Industry Do's and Don'ts Part 2

Industry Do's and Don'ts 

Industry Don'ts Part 2

Here is Part 2! I would really like to hear your thoughts on this one! How many of you have experienced this before? Any horror stories to share? Thoughts and feedback?
Here is Part 1

Don't be unreliable or flaky. Respect people's time. Don't cancel last minute. Don't show up late or not at all. Again, be professional.

Don't be an asshole and don't be creepy. You would think this is common sense but its not. Do not try and pressure a model into something they are not comfortable shooting and do not flirt and hit on models or misbehave. Have some class.

Don't mix business and personal accounts. This is a weird one for me when I watch a model or photographer post killer professional images of them followed directly by a bathroom selfie or random picture of their cat. Use a personal social media accounts to post that type of stuff. Nothing wrong with it! Just does not belong on your business pages if you want to brand yourself professionally.

Do not edit or put filters over a final image a photographer has given you unless given explicit permission that you can do so. That is so incredibly rude, offensive, disrespectful and unprofessional to receive a beautiful final edit from a photographer and then put an Instagram filter over it.

Stray away from being high maintenance or difficult to work with. The experience of creating art should be fun for everyone. Be patient and have an open heart and mind.

Do not be pompous or arrogant. If you are good at what you do, be humble, and share your knowledge with others. As artists, we should all be supporting each other. Nothing is worse than dealing with someone that thinks their shit doesn't stink and they are better than everyone else. As both a dancer and a model, I can not stand working with people like this.

Models- Do not demand photos. Especially, within a day to a week after a shoot. Photographers are busy and also have personal lives as well. However, after a few weeks, you can politely check-in and ask if they have had time to review or start editing the photos.

Photographers- Don't take six months to over a year to send a model a single final edit...especially if the shoot was TFP. The model gave you their time and talents as well. They deserve final edits within a reasonable time frame.
Photo by: Jerry Alt

Models- Do not sacrifice your values or who you are. Do not shoot genres or concepts that you are not entirely comfortable with. Once it is out there, it is out there.

Photographers- Do not post photos of a model that she may not be comfortable with (mostly concerning implied/nude genres) It is her body! You should want to post pictures she loves as well that makes her feel beautiful. NEVER post photos that have apparent accidental private part issues, again you would think this is common sense, but sadly I know people who have had this happen to them.

Photo by: Jerry Alt

Industry Do's and Don'ts Part 1

Industry Do’s and Don'ts

Part 1 (Industry Do’s) 

(Models- Refer to my blog "Tips for Models: How to Get Started Part 1 & Part 2" for further references!)

Be professional on all accounts. Show up on time and ready to go. Communicate properly before, during, and after a shoot. It is amazing how many models don't treat these jobs like they are customers. Focus on communication; it is critical to being professional.

Know and understand how marketing works. Research social media algorithms and best times to post to reach your target audience/target market. Further (first), understand who your target audience/market is.

Appropriately credit all artists involved in the creation of a photo on social media. Designer, HMUA, Model, Photographer...etc. Make sure all parties receive a copy of a final edit to use on social media/ for their portfolios as well. Each of these people will help spread your image/message, so it is to your benefit to do so.

Keep your personal life separate from your business life. No one cares about your political stance, and in most cases, you will alienate half of your audience or better.

Know your self-worth. Make yourself an invaluable asset. Have a skill set that is unique as well as diverse.

Networking is essential. Find like-minded individuals to work with whom you can create epic art that challenges, inspires, and drives you as an artist. Work with people whose work you admire. Work with people whose work coincides with your vision. Never stop growing!

Models- If you are seeking to work with an agency, make sure you have built a great comp card and further make sure you have done your research! There are scams out there. Also, be careful what type of material you are posting if you seek to go this route. For instance, if I ever wanted to be with an agency, Bondage Art photography would need to be removed from my business pages.

(Case and point the beautiful photo below). Photo by: Scott Detweiler HMUA: Me :)

Be consistent on all of your social media accounts.

Avoid gossip and drama. BUT always speak up if something has happened that the community needs to be aware of an issue. Especially when it concerns the safety of others, I know this can be a difficult thing to do. So I want to offer personally right here right now that I will be here to listen and show support.

Be okay with rejection. It is going to happen and is a natural part of being in an industry like this. Do not be too hard on yourself but also be realistic. Keep striving to grow, learn, and adapt.

