I am frequently asked about modeling. I am no expert in that business, but do have experience working with models. I have helped building many modeling portfolios, provided some direction and even occasionally hire models for both personal and commercial projects. I have worked with models from beginners to established models represented by the Ford Agency.
My initial advice for anyone contemplating modeling as a hobby or career:
- Modeling “schools” are a waste of money.
- Real agencies don’t charge fees to represent you… they get paid only when you work in the form of commission from your compensation.
- The best portfolios contain variety, so when building your portfolio work with more than one photographer. There are professionals who occasionally help out beginners by trading their services for yours and providing some images in trade. There are also amateur photographers who need models to help them learn. That said, you often get what you pay for, so if you don’t get the best portfolio by trading, be ready to pay a professional.
- Use common sense and beware of scams, fraudsters, hucksters and creeps… and there is also what’s known as the “guy with camera” or GWC.
- Your safety is of absolute importance. Check references from other models. Unfortunately there are a few creeps out there posing as photographers. Don’t be afraid to check the sexual predator registrations.
My trade time is currently very limited due to client demands. However I do try to do at least one trade session per month.
Of course I am available for hire to help build or expand your modeling portfolio. A simple headshot session is $150 and includes one edited hi-res file and the license to use that image for any promotional purpose. Portfolio builder sessions start at $400 for 2 hours and includes digital negatives of the artist’s selected images. MUA and hair are HIGHLY recommended and can be arranged. I can also provide headshot prints, comp cards and business cards.
Here are some good resources for those who are interested in modeling.
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I’ve been looking for a great 4×6 photo album that is small enough for a soldier to carry in a cargo pocket, but tough enough to last years of daily handling. I finally found such an item. The Genuine Leather Rustic Rider Photo Album hold 100 4×6 prints and looks like it should both hold together and protect the images inside. If you’re looking for such an item, check this one out.
One tradition in our home is Saturday morning pancakes. For something like a dozen years, my wife has received breakfast in bed on most Saturdays. A couple of years ago our daughter started joining in on the fun of helping make pancakes. So this week’s pic is in honor of our pancake tradition.
Here’s something you don’t see every day around here… lots of snow on the ground. This week’s pic of the George Dickel sign was taken out in Cascade Hollow between Normandy and Tullahoma.
About a year ago I did a very fun shoot with Michael Maupins at the South Jackson Civic Center in Tullahoma. I shared this image at the time … but failed to share the best images of the shoot. Click on it to see all of our “shadow play.”
Definition of a Veteran:
A veteran – whether active duty, reserve, national guard or retired – is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America”, for an amount of “up to and including my life.” – That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
I believe this image was taken by SFC Nate Crawford, TN ARNG. I’m the one carrying the regimental colors.
Here’s a blooper from today’s senior portrait shoot near Estill Springs, Tennessee. The horse kept nibbling on Taylor’s hand… maybe looking for a treat?
The new football stadium at Tullahoma High School is undergoing last minute preparations for tomorrow’s opening. I was out there shooting a senior tonight and took this one before heading home.
One tiny hint for anyone planning to attend the game tomorrow night … or even anytime before the road is finished… wear your old shoes!
One of the really fun things about creating images on location is finding all sorts of really cool and different spots to shoot. Sometimes it’s obvious how to place and pose a subject in a certain spot. Sometimes it’s not. It’s not uncommon for me to jump in and demonstrate.
Recently I was shooting on a farm and wanted to use a great looking hay barn. So to demonstrate just how I was envisioning the image, I climbed up and took the pose. Amanda, my assistant for the day, took a shot.
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Then Rosalyn made it look good.
