patrick roddie photography

Ever the shameless self-promoter, I’m being interviewed by KRON TV news (San Francisco, Channel 4) at my show on Valencia Street this afternoon. (The segment airs next month.) They’re doing a piece on eModel.com, now renamed Options Talent Group. They charge would-be models $500 apeice for a questionable service and are widely seen as running a less than honest operation (click “cached”). As I’ve written before, the owner of the company has been jailed *twice* for fraud, but despite plenty of enraged victims they still advertise on Monster.com with impunity. If you’re considering modeling as a career, go to reputable modeling agency (Elite, Ford, Look, Stars etc) and ask to come to one of their open calls. They won’t charge you - they can’t by law - and you’ll get an honest assessment on whether you have the look they want. Real agencies get their income as a commission of the work they send you out on, not up front fees.

On a lighter note, here’s Courtney.

Only a couple of days before I head out to Burning Man, and I’m still frantically getting stuff together. Anyway, at least I know where I’ll (probably) be: Garage Mahal Camp, between 7:30 and 8:00 and between Child and Enlightenment. How long I’ll actually be in camp is another matter entirely: I plan on shooting up to 250 rolls of film, dust permitting. You’ll also be able to reach me on my FPS walkie talkie, channel 6/25, 10/14 or 11/34. Needless to say, I won’t be checking email, so non-burners should consider me off radar until after Labor Day. I’ll teach a photography class at Medicine Planet Camp (corner of Infant and 7.30pm) at 2pm on Tuesday and Thursday, first come first served. I’ve never taught before, so don’t expect Mr Chips.

One thing I forgot to mention in the last email I sent out; my Teen People picture is in the September issue, page 116, if you’re interested. It does feature my lovely Powerbook . . . (Thank you Good Vibrations!)

I’ve opened my first solo show; 16 of my favorite shots taken over the last couple of years. You can find it at the Crepe House on 1755 Polk at Washington, San Francsico. The reception’s on Tuesday, May 15th, from 5pm to 7pm - you’re all welcome to come.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Well, I was so flattered that I filed - and settled - my first copyright infringement suit. See if you can you can spot any similarity between my picture and this one. In any case, the suit was settled “to the mutual satisfaction of the parties.” Life is good. If you’ve got a decent connection, you can read the lawsuit (pdf, 376k).