Just a quick update before the weekend...

Studio 46 aka Where work gets done!

So here it is, Studio 46. You've seen it in a few shots before. Here's a quick snapshot taken by my wife of me doing some work there.

Chantel

It's been a long time since I updated but I will be posting pics at random from my shoots over the past summer and early fall. First up is Chatel. She was kind of quiet and shy when we first started shooting but warmed up at the day went on. Thoughts?

N'jeri, Brittany, and Nita

First up is N'jeri. She's 17 and this was her very first photo shoot. Even though she was nervous she did a good job and showed a nice range of emotion throughout the shoot. The second model is Brittany who shot for my Just Jeans and Little Black Dress series. Brittany is also new on the scene but was fun to work with and did great. Last but not least is Nita who brought a vintage look to the shoot that I found to be very refreshing and definitely a new look for my portfolio.

Lisa, Chuenee, and Stephanie

A nice mix of varying levels of experience. Lisa has been doing it for awhile, Chuenee for just a couple of years, and Stephanie is new to the industry. They all did great!

Continuity...

In this latest update we have Rogue Fatale, Aurora G, Chamia, and Opal Rose.

Growing up is hard to do...

I've been shooting for my Just Jeans series now since April and I am looking for growth in my work. I believe I've found it with these latest shots.

So you want to be a model? Here's some advice...

The majority of the shooting I do is with models. I shoot everything from commercial and editorial to glamour and artistic nudes. Over the years I have learned some things and figured I would pass it on to aspiring models that are trying to find their way.

1.) Modeling isn't easy and it's certainly not for everyone. Just being pretty is not enough. Only do it if you truly enjoy it and are able to tell a story and truly help to create art.

2.) Invest in yourself! You will only get out of it what you put into it. You will need to spend money on quality clothing, photographers, makeup artists, etc.

3.) Building a solid portfolio is very important. Your portfolio should show your range as model. For example, it should include a variety of styles from glamour, fashion, swimsuit, catalog etc.

4.) Always act professionally. Be on time, don't cancel at the last minute, and always confirm your shoot in advance. You don't want to gain a reputation as a difficult or unreliable model.

5.) Your skin is extremely important, so take good care of it. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Always have a recent, unedited picture of yourself available.

6.) Agents and photographers want to see the real you. Very natural makeup (a little foundation that matches your complexion is ok) and a clear gloss on the lips with your hair pulled back is fine. You can opt for no make-up at all if you have flawless skin. If your skin is not flawless and has a few blemishes, make sure that the agent and photographer are aware of it. Do not chew gum, chomp on candy, or take food with you to munch on. It is not professional. Bottled water is ok and you can eat when you leave.

7.) Learn to pose. You have to know your body and what poses work for you. Buy magazines and look at the models poses and facial expressions. Practice in the mirror and be able to pose on demand.

8.) Comp cards are a great thing to have and are often required at casting calls.

9.) Join a networking website for models. It will give you an opportunity to meet and collaborate with photographers, makeup artists, fashion designers, etc.

10.) Ask for a copy of the signed model release or trade agreement. This will alleviate any potential issues in regards to the usage of the pictures and when you will receive them.

11.) Stay focused. Time waits for no one. You may think that taking a few months off won't hurt you but it really will. No one is going to book you based on the images you shot last year.

12.) Never give up. Plenty of people will turn you down but one day you will get a yes!

Tinera

Back in 2007 I did my first shoot with a model. It was Tinera. Here she is again nearly 3 years later and still doing an amazing job.

The latest in my Just Jeans series

I've got two models for y'all in this update, KC and Laura. They both did a great job and will be back real soon to shoot again. Check out the great makeup by my wife, K&T Makeup Artistry too!

Studio or Outdoor?

Which do you prefer? I shot almost exclusively outdoors from late 2007 to early 2010. As I'm sure you can tell from my work, I'm extremely comfortable shooting outdoors and in studio. Natural light doesn't scare me nor does using strobes in my studio. Where I shoot depends on the look I am going for. I do enjoy shooting outside on a nice day though, especially when it's something that people don't expect to be shot outside. I guess to sum it all up, I don't have a preference.

Something new...

Here's a couple more from Zanneta's first shoot with me and a few from Friday night's shoot with Patricia who came up from Virginia to work with me and my wife. Enjoy!!

Zanneta's 2nd shoot

So Zanneta is back for a second shoot. This time it's for a jeans and topless series I am shooting. I'll just post one work safe pic from the set. To see another just check out my Model Mayhem page, 803118.

Zanneta and Kelly

Tonight I had 2 wonderful models come through for shoots. The first few images here are of Kelly, a great print model that I have worked with before. The final image is Zanneta, an aspiring fashion model who wanted shots for a Jet Magazine submission and a few casual shots for her port.

Just Jeans Pt. 1

So one of the series I'm shooting right now is entitled "Just Jeans". It features topless models wearing just jeans and possibly a pair of shoes. The shoots take place both in studio and outdoors depending on my mood that day and the models level of comfort. The first of the series was shot tonight and here's a pic from the set. Her name is LA aka Lost Angel and she was awesome!

Birthday Party @ Suite 18 in Baltimore

Here's a few shots from a birthday party I photographed last night. I was hired to walk around and get shots of the party goers and of course the host. Events in nightclubs and lounges can be tough on your equipment but the pay is usually good. Enjoy!

New Studio

On 3/25/10 we finally got our own studio in Baltimore, MD. Now we have a place that we can shoot anything, 24 hours a day, and even hold small events and meetings. Stay tuned for the great shots I'll be taking there and posting here from time to time.

Recent work...