to $1000 depending upon the shot and your above choice.

Inclusion of your shoot (10 - 15 shots) in The Mystic Women of Salem Gallery on Smugmug (my site is viewed 25,000 to 30,000 views per month on average).

Unlimited promotion(s) via PR campaign materials and contact information on the BLOG.

Not to mention national (hopefully global)  promotion from the book publication itself.

:}







                                                              

Studio Rules/Policies

Performance Art Photography

Studio/Shoot Policy
December 2010

The following policies have been created and implemented with several years of studio shooting and education experience(s). There are also Salem State University rules listed as well, as the studio used is at the University. Please know that with all this experience and too many shoots to count, these rules/policies must be followed in order to ensure a safe, successful, and enjoyable experience.

It is the goal of PAP (Performance Art Photography) to produce the highest quality of photography utilizing state of the art equipment, software, and extensive knowledge in the photography field.

If there are any questions regarding the following please do not hesitate to discuss with the photographer. Your respect for these rules and cooperation is much appreciated.

No children are allowed in the studio at any time…this is NOT negotiable (the studio is not safe for little ones).

All electronic devices must be turned off and put away during your shoot.

No visitors/spectators are allowed to accompany you unless discussed and approved by the photographer prior to your shoot date. If approved, they can only be there as SILENT observers.

All hair and makeup (aside from quick touch-ups) must be done prior to your shoot time.

Clothes/costumes may be changed into at the studio…quickly.

No eating, smoking, or drinking (except for occasional water sips) is allowed in the studio.

Occasional “breaks” during your shoot will be done at your request.

No animals are allowed unless approved by the photographer.

You MUST sign a Model Release prior to your shoot.

A draft of your “story” must be given to the photographer prior to your shoot.

Absolutely no cameras of any kind (including camera phones are allowed in the studio by you and/or your guest(s).

Any questions and/or comments about your shoot must be discussed prior to the shoot.

These rules come from many, many experiences in the studio. Please understand that the style of PAP is direct connection with the subject. Any distractions such as phones, blackberry’s, conversation w/guest(s), etc., really has an adverse effect on the photographer and the shooting experience in general. PAP depends upon your undivided attention during the shoot in order to produce extraordinary poses, and shots.

The lighting done during, “The Mystic Women of Salem” project are original, difficult, and would take a very experienced/seasoned photographer to try and re-produce. PAP is very protective of these techniques/styles of lighting. This is why there are absolutely no cameras allowed at any time.

Please be aware that these shoots are VERY technical. Working with high tech equipment and manipulating various forms of energy and lighting is complex and requires much attention from the photographer. Although PAP definitely wants your experience to be an enjoyable one, please know that there will be times when the photographer is pre-occupied and deep in thought. The photographer will let you know when a moment of silence is required.

Thank you so much for your interest in, “The Mystic Women of Salem” project. We hope that your experience with this project is stimulating, thought provoking, creative, joyous, magical, and will prove to be one of the “highlights” of your life.

This is truly one of our goals,

“The Mystic Women of Salem” Team

Summer Interviews

I began interviewing in July, 2011 and am continuing through August and possibly September.  At this point it looks like it will be September before the final selections are done.  At that point the Team and I will be notifying the final 13 women and a new shoot schedule will be sent out.

The interviews have been fascinating, shocking, stunning, intriguing, and just plain AWESOME in every way.  Remember ladies, even if you are not selected for MWS that does not mean that you are not automatically being considered for The Witches of Salem (the final book in the trilogy series).
Diversity among the selectees has to be a heavy consideration ie the reason I named it "Mystic" Women of Salem.  I want to capture and reflect the incredible layers and levels of so many extraordinary women in our area though photography and artistic expression.   Being repetitive and redundant is simply not an option for this particular book, and I am constantly aware of the aforementioned during every interview.  The more diverse/different all the women are, the better.  So, please keep that in mind when announcements are made.

As always, you women of Salem did not and have not let me down...you consistently keep us inspired, focused, and committed to  The Mystic Women of Salem!


