Thank you for your interest in my book project. I am trying to capture the real world of teenagers. To do that, I am asking teens to design their own portraits— ones that say something about them. This is how it works:

Think about what you want your portrait to look like. It should say something about who you are. We can do your portrait in any way that seems reasonable to both of us. If your idea will require any special arrangements (like permission to shoot in a certain location), it is up to you to make the arrangements.

Send E-mail to request an appointment for your portrait.  For now, I am mostly shooting portraits in Michigan.

· Get permission!  I can take your picture without a release, but I must have a release to use your photograph in the book. The release is pretty simple and doesn’t have too much legal mumbo-jumbo.  If you are under 18, one of your parents has to sign too.

· I come and take your picture.  It will probably take about an hour or two— it depends on how complicated a portrait you design. Besides the pictures, I will pay you $5 for your time. I know it’s not a lot, but its what I can afford.

· A few weeks later, I show you your pictures. You will choose the one you like best. I may also ask you to write a few sentences about what you think your picture says (or doesn’t say) about you. The writing is no big deal. Just whatever comes to you.

· Finally, I will send you a nice big enlargement of your final picture.  Free. If your portrait makes it into the book, you also get a free copy of that. Pretty cool.

That, pretty much, is it. To be fair, I should tell you that I can't photograph everyone who asks, not every picture will make it into the book, and there's no guarantee the book will ever be published.

For worriers, relax.  This is not a scam or some pervert thing.  Having your picture taken won’t cost you a cent. I will not try to sell you extra pictures, modeling classes, or anything else. This is not an attempt to take advantage of anyone. Your parent or a friend are welcome to attend your photo session. In fact, I encourage it. If you know anyone else who would be interested in being photographed, please pass this information on to them. I am interested in photographing as many interesting teens as possible.

You can see more of my work at www.davidsrosen.net

If you have any questions, or want to request a portrait, send e-mail to david (AT) davidsrosen.net