In the past, almost all my models were just friends of mine who just happened to be beautiful and had amazing clothes to wear. Every once in a while, I'll get approached by someone who happens to have a certain look I'm looking for at the moment. I accept submissions from interested subjects online. Just email me and attach a few images (preferably in the form of low-to-medium resolution individual JPGs.
Also, with new models, I always require a meeting before any shooting is done. I like to know a model first, and I like them to know me. This just makes for a more comfortable and relaxed shoot if and when we work together. So it helps that the models I work with are in the Southern California area. I am located in Hollywood. If they are out-of-town, they may still send photos. If I like their look, we will then discuss if they're coming to my area and then we'll set up a meeting time.

I'm currently not really looking for new models because I have such a backload of ones I've promised to work with throughout the years. But that shouldn't stop models from sending me photos anyway. I like to keep a variety of models on hand for future consideration.
Generally, I like working with a variety of looks. I don't have one particular style that I'm after. The most important qualities that I look for have to do more with personality than outward appearance. I like girls who don't take themselves too seriously and are willing to laugh at themselves. I don't like primadonnas or bad attitudes.
As far as appearance, I like slender girls (not exclusively, however). I like narrow waists. I like breasts to be natural (no fakies please) and small-to-average-sized (again, not exclusively). I like girls that have a great sense of personal style. I don't like the typical "model-look". Unique style and beauty go a long way with me. I like looks that borrow from past eras (especially 1940s through the 1960s). A good wardrobe is also a big help.

Work is done in exchange for digital files which may be used on the models' personal websites with permission from myself.

I occassionally accept personal commisions. Please inquire.

In general, I do not like to have my work on sites that feature typical adult material, especially the ones that are "banner galleries". If your site is artistic and intelligent in nature, then I will consider doing something with you. This is, however, decided on a case-by-case basis.

Besides my photographic inspirations that I detail on my bio page, I find music to be my biggest inspiration. I love all kinds of music but have no musical talent whatsoever. As a result of this, I try to make up for my lack of musical talent in my photography. Whether or not it comes across to the viewer, this is how I think of my work. For example, out of focus or ethereal backgrounds in my photographs act as underlying bass lines. Points of images that come into focus act as percussion marks. And the subject matter or model acts as lyrical content. My main inspiration is Johnny Cash for his honesty and personal artistic integrity. Other favorites of mine include the Pogues, X, Tom Waits, Hank Williams, the Replacements, PJ Harvey, and others that I can't think of right now.

I have no formal training in photography. My dad taught me the basic darkroom procedures, and that's about it. Everything else I learned on my own. Once I had my style down, I just started taking photos of my friends.

Just stay true to yourself and shoot what you want to shoot. If you shoot material because you think it has a potential of selling or being trendy, then your work will lack a sense of honesty and personality. Pursue pro-photography if these are your interests.

For my black and white photos, I shoot Kodak T-Max 400 with a Mamiya 645 Pro. For color work, I shoot with Fuji Reala print film or Kodak Ektachrome with an old Canon A-1 or simply a point-and-shoot camera. All my light sources are natural or existing light. I never use a flash with the exception of my point-and-shoot camera.

"Diet" is pronounced just like Diet Coke. I used to be in an experimental punk rock band called Coma Diet. For years, people referred to me as Steve Diet. So when I decided to get serious with my photography, I decided to keep my nickname in addition to using my real last name, Goedde, which is pronounced "geddy".

All images ©Steve Diet Goedde. All rights reserved. Images may not be reproduced, downloaded, or hotlinked without the consent of the copyright holder, Steve Diet Goedde.