Adventures in Modeling

                            Photo by Ryan Brandoff Photography

Sometimes modeling, while fun, is rather mundane.  Shooting in a studio ( or even a forest preserve) you go, do your thing, make some art / images and take a not too long trip home.

That wasn't the case with the shoot on 11/15.

Drove into the city ( which isn't too big a deal, I do that with some frequency) Met my awesome photographer, followed him to the site. So far, no biggie, right?

The site is called the Damen Silos- They have been abandoned ( except for some movie filming...Like Transformers) since 1977.   The land has been used since the early 1800's, ...in 1832 those silos burned, and they were rebuilt with concrete.They burned again in 1905 ( grain silos did that a lot, grain dust is super flammable)
"The John S. Metcalf Company, consulting engineers, designed and built this facility for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad in 1906. The original complex included a powerhouse, elevator with temporary storage and processing silos, and thirty-five grain storage silos. With a 400,000 bushel capacity, this complex could accommodate sixty railroad cars at the elevator and 300 railroad cars at a yard a short distance away. Equipmentat the site included two driers, bleachers, oat clippers, cleaners, scourers and dust packers. Using filtered water from the adjacent South Branch of the Chicago River, boilers with a total of 1,500 horsepower generated the steam and electricity required by the machinery. The thirty-five grain silos south of this facility had a total capacity of one million bushels. In 1932, a grain dust explosion ignited a fire which destroyed the original timber and brick building. The Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad rebuilt the concrete processing house with fourteen reinforced concrete silos; the capacity of the facility was increased to 1,700,000 bushels. After reconstruction, the rail road leased the facility to the Stratton Grain Company."

In 1977 there was another significant explosion and fire, and the land fell into disuse. 
You might think that it would be hard to get to...not at all...park at the local Target, walk across a highway overpass, and through a gate...which does not close.  No scaling fences, going around things, sneaking...nope right in the front gate. 
And you are greeted with MASSIVE buildings, with lots of colorful graffiti. 

See that first picture? That's our goal.  Climb into the building thru an open doorway and a semi convenient  giant concrete block.....go to the back of the building....and then, out the window, but the BACK of the building faces the river, and barges used to dock and get filled there...so the ground THERE is about a story and a half , a good 20-30 feet down.  So scurry out that window, swing over and grab the fire escape ( use the steel window mullions for footholds) .
THEN up the fire escape . That's not so bad, you say...other than it is missing LOTS of stairs...sometimes one, sometimes two in a row...sometimes the stairs are just loose on one side, so still usable...though it was nice the railing is quite secure all the way up, the handhold was good.  Up, up, up. then a small ladder set into the concrete...and THERE you are. 

Ah, but that VIEW. over 100 feet up...15 storeys up, the city of Chicago glowed and sparkled in the setting sun...a perfect fall day with that sky color that only happens this time of year.  To say is was beautiful would be an understatement.  The wind was blowing...it was time to shoot! 

That chimney shot...because all that height, wasn't enough.."climb up on that" the photographer says. LOL!

After about a half hour, it's time to make our way down, before we lose the light.  

Down we go, reversing our upward climb...the photographer offered to carry my makeup case, and clipped it to his backpack.  I carried the sword, the second photographer had the bag with my outfit change ( it had a shoulder strap) 

He isn't fond of heights, the photographer...not afraid of them, but the natural,ground dwelling, living thing aversion to them, he has that.  He hugs the concrete side of the building as we go down.  

It caused the latch on my little red, vintage makeup box to open...he thought if he moved forward, he could get it to close...it opened further. All my make up, brushes, hairspray...everything....clinked , and clanked as it fell and bounced down the open iron stairs...some of it becoming lodged in between the bars of the stairs, some of it pelting the graffiti artists below, some bouncing off the wooden dock into the stagnant water below them.  

The artists below, after the initial covering their heads for protection, saw what it was that was pelting them, laughed at our called "Sorry" and collected what they could into a little pile...we collected what  was wedged inbetween slats and bars  as we continued down.  

Lucky that I only had that one shoots worth of stuff in the bag, rather than it's normal EVERYTHING.  

We got down, the photographers collected what the artists had managed to gather, and I had my finger and black eyeshadow to change my look for the next set of photography .....it was not as finished as my thoughts had been ( in fact it was SUPER rough,kind of weird, dark, smeared...little tiny mirror and dark) but considering the location, that worked too.  

