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!!