Photo by: Scott Detweiler
HMUA: April Berry
Hair Color: Salon Giovanni in Plainfield.
You should check them out! They are awesome.

My Life As A Dancer

My Life As A Dancer 

The other day on Netflix’s, I watched the documentary, “Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan.” This beautiful yet sad documentary highlights the career of a woman who was the star of the N.Y.C. Ballet for 30 years. The documentary shows Wendy’s last and final year at the company before, during, and after her hip surgery. The clips of her farewell performance made me tear up as well as made me pause to think. I had never really pondered what happens to my life after I am no longer able to dance. Anyone in this industry knows that the body can only dance at its absolute best for a certain number of years...life keeps moving, and we get older.

I always knew my life was about dance. I never had any questions about how I was going to spend my future. When I was a child, I was very hyperactive. I had a creative mind. It was challenging for me to sit still in school for 8 hours straight. My parents put me in a variety of different sports trying to spark my interest and release some of my stored energy. None of them quite fit...from soccer to swimming to volleyball and on.

Then my parents put me in my first dance class. I still remember my first recital and am including an epic picture below haha. The recital was called “Live Like the Animals.” The first time I danced on stage, I was a leopard. I was 9 years old. My mom still tells me the story. After the show, I got in the car with a handful of flowers and told my mom and grandmother at the mere age of just 9 that this was what I was going to do with the rest of my life. My mom at the time just smiled and giggled because, of course, I was only 9...I knew, though. Since the moment I was waiting in the wings, to the second I hit the stage floor, I knew it was settled. The rest, of course, is history. The following year my parents signed me up for more classes. The year after that, I made a small children’s ballet company.

I danced every day in high school. I never had a single question about what I would be going to college for. My parents supported me, endlessly. I cannot even imagine how much money my parents spent on my classes, private lessons, costumes, pointe shoes and etc. My mom traveled across the country with me. I even got to perform at Disneyland! She was always there. Always. I am forever grateful.

In college, I essentially triple majored. I graduated from the University of Iowa in May of 2015 with a B.F.A. in Dance with an emphasis in Choreography, a Minor in Psychology, and a Performing Arts Entrepreneurial Certificate. I worked with several renowned choreographers and further premiered my own original works. I was also selected to be a part of the University of Iowa’s prestigious dance company, Dancers in Company, which toured throughout the Midwest performing repertory. I also worked at a bar to make ends meet. Over summers, I trained at Milwaukee Ballet on scholarship. I think the number of times I told friends the words, “I can’t I have dance or I can’t I have rehearsals” is absolutely endless. I have no regrets in regards to this.

Since graduating, I have continued to embrace a strong passion for sharing art with the Chicago Community. I have continued to perform and choreograph my own works. I have been a company member with three Chicago dance companies and am currently training in the aerial arts. I spent last summer training at the Boston Conservatory, and this summer, I will be continuing to dive into this type of work even more. I absolutely love taking my dance technique airborne! And of course, I have found a new outlet to express my love and passion for ballet and dance over the last few years...modeling. 

I think about all the young people in the world who have no idea what they want to do with their lives. For me, there was never ever that question. I have spent most of my life dancing. My passion for this art form runs so deep. Dance is who I am. Dance is an integrated part of everything about me. Dance has given me the ability to express my core self and has honestly, at times, saved my life when things have gotten complicated. It has its hardships and its ups and downs. Ballet is one of the most challenging art forms in the world. It is tough on the body. I feel like we understand, know, and embrace a higher level of pain tolerance than most professional football players haha.

I think about my students, as well. I try to give my heart and soul to them whenever I teach or choreograph a piece on them. I started teaching immediately after I graduated from college. For four years now going on five, I have watched my students grow and thrive. I watch them, and I see a younger version of myself. I see their drive and passion. I stand in the wings with them and feel what they are feeling. They have their entire lives ahead of them. It’s a beautiful thing to watch and experience. I am proud of them. 

In ways, I am scared, though. I am 26 now and am hoping my body lasts another 10-15 years before I start to decline. I do not know what life after dance looks like...I have spent my entire life doing this, and it’s a scary thought...when you love something so much what happens when you are no longer able to do it? 

I hope God continues to bless both myself and my students with good health. I hope I have many fruitful years ahead of me. I am happy to be living a life doing what I love. I wish this for everyone.