Then we went to dinner, me still in that messed up, black makeup look with the addition of a hoodie and South Park jammy pants...lol.  Awesome stuff, that. 

All in all it was an adventure, and I DID have a total blast!   Would I do it again? Maybe, but with less gear. ;) 

Surviving

Photo by Thom Rouse: Hat by Felt Happiness

I believe I have said it before, unless you have another income, ( like from a spouse or parent) it is almost impossible to support yourself solely as a model.  Some folks expand into promo modeling, or art modeling ( as I have done) but still,it's very hard.  Most models have at the very least part time jobs ( and the bulk, full time)  as waitresses, or retail clerks, admin assistants, dental hygienists....you name it, somebody is doing it,I am sure.

Why do I bring this up?

Two reasons.

One: Face the facts...you are not going to become rich and famous ( well maybe, a little  famous) but not very rich doing this.....unless you are the 1 tenth of 1 percent, that becomes the next runway , print and merchandising darling- it won't happen.  There are MILLIONS of beautiful people trying to "make it big" and most will not...that is just the odds out there.

Two: After 3 years of trying to make a go solely from the modeling, I just can't anymore....I have debts to pay, I have a kid going into high school,I have home repairs and frankly, things I would like to do....that takes more money than I am making.  Don't get me wrong... I LOVE what I do, but I am going to have to fit it around a closer to full time gig.

I have two interviews set up in the next two weeks...both retail...which allows a flexible schedule, so I can schedule around kid,husband, other gigs....but I won't be able to take last minute things anymore....unless I happen to have that day off...my schedule will become much more unbending.

Hopefully, it will only be for a couple years,and I can get back to doing what I love solely.... but something must be done....got bills to pay, and so many folks out there give themselves away for free, because it's just something fun for them...not something they are trying to make a living at.

I will continue to learn, and practice, and hone my posing, and styling and angles...and yes, you will still see me....but circumstances being what they are...a girl has gotta eat, and pay bills.

Still here

Absinthe Moon Photography


I am still here!  I know,it's been ages, but a break was needed....to heal, mostly.  In November, I broke my Big toe, if you remember, that took quite a while to heal...and during that time,my workouts were very abbreviated....it's hard to do many,many things, when your toe can't bend without pain...

Then Just when I was feeling pretty good, and back to working out ( for about a whole 2 weeks as a matter of fact. ) Per my last post...I cut my hand.

It is still not 100%. the feeling is still pretty off for a good portion of it, and the movement is still not quite what it was ( going to wait to get back to the heavy bag , until I can make a fist 100%)

BUT as of June 8th,I am working out seriously again.  Running  3-10 miles ( depends on speed) 3 days a week, Biking once a week ( 10 miles) Weightlifting one day, Yoga one day and dance ( usually ballet) one day.  I was up 30 lbs from my 120...not happy about that, but I will get back...and 30 lbs is a heck of a lot easier than the 80 I lost initially!  I am actually thinking about taking an "American Ninja Class" once a week as well...it looks challenging and fun.

S what does all this mean?
It means I haven't been doing much.
I had a great shoot with Thom Rouse the end of last year, That was supposed to be published in May...but that issue of the magazine has been pushed off, and pushed off because of "technical issues" Whatever that means....the publisher has published other magazines in his lines in the meantime,so to say I am confused, would be an understatement.  SO in the meanwhile, I wait...the hat maker, who was looking forward to her very FIRST publication ( as well as out first venture together) waits as well.  ( The below image is from that set.

In May  ( above image) I had a sheet from a modeling group I belong for and admin for "Dawn of the Dames" Those images as well, I have  submitted to a publication....I am just waiting to hear back. If accepted, it would be my very first publication in a print only magazine...rather than an online print on demand magazine, which is where I have been up to this point.  Finger's crossed !

I do have two shoots scheduled for this month, as well as some tentative things going on as well.

I AM BACK

I am ready to work.   

