I am a "fashion" photographer based in Minneapolis. Recently, much like Sebastion, I have been struggling with the the constraints of living in a relatively small town in the mid west of America, this city is surrounded by corn fields. I did not move here from Montreal for the cold winters, and often, I day dream of the south of France. I must say that Minneapolis has it going on with advertising agencies and people who are buying art, fine art or commercial. Magazine work is present, yet caters to wealthy Americans living on lakes. Editorials are generated from chain department stores, not designers. It is the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" There is no "edge" to express in this market. Minneapolis in no way has anything of a fashion industry, yet there is fashion all around me. However I will say its a city that supports artist's, and I am blessed to live in this city. The cost of living as a independent artist not feeling the need to rent my studio is amazing.

Perhaps fashion in this city is inspired by music, this is of course the city of Prince, The Replacements, and Husker Du.

I have never bought into the the concept that one needs to be in a large city like London, Paris or New York in order to make their craft work. I believe, if you are passionate about what you do, it makes no difference where you live. "The cream always rises to the top."

Knick Knight's conversation with Sam Sneade had me thinking of the role fashion plays in advertising. One of them stated fashion does not work so well in advertising. We know fashion photography works for editorial magazines....anything goes, as long as one illustrates a new shape, trend, model or hair/make-up. In this market I am constantly getting feed back towards my imagery........they ask why do I not shoot more men, or groups of people doing something (lifestyle).......why do I always shoot individual women standing in an environment alone.....like the late great Avedon.......I am always looking for my sister.....that’s just me.

My question to this forum is.......do we photograph what we are passionate about or conform to advertising demands. Did Knick shoot a skinned monkey or horse to get the Umbro account? I think we should shoot our passions, and let the advertisers adapt to our imagery. After all, our imagery will support there products. Does anyone have an opinion regarding this cabin fever induced rant?

Really chilly in Minneapolis.........