deviantART: by:RJBerry http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:RJBerry&section=today deviantART RSS for by:RJBerry en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Sun, 20 Dec 2009 11:27:56 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png Outdoors http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/27301107/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/27301107/ Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:49:36 PDT
Gallery
Journal
Store
My Stock
Note me


I didn't do a much modeling this summer. I feel like my interest in it is dwindling down. Whatever the case, I did make it out twice this summer to work with two fabulous photographers, AJ Kahn [link] and Wal Zagorski [link] Both times I was lucky to be joined by my very good friend and amazing model |ris. If I could limit myself to two shoots per season I think couldn't do much better than these.

]]> =RJBerry More urban decay http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/26028633/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/26028633/ Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:24:42 PDT

A photographer from California came out last month and asked me to shoot with him at one of Detroit's most famous landmarks...the old train station. I am not doing much modeling anymore, but it was impossible to turn this opportunity down. It is one amazing location to shoot in.

Enjoy!

]]> =RJBerry On the ball http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/24351362/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/24351362/ Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:42:15 PDT
]]> =RJBerry From Turkey, with love http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/23696103/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/23696103/ Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:44:46 PDT
My newest image posted was taken before I left by a fellow friend/model/photographer for her art class.

]]> =RJBerry Contemplation http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/23311404/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/23311404/ Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:10:37 PST
"Thinking is more interesting than knowing, but less interesting than looking."
~Goethe

]]> =RJBerry Taking some time http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/23134156/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/23134156/ Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:46:46 PST
I'm taking some time off. I had my last shoot on Sunday. It is time for me to center myself, take care of my mind and body and happily do some traveling. I'm heading out of the country in March for a couple of weeks. I firmly believe I will return refreshed and ready to create some new art a stronger person.

I know there are happy days for me ahead. I need to be with myself...clarity, peace, serenity.

]]> =RJBerry Gotta be somebody for me... http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22831803/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22831803/ Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:30:00 PST To find the one in this life
The one we all dream of
But dreams just aren’t enough
So I’ll be waiting for the real thing.
I know it by the feeling.
The moment when we’re meeting
Will play out like a scene straight off the silver screen
So I`ll be holdin’ my breath
Right up to the end
Until that moment when
I find the one that I spend forever with
`Cause nobody wants to be the last one there.
‘Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There`s gotta be somebody for me like that.
`Cause nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they’re not alone.
Somebody else that feels the same somewhere.
There`s gotta be somebody for me out there.
Tonight out on the street out in the moonlight
And damn it this feels too right
It’s just like Deja Vu
Me standin’ here with you
So I’ll be holdin`my breath
Could this be the end?
Is it that moment when
I find the one that I spend forever with?
‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there
‘Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There’s gotta be somebody for me like that.
`Cause nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they’re not alone.
Is there somebody else that feels the same somewhere?
There`s gotta be somebody for me out there.
You can’t give up!
Lookin’ for that diamond in the rough
Because you never know when it shows up
Make sure you’re holdin` on
‘Cause it could be the one, the one you’re waiting on
‘Cause nobody wants to be the last one there.
‘Cause everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Someone to love with my life in their hands.
There has gotta be somebody for me
Ohhhhhh.
Nobody wants to go it on their own
And everyone wants to know they’re not alone.
Is there somebody else that feels the same somewhere?
There `s gotta be somebody for me out there.
Nobody wants to be the last one there
And everyone wants to feel like someone cares.
Is there somebody else that feels the same somewhere?
There has gotta be somebody for me out there.

]]> =RJBerry Yeah, I am having fun... http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22512007/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22512007/ Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:38:30 PST
2009 is looking to be a very productive year!

]]> =RJBerry I believe I can fly http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22368508/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22368508/ Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:50:46 PST
Sometimes you just have to let go and fly. 2009 is going to be the year I hope to do exactly that. This shot was taken in New York a few hours before I was to fly back home. I don't normally book shoots on the day I have to catch a plane, but this was the only time it worked to squeeze in a short shoot with Tom. Not sure how many of you have ever wanted to take a pillow, rip it open and let the feathers fly, but I have since I was a child. When Tom mentioned this concept I was both thrilled and scared. Thrilled for the experience and scared about making a huge mess. I'm finding that letting go is so worth the clean up later. We only get one go around in this life and one shouldn't wait all their life to find out just how much joy can be found jumping on a bed filled with feathers. Like so many other instances, the clean up wasn't nearly as scary as I had thought. When you have help, it actually is pretty darn easy.

