Doing ON-LOCATION Photo Shoots

Take it from us that the best kind of photography is on-location. There is simply no match for wide-open plains, rich blue skies, crisp and bold waves or a downtown metropolis as a backdrop. This is why when a client asks us to shoot on-location we are more than happy to oblige.

First and foremost is weather. You never know what you'll get. It requires more planning, watching forecast and being prepared for anything. Even then it can go wrong so have a backup plan. A sudden downpour can and will ruin a very expensive photo shoot in a matter of seconds. I am also known to watch tide prediction charts. If we are shooting on a beach, it is imperative to know when the tides are at their peak and their lowest. Why? Because the last thing I want is to have our equipment swept out to sea. Also, there are some seriously sweet places that become inaccessible at certain tide levels while others open up. For example, we have a certain little hidden gem of a spot right here in the Pac NW that when the tide is high you cannot even see it. But when the tide is low, one can see a nice little path to a nice spot perfect for a small photo shoot.
The largest hurdle in our opinion is getting permits. If you've hired us for an on-location project before then you know that some places are just off-limits unless we get permission first. Most locations will NOT permit commercial photography without a permit so know that if this is the case we will need to consider that in your quote if that is known prior to booking. A few places can be more lenient if the project is not commercial and you're not disturbing the public. Even this can be somewhat ambiguous. One day one person will tell you one thing about a location while another may tell you something different about the same spot but they both work for the same building or department You'll want to get someone of authority to give you a written permission letter, a business card or something saying it is okay. Otherwise, you may come face to face with a police officer, a park ranger or a security guard looking for an excuse to put you in cuffs and they're not always as friendly as they could be. A few will come by, give you a friendly reminder and tell you to move on. Others may opt to have you face down in the dirt threatening to confiscate your equipment and threatening to press trespassing charges. Trust me this is not a joke.
So what to do? Follow the rules. If you need a permit, get one. But the best way is for you or your talent to ask for permission beforehand. We have found that it is incredibly difficult to turn down a beautiful person standing in front of an administrator asking nicely to briefly use their facility for a few minutes. Some may see it as a potential promotional opportunity for them, their facility or their park. This happened to us just recently. We wanted to shoot in a park filled with flowers and I went about politely asking what the rules were beforehand. I received a kind reply that in summary emphasized being kind to other park users, making sure the shoot was non-commercial and staying directly away from the actual flower beds. Otherwise, I was told a shoot would be okay. In fact, I was encouraged to tell them what day I would be coming by so the facility could promote the event on social media. Now that is how you handle business. Be professional, be courteous and be transparent. Fortunately, this person saw the benefit and instead of becoming defensive and rude, she took advantage of a potentially free promotional tool should we choose to use it. Unfortunately, someone like this administrator is rare.
I fully support being able to protect your assets. I certainly would not want some unknown person profiting or loitering on my property. They could be casing the place or using my property for commercial purposes without my knowledge or consent. I get that. What permits also do is insure that people do not destroy property and unnecessarily disturb other patrons. It can be an expensive and lengthy process but in some places under certain circumstances I dare say it may be smart for some property owners to do so. You would not want someone coming into your parking lot with dozens of people in a mobile studio, shooting a full motion picture movie which blocks parking spaces and in the process causes damage the street, the curb and shrubs planted on your property or business; then that mobile studio leaves without any accountability. No one wants that. But for most of us this is NEVER going to be the case. Most photographers want a comfortable place they can go and unobtrusively make beautiful art. The best way I have found to do that is to ask first. I can't afford to apologize later. I don't have those kinds of privileges afforded me and quite frankly that is too expensive of a mistake for me. Just ask. Better yet, get your client or in some cases get the model to ask.
Every shoot we do is NOT a commercial one. In those instances I prefer the model or photo subject to obtain permission. Most often they discover beautiful locations they want to shoot on and I simply say go and ask for permission and we can set it up. Give them a day and a time and in most cases that property manager or owner will happily obliged. Let me tell you, it is difficult turning down a beautiful face, a sincere smile and a genuine non-commercial promotional opportunity.
Next time you need a place to shoot, think about the places you visit; the cafe you go to every other day. Surely the staff knows you by now. They'd love to have you do a small unobtrusive photo shoot there. Think about the bar you like to have drinks at once a week. You already know the owner or the manager. Ask about shooting there after hours or before they open. Consider that friend you have with the huge horse ranch. How about that large commercial parking lot with the colorful graffiti walls next to it? Surely someone manages that lot. Just let your model get a business card with a date and time of the shoot written on the back of the property manager's card. It's that easy. If they say no then you move on and figure out something else. Chances are if you went to them nicely and respectfully they would say yes.