:}

WELCOME TO OUR NEW AND IMPROVED BLOG!

As you all know, initially,  the Team had planned on launching a completely new site for MWS project by September, 2011.  However,  after really getting into the "nitty gritty" of our original plan and seeing just how difficult the new site is to design (not to mention the time it will take), we elected to update/upgrade our current blogsite.  Time allowances for such an ambitious and creative endeavor were and are enormous.  In order to meet our deadline for the PR blitz in the Fall of 2011, it became quite apparent that there just was not enough time to complete the site.  Brian will be designing and developing the new site and we estimate it's completion to be in the Fall of 2012...perfect!

Brian added so many cool elements to this blog...there are just too many to itemize!  So, scroll,  peruse around and check it out!

We elected to have the blog reflect the color scheme/palette of our PR materials, so you can kind of see what we are going for...the general "feel" of the posters/flyers/cards.  Really you are getting a "sneak peak" in a sense.   Brian did an amazing job on this...his choices of colors and highlights really reflect the message and experience that we want our fans and the general public to have.

Please check out all the new sections of the blog.  All data has been transferred to these sections, so you will see the old information AND the new.

Thanks Bri...Fabulous...just Fabulous!
:}

STEVIE NICKS "LIKES" OUR PROJECT!!!

Yes, that's right...Ms. Stevie Nicks!

I will send her a copy of the book when it is complete...she will love it and all of you!

Good afternoon everyone, it is an absolutely gorgeous day here in the majickal city of Salem!

Several of you have inquired about Akuura's shoot and wondered why there are only three photos of her in the MWS gallery http://allure.smugmug.com Mystic Women of Salem gallery. I was very dissatisfied with the background tones/colors that was selected for Akuura's shoot. After discussing this problem with Akuura, she graciously agreed to do a re-shoot in November, 2011. Thanks Ak!! When we do her re-shoot and the photos are complete, I will upload the best shots to the gallery and will begin promoting her shoot...just as I have done and will do for each Mystic woman.

Brian, the Cyber Wizard, and I met last Friday. It is his professional opinion that we have outgrown the Blogger template for the MWS blog/site. His suggestions for the new one are "jaw-droppingly" beautiful and will catapult our blog/site to an incredibly high level of professionalism and will feature your actual shots (from the studio) while still being protected (to keep them from being copied, distributed, shared, etc.,). Security is a huge issue with a project this big. Which brings me to several issues that need to be addressed.

Prints - When you purchase/are given a print from me directly or from my smugmug site, you have obtained a hard copy print only. In other words, buying a print and scanning/copying it and turning it into a jpg for use on your websites/facebook/internet is prohibited. To use your photos on the internet as digital copies requires a license agreement (I will furnish this to you upon request for Past shoots). This also assures that your images are of the highest quality. Copying, etc., etc., definitely compromises the quality of prints and eventually jpgs will lose critical information and become unusable. Usually a digital copy is purchased just as a print is purchased, although the fees are quite expensive. However, since I did not make this clear in the past, I will be happy to do this for you upon request (if you have bought an 8x10 or larger).


It is important that you all know that I own the copyrights for every photo that I take. Meaning, if Joe Public of Magic Carpets sees your photo that I've shot, and wants to use it in his advertising campaign, Joe Public must purchase that right from me/Performance Art Photography. The more successful I become, the more valuable my photographs.

Mounted Prints - If you have received a mounted and signed print from me, I strongly suggest that you hold on to it. The value will only increase over time...especially signed prints. Mounted prints have very specific needs/care that is required. For instance, these prints are museum quality and must be framed by a professional. The glass must not touch the print itself. Prints of this caliber are saturated with ink on museum quality paper/canvas...humidity and the elements themselves will eventually destroy it. Also, they must not be hung in direct sunlight, even if you have it protected with museum glass (has major filters)...not a good idea.

New digital photos will have "photo by..." on the photo itself, so you don't have to worry about including that verbage when you use the photo, only if the text has been cropped off will you be required to include "photo by...". Also, it is imperative that you all understand that changing the content of the photo in any way, shape or form (photoshop, adding/deleting props, any manipulation of the photo whatsoever) is also prohibited, and there are no exceptions to this rule. If you have a situation that requires additional work/manipulation to your photo, I MUST be the one that does it.