Simply Nude [link] ]]> =RJBerry Happy Holidays! http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22165732/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22165732/ Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:17:10 PST [link]

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable,
to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and
lived well.

~~Ralph Waldo Emerson

]]> =RJBerry Behind the lens http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22104933/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22104933/ Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:55:05 PST [link]

Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.
Yousuf Karsh

I rarely ask a photographer to edit a photo. My thinking has generally been that they know what image or images are the best and give them to me when they are done editing. Once in a while when I do get RAW images, I come across something that catches my eye. That happened to me today. I was going through some of my New York work (fun and serious, both) and this one drew me in. Truth be told, I don't think it is the most flattering image of me, but it really made me smile. I think it's the glasses. What is your perspective?

]]> =RJBerry Remember http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22045271/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/22045271/ Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:01:53 PST [link]

You've got to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you've got, and remember what you had. Always forgive, but never forget. Learn from mistakes, but never regret.

- Unknown


Two lovely surprises this week: this image above taken by Jim Young (|ris standing at the sidelines, cheering me on, holding me up) and a first feature on Chris St. James's blog, Univers d'Artistes. Check it out here: R|J[link]

Guess it just goes to prove what comes around goes around. I'm thankful for that.

]]> =RJBerry Back on track http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21899383/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21899383/ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:14:24 PST [link]

I'm back...all of me. Got lots of images to upload I've been hanging onto. Time to let it all go and be myself. Naked. Hope you all enjoy. And if you don't...keep it to yourself.

]]> =RJBerry Standing tall http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21779385/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21779385/ Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:23:11 PST [link]

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend. Here in the US we celebrated Thanksgiving. At my house we hosted a lovely dinner with just our immediate family present. The next day we headed out of state to visit my extended family. Before our dinner there, we all went around the room and each gave thanks for whatever came to mind. All of the typical things were mentioned: family, health, good weather, etc. Now that I am back home again, I would like to give thanks to all of you blog readers who have supported |ris and me during this transition period. If I had more time, I would love to contact each and every one of you who reached out to us with kind words, support and advice. I especially would like to thank those who volunteered to come to my small town and kick some a**. If you could have seen the smile on my face when I read those comments posted.

Unfortunately I don't have that time, but I do have this opportunity to let you all know just how much it means to me. When you have so very little support for doing what you believe in close by, you hold dear the support that comes from so far away. I give thanks to you all this holiday. May you please continue to follow us in whatever direction our passions take us. It is wonderful to know that we have you all behind us, cheering us along.

]]> =RJBerry In Disguise http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21373876/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21373876/ Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:20:15 PST [link]

It is finally time to open up for a moment and explain what's happened to the blog security lately. The readers who appreciate and devote a few minutes of their day to Simply Nude, deserve some details.

As a model in the ArtNude industry, I have always done it for myself as a form of aristic freedom and expression, away from my day job which is being a wife and mother and responsible member of a small town. Very closeknit, closed-minded community and up until recently, only a couple friends and my immediate household knew about my modeling. In my non-modeling life, I am a wife, a mother, a substitute school teacher, and a volunteer EMT/Firefighter for the town. I have volunteered countless hours at school, church and community events for the past 15 years. A few days ago one random individual came across my alter-ego RJ photos on the net, and word spread like wildfire. One that this fire fighter is having trouble extinguishing.

Now I know as readers, you must be thinking "These aren't amateur polaroids of porn styled images...These are visually pleasing professional pieces from talented photographers, who pride themselves on their craft." Nothing I have posted in the past have I ever been ashamed of, and this aspect of my life is very important to my individual freedom. The problem is, when people in a small town get wind of such "art", all they see is scandal and a member of their community completely naked on the Internet for everyone to see. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say...and it certainly isn't beauty they are accusing me of.

Anyway, so with Iris' wonderful, loving help, as well as others who have been there these past few days, we have been working fast on damage control, and to only include for now the individuals who are reading and commenting that appreciate and support what we do, and why we do it. If you are reading this, then you are one of them. Thank you.

]]> =RJBerry Narrow mindedness is scary... http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21319591/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21319591/ Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:34:18 PST [link]

Updates to the blog...

We had to restrict access to our blog today because of general narrow-mindedness of people. People who harass and judge a woman for modeling nude.