Thom Rouse

Woundings and their effects

So this has been a tough year for the klutz that I am.  Earlier this year, during a bathroom remodel that I was doing ( yes, I tend to do the remodeling myself,I enjoy it) I stumbled and tripped over a garbage can that was out of place ( more like stumbled , tripped and got tangled in the garbage can) Causing a broken big toe. I still managed to do my art modeling, with the aid of a stick for long standing poses....which I recommend anyway) But I missed out on one casting call, and wasn't at my best at another...I had to put off shoots, because I couldn't wear heels, and my workout schedule got totally out of whack.  I have healed from that, and had been on a normal workout schedule for all of 3 weeks.
But two weeks ago, I was cleaning the house, and dusting my Bat'Leth ( yes, I OWN a Klingon sword, and several other geeky ones as well, like Ramirez's from Highlander and New Moon from ElfQuest ) It fell off the nails it was hung on ( THAT has been remedied, It is now securely on the wall with actual sword hangers)   But I couldn't get away fast enough...It cut me, it cut me bad.  My left index finger got 13 stitches, the middle had 1. It missed tendons, but did cut through nerves.  So I am in an immobilizer for another 4 weeks, to give the nerves a chance to grow back.
So where does that leave me?
Missing out on a planned Underwater shoot, because it can't be soaked or take the pressure and movement of swimming.
Not getting hired for much, because...well my hand. ( even though I can still do head shots...and have FABULOUS ideas for them) as well as having ideas involving lots of feathers to camouflage. ( Oh, it is an EPIC idea!)  
I am still doing art modeling, there are some poses I can't do, but for the most part, that is fine.
My workout schedule is again messed up.  Though I have full use of my right hand, I can't just work out one side, that will be awful...so I will concentrate on abs and lower body.

On the up side, it could have been MUCH, MUCH worse, had I tried to catch it, or been slower getting away.  I could have easily lost a finger, it could have hit the top of my hand, severing all those tendons.  I could have bled on the white carpet. ;)

None of those things happened. True, Todd was in LA, but he pulled strings and rushed home early, so that he was there when I woke up from surgery. I have a great kid, who hung with me almost the whole time- and wouldn't let me go to the ER alone. I have wonderful neighbors who came to get the kid and take her home for some rest, when I was admitted. I have great in-laws, who came and sat with me , took the kid to eat and hung out until I went into surgery. I have friends who kept tabs on me,and checked up often,so I knew I was not alone. I am blessed, truly, and I am aware and grateful for it.

So here is to blessings, and here also to NO MORE WOUNDINGS!

Snakes and rejection

                                             Photo by Michael Barton Art 


So, you might remember me posting about a casting call to do a workshop ( paid) with snakes.
Though I very much enjoyed the casting call, meeting everyone and hanging out with the snakes,sadly I did not get the gig...but I REALLY wanted to shoot with snakes.

Well, what did I do?  I contacted the photographers that I had all ready booked a shoot to do some merchandising work with, and then contacted the guy who supplied the snakes to the casting call.  It turned out that he couldn't do it, due to scheduling,but had a friend that could.  I couldn't afford a full 3 hour shoot with him and his snakes, but an hour I could! ( especially since the photographer helped)

So I managed to toss together a photo shoot with two of my favorite photographers with snakes...WELL before the casting call workshop had theirs scheduled ( especially since theirs got delayed.) In fact I all ready have some images back!
I am a happy girl! ( not to mention, that the hubby was so enamoured with the snakes that we bought one from Reptile Rebellion, the guys that came out for me-his name is Grimm, and he is a Ball Python)

Now would I have really wanted to actually have gotten PAID to work with snakes? Yes. Would I have loved to be able to be ward robed by designer clothing? Yes.  But I took the information and a situation that I was genuinely bummed about and turned it into something I am pleased about...That is the way to do it.  Take your set backs and make them work, and learn from them if you can.

This business can be harsh ( though as rejections go, the guys that run the studio, were very kind, and very courteous about it..and I appreciated that, truly) You have to live with rejection,and keep your head up despite it...maybe because of it...whatever works for you.

I would have loved to get some feedback on WHY the rejection, so I could work on that aspect of myself ( if it is work on able...height or age, kind of stuck with) But it's ok, I will keep on.

Keep learning, keep growing and keep going.

Old goals, and new ones

By Cadence McCarrel

Last year I had some goals for 2014.  A model of the month contest, a cover, more publications, a print magazine ( as in one that can be bought at a store) merchandising work.

Well, I didn't get  any but the publications during 2014...BUT the first part of 2015, has been pretty good!

In January, I got my first cover, ( GEM Magazine, out of the UK) for their "Glitz and Glam" Edition.
In February, I won my first Model of The Month competition for The Alternative Model Directory ( for Cosplay) I also got in contact with a wonderful hat maker who will loan me her lovely handmade hats to shoot in.  So I met the goals a little late...better late than never!

