We no longer need a camera man.

Your work is good, but you lack the experience for us to put our trust in you.

Oh, I just put that ad out to trap fools like you. I need someone to watch my store overnight for the next five nights.

Snapshot shuddered at the last thought. He shook the memories away and slammed a fist into his knee as he tried to bring his confidence up. “Ow.”

The black stallion brought his knee up for a moment and let out a sigh. This was his last shot at getting a photography job before he was gonna end up broke and on the side of the street. If that happened, he might have to sell his camera for food money, and then he was pretty much toast to ever getting a job in Canterlot. Not that anyone is really looking for one.

“Excuse me, but will Mr. Snapshot come with me please?”

Snapshot stood up after picking up his portfolio briefcase. He couldn’t help but blush at the young secretary and her beautiful light brown fur. His eyes flicked down to her large chest and then shut out the thoughts. Focus man. This is your last chance and you have to show him just what you have to offer.

The two walked through the large building while Snap couldn’t help but glance into the different offices for various magazines. However, the stallion they were to see wasn’t on this floor, but the top one instead. The secretary shuffled into an elevator with him and the doors closed with a bang.

Snapshot cleared his throat loudly as he found his gaze brought to the mare’s attractive figure. “So… how is it working for a big name like Mr. Rag?”

She twirled a strand of bright blonde hair around a finger in thought. “It’s decent. Pay is good and he is a rather respectable man. Keeps asking me for these odd requests though.” She glanced at Snap who merely raised an eyebrow. “He’ll probably want me to stay for your interview. He keeps having me stick around, but then nothing happens except for the photographer storming out.”

His white tail flicked over and covered his camera bag as he paled. He was probably going to be asked to give a live demonstration of his skills, and his throat dried instantly at the thought of photographing such a mare. You’ve taken pictures of plenty of ponies. It’s just one more, right? “Nngh.”

“Are you okay?”

He bolted upright and tried to force a smile. “Of course.”

The mare took a step back as the doors slowly opened to reveal a large open space. After a moment of taking in the many couches and tables, Snapshot realized that this wasn’t just an office, it was very possibly where Rag lived. Talk about nice. He glanced out of one of the large windows and could see himself jumping out and spreading his wings high above the Canterlot buildings.

“I bet he would be flattered that you like the apartment, but I suspect that he needs you to enter his office now.”

Snap scratched his head as he tore his eyes off the beautiful horizon. He needed to focus, and now was not the time to lose himself in the sights. A quick glance back at the skyline and he swore to himself that he would get a picture for his portfolio before he left. He opened the door on the side and glanced in. “Mr. Rag?”

A red coated stallion stood up from behind a large wooden desk and straightened his tie. “Please do come in. Note, do you think you can stay outside?”

The secretary nodded slightly and gestured for Snapshot to walk inside. He straightened his button up white shirt and patted his black slacks before striding in. “Hello sir, my name is–”

“Useless.”

Snapshot froze. His hand merely twitched in midair and Mr. Rag got up and smoothed his short purple hair back before walking forward in his silk suit. A strong grip crushed Snap’s hand and brought him back into reality. He squeaked out, “Why?”

Rag raised an eyebrow. “Because last time I checked, no one has needed a new photographer for almost four months. Especially not one as young as you. Just turned eighteen, recently graduated high school, no formal training. I would say your chance at a job is about as low as me sprouting wings and casting magic.”

Snap slowly nodded, his eyes losing focus. “Then why am I here?”

Rag chuckled. “For a job of course. Now give me your portfolio.”

Snap slowly sat down and brought out his portfolio with shaking hands. “Here you go sir.” The man swayed in his chair, feeling dizzy and lightheaded while Mr. Rag examined the pictures. Most were discarded, but three were kept near him and under intense scrutiny. Sunset over a Storm? The looming Castle? I really hope that one of them is Firebay from a Cloud.

Rag gave him a small smile and put the three photos down. They were the only pictures of other ponies kept within the folder and Snap paled at the sight. “I swear sir, there are better pictures in there.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Really?” He paused and watched as the young man put his head down. “Because what I see here are three very beautiful pictures. In each one the background frames and augments the regality of a noble, the strength of an elderly man, and the kindness of a mare that I could only guess is your mother.”

Snap’s head came up in a split second. “How did you–”

“It is the feel of the picture boy. I can simply tell from that glowing smile that the woman cares for the photographer in only the way a mother can. You have a gift for photographing ponies, a talent I don’t want wasted. However, as I implied, none of my papers have openings for someone as new as you, nor my current magazines.”

He looked away and slowly nodded. However, something now bothered the young pegasus. He turned back with furrowed brows and risked raising his hopes by a small margin with, “Current?”

Mr. Rag stood up and clasped a firm hand on Snap’s shoulder. “I want you to be lead photographer on a new project of mine that I have been trying to start for some time now. It is ambitious, and your name will go down in history if it works out. You will be paid well and expenses for the job paid out of my own pocket. Are you interested?”

“Of course!”

“Then go ask my lovely secretary to get undressed and take a naked picture of her.” He paused as Snap’s jaw went slack and he glanced at the door and then back at Mr. Rag. He pointed at himself and then back out. “Yes. You,” He said while pointing at the young stallion, “need to go out and ask my assistant to disrobe and then use this, “ He paused to tap a hand against the camera bag Snap still had on, “to take a picture. Now go.”

Snaps slowly nodded and stepped out the door. Mr. Rag sighed to himself. Please. Please let this be the one. I understand there will be a curve, I understand that it will be tough, but let him get a couple pictures to show his skill, and I bet he could even get Celestia to disrobe. Please, just don’t let him–

Smack!

Snapshot could hear the sound of hooves and a feminine voice cursing out both him and her boss as his vision started to return from the sudden impact from the secretary. He put a hand to his cheek and mouthed “Ow.” He then saw a red face beaming over him and was pulled up to his hooves. “I knew you would do it. Welcome to Playcolt Snapshot. I’m known as Mr. Rag, but please, call me Smut.”

Author's Note

For other chapters there may be restrictions on your suggestions, but this is the first girl and Mr. Rag really just pulled a name out of a hat so everyone is fair game. Give unto me your comments, suggestions for girls, and let us see what trouble we can get into.

*Edit* One character at a time please.*