We don't need stalkers and gawkers on our blog, so our blog is, from this point on, on an invite base only.

If you are interested in our art, in our thoughts about modeling, please feel free to send an email to iris@irisdassault.com and she will add you to the list of readers.

]]> =RJBerry Motown, once again http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21297201/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21297201/ Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:32:23 PST [link]

The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.
~Dr. Seuss

I've been fortunate to have traveled to so many new places this past year modeling. No matter where I've gone, I've learned so much: from photographers, models, MUA's and all the people I have met at airports. It has been educational and eye opening.

read more here:

[link]

]]> =RJBerry Freckles and all... http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21188489/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21188489/ Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:04:49 PDT [link]

Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world.
~Schopenhauer

All my life I grew up hating my freckles. Out of six kids, I was the only one with them. Not just a few sprinkling my nose and cheeks, mind you. All over. Dark, almost so dark brown they are black. On my nose, my forehead...there is hardly an area on my skin that doesn't have at least a small one. My dad teased me about them, saying, "Sis, one day all those freckles are going to run together and you will be a completely different color." Little did he know I actually would have preferred that. If I was one solid color then I wouldn't have strangers coming up to me trying to wipe "dirt" off my face. What he thought (and many others, I know) was cute, I always found embarrassing and distracting.

read the rest here:
[link]

]]> =RJBerry Looking glass http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21128314/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21128314/ Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:02:30 PDT [link]

Stone Sour

I'm looking at you through the glass
Don't know how much time has past
Oh, God it feels like forever
But no one ever tells you
That forever feels like home
Sitting all alone inside your head

How do you feel?
That is the question
But I forget
You don't expect an easy answer

When something like a soul
Becomes initialized
And folded up like paper dolls and little notes
You can't expect the bitter folks
And while your outside looking in
Describing what you see
Remember what your staring at is me

Cause' I'm looking at you through the glass
Don't know how much time has past
All I know is that it feels like forever
And no one ever tells you
That forever feels like home
Sitting all alone inside your head

How much is real
So much to question
An epidemic of the mannequins
Contaminating everything
And if that came from the heart
It never did, right from the start
Just listen to the noises(Now I'm more, instead of voices)

Before You tell yourself
It's just a different scene
Remember it's just different from what you've seen

I'm looking at you through the glass
Don't know how much time has passed
Now all I know is that feels like forever
And no one ever tells you
That forever feels like home
Sitting all alone inside your head

]]> =RJBerry Frank Piccolo http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21065510/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21065510/ Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:51:55 PDT [link]

This song goes well with the new images I just posted today:

Delirious--Secret Place


I want to know you
I want to hear your voice
I want to know you more
I want to touch you
I want to see your face
I want to know you more

Read more about this here:[link]

]]> =RJBerry MIA http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21028448/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/21028448/ Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:21:07 PDT [link]

Sometimes it is just more fun being someone else for a while...

Read about it here:

[link]

]]> =RJBerry in Abundance http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20992869/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20992869/ Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:05:10 PDT [link]

There is a saying: "When it rains, it pours." Most of us generally think of that in a negative connotation. An opposite would be my title, abundance. I am thinking, seeing and feeling the fall season fully upon us now. Living in a farming community and having farm land in the the family, I see the wagons of corn and soybeans headed to the local grain elevators. What was sown is now being reaped. In abundance.

Read the rest here:
[link]

]]> =RJBerry Setting the tone http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20838655/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20838655/ Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:07:26 PDT [link]

"Patience and fortitude conquer all things"
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of my most favorite things is opening my email and being surprised by a new image. I'm not one to really enjoy sorting through RAW images. It overloads my system. Personally, I prefer to get finished images as they are done. Sometimes the wait is longer for some, but I also believe that good things come to those who wait. That said, a nudge once in a while might hurry the process along, but generally I've been lucky to work with some wonderful photographers who send images in a timely manner. We are all busy with our lives. We all have responsibilities that keep us from finishing work that gets put on the back burner. But for me, getting those amazing images in the mail, totally unexpected, makes my day.

Read the rest here [link]

]]> =RJBerry Character is a Journey http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20741640/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20741640/ Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:13:25 PDT [link]

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Mary Oliver

]]> =RJBerry Male vs Female http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20650537/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20650537/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:49:40 PDT
Check it out here:[link]

]]> =RJBerry October to September http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20615816/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20615816/ Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:20:55 PDT [link]

Check out my latest post to see what the last year has been like for me:
[link]

]]> =RJBerry Done with thinking...today http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20509146/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20509146/ Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:30:08 PDT
Heading back home after a long visit with friends. Just a quick post with a couple of images taken at a very cool bar here in Detroit. I'm going to let them speak for themselves this time since I have to catch a plane...

