To: The Ambitious Model

Sorry guys, this is more so a rant than tips on modeling. I’ll try my best to stay positive but if it doesn’t work I apologize..

Often I get inquires from potential models wanting photos to start their portfolio. It kinda puts me in an awkward position because I would love to make the extra cash but I can clearly tell the modeling potential isn’t there. Now before you start judging me and making assumptions hear me out. From a photographers standpoint it’s hard to create amazing images if the client doesn’t have the look they think.  Often girls want to start modeling to make extra money on the side and modeling is literally the complete opposite. “Modeling is 100% a passion based career” says Stephen Midgett (former professional model). So if the love for modeling and passion isn’t there in the beginning more than likely you won’t make it. Yeah, sounds harsh right? But guess what? YOU CAN LITERALLY DO ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD AND STILL BE SUCCESSFUL!!!!

Fortunately, I’ve worked with both professional and freelance models so I just about know what it takes to build an awesome portfolio. There are many ways to make it professionally. But one of the quickest is to have the natural God given talent. This includes your facial structure, size, height etc. I recently worked with a model that has almost everything agencies are looking for. She currently works for an agency here in Cleveland called PMTM. Here are a few images from our headshot session. 

Showing emotion in your portfolio is also a vital part of signing to an agency. Even if you’re looking at going into commercial work. It’s best to show the agency how flexible and diverse you are.  

Modeling is more than just practicing posing and looking the part. It’s more so a lifestyle. You must be in the habit of manage your appearance when off duty, somewhat stay up to date with fashion and constantly network. It’s kind of like having a business. You also have to always be in the habit of maintaining an image on social media. If you have the potential to make it as a model an agency will snatch you up. If they don’t the first time you apply remain consistent (this is where the passion for modeling kicks in). It could take years but this gives you time to continue to update your portfolio and network as much as possible. 

Last but not least; your photographer. Please, make sure he or she has the talent to build your portfolio. Don’t shoot with just anyone who has a camera. Your portfolio is all you have when you’re presenting to an agency. Be very selective when choosing the images and make sure the quality of the photograph is A1. In conclusion, modeling isn’t for everyone but if you love it and have a passion for it continue to make great photographs. You never know when your big break will knock on the door. 

3 Simple Tips On Finding Your Wedding Photographer

CONGRATS!!!! You recently got engaged and now you’re planning your big day. Of course you don’t want to break the bank for ONE day but you want to be able to remember every detail. I completely understand. So I decided to create 3 simple steps to hiring someone to capture your day.

Step One- Know the expectations you have for the photographer

How would you want to remember your day? It’s so many styles of photography you can honestly get lost. lol Know for a fact the style you want and search for that in the photographer’s portfolio. When looking at the portfolio, focus on the attention to detail and lighting. This is important for the outcome of your wedding album. Also, search through the photographer’s ENTIRE website (including the blog). I say this because a photographer portfolio may only include two or three awesome pictures per wedding. I believe that a wedding day should be a story told from beginning to end. A blog is an awesome way for a photographer to tell a story. Consistent photographs in a portfolio and blog are what you are looking for. :)    

Step Two – Professionalism and Personality

The two P’s are one of the most over-looked characteristics when searching for a photographer. Nowadays, you can tell a lot about a person by what they post on social media. I’m not saying don’t hire someone because of their post or opinions. I’m saying there is a balance between the two. You can really figure out if your potential photographer has a good balance in conversation. I would recommend having a list of photographers you like (based on their port) and call them for a brief phone interview. Your wedding day is an all day event full of love, laugher and fun. The last thing you want is someone dampening the mood and energy of the day.

Step Three – The budget                

This in my opinion is the hardest part of hiring a professional photographer. I understand looking at different packages may be a bit stressful and you rather have Uncle Bobby take pictures. Before you make that mistake understand that after the food is eaten, decorations are taken down and reception is over, all you have are the photographs. FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Photography is expensive. Honestly, there is no way around it. You’re paying for someone creative knowledge, education, time, equipment and postproduction. It may not be what you were expecting to pay but trust me when I say it’s one of the best investments you will make on your wedding day. I recently read a blog from a wedding planner saying your photographer should be the first thing you search for when planning a wedding. Even before the dress. It surprised me but it made perfect sense.

In conclusion, this is your day and all about you and what you want. I hope I was able to help you on your search for a wedding photographer.

Feel free to leave any questions in the comments. Cheers        

Jessi & Jake's Wedding Day in Milwaukee, WI

One cool thing about being a full time wedding photographer is the traveling perks. Jessi contacted me about photographing her big day in Milwaukee and I had no doubt it was going to be amazing. This was my first backyard intimate wedding and hopefully it won't be my last. From the fresh salad from her garden to the darts painting game; love was in the air from the beginning of the day to the end. Here is a short story of the day. Hope you enjoy

Chris & Zionna Newborn Session

"Newborn? Ummm sure, I'll try it" is what I said when my long time friends Chris and Zionna contacted me about photographing their one week old. Newborn babies are challenging. Room has to be set at the right temperature, baby has to be fed, burped and comfortable and you gotta have a lot of props. Not only that but you have to be gentle while handling the baby. And if you know me you know I drop or break any and everything I hold. lol 

But Zurie (Baby Z) made my job easy. She barley cried and slept through the entire session. Here are some of my favorites. Hope you enjoy 

Kent State University + Imani Senior Portrait

College is considered "one of the best years of your life." I personally created some of my best memories at college and saying good-bye to my campus was difficult. On Saturday (09.03.16) I felt as though I was re-living that moment all over again as I captured some beautiful moments of Public Health major and soon-to-be 2017 Kent State graduate, Imani T. 

Imani made sure to choose the perfect outfit, make-up, and props to make her last few months on campus worth remembering. I hope you guys enjoy the photos as much as I did shooting it!