Shutterfest 2019

Shutterfest 2019 

I had the pleasure of attending Shutterfest 2019 as Scott Detweiler's assistant and model. For anyone that has never participated in Shutterfest, I wholeheartedly recommend being a part of Shutterfest 2020. The amount of information you can learn at this event is endless. It's also an excellent networking opportunity and a chance to create art with talented individuals from all around the country. The speakers at this event are some of the best photographers in the United States who have a wealth of knowledge to share. Click here for the Behind the Scenes Video for Shutterfest 2019 :) 

I had the delight of meeting Brian Demint and modeling for his class "Creating on the Fly: Outfitting, Styling, and Shooting Challenge." In this class, Brian taught his students how to create stunning fashion attire out of everyday found material. Great way to save money and create crazy intense new looks! Photographers were provided with a diverse range of materials to work with, broken up into teams to create outfits on their models, were then allowed to shoot the looks they created and at the end of the class was a short fashion runway show. Everyone had a blast. Behind the Scenes photo by @rozo.photo !

On some of my minimal downtime (haha) I had the opportunity to take one of Bambi Cantrell's classes that I ended up getting to model for. Her course, "Simply Divine Posing," elegantly highlighted posing techniques alongside the use of light. She taught how the use of shadows and highlights work when posing. She spoke on where her key (primary) light was coming from in her images and how to pose people accordingly. For instance, the part of your body closest to your light source will look the biggest. Shadows diminish something and make it look smaller. Light highlights something and makes it look bigger. She then physically provided excellent examples of this and how it works when posing an individual or a couple to achieve the best shots!

Last but not least, if you did not make it this year, next year take Scott Detweiler's "Conceptual Portrait" class! It is a must :). This is a very hands-on class where photographers have the opportunity to shoot three very diverse models and looks. I of course modeled during this class as the ballerina on set :) Thank you for all that attended! It was a real joy getting to meet you all. Thank you for the beautiful photos!

I feel blessed to have attended this event. I even learned so much just from sitting in the judges' room the first day and listening to the critics they gave on each image. I feel honored that Scott Detweiler's portrait of me won the Grand Imaging Award. I know this is the highest honor an image can receive at this event. Haha, I woke up the morning of the announcement to about 15 different people texting me saying “congratulations” and sleepy me was just like congratulations for what?!?! Then I went on Facebook to find this and of course talked to Scott!

This image also won at 90 at Imaging USA!

Is Elegance Timeless? 

Photo by: Scott Detweiler 

Model: Jennifer Raelynn

HMUA: Katie Krause 

Tips for Models: How to Get Started Part 2

Tips for Models: How to Get Started 

Part 2

7. Always communicate openly with a photographer before a photo shoot about what expectations are on both ends to avoid problems or miscommunication errors. Is this TFP or a Paid shoot? What, where, and when are you shooting? Be clear about anything you are unwilling to shoot. For instance, I do not shoot full nudes that reveal genitalia. Only artistic implied nude shots, whether they are bodyscapes or dance. Will you be allowed to pick a few photos from the gallery of the day's shots for final edits that you would like for your portfolio? Will the photographer be sending you the final edits to use for your collection and social media that they have selected and edited? How should each party be credited? General time frame in which you will get final edits? How will final edits be sent? It might seem silly, but for each of these questions, I can state a horror story example that I learned the hard way. One of my good friends did a TFP shoot with a photographer, and a year later she has still never seen a single photo from the shoot. Of course, this guy was just a jerk, but again, communication is key!

8. Do not use Model Mayhem… unless you enjoy copious amounts of creepy messages or spam. I am actually deleting my account this fall. I have only gotten 2-3 paid shoots off of that site in the past 6 months that were genuinely talented photographers who also happen to not be creepy. Most of the people who use MM are GWC. GWC stands for "guys/girls with cameras"...men or women who basically just want to get someone naked in a hotel room and take photos of them. I shut this down instantly and will never shoot with these types of people. For the most part, you are not going to get any usable shots from people who actively use that site as their MAIN basis. THIS DOES NOT MEAN I HAVE NEVER EVER MET TALENTED PEOPLE ON THERE. Not intending to have everyone from MM hate me or think I am trying to put them in a box. The above just sadly seems to be the norm for that site in my experience.