More publications, are certainly on their way this year, as last year, which is a good thing.  This makes me happy too.

So I suppose, I will carry over the goals I did not meet to this year, and add some more?

So for 2015 my goals are:
A printed magazine
More paid work
more merchandising work
To go to more casting calls
Keep learning, keep refining, keep networking

Onward and Upward!

By Wolfshead Photography

Workshops

By: Blue Note Images

What about workshops?  Well, they are a great way to meet other models and photographers, thats what.
There are typically between 4-15 photographers , you get to work with most, if not all ofthem,and you get at least a couple pictures back from most of them ( make sure to pass on your card/contact info...otherwise how do they get hold of you?) It can also lead to individual work with particular photographers.
You get to meet other models, and see how they move and work- which can help you refine your own look as well.
The only downside is that there is GROUP of photographers,all trying to get their shot, and hearing the different directions all at once can be confusing.... the best groups are the ones that give each person a turn to direct, so as to make it easier for all involved.
How does one get involved?  Keep an eye on casting calls, and if any of your regular photographers teach as well...ask! They might not know if you are interested, unless you do!

Some workshops even pay, but at the very least, they are typically TFP.

Workshops...they are worth it!

I Am...and where I want to go

                                                      Photo by: G&D Studios


I am,as I have said before, a geek girl at heart.  But I am also an artist.... So while being drawn to cosplay and fun nerdy shoots, I am also drawn to deep, dark mysterious, moody and artistic shoots....I am more than happy to stand and show off clothes, or be silly and quirky if that is what you want me to do, but I want to do more too.

What does that mean to me,exactly?  Well that is when it gets hard to explain...how to explain "art" I want things that evoke a response, an emotion.I want to do things that haven't been seen before, I want to push my limits...I want to push the photographers limits.  Sometimes I want black and white and gritty images, but there is nothing wrong with pageantry and color either.

I suppose that I am a creature of contrasts...as truthfully, most people are. I like finding people that I can explore those contrasts with.  And I am very lucky that I have found more than one...and even more lucky that I can call them friends.

So, after being gone from here for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Holidays....1. I am thankful for photographers that will explore those contrasts with me. and I resolve to work more with them in the upcoming year.  ( and also do my best to be better about posting here more often. )

Though that brings up....what kind of content would you want to see here in this next year?  Musings? ( Images are a given) more informational things about the industry as I see it?    Let me know what YOU want to see.

Having Fun

Photo by Castle Rose Photographer 

Even when getting paid for a shoot, if the photographer does not give you specific directions...there is no reason not to have fun, not to play a little and for goodness sake, inject some of yourself into the shoot.

I recently shot with Castle Rose Photography , and really the direction that I was given was 'soft hair and makeup"  and "showing off the ink" That's it.  Why not show off the ink and bring in some favorite things?

In the process, I found out that the photographer and I share a love of  Doctor Who.  I brought the 4th Doctor arm warmers and knee socks, and the photographer HAD a stuffed Dalek and a TARDIS standee.  The rest of the set just came from that.

We experimented , we played we laughed,we had fun, and the images show that.

Being professional, does not exclude being able to have fun at the same time .

Patience

                              Photo by Cadence McCarrel



There are just a very few photographers that I do TFP regularly( trade for picture) with....Mostly because these are the ones that took a chance on me...the ones that brought me in ( and kept bringing me in) when I had no idea what I was doing...the ones that I am SUPER comfortable in and will pretty much shoot any wacky idea I come up with ( as I would do the same for them) Other than that, I get paid for shoots for the most part....even if that payment consists of a percentage of procedes from sales ( of calendars, prints whatever ) Payment does not have to be immediate.

However, when working TFP, there are things that one must remember.  Like patience.  Paid work for that photographer comes FIRST...that is how they pay the bills, eat, and all that other good stuff.  Trade work can and does get put on the back burner. The edits might take a while.... and bugging the photographer for them, is just bad form.

( Now if one is  GETTING paid to shoot...ANY edits they give you are nice, be appreciative!  They have all ready paid you for your time, unless agreed upon beforehand,they don't HAVE to give you anything else...remember that)

Above all, treat your photographers as you would like to be treated..with respect, and dare I say ,kindness?  This business can get catty, and snarky and ego driven....but you don't have to add to that.  Be NICE, you will be remembered for it.  