I want all your photographs to be the highest quality possible and the only way to ensure this is for me to process all phases of your photographs. I have spent thousands upon thousands on my photography education and feel that my clients benefit greatly from that education. I will develop (hard copy) an agreement that must be signed prior to a shoot, to ensure that there are no misunderstandings in the future. Please understand that I LOVE all of you promoting your photographs and will do everything in my power to assist you in the future!

Rebecca :}

Hello Everyone!

Brian and I met April 22, 2011 to discuss our next plan of action with the project's promotion. Designs and the implementation of the media blitz will begin in July, 2011. The cyber wizard will begin designing the poster and pr cards which will be distributed in September as listed in the April 29, 2011 update.

For now, we are running around campus trying to get our papers, projects, assignments, and exams out of the way. IT IS HELL WEEK at Salem State University!

For those "featured women" of MWS that are scheduled for a shoot in summer, 2011 you MUST bring a draft of your story that will accompany your portrait in the book, to the shoot. This is mandatory and there are NO exceptions. You may however, email your draft to the Project Manager (William) at foxhagen@hotmail.com prior to your shoot. I will confirm with William.

For women who are interviewed this summer, a draft of their story must be brought to the interview. Stories will play a significant role in the selection of the remaining featured women.

Due to many of the "featured women" urging me to become a "Mystic Woman", I have decided to join the rest of the women and include myself in the book. We don't have a mystic photographer! Hee hee! I will be working on my story with William and we will use that as an example for you all. As more stories are completed we will be sending them out as tools to assist the others with their stories.

OK everyone, I will be back with more news in a couple of weeks! Enjoy this weather everyone! :}

Good day everyone!

The cyber wizard and I met last week and discussed our media blitz campaign strategy for the promotion of the project. Instead of changing the color and appearance of the blog, printing posters and cardstock for immediate distribution we decided to wait. Our strategy is to do the aforementioned in September, 2011 when hundreds of thousands of people desend upon Salem for the October festivities. I am sure that a number of the shoppes will allow us to place the pr materials in their stores during this time. We most certainly will be distributing in Boston, and New York City as well. Why are we doing all this so early in the game? As the Project Manager, William, told me in the beginning planning stage of MWS, it is critical that we reach the masses and develop support BEFORE the agent/publishing house becomes involved. The more that is done the better! The entire book will be done and I will have an original printed for their review. This gives the project an immediate advantage, in that they can SEE what we are producing versus just telling them (a great disadvantage). This is the primary difference between literary and photography publishing. So, your information that accompanys you in the Mystic Women section of the blog should be done by then, for sure.

Also, I have to tell you that William is already beginning to see that we are fast approaching a "bottle-neck" situation due to the procrastination/delay of women getting their drafts (stories) to him. We are coordinating the story submission and shoots together now. If you have not been shot don't worry...if you have, you must get your drafts to him asap. Upcoming shoots (8-10) over the summer...if you are scheduled you need to be thinking about your story NOW. If you need guidance/help please contact William at foxhagen@hotmail.com

Let's avoid a terrible situation by staying on schedule which will lead to a much less "stressed" environment. I want this project to be excellent, professional, inspiring, successful, and FUN with the least amount of stress possible.

Thanks ladies and enjoy your Patriots Day Holiday! :}


PS - Please encourage everyone you know to become a FOLLOWER OF THE BLOG, I cannot emphasize enough how very important this is.

Just FYI ladies...we have made a procedural change recently. Working with William on your stories will be coordinated with your shoot. After the shoot, you will then begin your submission(s) and communications with him. It just makes more sense that way...it gives you more time to think about it, and it keeps the project manager from being landslided with work all at once. Also, please remember to include your message to the world in the last paragraph of your story. It does NOT have to be what you told me during the interview...just remember your messages could and probably will have great impact upon our readers.

Thanks Ladies :}