Read the rest here:[link]

]]> =RJBerry Shades of blue http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20424593/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20424593/ Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:52:52 PDT ~Goethe

The sky was blue on Monday when I met up with my good friend Joe Crachiola at his studio. It became even bluer when Joe added the blue gel to the lighting. Like most shoots one really doesn't know how it is going to turn out until you see them uploaded onto the computer screen. Joe and I were definitely smiling when we got to take a peek. Success! We tried out a few new concepts that afternoon and were very pleased with the results of them all. There will be more coming...

more here: [link]

]]> =RJBerry The milkman...Jeebus http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20372298/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20372298/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:57:50 PDT
Continuation of the Chicago Hotel Series,.. the really, really messy part. The part that involved 2 gallons of fresh milk, the hotel shower, Jeebus, Iris and I (with the assistance of Tom Lane providing an extra set of hands for pouring milk). Unfortunately, neither me or Iris are fond of milk, and Jeebus wasn't swayed by our request to change the theme for his photo series from milk to red wine. So milk it was. Lots of it. We poured it onto each other, splashed it onto each other, and found a few other interesting and unusual ways to get the milk from point A to point B. A few of them actually resulting in us swallowing some along the way. The sacrifices we make for our art.

“;People can be induced to swallow anything, provide it is sufficiently seasoned with praise” Moliere

Images by Jeebus Haze
Models Iris Dassault and RJ Berry

Read more here:[link]

You should respect each other and refrain from disputes; you should not, like water and oil, repel each other, but should, like milk and water, mingle together.
~Buddha ]]> =RJBerry The long stretch http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20296425/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20296425/ Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:35:25 PDT
While in Chicago, when I was not shooting in the hotel room, I headed one morning to West Chicago to work with Oova Photography (Uwe Gsedl). Uwe and I had been planning a shoot together for a few months and finally we had figured out a schedule that worked for both of us. We discussed briefly a few shoot concepts online before meeting, but as I find it to go, they are usually thrown by the wayside once model and photographer finally meet face to face and actually start working together.

Read the rest here: [link]

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, and Faith looks up. ]]> =RJBerry Hotel rooms http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20214591/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20214591/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:38:03 PDT
Right after I got back from a weekend of shooting in Chicago, I logged onto Model Mayhem and found this thread posting: motel rooms are not sexy shoot locations[link]
It really made me laugh for a couple of reasons. One, obviously because I had just done a few hotel room shoots. And also knowing that there are photographers out there (outstanding ones, by the way) that primarily shoot that genre. D. Brian Nelson being one. Hotel rooms can be a fantastic backdrop for a shoot...sometimes sexy, sometimes humorous and always fun. At least when I am modeling. If I'm not having fun when I'm working, something isn't going right.

That said, I knew I had to share some of the wonderful images I, Iris and Tom Lane created together.

Read more here:[link]

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, and Faith looks up. ]]> =RJBerry It only hurts when I breathe http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20137869/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20137869/ Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:11:04 PDT
Read about it here:
[link]

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, and Faith looks up. ]]> =RJBerry Seeing Red http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20040799/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20040799/ Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:10:42 PDT [link]

It is interesting how certain terms we use in our everyday language can affect how we think of words within the saying. An example being the title of this blog, "Seeing red." When I use that particular saying, I'm referring to being extremely angry. So much so that my blood pressure rises, my face turns red and my heart starts hammering. Luckily, that doesn't happen too often to me. It truly takes quite a lot to make me "see red."

Read more here:[link]

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, and Faith looks up. ]]> =RJBerry A Summer of Abandonment http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20003089/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/20003089/ Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:23:42 PDT
Read more here:[link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Don't give up http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19910830/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19910830/ Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:54:08 PDT [link]

Almost six years ago at the ripe age of 35 years, I woke to find myself unable to get out of bed. After many trips to the doctor, emergency room and finally a rheumatologist, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune arthritis: ankylosing spondylitis.

In a nutshell, it is a chronic inflammation of the spine and the lower spine. Over time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of the spine.