Dressing up and not

                                Photo by Wolfshead Photography


I admit, part of what I love about modeling is dressing up,and  playing characters for an afternoon, ( or morning) I get to be soft, or sultry, or my own nerdy self.  I get to be a badass, or a space alien, or wrapped in saran.... it is only limited by my ( and my photographers) creativity and the money I/ we want to spend.

I recently did a tattoo focused shoot,and for the first time I did a total  implied.( which for those that don't know that term, it simply means implied nudity.  Nothing is showing in the image...weather it be through draping or posing or sometimes shadows or props... but the model, behind that, is nude.)  The images are FB friendly, and again,show nothing, but the implication, of course....

So anyway, these really were the first total implied I have done ( I have done partials before) And though I am a little nervous about how they well turn out, I also know it is pretty much the best way to actually show all my front tattoo.

It isn't that nudity bothers me...it doesn't.  I model nude for art classes and clubs all the time.  For me there are two factors 1. nude, once it's on the Internet it is there forever...and 2. I must feel comfortable and dare I say feel the correct respect and vibes from the photographer.  Some I get that from, some I don't get that from...I suppose the other factor as petty as it sounds, is I won't  do it for free ( there are always some exceptions to that rule- life is like that...but the respect and vibe...that is non negotiable. )

So , there is nothing wrong with nudes...but make sure you are respected, feel safe and are not/ have not been pressured into it... and you know what? Don't give it away for free, you are worth more than that. ( and payment can be images that YOU KNOW will be works of art, it can be money, it can be something else you are bartering for... preferably it is for money AND art,) but don't do it for just anyone, and anytime....Am I making sense?

Gifts

By Gaylord Walter

I know, again, I apologise for not posting more often, and my excuse is the same.  I have not been shooting very much, but have been working mostly as an art model for the last couple months or so.  
Art modeling for me is much more consistent with bookings and pay than the print, or even promo modeling is, and I always love seeing how different artists will interpret the same pose, the same person, and in the classes even the same instructions....but they all come up with such different pieces.  And though I have seen all these lovely pieces, I very rarely actually get any.  ( a couple sketches here and there) And none ever finished.

This is a finished piece that a lovely gentleman by the name of Gaylord Walters brought in for me.  He is older, with a wry sense of humor, and he is a regular at a couple different drawing clubs that I model for. He brought this in for me, on a board, wrapped in plastic and very neatly wrapped in paper...When I thanked him sincerely for it, he said "you haven't even seen it yet"  I said I don't have to, because just the thought that he brought it in to give to me, I was floored by.

For me, when someone gifts you with something they have made, a piece of art from them, that is the type of gift that should be honored, and cherished, and trust me, I do.

 

Shoots , heat and weight

Photo by Wolfshead photography

So again, I haven't been posting much,mostly because I have been doing more art modeling things than photography... Would you like to see and hear about  some of that as well?

Friday,I had my first shoot in a while ,  the themes were "Superheroes" and " Gothic " pinup.
Michael ( the photographer) sent me this little teaser from the Gothic section.

What you can't see, is that I was melting, totally.  It was 91 according to the the thermometer in my car, Michael's studio is on the third floor, and only partially air conditioned ( the bathroom and front room, where we shot was not...this one, shot in the garage, even MORE not conditioned...probably 110 in there at least) I am sure that my face got red, even with the makeup, and was having to blot my face CAREFULLY, so as not to smudge makeup.  Heat is not my friend, was not my friend.... go ahead, try to get a full spandex body suit on, while sweaty.  I dare you...to say it as a little difficult, whew!  
Don't get me wrong, Michael is an awesome guy, and I had a good time, but extreme heat ( or for that matter cold) DOES make things much more difficult.  ( though it also made us go faster, to finish up....but that is not always a good thing, as there were poses that in retrospect, I would have wanted to try, but it was just so hot. ) So here is a word to the wise.... outside shoots, one expects to be uncomfortable because of heat or cold or rain or water, but inside....comfort should be taken into consideration. So Michael, as much as I like you... if we work together again, full summer would not be best time to do it in.

