So what's new with Nick these days?

[Matt Timmons]

Haven't heard much about what you've been up to. Current projects? Upcoming projects? Inquiring minds want to know. :)

[Nick Saglimbeni]

Haven't heard much about what you've been up to. Current projects? Upcoming projects? Inquiring minds want to know. :)

Hmm...yes, thanks for giving me some incentive to come up for air...and sorry the posts have slowed down a bit on the forum—I've been fortunate to have a string of international work and travel that sometimes means no internet access.

2009 has been a fascinating year on many fronts. I was fortunate enough to go to Morocco and Sicily earlier in the year, and now I find myself in London as we speak, where I've been shooting some top-secret stuff (publishers tend to be very protective) for a few clients. I've actually just returned from the Amalfi Coast in Italy, scouting locations for an upcoming shoot I've got later this year. So from a photography/"career" standpoint, travel has been the theme of 09.

As far as Slickforce—WOW, I'm so happy with direction the company is moving. We've got a new Director of Operations that kicks ass, and he's allowed me to get out of the studio more and return to the visionary role I originally embraced when I started the company (note to other artists: running a studio and managing employees can drain your creativity if you're not careful).

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the success of ModelKamp has prompted be to design a similar workshop for photographers, though it's still in the planning stages, and I haven't yet decided how much emphasis to place on my particular career vs. the general art of photography (i.e. retouching, glamour vs. fashion, lighting, directing & posing, etc).

We also opened our huge 70-acre desert photo-apocalypse location in April of this year, UltimateGraveyard, which has been really exciting for me because it's the first time I've marketed a product to other photographers. It's fun to build something that you think is going to be awesome, and then watch others enjoy it as well.

And lastly, I'm going to be releasing our long-awaited super-secret Retouching DVD/download series which will, after 5 years, tell you all the proprietary SlickforceStudio tricks we've used to keep our models looking flawless, including special tutorials on darker complexions, retaining texture, post-production, and blending modes.

Finally, on a personal level, I'm happy to say that I've begun shooting my first book, though I can't talk about the specific theme just yet. But knowing me, I will get antsy and leak teaser photos to the public to start getting people excited.

This year has been a fantastic evolution for me, primarily because I'm starting to find tremendous opportunities to SHARE the knowledge I've learned, and perhaps offer advice that many photographers seem to yearn for...specifically how to make money at photography and how to make every woman (or person) you come across look her best.

The balance for me, it seems, it taking the time to slow down and enjoy every part of the journey. Okay, I think I'm waxing philosophical now...if you're not all asleep by now, I'd love to hear your thoughts, specifically on ways that I/we can me more helpful to you all, as that is ultimately my end goal.

Thanks again for the question, Matt, and for being an avid poster and supporter of our forum.

[Matt Timmons]

Wow- good to hear that so much is going on! We figured you must be traveling like James Bond since it sometimes takes a while for you to post back. I for one can definitely be counted in on that DVD, consider me "pre-ordered". Although I really feel like I'm getting to that "level" on the retouching stuff (new post coming up soon) since I'm beginning to use more and more techniques that I have discovered myself for things like skin texture. I very much appreciate the critiques from you and the other photogs on here since it's one place where one can get a real critique. I like to know how other people see the photos technically- what works for them and what doesn't. Because knowing that is what helps us forge our craft in a way that can get clients to hire us.
I'm looking forward to Photokamp, because I believe it will be designed with our requests in mind. Particularly that it will include business aspects and be structured for intermediate and advanced photographers. Most photo courses I read about are very basic, and are designed for the "hobby" photographer and just teaches portraiture. Beauty/fashion/advertising photography is very much a niche line of work, and people who are passionate about it want to get recognized in the industry. Something that takes more than the ability to shoot a nice senior photo- and if one wants to be doing a shoot with Bar Refaeli in the Greek Isles one day, they better know how to design and set up a beauty shot. :)
I'm mostly puzzled right now trying to figure out how to get commercial businesses to hire me for my ability to shoot a professional ad campaign for them instead of just getting the cheapest (free) photographer to do it with weak results. The old saying is, "You get what you pay for", but around here, businesses are happy to pay nothing and get it.
Well, glad you are staying busy. Maybe you could check in (when able) and just post up about where you are and when you'll be back, then save all the question answers and photo critiques for when you have time. Just an idea. Enjoy London and "Mind the Gap" while you're there!
Also- the forum could use some more smileys/emoticons or whatever. They always make it more fun! :p -M

[Nick Saglimbeni]

Yes, I forgot that this forum isn't just about responding and critiquing...so I will make more of an effort to keep you posted on my adventures. I think as fellow photographers, it's all useful information.

And absolutely, we will get some new smileys on here shortly. Thanks.

[Corey Jenkins]

That dvd sounds awesome, looking forward to hearing more about it!