Ask a Supermodel: International Visas

Austin Auger here, and I actually had a question for you as I am a bit perplexed at the moment. I am mixed Japanese, and am trying to get to do some work in the Japanese market. Are there any specific agencies that you might be able to think of out here in LA that I could possible look into who has specific relationships with Japan? I have been looking into a lot of agencies on the Japanese end, but you must be living there already, and they really aren't into visa sponsoring of newer faces.

Hi Austin!   

Let's work backwards through your questions.  Yes, you are correct, agencies don't support visa sponsoring for models. Agent's don't technically hire you, you hire them.  So they can't sponsor you.  What they will do is help you file the paperwork to work in another country.  I would suggest asking your agents to file the paper work for you.  They do this often and the process is simple for them. Perhaps have them get a letter from agent relationships in Japan to show that you are going to be traveling for work through that agency.   

There are quite a few men's modeling and commercial agencies in Los Angeles.  Check out Abrams, Next and Ford. All are very good and reputable. All have relationships with Japan.  

Lastly, don't waste time being perplexed.  Everyone in the industry is.  It all changes so fast. Tomorrow's a new day and hopefully for you... a new visa!  

xxEmily ~ SupermodelBlogger

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Model Moment: Sophia N

I always love a model who mixes a little "edge" with her flirtatious appeal. Not only is Sophia gorgeous, but she knows how to play to the camera, which is an invaluable skill. This editorial is sultry and perfectly combines both masculine and feminine elements, without being too androgynous. Sophia executes the look of a woman who lives by her own rules, dresses to her own accord and exudes a powerful confidence.


Editorial Details:
c'est la mode | It Is In Fashion
Shot by: Daniel Troyse
Styling by: Caroline Blomst
Model: Sophia N. (Mikas)

Via Fashioncopious

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Gender Bending

"Andro" means "man" and "gyn" refers to "woman." Androgyny is a blend of both masculine and feminine characters. Looking at photos of fashion - I'm loving this unisex trend. There's something thrilling about seeing a woman wear a nice pair of slacks and cute tie yet pull off looking delicate and beautiful. While browsing the Frou Frouu site, I noticed a lot of the photography featured were of androgynous models. Another great article I came acrosswas the Elle photo shoot with Agyness Deyn as James Dean. It was so thoughtfully done! It probably helped that James Franco was the photographer. Check out some of my favorite androgynous photos below.

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Tasha Courtney of BMG Models LA

Meet Tasha Courtney, one of BMG's newest faces to their LA roster, and member of MWN. She's the ultimate girl next door. Does she look familiar? Well perhaps you've seen her on Gossip Girl. Learn more about Tasha here.

STATS

Height: 5' 8" (173cm)  Bust: 32" (82cm)    Cup: B    Waist: 23" (58cm)    Hips: 32" (82cm)

Dress: 2   Shoes: 8.5   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green

Check out these photos and video from a recent test shoot with photographer Luciana Ellington

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Creating a scene

So to continue in this realm of experimentation, I had a shoot the other day where we created a scene using some Ruven Afanador inspired props (i.e. bones, skulls, gargoyles, etc.). I had never set up a scene before so it was definitely challenging, even with the help of models. However I think we got some interesting shots!

I realized there is soo much to think about when shooting/creating a scene. Placement of props, the setting, the model, the model's pose, the model's face, mood, angle, ah! And the hardest part is making the moment believeable, creating an environment that tells a story and doesn't look completely posed. Lets just say I'm glad I had help... but it never seems to be enough! One of my best friends is an artistic director and she was absent for the shoot. I came to the conclusion that I need at least one person who is there for artistic purposes. It really helps to have an outside perspective, someone who can sit back and view the scene as a whole. I became really overwhelmed at one point... however I learned a lot from this shoot and will continue experimenting with scenery. Creating an environment is an important aspect of fashion photography and it's something I definitely need practice in. For more images of this shoot, click here.

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NY Model Camp

If you haven't yet, you need to "Friend Request" Shawn Ehlers, display name ehlersphoto on ModelWire Network. Former model turned photographer, Shawn has been a big advocate for improving the Industry's standards and helping young models learn the trade.

Earlier this year she came out with her modeling DVD, called Models Move and this summer she has teamed up with International Model Scout, Karen Lee and created NY Model Camp. A three day intensive modeling camp for ages 13-20 years old.

I could babble about this great experience - but who likes babblers.