Top 7 Images of 2017 by Helios

Can you believe it? The year has nearly passed us by. It has been an adventure like none other. We've had several new faces cruise by this year; a handful we have photographed, a few we did not and some we may decide to photograph later. In keeping with our normal tradition, we have done a great deal of casting interviews for future published work. As a result, we have met some beautiful people and I expect we will meet many more before we have selected any finalists for serious collaboration and publishing. Sometimes the spark you're looking for takes several dozen interviews before you find it. What we did manage to find was the top seven most popular images of 2017.

For those of you that keep tabs on us (and we hope you do), this is about the time we select a model of the year - this is usually the person that has been exceptional all year long, producing captivating take after take of riveting imagery session after session; someone driven and passionate about what they do and has a strong sense of purpose about where they are going. This year will NOT be a year for a Model of the Year we're afraid. We simply didn't photograph some people enough or didn't work with many at all for several reasons. Sometimes it's a bad vibe, incompatible scheduling or it just didn't work out. But every year we have chosen someone the bar is raised. The next year selection gets even tougher because when the bar is raised the selection criteria becomes more difficult. Additionally, we have had a handful of great collaborations this year and I'm fond of them all but MOY candidates usually come from a pool of the year's published work which was minimal this year because of the aforementioned reasons. Hey, it wasn't due to a lack of trying. We just didn't feel it this time around as often as we would have liked.  

Now about those images... it took some doing. We combed thru our Flickr metrics, Google analytics largely from our www.heliosimaging.com website and several other media sites to find out what has been trending the strongest all year. There were seven images that reigned as the most popular among of all images taken this year. Based on views, comments, shares, visits, likes, favorites and a tiny bit of barely perceptible personal bias, these are our best images of 2017 chosen by fans, followers and maybe a few Page or Site stalkers. LOL!

We always obsess over data so it was interesting to note that some of the images were of people we had never photographed before this year. We drew a few conclusions from that. First, our fans and followers like new faces and they want new and interesting ideas from us even if it comes from familiar faces. People just aren't content to see gorgeous people in gorgeous things if they're the same sorts of things. They want shock and awe. They want interests, variety, intrigue, mystery with great styling and new locations. Also, the images that are the most popular this year for us had looks and styling not representative of that model's normal look or her normal portfolio which again emphasizes their followers' and fans' desire for variety and newer points of view in our humble assessment. I guess people want to be awed all the time. Otherwise, they get... well... they get bored. I can see that. We do too. What was surprising is that these were simple collaborations were not like our normal more complicated published shoots which goes to show great things can come from simple ideas if your styling is on point and you have the right people. Most of the looks are simple and yet incredibly stylish. We attribute that perfect balance to the models' keen talent to project the mood of the looks and their expressiveness along with relevant composition and location selections.

In all their magnificent splendor the top seven images of 2017 are as follows: 

Model: Shweta Pandey

#7 with model Shweta Pandey. It was our first time ever photographing Shweta and she did not disappoint. Following a brief and productive face to face meet-up prior to the shoot, I knew upon meeting her working with her would be amazing. She is very expressive and her friendly personality and willing attitude made all the difference. She exceeded every challenge put before her without complaint. Despite not having tried looks and posing such as this before, her trust in our eye, our style direction and compositional style with her confidence made all the difference in creating such a riveting masterpiece of fashionable sultriness. 

Model: Yuliana Kelley

#6 with model Yuliana Kelley. Yuliana is a gift from the fashion gods. Here in her fashionably casual delectable goodness, she demonstrates a complete and total mastery over her environment; casual look equals casual pose with casual and summery location. Seldom do I meet someone that understands the association of expressiveness to location to styling as well as she does along with an ability to project the appropriate mood in the context of her garment and overall wear. The comments included with this image were things like, "beautiful and casual." "Great location. She really knows how to pose to show the best of the clothing." "Laid back but stylish." "Phenomenal shorts!" "Summer love." The list went on and on and you had to be there to appreciate how well she emoted that scene. One look/change equals one location/scene is a philosophy her and I both share. 

I had never photographed her before and I can't even imagine where we would be now had we ever worked together or met prior to more deliberately coordinate our ideas. She is extraordinary!