9. Read every single model release before signing it. When you are just starting out, I recommend asking a photographer to email his/her model contract before shooting. If you have any questions or do not understand something, ask them. Some of it may be legal jargon and who knows, maybe there is something on a person's individual release that you are not comfortable with. At that point, open up a conversation and possibly negotiate. Never sign something without fully understanding what it is you are signing.

10. BE PROFESSIONAL. Build an excellent reputation for being on time and ready to go. Do not be flaky! Do not show up 30 minutes or an hour late. Do not bail the night before, or the morning of the shoot. Do not show up hungover. If you want to be respected in this industry respect other people's time. You do not want to build a reputation for being that model that bails on shoots last minute or shows up extremely late. Yes, sometimes family emergency or issues arise or a person gets sick. We all understand that sometimes, things happen. Sometimes life happens. When something does occur, communicate quickly, appropriately, and respectfully. Apologize for the inconvenience and pick a date to reschedule. Most people will be understanding. Example: The latest I have ever shown up for a shoot was 15-20 minutes late due to ridiculous Chicago traffic. When this happens, I call the photographer while on the road and let them know my location, whether it is construction or an accident, and what my new arrival time will be. When I arrive, I still make sure they receive the full amount of time that they paid for and of course politely apologize. Then I proceed to kill the shoot, and everyone ends up happy :)

11. Learn how to do your own hair and makeup. You will not always have an HMUA on site. This is an asset/ skill set that will significantly help you in this industry. I am in no ways an expert, but I can get by if needed. Knowing how to do hair and makeup exceptionally well is an art form in itself that people take years to learn and master. Over the years, however, I have learned to be pretty darn good at doing my own. I would say 50 percent of the photos I post are my own hair and makeup. I have burned myself on a curling iron twice though, and I recommend you don't do that. :-) I will be posting an article about "Must Have Makeup Products" in August that you can reference for more information on what I have in my hair and makeup kit. Essentially, products & companies I trust and would recommend and even better products that make your makeup last longer during many hours of shooting outside in extreme weather conditions like heat, rain and snow.

12. Appropriately credit and tag all parties involved on social media. If there was a designer who's looks you modeled- credit them. If there was an HMUA on location- credit them. Photographer? Of course, appropriately credit them as well. And for the love of sweet Jesus NEVER EVER EDIT OR PUT A FILTER ON A PHOTOGRAPHERS WORK WHEN POSTING TO SOCIAL MEDIA. That is such a huge no! Several photographers I work with who also are good friends of mine have told me horror stories of beautiful final edits they have sent to newer models. Those models then proceeded to put ugly Instagram filters over the shot. Don't do that...quickest way never to be rehired.

I hope this has helped! Again, feel free to comment below or reach out personally with any additional questions, thoughts, or just feedback! I would love your input and thank you for reading.

Photo by: Ed Sochacki

Tips for Models: How to Get Started Part 1

Tips for Models: How to Get Started

Part 1

Everyone has to start somewhere. In this concise blog, I will give you 12 tips on how to get your modeling career started and further be successful in this continually changing industry. Any questions, thoughts, or feedback, please do not hesitate to comment on this blog or reach out personally. I am here to help! This blog will be divided into two parts. Stay tuned for the next 6 tips in the following blog!

1. First and foremost, I recommend contemplating in depth what you are seeking to accomplish as a model in this industry. How do you want to brand yourself? What type of art are you seeking to create? Do you want to shoot fashion? Do you want to shoot swimwear? Do you want to create out-of-the-box edgy art? Do you want to be a brand ambassador? Is your end goal to work freelance or do you want to end up with an agency?

2. Once you have thought about the above questions and narrowed down what your goals are, how you want to brand yourself and what type of work/art you are seeking to create in this industry, I wholeheartedly recommend establishing a "modeling nickname" or moniker that represents you and keeps your real identity hidden. Do not use your full legal name.

3. Once you have decided on the moniker, you would like to brand yourself under permanently, whether you are seeking to work freelance or with an agency, I next recommend building a professional Instagram, Facebook account or Business page and lastly website where you can show your portfolio. These pages should all be under the same name you have chosen. I recommend keeping these pages purely professional. Do not post pictures out drinking, mirror selfies, or even statuses about personal issues or political posts. Have separate accounts for your personal life. Do not blend the two. Building a Blog and Youtube channel also never hurts.

