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.

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

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.  

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 .    

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.              

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!)

Disappointment

Photo by: Cadence McCarrell

Have to say that I am a little disappointed.  Hubby and I are going to Las Vegas next week ( Parents are going to watch the kid, cats and house) and I was really hoping to be able to book at least one gig  while we were there.  I got one answer, when I told them when I would be there " we only work with local models" How weird is that ? I tell you when I will be in town,tell you that I will have a car ....anyway, that is a silly way to do business, you would think a chance to work with someone not in your geographical area would be interesting... and it isn't as though you can't e-mail people I have worked with before for references .  Well, I am STILL open for shoots May 20-22, in Vegas....but you have to book soon, otherwise I won't bring my kit with me....though hey, if there are no bookings... more time for me to hangout by the pool!  ( and that isn't a bad thing at all.....as long as I have plenty of sunscreen! )                                                                                                                                                                                    

Mad Housewife and Promo Modeling

I know many models that also do promo modeling, and I have joined their ranks.   I am now doing tastings and promo's for Mad Housewife wines.  They have a great price point, are quite tasty, and lets face it, have a great label! 
There are 6 kinds and all of them are a wonderful buy! 

I will be in TWO places this week alone.

On Friday ( May 9th) I will be at Woodman's in North Aurora ( 151 Hansen Blvd. North Aurora) 


On Saturday ( May 10th) I will be at the Walt's Finer Foods in Homewood (2345 W. 183rd St. Homewood ) 12-3.  

Both days  I will be offering tastings,have bottles to buy , and there will be give away prizes when you buy three bottles  or more and mail in forms to get great Mad Housewife merchandise if you buy more.  

This is a fun,quirky label,  and I think it will be a fun thing for me to do. ( and lets face it,make a little money) 

So come by, see me,buy some wine ( I'll even autograph it for you if you want LOL) 

Photo by: G&D Studios

Soft

Photo by: Cadence McCarrell 

I tend to do "hard" shoots. When I say that, I mean more "edgy" "funky""dark" or "punky" shoots.  It isn't as though I don't HAVE a softer side, but I naturally gravitate toward that look...so when finding outfits, that's what I pick first.   And since, at this point 99.9% of the time, I supply my own clothing, that is what gets shot ( I would LOVE to do a latex shoot...unfortunately I worry about reaction as I do have a mild allergy to it...ending up broken out and itchy, isn't really worth it, unless I am making a lot of money.... and even then, it would be iffy)
I ,of course, am open to other clothing, especially sponsorship...don't hesitate to contact me.
I am constantly trying to stretch, so when I found this dress, I immediately bought it...I am glad I did.  I tried to run with the softness of the dress with hair and makeup....I think I pulled it off .

Lightbulbs and prom dresses

Photo by: Michael Barton Art 

Photoshop

Photo by: Michael Barton Art

 There is always quite a bit of chatter about the "evils" of Photoshop.  But what many people forget is that Photoshop is much more than  making someone thinner or taller or whatever.  It is about changing backgrounds,it is about color correcting, or fixing lighting,it is about fixing stray hair,or getting rid of under eye circles or a zit, it is about getting rid of wrinkles in clothing.
Photo retouching is NOT a new thing,it has been around almost as long as photography has...except in the past, it was done by hand. They would tint photos, fix issues and what have you.
( Amusing family story... My Great Grandfather ( step) only had one eye, (as he had been kicked by a mule when young) he didn't wear a patch,just had an area of smooth skin where the eye used to be.  At my Uncles wedding in the 60's, he of course, was in many of the pictures , as was expected of the grandfather of the groom.  The photographer, hadn't really bothered to ask or had not spoken directly with Grandpa Clark, and had a bit of a freak out when the negatives came back.  He thought something had gone very wrong with his camera ( not really thinking it through that it only happened to this one specific person)  and very carefully, in every picture Grandpa Clark was in, drew in his missing eye.  When Grandpa Clark saw them,he smiled, and laughed, and said something like "Huh! That"s what I look like with two, handsome fellow!"  )

