Tuesday, November 24, 2015

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. ;) 

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

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.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

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

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

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!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

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.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

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



Tuesday, February 17, 2015

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!