Instead here is an quick Overview of what to expect:

• Overview of the Modeling Industry
• 7 P's of Empowerment
• Individual Model Evaluation
• Hair Consultation & Update
• Tour Current NY Store
• Fitness, Yoga & Nutrition
• Walking for Life, Runway and Red Carpet
• Skincare & Makeup Tips
• Model Moves™
• Two Photo Test Shoots
• Meet Agents, Models & Industry Insiders

That wasn't enough? OK then click on the photo and watch the camp's sneak peak video.

What makes this camp even better the inspiration behind it, as told by Karen Lee.

The inspiration of NY Model Camp came from a need for empowerment. I have worked in the modeling industry for 25+ years as a model and as Director of Scouting for several top agencies, Elite and Wilhelmina to name a few, and recognized that when young girls were empowered by knowing that modeling was creative as well as a real business they moved forward with confidence, fun, determination and integrity and their careers seemed to not only do well, but have longevity. There are thousands of beautiful and interesting faces in the modeling industry and what they learn at NY Model Camp gives them an amazing foundation to start their own business and be successful at it!

Over 30 years ago I worked at and was inspired by Kay Mitchell, President of "Camp Model" and was determined to start a current Camp for girls and women who wanted to be models or for girls and women who wanted to empower themselves with tools that they can utilize in any walk of life. Karen Lee Group and Shawn Ehlers Photography joined forces to make NY Model Camp a Reality!

So if you are 13-20 years old and starting your modeling career then you should defiantly attend this camp. The Insider tips alone makes this experience priceless.

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Stanton James

You know those stores where you walk in and could buy everything in stock? You know what I mean, the stores where every article of clothing perfectly meshes with your wardrobe? Stanton James in Downtown LA is that store.

They carry brands like American Gold, Brigid Catiis, Dimepiece, For Love & Lemons, Sonia Vera, Phillip & Lillian, and much more. Racks are packed with leather, lace, suede, fur, feathers and fringe galore. It's a sensory overload.

While some of their stuff might seem a bit pricy, most of it is made in America, and what can be better than that? Buy local, support local. Worth the extra dime, because these clothes are quality. In fact, I just bought this Wildhorses blouse yesterday. Yes, it is just as amazing in person.

Live in LA? Hit up Stanton James on the corner of 6th and Spring Street. Don't live in LA? Don't fret. They even ship international. Click here to scope their latest treasures, but be warned, you'll want everything in stock!

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The Frame Exercise

I've been trying to come up with a couple warm-up exercises for models before we begin shooting. It's good to stretch before a shoot and warm-up, for both the model and the photographer. Not only does stretching help warm up your body but allows both parties to hold their positions longer.

I came up with an exercise after finding a random frame in my garage. I've always wanted to shoot with an empty frame, it can be used in so many different ways! I told the models to think about opposition and composition - in modeling terms, I consider opposition to be the relationship between your limbs and your body, the way they relate or contrast to one another and divide the space. (In actuality, opposition is used in astronomy and refers to when two celestial bodies are on opposite sides of the sky. Hopefully I'm not butchering the term too much.) Using body shapes, composition refers to how the model places themselves in(or out)side of the frame. The challenge of the exercise was to create a balance between what body parts are inside and outside of the frame. It allowed the models to quickly adjust to directions and let the photographer see what kind of interesting shapes they can come up with on their own. Though it may have been a little overwhelming at the beginning, I wanted to see if they could think on their feet. Hopefully I didn't scare them too much haha.

These two lovely models are Devin Catherine John and modelwire network user Corbin Rivera. Photos by yours truly.

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Closet Staples: The "Over-Sized" Blazer

One of my all time favorite closet staples is undoubtedly the over-sized or boyfriend blazer. However you would like to refer to it, it definitely adds a subtle masculine touch to any ensemble and is always versatile. Two of my favorite interpretations as of late would have to be the infinitely chic fashion bloggers, Susie Bubble of Style Bubble and Denni Elias of Chicmuse.com. Susie's look caught my eye for her playful use of color, chunky accessories and those to-die-for Miu Miu shoes. Denni took a more evening inspired approach with the Sonia Rykiel headwear, flirty sheer black dress and bold punch of red. Both looks I love equally because they are chic, yet wearable. You can't go wrong with an oversized blazer, day or night.

Pics/outfit details via Citizen Couture

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Tip of the Week: MWN Profile Links

Did you know that you can now create your own personal ModelWire Network URL?

Simply go to your profile under "Edit Info" and customize your "Profile Link"

Use this link to share your ModelWire Network portfolio with colleagues and friends!

