Thursday, November 1, 2012

Modeling Advice: Snapshots or Professional Pictures

Reviewing snapshots of potential models is a normal screening practice used by modeling agencies. You send them a couple of snapshots of yourself in a bathing suit or tight clothes. Some agencies weed out the talent  from these snapshots and  may get a sense as to whether you have what it takes for modeling.
They use these photos as a screening tool so be sure to send good, clear, properly exposed, properly composed photographs in which you are properly positioned. If there is an opening for someone with your look, the agency will be interested in meeting with you in person to see if, in fact, you look like your picture. This does not necessarily mean that you have or do not have what it takes to be a model. It just gets you an interview and maybe on to a test shoot.
Most would-be models send bad pictures, or they may look great but they don't meet the agency's needs at that moment, or the agent guessed wrong. Modeling agencies say, "Don't spend money on getting photos taken; a Polaroid by your friend is just fine." But when they talk about sending in a simple snapshot, what they are really looking for is at least an advanced amateur level of photography or a would-be professional photographer level. Please be cautious when using a beginner for your photographer, many beginners have problems with exposure, focus, and composition, let alone knowing how to position models for their best look. You may not want to trust your career to your best friend's ability as a photographer unless they meet the advanced amateur criteria.
Try sending your photos to several modeling agencies to see if they are interested in you. Agencies are always conscious of what look is in at the moment, and they may be in need of brunettes this season and currently have a roster full of blondes. It can be as simple as being in the right place at the right time. For example, one agency or photographer may tell a would-be model that he or she doesn't have what it takes; that wannabe model then goes to another agency and becomes a star model
The initial snapshot, interview, and test shot are just screening processes to find those who would have an easier time in modeling. A special few may still find some measure of success in modeling by hard work and developing special talents. They may not become superstars but they can find enjoyment and financial rewards pursuing a modeling career.
However you decide to submit your photos be sure to provide your contact information and stats!



Monday, October 29, 2012

Wedding Advice: Spring 2013 Wedding Gowns


Last seasons sexy backs returned for Spring 2013 having softened the focus on bare skin with sheer panels of tulle, re-worked lace, and keyhole closings. While the emphasis is still on the bride from reverse, it's with more romance than seduction that she holds our attention. Silhouettes in general gravitated toward coverage, a sign that Duchess Kate's Alexander McQueen wedding gown still reigns supreme a year after the royal wedding.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Newborn & Maternity Advice: How to plan and get those amazing newborn photos

When you schedule your session, always talk with the photographer about  what you are looking for. Do you want only pictures of the baby. Are you more interested in your infant being photographed with family than in props.  Are there specific poses you are looking for?  Think about momentos to use that are special to you and your family, If one of you is a soldier, bring items from home like a flag, tags or helmet.  Let the photographer know if you are you bringing siblings and if  Dad will be there.  If you want skin on skin shots let the photographer know your comfort level up front. By sharing all of this information beforehand it gives the photographer an opportunity to plan ahead for your session.

The day of your session try to have everything packed the night before,  I know this may be harder than it sounds but by packing and planning ahead the day of your session you will be a lot less stressed. This is important as babies are very sensitive and respond negatively to high stressed situations or hectic behavior.

Do not feed your infant before your session. Try to arrive earlier in order to feed the baby at the studio or ask the photographer if they allot time before a session for feeding (* most do)  The reason this works best is that if you feed your baby before you go he will start his sleep cycle while in his car seat.  Not good.  You want him to do that at the studio.

Be patient with your little one as well as your photographer. Your baby may be fussy, or may even have an accident or two at the studio, this happens so don't worry or be embarrassed. Your photographer knows how to handle working with little one's and may slow down a bit to create a more calm less hectic environment, remember 1 amazing shot will be better than 100 shots your not happy with, so try not to rush the process.

3 key words of advice for all parents planning a newborn session, have plenty of milk on hand as well as burp clothes, bring a number of props(hats, scarves, mitts, blankies) be patient and give your newborn a lot of hugs, kisses and encouragement, this is all very new to them, just remember that and enjoy the session.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Spring Pictures


Finally the weather is changing and the flowers are blooming, Spring is here! There is no better backdrop for amazing images than nature. I love shooting outdoors more so than in studio because you have so many more ways to create a memorable moment. When a client wants to shoot in studio as well as outdoors, my mind says yipee! Especially in the beautiful Northern Virginia area that is so close to historic areas like Washington, DC & Mt. Vernon. The best time to shoot is the hour before the sun sets, when soft hues and bright skies add a winsome touch to pictures. I create a bit of drama by angling my lens just so to create a sunburst in an image or by creating silhouettes against an outdoor scene.

If you enjoy taking pictures outside here are 3 tips that I've learned that will help in capturing amazing moments.
  •     Shoot on an overcast day: If you plan on taking pictures and look out to an overcast sky threatening rain, grab your camera and go! Clouds are wonderful. They create a giant blanket of natural sunlight diffusion that will make your images vibrant and impactful.
  •     Always focus on the eyes: The eyes are what will tell the story.
  •     Get close to your subject: You want their face to fill most of the frame. Most people stand back way too far from their subject.
    
Don't be afraid to try different angles, get low, climb up high, shoot through brush or flowers it wont hurt to try.. and have fun!