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!

Win Some, Lose Some

Photo by: Michael Bsrton Art

Photo by MYK Productions

Modeling seems to be a hit or miss type of job. Timing, Schedules and most importantly LOOK all seem to be key in getting published ( or anything else) Connections don't hurt either.

The wins for today... Got news that the first image, above,  that I had entered in a contest over at Obscure Magazine  won FIRST PLACE ( voted on by the staff members, for pose, look, quality etc.) Which means in May's edition I will have a two page spread.  To say that I am excited by this,would be an understatement.  They are very picky about their images, and only pick real quality and artistry.  So this is a great honor for me, no question. I really wasn't expecting a win AT ALL, so to say I was surprised, and pleased.... yeah, you get it.

The lose for the day- The second picture,from a set done over a year ago, and recently gotten back to me, has now had two magazines turn it down,siting "quality" issues.  the second one,actually gave me a little more saying the retouching seemed to be over done and covering up for over exposure.  Which it wasn't... I get what the photographer was trying to do, and agreed with it...it was all for the "look" of this kind of hi-tech, Geisha shoot.  But the fact that two magazines have said the same thing ,says to me that this set isn't going anywhere, which sucks- because I really like it...it's fun.  BUT not everyone sees the same things,not everyone appreciates the same things, and that is something that needs to be accepted as well.

As a model, you have to be ok with rejection. Sometimes it is kindly done, sometimes not as much.  You have to not take it personally, not beat your head against the proverbial brick wall and just move on to the next thing, the next shoot, the next submission. Know the difference between  it won't happen, and it won't happen "now" .  I am trying, I certainly am.    

Fishnet

                            Photo by: Michael Barton Art

Preparation

Tomorrow, I have a shoot with Michael Barton,who is teaching one of his "Noir" workshops....What is Noir photography you may ask?
Well, it is dark,it is moody ...it can be retro ( think Bogey and Bacall) or it can veer off into boudoir/ lingerie. It isn't just one thing, it can encompass quite a bit...it is shadows and angles and attitude with poise.
Some examples from the last one Michael had me work .

                            Photo by Michael Barton

                             Photo by: Michael Barton

                             Photo by: Randall Bullen


There is a moodyness about it ( and yes, one CAN show ones face, these just happen to be some of my favorites...and they happen to not)

Now a workshop /class is a different type of animal in itself...typically 4-10 photographers,and of course the teacher does stop and explain,or point out or give tips...so the flow is a start and stop , not seamless, like the best shoots ( I think) are.  I also will hold a pose for longer,to give everyone a chance to get a shot who wants it...that way the students have a chance to move around and get out of each others way.  I always learn both about photography and what the  different photographers styles are.  Some will ask for a tweak for a pose, some are quiet, some will get in real close, some hang back.  Some react when they are happy with a shot, some are very deadpan, and you only know that they got a great shot, when they send it to you. Some will also keep in contact with you, leading to future shots...some you never hear from again.

Like anything else,soak it up...all the information,all the experiences you can...and have fun with it.

I usually pull 3 or so outfits for a shoot...but I am having trouble deciding today...I have 9 or 10 now....we will NOT use them all, but it does give a large amount to choose from!  I also have to play with my makeup airbrush today, to see if I can use it tomorrow....it might save time, and give a smoother foundation....we will see ( I also just got some stencils to play with....so I will be experimenting today! )