Luckily for me, this type of arthritis can go into remission once the inflammation is controlled by several types of treatment options: use of medications to reduce inflammation and/or suppress immunity, physical therapy, and exercise. Medications decrease inflammation in the spine and other joints and organs. Physical therapy and exercise help improve posture, spine mobility, and lung capacity.

Read more here [link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Hard sun http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19844516/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19844516/ Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:53:35 PDT
Eddie Vedder

When I walk beside her
I am the better man
when i look to leave her
I always stagger back again

Once I built an ivory tower
so I could worship from above
when I climb down to be set free
she took me in again

CHORUS
There’s a big
a big hard sun
beating on the big people
in the big hard world

When she comes to greet me
she is mercy at my feet
I see her inner charm
she just throws it back at me

Once I dug an early grave
to find a better land
she just smiled and laughed at me
and took her rules back again

CHORUS

Once I stood to lose her
and I saw what i had done
bowed down and threw away the hours
of her garden and her sun

So I tried to want her
I turned to see her weep
40 days and 40 nights
and its still coming down on me

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Darkness and light http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19767094/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19767094/ Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:52:53 PDT
One of the things I find most rewarding when I travel to model is working with someone new. During the last two trips to Omaha I had the opportunity to shoot with Jim Hendrickson.

read the rest of the blog here:

[link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Sterling revisited http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19676874/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19676874/ Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:00:39 PDT
Warm summer sun, shine kindly here. Warm southern wind, blow softly here. Green sod above, lie light, lie light. Good night, dear Heart, Good night, good night.
~Mark Twain

The rooftop image was taken in the evening after we had all returned from a lovely dinner down the street. As Iris and I stepped out onto the tar paper roof, we savored the warm heat radiating from beneath our feet. The weather was so warm and mild that evening I couldn't resist raising my head so the wind could blow on my face and hair. It was glorious to be up there on the rooftop naked and completely wrapped in the warmth of the evening air.

read more about it here:
[link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Oil and water... http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19603172/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19603172/ Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:54:49 PDT
"There's always that oil and water thing going on, ...You don't know if people are going to congeal. Fortunately it's been great."
~Dave Mustaine

Who says oil and water don't mix? Not Frank Piccolo. In his studio anything can be mixed together. Two models, water, oil, plastic sheeting and a fabulous photographer. What a fantastic combination. The images speak for themselves. Thank you Frank and Iris for joining me on this ride!


Read the rest of the story here:
[link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry RJ's World http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19538082/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19538082/ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:38:44 PDT
Last Monday, DaveL stopped by my house on the way to St. Paul, MN to pick up a model for his cross country "trunk model" expedition. He arrived mid afternoon at my house in town, changed clothes and we headed out to my husband's family farm.

It was a refreshing change to have a photographer come from out of state to shoot me in my own environment. Although we don't live on this farm now, we did live out there for almost ten years. Some day I can imagine we will be heading back. It is so very peaceful out in the Iowa farmlands. Who else wants to come out and visit? My door is always open whatever the season. Just be sure to bring your camera and some creative ideas. The possibilities are endless. Ask Dave...

Read the rest of the blog [link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry When in Omaha http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19449425/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19449425/ Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:58:52 PDT
One of the best things about working with Andrew is not just the fantastic images he creates, it is also that his door is always open. We only live just over two hours apart. He has invited me to come back anytime...and soon, I hope. When I normally travel hours (flying) to work with photographers of his caliber, it seems ridiculous to pass up an opportunity to create art with him any chance I can get. Trust me, I won't.

It takes so little to make people happy. Just a touch, If we know how to give it, just a word fitly spoken, a slight readjustment of some bolt or pin or bearing in the delicate machinery of a soul.

~Frank Crane

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Hot and Cold http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19362419/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19362419/ Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:27:28 PDT
These images posted today are from the shoot Iris, Mandy and I did with John back in May. The first is from the abandoned building we worked in for two days. As I think back about how cold I was hanging from the beam in the top photo I really have to shake my head. It was 93 degrees out last night at 11 pm here. I was thinking about how miserable was, but as I look back at the shoot and recall shaking from the cold I can only laugh. It seems that modeling truly covers all ends of the spectrum when it comes to locations and weather. I will have to admit, I rather be hot and sweating than shaking from the cold. But, the bottom line is always what the end result is. This series with John proves that even when we can be absolutely freezing we can create some incredible work.