Model: Shweta Pandey

#5 There are few things in this world more precious than working with someone that gets what you're trying to do with your look; not with words but with feeling. I often explain what I'm looking for using abstract emotional concepts or phrases like, "How does the romper make you feel? Where do you imagine you would be if you're wearing it? How would you look if you wanted to capture attention or how would you move if no one was looking?"

Understanding is key to such a well executed look and Shweta SLAYED it. Even before going there I gave her some idea of the location; a location she had never been to. Sure I had shown her a mood-board but I didn't tell her how to pose because when you have a great model you don't have to. I told her simply to "feel" her way thru the look because once she saw the location and we started shooting that she would understand. I had confidence that she would understand what to do. Emotional intuitiveness is so huge and I can't stress that enough. 

Having the pleasure to have met her in-person prior to the shoot tells me so much about how a person might react to a certain look, their level of skill, their confidence and what they are comfortable doing. I knew beyond any doubt she would fully embody the look and feel of this garment and this location the second I met her. She will tell you herself that when I met her that within seconds I had a ton of ideas I felt she could be great with despite not having tried them before. We can confidently say that she is one of the best discoveries of the year.

Model: Yuliana Kelley

#4 Yuliana again?! Damn right it is and for all the obvious reasons. "OMG! She is a doll." "Her eyes..." "Her hair is so thick and luscious." "The light is perfect." "Love the background against the strong contrast of her garment." "Beautiful jewelry." The comments went on and on and on. I must confess it is one of personal favs photographs this year. Her gaze, the guarded but innocent stance is yet warm and approachable and yes she does look flawless like a doll. LOL! But perhaps her stance isn't guarded but embracing. Love of self perhaps? See? That is what wonderful images make you do. You're engaged and thinking and longing to know what is transpiring in the scene. What is she thinking? What is she looking at? 

I don't know what else to say other than it was a fantastic day with great light, good company and positive vibes all around. It didn't take long before I began envisioning Yuliana as a SIRCUS magazine cover model someday. I'm just saying. It is possible. She is THAT good.

Like any top elite model she changed clothing and became a different person; a person that emoted the personality of the garment. Yes folks, garments have personalities whether you want them to or not. You can make the garment or the garment can make you. The key is understanding the difference and controlling the contextual relationship. Okay, I may be losing some of you but Yuliana understood and projected accordingly. I barely know her but I can't help but love this girl and it would seem everyone else does as well. She rocks!

Model: Tanya Sonkin

#3 No "best" image lineup will be complete without my bestie, my friend, my rock - fashion, runway and beauty model Tanya Sonkin. When spoken about in creative circles, Tanya incites an almost worship-level reverence from fans who speak of her from jaw dropped mouths and glazed over eyes. She is the one person I can't seem to photograph enough for obvious reasons. She is one of those models that the more you shoot the more you want to shoot and I see no end to that so as long as I can lift a camera. 

This image is the most commented on from all the images of her by Helios this calendar year. I've been getting..."The most beautiful model I've ever seen." "This is your best work ever with Tanya." "This image is all I would need to work with Tanya forever." "Why aren't we seeing more Tanya?" "What is next with Tanya?" "When is Tanya coming back?" Only her denim looks from last year, that has an almost religious following is commented on more. That is saying something because despite not creating half of what I had hoped we would produce together this year including vid, we still created some of what I consider some of our best work this year. 

It is that look of hers here -that glance towards you that stills your heart. Honestly, she sort of surprised me with this one; stepping out of her comfort zone a bit and nailing us with some serious fire emanating from her thru softly parted lips and tousled hair. She was fully engaged on this shoot and it speaks volumes as to Tanya's skill and incontrovertible prowess in front of the camera when it counts. It is spicy enough to show you that she can go there if she wants to but not so much that you'll ever have enough. It is as she is... insatiable.

The styling is point perfect -screaming of casual upscale elegance with a splash of sexy that only Tanya can bring. 

Model: Trexie Dorrell

#2 with Model Trexie Dorrell. The one who is many. Fitness, fashion, beauty, glamour, art and everything in between. Except she can't sing and she can't dance worth a damn. LOL! Believe me I've seen her try. Otherwise, Trexie Dorrell is my one tried and true everything model. No one understands me as much as she does and for this reason it takes us all of 10 minutes to shoot any look in any location in any kind of weather. Emoting? Check! Styling? Check! Makeup & Hair? Check and Check! Posing? Double Check! There is no one I trust more with my brand image. She truly understands the scope of everything I try to achieve with every look no matter the genre. Perfectly sculpted, beautiful and religiously driven she is the singular person that can step in for any look or any model from lingerie to avant garde. Cocoa_pecan complexion, chiseled high-born cheek-bones with abs to match, she has no equal. For posing, styling, fit-level and expressiveness she garners the most attention than most of the models I have met and/or photographed combined with few exceptions. She has the most no-nonsense casual and laid-back attitude about it all despite being the Cover Model of SIRCUS™ magazine Issue 12 in the editorial "Doll Play"and a key player in the making of Issue 11 "Fitness is in Fashion." 

