I was on the back cover of a newspaper once. I was being thrown by a big kid from one of the military schools while wrestling. Back cover of the Stars and Stripes - full color. Not too shabby.

So, when the opportunity came my way to put some very cool women on the cover of "The Bay" magazine it was destined to be more fulfilling than my cover time. I suppose it isn't always the case that you are going to shoot 5 portraits for a cover. Makes just one picture seem so much easier.

This being my first cover it is rather exciting. Thankfully I can assuage my guilt by knowing that people have to pay the princely sum of $0 to acquire this magazine. So, if they feel like I could have done better at least they got their money's worth (monies worth?). It is a big format magazine - maybe 13x19 for a spread?

It was fast. Fast and fun. The brief was for 6 headshots, 6 locations, 6 environmental portraits. But, six became five at some point.

Given that I have never shot for The Bay they gave my photos a heck of a lot of space. Much obliged to the Art crew and their giant chalkboard wall. Their office inspired me to want a cozy chair with a fish.

Anyway, I'll post some outtakes soon. There were some good ones. A special thanks to Janet Zwolinski who was more excited than I was to jump in with the goats and ride the big red tractor (not pictured.... yet). Here is a behind the scenes photo of the talented team (including child labor... shh... don't tell anyone... it isn't child labor if I didn't pay right? Just slave labor? Thank your daughter for me Janet; she was my Mr. J ).

My biggest thanks goes to Amie who makes it all happen - even when her arms are tired and I'm not paying attention.

Now, for the camera savy among us - this is my last Nikon shoot for the foreseeable future. Why? More on that coming soon. My first Canon shoot also debuts this month. That may be up next.

READ IT HERE: The Bay Magazine