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Table talk http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19254742/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19254742/ Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:00:31 PDT
When I first received these newest images from Jim Young (they are from the Sterling series), my first thought was of my Dad. And his endless rules. He passed away last August unexpectedly and he comes to my mind out of the blue quite often these days. These table images especially brought up memories of sitting eight around a dinner table. I'm sure poor Dad is spinning in his grave about now...not just my elbows on the table here. All of me. That said, I can't help but add that they might not follow his ideas of table etiquette, but they are so very elegantly done. I'm very proud of this series taken by Jim at the Sterling Inn with Iris. Once again he captured me in a new light.

As I have grown up and have children of my own, I have found that I am following in my father's footsteps when it comes to table manners. As a parent you see that it isn't just about being polite at the table. It crosses over to everything you do. It is about respect. Dad wasn't being strict with us so we wouldn't act like animals at the table. He was teaching us how to be better human beings. That was truly the bottom line.

When I read Iris's last post about how someone took the time to have her and Jim's image taken off DA, it reminded me that not everyone views the importance of politeness and respect. There are obviously many people out there who don't care who they hurt, whether it is accidental or a devious plot. It shouldn't surprise me, but it does all the same. I guess I have to learn to be glad I had a father who took the time to teach the importance of such simple rules, and that I try very hard to live by them. Being an eternal optimist, I will always hope that people who go out of their way to be hurtful will someday learn the simple rules I lived under. Those rules make your life so much easier in the long run.

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Total randomness... http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19171272/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19171272/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:30:46 PDT
What I blogged about today...[link]


"Creativity is the ability to introduce order into the randomness of nature"
Eric Hoffer


No matter how much experience (or lack thereof) either the photographer or the model has, there seems to be a good chance that at the very least, one great image will be created from a collaboration. I know there are exceptions, but so far, I have been lucky enough to always walk away from a shoot feeling art has been created...even out of total randomness. And hey, isn't that enough?

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Boys don't cry http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19132913/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19132913/ Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:00:18 PDT
You sit there on the couch
Sipping your scotch and ice
You turn the TV on
And tune me out again

So what would you say to me
If you could talk to me
You could ask anything
I wouldn't lie
But you're okay with this
Damaging awkwardness
So I'll just play it safe
And keep it inside
'Cause boys don't cry

I used to hold your hand
So tight there was no question
But now even when you're near
I've never felt so alone

So what would you say to me
If you could talk to me
You could ask anything

I wouldn't lie
But you're okay with this
Damaging awkwardness
So I'll just play it safe
And keep it inside
'Cause boys don't cry

If you just stand beside me
I'll keep you in my life
Tell me how much you love me
And I'll be just fine
Don't be afraid of me

So what would you say to me
If you could talk to me
You could ask anything
I wouldn't lie
But you're okay with this
Damaging awkwardness
So I'll just play it safe
And keep it inside
'Cause boys don't cry

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Stop and Stare http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19038169/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/19038169/ Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:06:05 PDT
This town is colder now, I think it's sick of us
It's time to make our move, I'm shakin off the rust
I've got my heart set on anywhere but here
I'm staring down myself, counting up the years
Steady hands, just take the wheel...
And every glance is killing me
Time to make one last appeal... for the life I lead

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scaredBut I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're 'here' not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, can u see what I see

They're tryin to come back, all my senses push
Un-tie the weight bags, I never thought I could...
Steady feet, don't fail me now
Gonna run till you can't walk
But something pulls my focus out
And I'm standing down...

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're here not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, you don't need

What u need, what u need...

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be
Oh, do u see what I see...

Women of Avalon Blog [link]
Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Jem http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18967281/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18967281/ Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:19:54 PDT
Life, it's ever so strange
It's so full of change
Think that you've worked it out
then BANG
Right out of the blue
Something happens to you
To throw you off course
and then you

Breakdown
Yeah you breakdown
Well don't you breakdown
Listen to me
Because

It's just a ride, it's just a ride
no need to run, no need to hide
It'll take you round and round
Sometimes you're up
sometimes you're down
It's just a ride, it's just a ride
don't be scared
don't hide your eyes
It may feel so real inside
but don't forget it's just a ride
Truth, we don't wanna hear
It's too much to take
Don't like to feel out of control
So we make our plans
Ten times a day
And when they don't go
our way we