You may ask why I have not been shooting so much?
2 reasons really. One is that I am looking for more paid work- not that I won't do TFP, but it needs to be a concept that I haven't done before- something new...something that I have really been wanting to do...and most of those ideas are pretty conceptual.  The second reason, is that I had a bit of time where I got lazy with my eating and my exercise...and I gained weight...So I have beefed up my working out again , and paying more attention to food, so that, I will be able to see my ab muscles again.( not to mention, get into all ready waiting to be shot wardrobe)
Yes, let me make it clear, I do love my body, and I am fairly amazed at the things it has done BUT just because I love it, doesn't mean it can't be better- doesn't mean I stop striving...I had a hiccup, it happens, now it's back at it .    

Wow, time gets away !

I know,I know...again I haven't posted in a bit,and I am sorry!
And it isn't that I have not been busy,but that I have been VERY busy, but not with photography, mostly with Art Modeling.  So lots of new drawings and sculptures of me out there, but not a lot of new photographs.

What I did get a chance to do is of to Wizard World Chicago with my daughter and a friend and HER daughter.  It was the first Con the  three of them had ever been to.  We had a blast, just wandering around, taking pictures with people, catching glimpses of idols. ( Matt Smith, David Boreanaz, James Marsters, Stan Lee, Dave Batista, Karl Urban, Lou Ferrigno) We didn't pay extra for personal photo ops or autographs, it was a budget trip ( as much as one of these things can be, anyway)

I was dressed as a 1990's Black Widow, My daughter was Pikachu, and my friends daughter was Storm.  The girls felt like movie Stars because people kept stopping them and wanting to take pictures of them.  They had a blast ( and that was the point, yes?)




 

Manteno State Hospital

Photo by Absinthe Moon Photography

 I know, I haven't posted in a bit, but I had not been shooting much ( I have more shoots coming up, I promise)

Last week I had a shoot with Tim at Absinthe Moon Photography...to add to his series of corpse paint images.  For those that don't know what it is, the concept is taking something ( corpse paint) that is normally used by a specific segment of Metal Music bands ( usually, but not always male) and put it on a selection of models.  I took my shoot a bit further, using an outfit ( little black dress, elbow length gloves, heels) that would normally not be associated with Metal at all....making my particular shoot more of a Metal/ corpse paint/ glamour shoot.  We decided to try and do the shoot at Manteno state Hospital.

Built in the 30's,as a mental institution, it was open until the mid 80's, and is actually listed on Illinois most haunted places. In  '85, Reagan and the Sate of Illinois closed it, to save money and those patients that had no family to pick them up, were reportedly, turned out into the surrounding corn fields.

Most of the land and buildings, have since  been turned over to things like a Veteran's home, industrial/ office park, and other such uses.  There are only 2 buildings that remain un rehabbed and un used...the sewage plant and one of the dorm/ home type buildings.  ( I believe "Morgan House" is the name of the building - each building had a name )

After driving around a bit ( Manteno is not a big town, this is on the edge of it, and Google Maps, does not recognise "Manteno State Hospital" since it has been closed since 1985.    So Tim picked one of the companies in the industrial park, Frito Lay, and we just had to drive around searching a bit more.

The Interior designer/ history/ Home archaeologist nerd in me, noticed things like the arched windows, slate roof, double layered brick walls( two colors of glazed brick on the inside, red brick on the outside) and columned walks/ entrances. The building still has it's poured in place two colored terrazzo floor ( with metal spacers) under all the detritus. I could identify the bathing rooms, toilet rooms, maintenace rooms.  We did not go into the basement, or upstairs...too difficult and dangerous- I was in heels or flip flops at the time....not very good exploring wear.

They really were sunny, open, attractive buildings at one time.

    

Photo by Absinthe Moon Photography

The next thing I notice is that on this hot ( almost 90) sunny day, with standing water inside some rooms, from holes in the roof, there was not ONE bug....not a gnat, mosquito, fly....nothing.  Weird enough.

And as we walked, there was a constant whisper of sound...the tattered roller shades still on many windows, the rustle, creak and groan of sapling trees in the courtyard rubbing against each other and the roof, the breeze though broken windows and open doorways.

And then there were the random cold spots...and in one bathroom and one corner in particular...cold enough to raise goose flesh.  We were told that that particular bathroom was "Gennie's room"  Gennie was a patient who lived most of her life here.

Tim decided it was only polite to ask if he could take some pictures, of the room, the building, of Gennie.  He swears that he heard wordless whispering right behind him....he took that as a yes.