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Significance of the Beehive

I have a shoot tomorrow and thought for a while about what kind of hair I wanted the models to have. There will be two women and one man. The nice thing about an updo is when it's done well, it can be very elegant. With the right make-up (I'm thinking a smokey eye) and the right teasing, you can create a freakish, almost bride of Frankenstein look. Only thing left that would make it freakish and creepy would be a crazy-eyed facial expression. Tomorrow I'll be doing something like... Ruven Afanador meets light androgyny. I plan on having the models wear collared shirts and high wasted pants, with of course - THE BEEHIVE. Eloquent, insect-like (obviously, the name is a giveaway but it also reminds me of a cocoon!) and hopefully creepy. Like any photographer, I have no idea how these will turn out. I believe every strong idea is still a springboard to create something more. We'll see what that more will be. And lets be frank - you can never clearly predict how an image will turn out. I'll post some images next week! For now, enjoy the infamous beehive hairstyle - classy yet creepy.

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Ask Joey: Please Get More Specific

Guys, I keep getting the same questions every week. Can you critique my portfolio?

First of all, I haven't seen you in person, so I don't know what you really look like. All I can see is what your pictures make you look like. It would also be nice to know if these are your first pictures or if these pictures have been piling up over the years.

Basically, how long have you been modeling or trying to model?

So, I am just looking at photos trying to figure out what would sell you as a model. Help me help you by at least saying 'These are my first photos, what do you think?' or 'I have been modeling for X amount of years, what do you think of my portfolio?' Also, it helps if you would say if you have seen an agent and what they told you, whether it was good news or bad.

Knowing that information helps me so I have a better knowledge the type of direction you need from me. Regardless, I can tell from your pics and stats, if you are the fashion type or commercial type. Sometimes if I like someone so much I will say, 'Why don't you have an agent?'

I will try to be more direct with my answers, more than an agent will. But you also need to be more direct.

Elyse Bigler (AM&T)

I am currently going to Southwestern University in Georgetown TX. I am studying pre-med. I am a VERYYYY determined person and have always been a "just do it" type of girl. I want to make sure I am doing all that I can to make my goals happen. I would LOVE any critiques or pointers. I will be in New York for most of July and therefore am also wondering if there is anything I can do to promote myself while I am there. (Of course I'll bring many copies of portfolios)

I also would love some help on getting agencies to still look at my portfolio past the first page where they see my height!

Thank you for the specific questions. You have a terrific commercial look and of course NY is a good place of you to go out and see agents. Right now you need to be doing your research.Forget about going to any Fashion Agencies like Ford, Next, and Elite. You need to find TV/Commercial agencies to reach out to. Agencies like that won't be turned off by your height because you seem pretty and perky, at least that's what I get from your photos. In commercial modeling, it is all about personality.Go to ModelWire's Fashion Directory and start going to agencies' websites. Find out what they are looking for: when are their open calls and if they take submissions. You may even want to call them and see if they will set up a meeting with you.When you get back to Texas, start looking for agencies near your college. A lot more commercial agencies are popping up in Texas.

Aissatta

Please take a look at my portfolio and website. Let me know what you think. I'm looking for paid jobs but can't seem to find any. http://beretaybeauty.com/

Before you can get paid jobs, you need a decent portfolio. You are a long way from presenting yourself for paying jobs. You really need to test a lot more. I am not saying you are not right for this business, but your portfolio feels like you just started modeling. Though I was surprised you have a much wider variety of photos on your website's portfolio, make sure you share them on here. You should also start meeting with your local agencies, get their feedback and make sure they are Commercial agencies. Getting an agent is the key to getting paid jobs.

Khali Koleman

I am an up and coming model trying to work my way into the modeling industry. Is there is any advice you could give me based on my portfolio or any other tips you may have?

Also, do you think I have the look for modeling? What would be the best place as far as agencies go that I could go for? I'm from Philadelphia and a lot of people tell me there's not much here, so if I could ask for some guidance, it would be greatly appreciated.

At 5'9", you are considered more TV/Commercial than Fashion. There are quite a few commercial agencies in Philadelphia that you should check out, plus you are just a train ride away from NYC - so don't get down on your location.As for your portfolio, I would eliminate all of those trying to be edgy photos. Especially this one:

You look scary for no reason.You need a more conventional look - especially if you are trying to get representation. You have some nice and clean photos in your portfolio, like the photo I chose to introduce you with. Take more of photos like that.

