FAQ’s
1) What kind of people are you looking for?
I work with people of all nationalities, religions, sizes, shapes, hair lengths, ethnic customs, ages (must be at least 18 or legal age in your state / country. I will work with 17yr olds if you will be turning 18 within 3 months of the photo shoot with me, with a PARENT’S CONSENT and that parent must be present). I’m looking for energetic individuals. I’m looking for people that have a desire… a drive… a NEED! I’m looking for open minded people. I’m looking for people with some creativity. If you have a REAL desire to model or a desire to “make a name for yourself” in this tough, fast pace industry, then I want to work with YOU!! I don’t “half-step” or pull any punches or “blow smoke up your a*s” about your chances. I tell it like it is, so you know what you are in store for in the future. This is a hard industry to get into but it is extremely exciting and the rewards are incredible!!
“You Bring the Heat… I’ll bring the FIRE!!”
2) I don’t think that I am “model material”…
First off… with the way the entertainment business is changing (which is CONSTANTLY), EVERYONE has the opportunity to model in some form or fashion. It could be a particular body part. You could be a product model for a catalog. It could be your hair. Everyone, no matter what age… has the opportunity SOMEWHERE. So if you watch TV and see the runway fashion shows in Paris and think… “I’m too short…” or “My boobs are too big…” or “She’s prettier than me…” Just remember one thing. YOU are a REAL person. You are what walks the streets day in and day out… that keeps these stores and clothing designers in business because YOU are the one that buys their clothes, shoes, or whatever they are selling. Don’t let the European idea of “what modeling is all about” hold you back from your dreams, because, in case you hadn’t noticed… the industry is changing, thanks to major companies like Dove who gave Camryn Manheim a boost in her plus sized modeling career and the Nike “Big Butt” ad, and TV shows like America’s Next Top Model who gave Tocarra the opportunity to really shine (watch the clip called Beautiful, Beautiful with the recap of the photo shoot with the photographer. Then watch “Full Figured Girls” for Tyra Banks’ point of view of modeling and the recent trends). It is a slow process, and it isn’t going to happen over night, but change is coming. FINALLY!
Secondly… people tend to be their own worst critic. Almost everyone has some kind of self esteem issue that they are dealing with. Whether it be “my butt is too big”… “my boobs are too small”… “I have bad acne”… or “I just don’t think I’m pretty enough”… whatever the case may be. GET OVER IT!! Don’t let ANYONE beat up on your esteem. EVERYONE is beautiful in some way. Ok.. so you may be having a “bad hair day”… go buy a good relaxer and fix it. Or your pants are a little tight… go buy a different style in your size. Or, and this has been the most common… “my husband / boyfriend / girlfriend / FAMILY, calls me fat / ugly / worthless /…” Lemme tell ya… if you are a product of this kind of background, I offer my deepest sympathy. A photo shoot with me can show you just how wrong they are. I specialize in bringing out the hidden beauty of a person. And I also specialize in a very relaxed atmosphere which enables both of us (model and photographer) to be completely comfortable, which comes out in the finished results of the photos. Call it……. “A Major Ego Stroke”
3) I have some blemishes / marks / tattoos that I don’t like. Can you touch them up or remove them?
Lucky for you, I shoot digitally as well as film / slides. So if we’re shooting digital, then yes I can remove the marks and make your skin look as flawless as you’d like. If I’m shooting with film, then its best to make sure you have the right make up or wear something to cover it up because the cost of film touch-ups is a bit more expensive during the processing.
4) Do you have a studio that you work out of?
Yes. I have access to 2 studios in NJ and 1 in FL and I’m always looking for more locations to shoot. I also shoot outdoors and often go to YOU. Again, adding to YOUR comfort because you feel more relaxed in the familiar surroundings of your apartment or a friends house or wherever because its something you are used to. I just need a little bit of space to work, which means we may need to move things around a bit. Trust me, the pictures will be incredible when we’re done moving the furniture back where it was.
5) Will I get to see the pictures?
Of course! Usually what I do is, while I’m arranging the set, I snap off a few shots to test the lighting. If I’m able to connect to a tv using a cable that I have, then I can show you what the end result is going to look like. Keep in mind that in the interest of time I won’t stop after EVERY shot to show you the picture. Just know that I will get the best shot and portray you in the best possible way that I can.
6) Do you do any other kind of photography?
Yes. Aside from dealing with models and entertainers, I do family portraits, weddings, children sporting events, etc. Basically I do just about anything that has an interaction with other people. I’m not a big fan of product photography because cans of string beans and corn just doesn’t appeal to me.
7) Will I get a copy of the pictures?
Most times I will give a copy of the best shots to you within a couple of days. If the session was done, for example, for submission to one of the many magazines that I shoot for, the pictures would be sent off, and as soon as I hear back from them as to when they would be published, I would let you know. After that… You would get a copy of the entire session to do with as you please. If the pictures are for you alone, I will get you a copy of the entire session within 1 week.
8 ) Do you have a make-up artist?
At the time of this writing, I have a couple of make-up artists that I work with, but their schedule often times, doesn’t match mine and the person I’m going to be shooting. I am going to learn make-up artistry just enough to learn the basics of applying it. But until then, I ask the models to do their own hair and make up. Which will be discussed prior to the photo session.
9) Do you manage models?
Absolutely! I am a Model Consultant, and a Model Manager. Eventually I will expand and have a modeling agency. Finding work in this industry is TOUGH. But with a little help in finding that work is easier than you thought. When it comes to finding work for you, think of me as YOUR employee. I work for you. I will get you the exposure that you need to be able to get noticed and get ahead in this fast paced business. Maybe its a fashion show. Maybe it is to be a model on a club flyer. Maybe its a casting call to be an extra on the set of a movie. Or maybe its something as simple as letting you know there is an industry party / networking party going on at a particular club. In this business, you need exposure. With my photos, and me managing you, you WILL get EXPOSURE!!
10) Will I get work as a model?
This is a question that I am asked over and over and over again. Even by models that I’ve worked with for almost 2 years (Fox and Kitty for example). My answer is simple. The work is out there, you just have to go GET it (not let it come looking for you… go GET IT!) and DON’T GIVE UP!!! I can’t guarantee you will get paid, I can’t guarantee that you will get work. But I can, beyond a shadow of a doubt, guarantee that you will get the EXPOSURE that is necessary to have a fighting chance in this business.
There are modeling gig’s that just about anyone can get into and almost immediately start making money, but not everyone is in to doing adult work. But regular mainstream modeling is a bit tougher to get a strong foot-hold in. Beauty is relative. What is gorgeous today, may be garbage tomorrow and vice versa. Just don’t give up!
I will also say these 2 things… and this is VERY IMPORTANT…
1) The more styles and types of modeling you are open to doing, the more opportunities will come your way.
2) Get in where you fit in! What that means is… think about Jennifer Lopez… she started out as a Fly Girl dancer for the TV comedy In Livin’ Color. Once she “got in” she was able to change up her career the way she wanted to. Acting, singing, her own clothing line… and still going. She used dancing to get in where she fit in. Think about THAT… and contact me for a photo session. Let’s get YOU in.