Do I believe in ghosts?  I believe  that there are things we don't understand,that only some can sense. I believe that imprints of our selves can be left behind. I believe that a place can absorb the energy that is inside it, around it ....and that energy can again, be felt much after the original use or events have happened. So yes, I guess I do.

After we finished our shoot, I only thought it polite to leave something.... an offering of sorts.  So I left one of the bracelets I had been wearing in "Gennie's Room" on what was left of a bathtub support.  I could swear that the room whispered at me.    

Not much

By Tracey Padron 

Sorry I haven't posted in a bit, but the modeling has been in a bit of a lull...both in art and in photography.  It will pick up again very shortly ( and has started all ready)

Shoots coming up are a death metal corps makeup/ glamour shoot with Absinthe photography ( I LOVE mixing things up and playing with concepts like this) , a shoot for a calender ( 2 of them actually- super hero and Gothic)

Stuff in the works...Phoenix tattoo with Ms Gingersnap and Michael Barton Art, Yoga ( not fitness, more art with deep shadows and lighting)

Ideas I have floating around include peacock and urban primitive....

The art modeling will REALLY pick up in August, when I am pulling quite a few double shifts, and working 4 or so weekdays.

Wine promo hopefully is ALSO picking up.

So, as with many things, it is merely the calm before the storm....and I will have lots to share when it hits!  

Parking, Bathrooms and Heat

Photo by Bill Rock

Had a shoot on Tuesday with a photographer I have not worked with before, by the name of Bill Rock. Super nice guy, architect and started photography doing architectural work...he was looking to expand  with "edgier" models, I was looking to do something with architecture.  Worked out for both of us, I hope.
We met downtown (not to self, remember to check when festivals are starting so as to know when roads are closed...turned out to be the day before Taste of Chicago- so the roads around Grant Park were closed, making my planned parking, more complicated than it was supposed to be. another note...when downtown, ask for parking money 32.00 to park, whooee!  )

Chicago is such a great city for architecture, had we time and the feet for it there are PLENTY of other great buildings/ places to take pictures ! But we went from The Art institute to the Auditorium Theatre, to the El and the riverfront- so  a good walk and great places to work.

People, which I thought would be an issue, just weren't. They would wait for the shutter to click, us to wave them through or go behind Bill, so not to impact shots.  Some watched, but not obtrusively,and not for long. The people were nice. had a man with quite possible the lowest, most gravely voice I have ever heard, tell me I looked good, and several compliments of wardrobe ( shoes especially)

The problems we ran into were wardrobe changes ( a restaurant restroom, isn't the best, but it worked.  Could have been worse, I don't think I could have handled a port-o-potty ) Make -up touch ups...well we did the best we could in the bathrooms, and with the heat ( it was almost 90) I will tell you, leather shorts may be shorts, but they get STICKY...how my face was not totally flushed from the heat, I don't know.   Hair had to remain simple...I started with it up, and gradually took pins out , a little teasing and spray was all I could manage in the time and space ( and wind) I was dealt.

But overall, I think it went great. Bill seemed really happy with the images he got, I certainly am happy with the sneak peaks he provided.
All in all, another adventure, another different experience, with images  to prove it.  

Storms , hotels and Wolves

Photo by: Laura Dark

So on Sunday I had my much anticipated shoot with Laura Dark.  ( I have admired her work for a couple years now- and when presented with the chance to work with her AND wolves, I jumped!)

The hubby came with me as Columbus is a bit of a drive, and we had decided because it was we would drive down on Saturday, shoot on Sunday and drive home on Monday.
We took the "scenic" route, through little towns and two lane highways.  It was a nice, cloudy day ( we had to go through a couple rain bursts, but not awful ones)

Driving through the Midwest, off highway is for me, a very "homey" experience.  We went through places that look like childhood homes, family neighborhoods, place where my childhood was spent.

The shoot with Laura started at 10 am and makeup and hair ( 3 other women were shooting in that session) so there was 2 make up and one hair person ( thank you ladies, you did a stellar job on all4 of us!)
The shoot itself started a bit after 1, when the wolves and their handlers came to the studio.

Cana, the wolf for the shoot came in, and quickly eased my mind on how stand offish she would be...which  she wasn't at ALL.  She immediately came in, smelled, and started rolling around on the floor, on our feet, begging for belly rubs and kisses. During the shoot, it was harder to get her to not lick your makeup off, than anything else.
I am well aware that Cana is a human socialized wolf, and trained in "ambassador" work.  That a wild one would be far more shy, and timid, especially without the rest of her pack.  I am also aware that wolves do NOT make good pets...they are NOT the same as dogs, despite their similarities.  But working with her, was totally amazing, I do have to say.