Marina Santos

I am just starting in the business and there is still a lot I don't know. I want to get into "on camera commercial" and "hosting", but it has been very hard for me to find an agent/agency. Do you have any tips, advices or way you could help me take the next step in my career?

I like you and I think you have great Commercial look. You seem like you have a lot of energy, at least that's what I get from your portfolio. You live in NYC which is full of agents and managers that you should be seeing.Have you gone out to any agencies? Let me know who have you met with in NYC. I would be very interested to know who has turned you down and who has given you some positive feedback. Please get back to I would like to help.

Heads up everyone, I will be taking the next two weeks off from the blog. Going to enjoy the holiday and rest.

In the meantime,

Have a successful day!

JOEY

Follow me @thejoeyhunter

*Have a question for me? Ask away on my ModelWire Network profile http://www.modelwirenetwork.com/joeyhunter

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Avant-Garde Photography: The Collaborative Process

The most valuable aspect a fashion photographer can have is the collaboration of ideas. What makes true fashion whimsical and creative is the way elements come together to build one cohesive concept. Oddly, the viewer never sees this process; we never have the opportunity to observe (and certainly not give input) the array of ideas tossed around that create a specific photograph. Hair, make-up, wardrobe, lighting, the photographer, of course we see it all, but where (and who) does this flood of ideas come from? I often wonder: What was going on at the time of this image? What actions were going on around the scene when this was shot? What was the photographers reasoning for this particular concept? Our views are restricted, all we see is the final compilation.

According to Oxford dictionary, the word "collaboration" means the action of working with someone to produce or create something. It's the act of banding together that makes avant-garde photography (which is an extremely broad term) one of the most creative genres out there. In my mind there is one avant-garde photographer that stands out among the rest; and that is Jake Garn. Based in Salt Lake city, Utah, Garn uses some of the most innovative and creative individuals I've ever seen. The collaborative use of color, texture and shape allows every image to flow; making it seem as if the characters he creates are real. To me, Jake Garns work is the epitome of avant-garde photography - unusual, experimental and appealing.

And who are these mysterious visionary masters you might ask? "Paula Dahlberg and Steven Robertson are the ubiquitous creative geniuses involved in most of the over-the-top concepts featured on my page. Frequent contributions also come from Keith Bryce, McKell Maddox, Janae Mechling, Michelle Boucher and several others; Ryan Muirhead my always helpful and forever bubbly photo assistant." - The "Creative Team" (http://www.jakegarn.com/)

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Ask a Supermodel: Up Close With Bone Structure

Here's something cool, check it out.  I snapped a photo of myself with half my makeup removed.  It's a good illustration of how a model's face acts as a canvas for a makeup artist to paint on. 

Here's a full face of makeup (minus the lips):

And here's the same look with 1/2 the makeup removed:

This is why it's so important when you go to beauty castings and into agent's offices, do not cover your skin with makeup.  They aren't looking for a girl who can apply makeup or a woman who's beautiful in a cheerleadery-popular-girl-in-high-school kind of way.  They're looking for a bare face, a blank canvas. 

Many models, myself included, look quite plain without makeup.  This is a great quality for a model to have.  If you have the right bone structure, your face can be transformed into many different characters. 

If you'd like to subscribe to my blog email me at Supermodelblogger@gmail.com with SUBSCRIBE as the subject. 

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THVM ATELIER: Ethereal Goths

THVM is a collective based in Los Angeles, CA with creative directors Brian Kim, Olga Nazarova and CEO Nicola Scagnolari at the helm. The brand is known for their beautiful yet incredibly affordable denim and basic shirts, now represented and loved across the globe.

"…the offices of THVM are housed in a century old factory that is home to a collective of artists, designers and musicians. The collective group works side by side, each in their own disciplines, and shares insight into the creative process. THVM hosts evens that showcase local artists and performers and opens it's studios to the public on a regular basis."

The vision of THVM can be clearly identified by their bi-annual in-house magazine which is referred to as "Thvm Rag". Each issue presents an array of talent, much of which is represented with an ethereal visual accompaniment. Much of the imagery reflects a sensitivity in their gothic influence, contrasting innocence with primal sensuality. Thvm Rag creates the sense that THVM is working to establish themselves as more than just a brand of apparel. If you're in LA, check out their sample sale this weekend!

For more information, please visit thematelier.com or e-mail them: contact@thematelier.com.

STOCKISTS: http://www.thematelier.com/stockists/

THVM RAG: http://thvmrag.com/

THVM TUMBLR: http://thvmrag.tumblr.com/

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