Photo by: Mike Jones MYK Productions

      These two pictures here are  good example of color saturation as well as overall smoothing. Photoshopped image is the top one)   Photoshop can fix makeup issues ( or add makeup where there is none   )   It really can do a great deal, though most photographers would prefer that as much as possible is  done " in camera" before Photoshop gets involved,but some things just aren't possible, that is real life. Photoshop is just a tool,and used well it is a good one. When people talk about using un Photoshopped pictures in magazines,I don't know if they realize that even school pictures are shopped, to a certain extent ( that option for "blemish removal"? yes,Photoshop)

And when we talk about fantasy or art photography, Photoshop can be even more involved. Flaming swords and tigers and wings are generally just not practical ( or inexpensive) in real life.  ;)

So just remember, Photoshop can be used with a light touch or a heavy one.  It can be used to manipulate a picture, a background the color of an item of clothing.... it is a tool ,nothing more . And also remember there are people who are artists with it,and those that are not very good at all.
      

Submissions

Photo by Blue Note Images

Part of being a "freelance" model is submissions ( although, technically I have been signed by Kingdom Model  talent Agency and The Twisted Agency.  But Kingdom, my local agency deals more with "lifestyle" and commercial type work and Twisted is UK based, and still working on getting really established here in the States. So neither, at this point have gotten me any paid work)

You submit to magazines, you answer e-mails, send packets to casting calls, and you submit to  agencies ( as long as any agencies you are all ready signed with are non-exclusive ones)
I submitted to Inked Magazine to be one of their models as well as sending a packet with pictures and stats and such over to Famous Inked Models today ( which is a branch out of Famous Models) They  specialize in tattoo models, unlike many other agencies, that from what I see, don't quite know what to do with me. ( Which I don't mind, As I myself am not sure what my "nitch" is...though I know there is one!  They are based out of LA, but do bookings all over.  I am hopeful that they will see that there is a market for the older tattoo model, as I am all ready working and booking my own gigs.... but having a big agency might just give me the push I need to really get going.

Econica, a first look

Photo by: Michael Barton
Dress by Econica

So I did my first shoot with a piece of  Econica's clothing line ( this is a piece I had recently ordered from her- not one of the ones she is sending me- which is still a mystery, as to WHAT she is sending me. I am truly antsy to find out- I know I will love anything she does though )
I wanted to do the shoot, to give her a base point, so she could tell me if she wanted anything changed stylistically or  lighting wise. ( or any other way)  Before I got a whole bunch of stuff, and shot. I want her to be happy with the images,and I want them to be usable for her upcoming stand alone website.

So what do you all think?  How is this for an online  catalog ? What changes do you think I should make for the next shoot? By the way, this is her " Long pullover tunic dress with pintucks and asymmetrical hem"     The sleeves are a touch longer than normal, as I like them long.

I am truly excited about this whole prospect.

Summer Bookings

Photo by Michael Barton Art

Summertime is usually when bookings ( at least for me) tend to pick up.  Which makes sense. People can get out of the studio,and if they don't have a studio to work out of,outside is  a good call for a great many types of shoots.

That being said, I am always looking for bookings.  For alternative local  bookings please contact me through this blog ,or though my FaceBook page, at ChristaC1313
For more lifestyle , Editorial or Fashion type shoots please contact my local agency , Kingdom Model Talent Agency at info@kingdomtalentmgmt.com
And international opportunities  ( UK or Europe) (Though keep in mind, I am not able to travel for the most part... so clothing or accessories would have to be sent to me ) Please contact  The Twisted Agency at info@thetwistedagency.com

So far, this summer, the following dates are booked with photographers. ( I have other dates booked for Art / drawing modeling, which do tend to book out, so please don't wait too long, or the summer and nice weather will be over .  That would indeed make me sad)
There are also a couple other concepts that don't have specific dates at the moment, but are going to happen... that would include at the least a Fairy Shoot  and a Tattoo/ Phoenix shoot with another tattooed model.  So again,don't wait!

April 25th-McCarrel Photography-High fashion Cats
May 30th- G&D Studios- Cowgirl and nerd pinup
May 31st- Absinthe Moon Photography- Black Metal Glamour
June 14th- Thom Rouse for The Clothed Image Catalog
June 29th- Larura dark photography- Ethereal Wolf

So if you have an interest in booking something, please contact one of the above e-mails, depending on what your concept/need  is.