Mina Salome: Selections from Future Sets (Barracks and Chateau)”

A Review of One of My Favorite Models

Mina Harker, as originally envisioned by Bram Stoker, is finally rescued from the vampiric curse that would otherwise have doomed her. Salome, on the other hand, uses her “gifts” to elicit the fulfillment of her mother’s request, dooming John the Baptist to execution at the hands of King Herod’s minions. So, when I first heard of a model calling herself Mina Salome, I pursued an introduction, finally collaborating creatively almost three years ago. We’ve now worked together three times, most recently yesterday when she demonstrated that she deserved recognition befitting another historical personage.

I now think of Mina Salome as my own personal Clara Barton, at least for her intervention following my injury during this most recent session. Another fall. I had again forgotten that my neurological conditions require me to be mindful of my footing, potential landing spaces, and (especially when I have a camera in my hands) the reality that “up” sometimes becomes a somewhat vague concept.

“Are you okay?” she asked immediately. I told her the truth: No. I had aimed for a relatively safe landing, until my elbow caught a chair on the way to the floor, driving my robustly designed Pentax K3 camera into the same eyebrow that had been split open playing schoolyard football back in public school. That earlier sensation was memorable enough that I immediately knew what I had done. So did Mina. She got the tissues we had available (“bathroom tissue”) to stanch the bleeding and looked through her luggage for band-aids. Finding none, she got dressed and fetched my first-aid kit from the trunk of my car.

I explained to her, for the sake of any questions she or others may have had, that my most recent test for STIs was negative. Admittedly, it was forty-one years ago, though. Still, I added, there had only been the one partner since then, and I trust that she has always been a safe partner. That having been settled, we cooperated in getting the wound closed and dry.

So, as a recommendation for modeling, I would note the excellent repertoire of posing, the plethora of model-provided wardrobe (though we shot mostly in what brought), and the amazing physical presence of a model with just enough “imperfections” (I would call them unique characteristics.) to render her a far more interesting subject than those who have been whittled, inflated, or otherwise altered to fit la mode du jour. She communicates clearly and consistently. She works diligently to accomplish the photographer’s visions. She is relatively tolerant of low temperatures, low-light environments, and low-blood sugar (within reason). Her own sense of humor is excellent, and she responds appropriately to (at least this) photographer’s imagined sense of humor as well.

Additionally, as a recommendation of Mina as a human person, compassionately providing significantly personal care for a reckless photographer, I can give her nothing but the highest praise. She gave me caring attention in keeping with the divine image and likeness (that I believe) we are all created to represent. I am exceptionally glad to have pursued acquaintance with her, developed friendship with her, and now to find myself greatly indebted to her for her kindness as well as for the unimaginably wonderful images we created together.

Thank you, Mina, for being such a shining light in my life, despite the darker histories of that excellent name!