4. Be careful who you work with. Never let someone make you feel uncomfortable. Watch out for red flags when setting up a photo shoot with someone. If they say or do anything that makes you think twice about working with them, the simple answer is DON'T! I further recommend always texting 1-2 trusted friends the address of where you are shooting...especially if it is your first time working with the person and/or it is in a private secluded location such as a hotel or a private residence. SAFETY FIRST! Always prioritize your safety. Perhaps take a friend? Bringing your boyfriend, husband or significant other usually looks terrible and can further be distracting, so maybe a girlfriend or even your mother or another family member?

5. Do not sacrifice your morals or who you are to shoot with someone just for the money. It is not worth it in the long run. Stay true to who you are and the art you are seeking to create. Do not let someone push or manipulate you into shooting something you are not entirely comfortable with. A personal example: Years ago when I first started shooting boudoir, I had someone try to pressure me into doing implied nudity...so losing the classy lingerie I was wearing. The answer was, "hell, no!" This was not part of what we had spoken about before our shoot, nor was I comfortable shooting that type of material with him. Put your foot down ladies. You are beautiful, and you do not have to take your clothes off to prove that.

6. Build a strong network. Networking in this industry is essential. Seek out people that have a similar mindset, artistic point of view, and even work ethic. Be inspired by other people's work and reach out to those whose work you enjoy and represents the vision you have for what you are seeking to create. Shoot with people who inspire you. Shoot with people whose work you admire. Shoot with people who will challenge you artistically. Shoot with people who will help you grow as an artist.

Photo by: Scott Detweiler 

Being an Artist and Being Paid

Being an Artist and Being Paid

We live in a day and age where there are so many individuals who claim to be a model or a photographer when the reality is this: There are so many "Instagram Models and Photographers" out there who simply post bathroom selfies or claim to be professional. There are so many GWC's (guys/girls with cameras) out there who in reality have no idea what they are doing and are just doing it to shoot naked bodies. Sadly, the fact is that these types of individuals over-saturate the industry and lower the market value for all of us. Here are two direct examples:

A couple of my photographer friends are absolutely excellent at wedding photography. They have an incredibly unique skill set that they have spent years mastering. They have thousands of dollars in equipment and are masters at editing. They are also not cheap! However, next to them is the GWC who lacks the skill set and equipment to accurately shoot a wedding but also only charges 300 dollars. The bride makes the mistake of going with the cheap alternative and ends up with appalling shots of her wedding she regrets her entire life. What does the professional photographer do? Lower their prices because of this over-saturation of stupidity in the market…

As a model, people write to me daily, expecting me to work for free (TFP or Trade For Prints). I tell them my rates which are extremely reasonable given my level of professionalism, time in the industry, and unique skill set as a professional dancer, ballerina, and aerialist. I never hear back from them. Nothing usually. Not even a polite response back. They would instead hire the "Instagram Model" who is willing to work for basically nothing… and is further prepared to take all their clothes off. In most cases, these people do not care about quality...which brings me to my next point….

QUALITY ARTISTS IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE PAID FOR THEIR WORK. If you want beautiful images… if you're going to work with a professional… hire them. In the end, the money is worth it, as the quality is crucial. If you see a person consistently posts quality work that you adore and admire than consider hiring them.

To all my Talented Fellow Artists out there; know your worth. Stop accepting jobs for free or for limited exposure. When you continually work for free, or for less than what you deserve, you lower the market value for all of us. I experience this in the dance world as well...just recently I was asked to do a gig downtown, and the pay rate was awful...long story short I tried to negotiate a reasonable pay rate, and they decided to hire someone else who would accept the terrible pay. If we all stuck together, this would happen a lot less. I encourage all my dance friends to do this. Just as I encourage models to stop taking their clothes off for free. I also encourage several of my photography friends who are ridiculously talented to stop continually working for free. You know who you are!

I will be writing a separate blog about TFP Vs. Paid Shoots. a.k.a when to decide to shoot TFP.

I lastly, want to note I will be writing another article about knowing who your target audience/ target market is. To a degree, some of this over-saturation can be avoided if your target market/audience is at the higher end of the economic class. A person who has a zillion dollars to spend on their wedding is not even going to consider hiring a photographer with the lower rate and skill set. They have the disposable income to spend more for the higher quality and thus will only seek people in this rate range- the more expensive photographers.

Stay tuned for these upcoming blogs:)