The shoot itself was not long. Laura is a very deliberate shooter... she waits for the shoot, shoots, then waits again.  She is  looking to have 10-12 good images of which she usually pulls 6 or so.  Cana, made it take a little longer than I think is normal for her...but you have to work around the animal...she won't work around you.

( and by Monday evening I had gotten my finished images back)

When the shoot ended, the wolf had gone home, we had gotten out of wardrobe...hubby and I went back to the hotel. He was tired, as he had not slept well on the marginal mattress.  He said something like" I wish I was home" even though we weren't scheduled to go home until Monday, and had prepaid the room for another night.  It wasn't as though we had plans...so I said "why don't we go, if you are up to it?"  He perked up...and off we went.  Again on the scenic route , the weather was even nicer than on Saturday...my only downside, that I ran out of reading material on my kindle .

Made it home, slept in out own bed, made the kitties ( Chemo, Rogaine and Venus) happy.
Monday was a lazy day...then the Derecho blew into town.  With it's lines of severe thunderstorms , rain and wind.  It turned out well, us leaving early, as we would have been driving in that mess, had we left on Monday.  Instead we watched it safely through our own windows.  As I write this,  there are still many without power and many areas with much flooding and tree clean up today.              

Conventions

Photo by: Michael Barton Art

So I attended my very first tattoo convention yesterday. I had zero idea of what to expect, and so was open to anything.  Went with a friend (and photographer) as well as my daughter.

So, the Chicago Tattoo and Body Art Expo at Navy Pier....

If someone is wanting a tattoo ( not HUGE) there were easily 200 tattoo artists. They had their portfolios, and their equipment....some were also selling t-shirts, art, posters ( even some skate decks)
So my friend got a new script tattoo,and touch up of an existing one from an artist out of Rhode Island- quite reasonable 150 for both .

We got  4 free t-shirts, plus a free print, and easily had 4 different tattoo artist tell me I HAD to enter the tattoo contest later in the evning.... so for 10 bucks I did.
First problem...I was wearing regular shorts and a halter top.  I figured that was hiding a great deal of the tattoo. So first I want in search of a bikini bottoem or something....I managed to find some booty shorts ( complete with three little pink lip prints)
So after having to wait a  LOOOONG time for my segment to be called, I took off my regular shorts, walked up the stairs to the stage, turned for the judges, walked to the end of the stage and turned for the audiance . Even though I was really nervous, it wasn't bad.
My tattoo isn't totally done ( one session left) But I figured what the hey., might as well try...one never knows. Besides, life is meant to be lived!
 I didn't win, but the winner was AMAZING...picture a Japanese sleve with dragon, koi, flowers,clouds, water....but done HYPER real.  With the shading to not only look 3-d, but the koi actually looked wet ( and a super nice guy, while waiting for results , he was showing me pictures of his grandkids)

So, all in all ,I figure I willgoto the next one, my ink willbe done, and I might have a chance...the girl wants to come with, and I will put a swimsuit under my clothes.  But if you are into tattoo's I reccomend going at least once.
  

Trolls

Photo by: G&D Studios 

Photo by: Micahel Barton Art 

What do these two images have in common? ( Other than the obvious that they are of me) Both in corsets, both with "strong" arm positions, both with hair down...both with slightly challenging. or again "strong" expressions....both had the ever popular "internet troll" say they looked like a man..or a"dude" .

Now, I am very aware that when you put yourself out there,in pretty much any capacity, you run the risk of negitivity...this is the nature of humans and especially the internet...you can't let it get to you, and I don't.  But me being me, have a need to analyze.  ( Silly, I know)

So really the only thing that comes to mind is neither of these are "soft". Not only do they both have some small amount of definition in my arms ( believe me, I want MORE) and neither have a "sexy" or "breathless" or "shy" look on my face...they have a little smirk, a challenge, maybe even a  bit haughty .
That's all I have...do you think I look like a "dude"?  Seems to me that I lack one major anotomical part, and have an additional two , rather prominant ones :)

Regardless, I will keep doing what I am doing, keep challenging myself ( and hopefully others) and not ever let the Trolls bring me down...( and I certainly won't feed them!)