In my business timing is everything. Like the time I was asked to shoot the cover for "Her Master And Commander". I told the agent "As long as it's not next week...." He said "It's next week!" I literally had to get off a plane from Germany in NYC, stay over one night and shoot the cover the next day. Luckily, the jet lag hit me the following day. It was one of my most beautiful covers too.

This time local photographer, Dennis Roliff (www.dennisroliffphotography.com) asked if I could do a shoot for a pirate movie project. We've worked together a lot over the years.Me, never being one to turn down a job said "Of course, as long as it's not next week!" Dennis said "Ahhhh...it's next week!" Deja vu all over again! I had also worked with the artist doing my illustration before as well. Pete Paspalovski (www.prespastudios.com) is an incredible talent and I was anxious to work with him again. He had done a painting of me dressed as "Alexander The Great" a while back.

Dennis wanted me to shoot the day I came back from the Columbus convention but there was just no way I could do that. He did postpone it one day so I could sleep and recover.

I came directly from the gym on Monday and thankfully didn't look like usually do when I'm finished working out. They handed me a very elaborate costume. I had brought a lot of my own period costumes and swords. But, I had forgotten the clip for my ponytail. How could anybody with a mop like mine forget hair accessories?

We ended up using a lighting clamp to hold my hair back that nearly killed me but it did do the trick. We got the shot on the second frame. Am I good or what? Pete said he hoped I wouldn't mind if he made me "older" in the illustration. I said "I think God is already doing that!" Anyone who has seen the finished artwork has been impressed. I am only taking partial credit. It helps to work with such talented people. Now, I have to find some to make me look YOUNGER!