Breakdown
Yeah we breakdown
Well don't you breakdown
Listen to me
Because

It's just a ride, it's just a ride
no need to run, no need to hide
It'll take you round and round
Sometimes you're up
sometimes you're down
It's just a ride, it's just a ride
don't be scared
don't hide your eyes
It may feel so real inside
but don't forget it's just a ride

Slowly, oh so very slowly
accept that
there's no getting off
So live it, just gotta go with it
coz this ride's, never gonna stop

Breakdown
Don't you breakdown
No need to breakdown
No need at all
Because

It's just a ride, it's just a ride
no need to run, no need to hide
It'll take you all around
Sometimes you're up
sometimes you're down
It's just a ride, it's just a ride
don't be scared now
dry your eyes
It may feel so real inside
but dont forget enjoy the ride.

It's just a ride, it's just a ride
no need to run, no need to hide
It'll take you all around
Sometimes you're up
sometimes you're down
It's just a ride, it's just a ride
don't be scared now
dry your eyes
It may feel so real inside
but dont forget enjoy the ride.

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Flyleaf http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18879872/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18879872/ Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:53:41 PDT
My hands are searching for you
My arms are outstretched towards you
I feel you on my fingertips
My tongue dances behind my lips for you

This fire rising through my being
Burning I'm not used to seeing you

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

My hands float up above me
And you whisper you love me
And I begin to fade
Into our secret place

The music makes me sway
The angels singing say we are alone with you
I am alone and they are too with you

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

And so I cry
The light is white
And I see you

I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

Take my hand
I give it to you
Now you own me
All I am
You said you would never leave me
I believe you
I believe

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healed

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Devious Journal Entry http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18836941/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18836941/ Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:30:16 PDT
The road to positivity is strewn with the abandoned vehicles of the faint-hearted.
~Peter McWilliams


During the past two months I have had the opportunity to shoot in some incredible locations. This particular shoot took place in an abandoned building in Detroit. These images have a very interesting backstory I'd love to share...it all starts with Alex...

Read it all in my blog post [link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Devious Journal Entry http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18779816/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18779816/ Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:52:31 PDT
You can be anything you want to be, if you only believe with sufficient conviction and act in accordance with your faith; for whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.
~ Napoleon Hill

When I started modeling art nudes last summer, I would have never guessed the impact that decision would have on my life. At times the changes seemed gradual: working with a local photographer doing figure studies and body scapes, then traveling out of state once in a while to shoot, to now having a travel schedule booked months out.

Not only did the frequency of my shoots increase, but the content and range of my work expanded as well. It only makes sense...the more people you work with, the more varied images you create. I've learned so much in such a short amount of time. I've reached the decision now that I am not doing this work for the experience of it. I'm not out to shoot all I can...I want to focus on creating the best images. To reach this goal I know it will mean pushing some limits and trying out new concepts.

After collaborating with a wide range of artists: photographers, models and MUA's over the past several months, the images I am posting today express exactly that: another side or even persona of RJ Berry. Put on a corset, a wig, dramatic make-up and add a riding crop...who is that girl??

My goal is to keep finding a new girl...

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry A new song http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18634208/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18634208/ Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:31:45 PDT
This town is colder now, I think it's sick of us
It's time to make our move, I'm shakin off the rust
I've got my heart set on anywhere but here
I'm staring down myself, counting up the years
Steady hands, just take the wheel...
And every glance is killing me
Time to make one last appeal... for the life I lead

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're 'here' not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, can u see what I see

They're tryin to come back, all my senses push
Un-tie the weight bags, I never thought I could...
Steady feet, don't fail me now
Gonna run till you can't walk
But something pulls my focus out
And I'm standing down...

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be, oh
Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're here not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, you don't need

What u need, what u need...

Stop and stare
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared
But I've become what I can't be
Oh, do u see what I see...

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Sometimes you're up http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18470283/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18470283/ Fri, 23 May 2008 20:57:14 PDT
Life, it's ever so strange
It's so full of change
Think that you've worked it out
then BANG
Right out of the blue
Something happens to you
To throw you off course
and then you

Breakdown
Yeah you breakdown
Well don't you breakdown
Listen to me
Because

It's just a ride, it's just a ride
no need to run, no need to hide
It'll take you round and round
Sometimes you're up
sometimes you're down
It's just a ride, it's just a ride
don't be scared
don't hide your eyes
It may feel so real inside
but don't forget it's just a ride

Truth, we don't wanna hear
It's too much to take
Don't like to feel out of control
So we make our plans
Ten times a day
And when they don't go
our way we

