To retouch or not to retouch, that is the question

When it comes to retouching your photos, I always suggest keeping things natural.  Why?  Because when a client sees you in person, they're going to expect you to look like what you look like in your photos.  Unless you have a retoucher that travels you, you should probably keep things as natural as possible.  Don't go Photoshop crazy on your portfolio, it will only hurt you.  It's those little quirks that make you unique and will ultimately determine whether or not you land the job.

LAUREN CHRISTINE
Thank you for the friend request.  When you have a moment please take a look at my portfolio of pictures.  I'd like to get your advice on which ones you think are stellar before I have them retouched.  I just finished this shoot so I have a lot more to choose from as well.  Thank you!

Don't retouch at all.  Natural photos are better.  Also, you have two different looks going on .  It's confusing.  Choose a look and stick to it.  Get rid of the wigs.  I like the real look a lot more.  There is more work for that look. 

COURTNEY B PINCUS
Thank you so much for answering my question.  Do you see potential in my pictures?  Of course I'm too short for runway, but I would really appreciate a professional opinion.  I seem to only be getting responses from scam agencies. 

You have a great look.  It's definitely a commercial print and TV type of look. The problem is that actors are all competing for the type of work you're right for.  They have the edge because they know how to act.  I would suggest taking some acting classes and going out for auditions.  You live in New York City - it's all there. 

MATTHEW THOMAS WARD
I'm just getting started in the modeling/acting thing.  My "port"is from my first session which mostly focused on an "All-American dad" and "corporate" look (this is what my agent wanted).  So we'll see what comes out of it.  I am a single dad, so that should be an easy look for me.  I would like to do something more artsy and classic.  Maybe a little sexy, but nothing over-the-top.  I'm in great shape these days.  I'm just a little confused about what I should be focusing on and what a realistic goal should be for someone like me.  I figure you'd be the guy who would know!

You have to go with the look that you're comfortable with and the one you see when you look in the mirror.  If the casting people see you differently, let them book you and make you over the way they see you.  The industry is about being yourself and what you're comfortable with.  That's what will get you jobs.

BETHANY S
I recently emailed The Rex Agency and Jed Root inquiring about representation.  I sent my resume and my online portfolio.  Both responded that they weren't looking for new artists to represent but if I was interested in testing or assisting.  Is this a good response from an agency?

Bethany, yes - that's a GREAT response.  They must love your work.  You should definitely take advantage of this situation and work with them.  Remember, build relationships and they'll constantly want to work with you.  You have to start somewhere and this is an excellent place to start.

JUSTIN MYNEAR
My biggest question that I've wanted answered for some time is how does a model get from the beginner spot to being a full fledged model.  I would love to get some print work under my belt and I also think I'm ready for it.  Feedback would be greatly appreciated! 

I like your photos, but they are all the same.  I'd suggest putting some clothes on and trying out different looks.  Your photos will predict what kind of jobs you get and the type of agents that will go for you.  I guess the next step is to decide where you want to be in this business.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!
JOEY

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*Have a question for me?  Ask away on my ModelWire Network Profile

 

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Sh*t Fashion Girls Say...at New York Fashion Week

There are so many videos like this, but this is just too perfect - especially for New York Fashion Week.  Love it!

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Clothes from Oscar Nominated Films at FIDM

Running through April 28, FIDM in Los Angeles is showcasing clothes from Oscar nominated films.  With all of the Oscar buzz surrounding The Artist, you can check out the beautifully themed costumes from the actual movies.  This is the 20th Annual Exhibit of Costumes.  There are 100 costumes from over 20 movies.  The Artist was filmed in black and white - go see what the real clothes look like!

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How to produce your own outdoor photo shoot!

Last November I produced my own photo shoot for my jewelry line!  I had little idea what a large undertaking it was!  I decided to do a gypsy/vagabond theme, so I wanted to shoot outdoors, and get the story across with the location, prop and wardrobe styling.  First things first, if you would like to shoot at a local park or nature area, call the park in advance to find out what days they are available for shooting.  Many places are incredibly busy, like Vazquez Rocks, so you will need to know what days they have open.  I opted for Placerita Canyon in Santa Clarita.  Make an appointment at the park, and do a walk-though with the park ranger to let them know exactly what and when you are planning on shooting.  If approved, the park ranger will sign an approval form for you to move ahead and get your shooting permit.

Now, to do a shoot at one of these parks, you will need a permit.  To obtain one for a Los Angeles county park (full list of LA parks here), you must contact Film LA.  You will then be assigned a coordinator for your project.  You will need to get insurance for your shoot, short term insurance is available locally, or if your photographer already has insurance, that will cover your shoot as well.  Film LA needs a COI (Certificate of Insurance) from your photographer, they will not issue you a permit without insurance.  Luckily, my photographer Marilyn Nakazato already had insurance available for my shoot!  Film LA typically needs about 3-5 business days to issue you a permit, so be sure to give them as long a lead time as you can. There are fees involved--for the permit, it's about $60.00, and if you shoot at an LA County park, it's an additional $100.00.  Also keep in mind that the park you choose will also charge you a separate day rate, and depending on the park, it could be anywhere from $80.00 - $250.00 per day.

At the same time, while coordinating between Film LA and your location, you must coordinate with your photographer, hair stylist, make-up artist, models, and assistants to find out which day is available for all of them to shoot!  Sounds easy, right?  LOL!  But first, before you coordinate with your team, find out which days the park is available to shoot! 

I chose Placerita Canyon since it had a beautiful rock formation, overhanging trees, lush green meadows, and an amazing dry creek bed.  Also, the park had an available prep room with electricity (for hair/make-up), and adjacent bathrooms!  There were other beautiful nature areas, close to Lancaster, but they have no restrooms and electricity.  (Unless you're bringing a trailer!)  Park ranger Frank Hoffman was very helpful, and kind enough to even share some of his food and beverages with us!  Below are more images from the Placerita Canyon shoot.

Now if you don't want to do the whole "shooting with a permit" process, you can always go "shoot guerrilla-style!"  Just find a place you want to go to, and start shooting!  But keep in mind, park rangers and cops CAN enforce you to leave, since it's technically illegal to shoot anywhere public without a permit.  However, it can still work if you go somewhere remote enough, where no one will bother you.  For my shoot's second location, we shot "guerrilla-style" at Franklin Canyon park--although we had to keep hiding from the ranger trucks that were always patrolling the grounds.  Below are a few images:

 Best of luck with your own shoot!  Images courtesy of Marilyn Nakazato, hair and makeup by Emily Christison, models are Tashina Hunter, Tyler Batson, and ModelWire Network member (and my intern!) Jamie Nocher.  Prop assistant:  Jodie Guirey.  Photo assistant:  Michele Rivera.  Wardrobe provided by Tashina Hunter (dresses),  Madisonpark Collective, and Cityzen Green. 

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