Breakdown
Yeah we breakdown
Well don't you breakdown
Listen to me
Because

It's just a ride, it's just a ride
no need to run, no need to hide
It'll take you round and round
Sometimes you're up
sometimes you're down
It's just a ride, it's just a ride
don't be scared
don't hide your eyes
It may feel so real inside
but don't forget it's just a ride

Slowly, oh so very slowly
accept that
there's no getting off
So live it, just gotta go with it
coz this ride's, never gonna stop

Breakdown
Don't you breakdown
No need to breakdown
No need at all
Because

It's just a ride, it's just a ride
no need to run, no need to hide
It'll take you all around
Sometimes you're up
sometimes you're down
It's just a ride, it's just a ride
don't be scared now
dry your eyes
It may feel so real inside
but dont forget enjoy the ride.

It's just a ride, it's just a ride
no need to run, no need to hide
It'll take you all around
Sometimes you're up
sometimes you're down
It's just a ride, it's just a ride
don't be scared now
dry your eyes
It may feel so real inside
but dont forget enjoy the ride.

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry So you want to know more about me?? http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18160785/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18160785/ Sun, 04 May 2008 08:03:42 PDT
Check out an interview I gave:

[link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry I'm Wrecked... http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18123211/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/18123211/ Thu, 01 May 2008 19:06:11 PDT
You're not sure that you love me
But you're not sure enough to let me go
Baby it ain't fair you know
To just keep me hangin' 'round

You say you don't wanna hurt me
Don't wanna to see my tears
So why are you still standing here
Just watching me drown

And it's alright, yeah I'll be fine
Don't worry 'bout this heart of mine
Just take your love and hit the road
There's nothing you can do or say
You're gonna break my heart anyway
So just leave the pieces when you go

Now you can drag out the heartache
Baby you can make it quick
Really get it over with
And just let me move on

Don't concern yourself
With this mess you've left for me
I can clean it up, you see
Just as long as you're gone

You not making up your mind
Is killing me and wasting time
I need so much more than that

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Mercy http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/17935664/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/17935664/ Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:39:25 PDT
I love you
but i gotta stay true
my morals got me on my knees
I'm begging please stop playing games

I don't know what this is
cos you got me good
just like you knew you would

I don't know what you do
but you do it well
I’m under your spell


You got me begging you for mercy
why won't you release me
you got me begging you for mercy
why won't you release me
I said release me

Now you think that I
will be something on the side
but you got to understand
that I need a man
who can take my hand yes I do

I don't know what this is
but you got me good
just like you knew you would

I don't know what you do
but you do it well
I’m under your spell

You got me begging you for mercy
why won't you release me
you got me begging you for mercy
why won't you release me
I said you’d better release

I'm begging you for mercy
yes why won't you realse me
I'm begging you for mercy

you got me begging
you got me begging
you got me begging

Mercy, why won't you release me
I'm begging you for mercy
why wont you release me

you got me begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy
I'm begging you for mercy

Why wont you release me

[link]

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry Nothing Heals Me Like You Do http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/17845675/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/17845675/ Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:29:26 PDT
I'm coming home to you
I'm alive I'm a mess
I can't wait to get home to you
To get warm and undressed
There've been changes beyond my dreams;
Everybody wants me to sing
There've been changes beyond my grasp;
Things I'm sinking in

So keep me in your bed all day
Nothing heals me like you do

And when somebody knows you well
Well there's no comfort like that
And when somebody needs you
Well there's no drug Iike that

And where l'm home, curled in your arms
And I'm safe again
I'll close my eyes and sleep
To the sound of London Rain

Nothing falls like London Rain
Nothing heals me like you do
Nothing falls like London Rain
Nothing heals me like you do

Women of Avalon Blog [link]

Detroit Jam Sessions Blog [link] ]]> =RJBerry A brand new deviant http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/17745395/ http://RJBerry.deviantart.com/journal/17745395/ Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:52:30 PDT
Just opened my DA account this weekend. Been posting some of my favorite pics. Please be patient while my gallery grows. In the meantime you can head over to some other places and see what all RJ Berry is up to.

MM: [link]

Women of Avalon Blog: [link]

And my Detroit partners in art: [link]

Thank you all for the lovely comments and favorites.

I do believe this is going to be fun!

RJ Berry

]]> =RJBerry