Arguably the most accomplished in terms of her role around these parts and her widespread everyday offline popularity, she, not unlike the aforementioned Yuliana Kelley, has a strong sense of style and natural affinity for aesthetics. Trexie simply doesn't take any of it that serious though. She is as casual about her looks and her personal style as she is about her rainbow fuzzy sock collection she wears around her apartment throughout the week. I believe her followers can sense the "this is so easy but I'm not stuck up or haughty about it" attitude coming thru on her images and they are draw to her authenticity. That laid back relaxed aura says I could just as easily take a nap here rather than get all bent out of shape about how I look right now. Yet, she looks ravishing and completely content. But she would also lie down in the same spot in the pouring rain if it meant the shot would be perfect. That is the commitment you want on every shoot - relaxed, stylish, beautiful and it will be done when it's done as long as it's perfect kinda attitude. That is my Trexie and the people that worship her as I do get it.

Model: Yuliana Kelly

#1 One more time with Yuliana. I know I know. She accounts for three out of the seven top 2017 images and I'm not even making this up. The numbers don't lie and it shows our followers have great taste. She owns her space is the best way I can sum it all up. You had to be there but everyone that attributed to these numbers and given us this feedback was NOT there and they are as enamored with her as I am. 

I can only explain it as natural ability coupled with gloriously heart-stopping beauty. It still amazes me how much she reminds me of Trexie in that she seems so "in the zone" on the shoot. Being as I've only worked with her once I can only guess that it is simply who she is. 

You can fake a great many things but talent isn't one of them and I can say she is definitely born to model. Whether she is smiling or not, standing or sitting, leaning or reclining; each image conveys a sense of belonging, a strong sense of style and environmental awareness. 

"Angel." "Beautiful." Beautiful work." "Great styling." "That smile..." "Very fashionable" etc etc. The comments are carried the same message and the views were astronomically high. It is definitely a I wish I was there kind of image. I want to do what she is doing. I want to wear what she is wearing. I want that happiness and comfort. I want that hat and bracelet. I want to get to that location. I want that life. That is what modeling is about. People need to want to be the person who the model seems to be; the lifestyle, the scene, the moments and the feelings that emanate from that world. 

Despite not having chosen a single Model Of the Year for 2017. We had a fun time assembling the top images of 2017. Thank you Shweta Pandey, Tanya Sonkin, Trexie Dorrell and Yuliana Kelley for making 2017 such a special year. Extra special thanks to all of you that made these images possible and for everyone else for collaborating with us this year. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting new people and I look forward to continuing to work with some of you again. 

Are You a Helios Model? And What is a Helios Model Anyway?

Who or What is a “Helios Model?”

To be completely honest with you, we didn’t know this phrase was a thing until about the third time we had heard it from at least three different people. We’re not a modeling agency but I do believe that over time we may have indirectly chosen or maybe created a different classification of models and clients.

I don’t believe it is a look. I personally think everyone we’ve photographed is beautiful. I really mean that. Everyone we have ever photographed in uniquely gorgeous in their own way. Our portfolio is far too varied to say it is just blondes or brunettes, dark hair, asians or blacks, whites or otherwise. But I do think that most of the models who collaborate with us have a refinement unseen anywhere else. It’s not a job, or a label. It’s just something people tend to remember the model by. We guess it’s a thing now. 

For example, I did a follow-up with a model two weeks ago. This follow-up was long after my initial shoot with her. We met just to discuss future ideas and just to see how her shoots with other photographers have gone since our first shoot together. She is having a blast. However, it was the recent photographers she had worked with that also gave her the label as a Helios Model which in essence meant, she was in a different and more elite class than normal. Hey, we’ll take that. Again, it is not our saying, this seems to be public opinion. We’re not an agency but we do often brag about finding the absolute best people to photograph. To be honest, even the paid assignments are exceptional in our opinion. I believe good people are simply attracted to good things. You want the best then you should always strive to be the best. If I want the best models I try not to beg for them, pay them extraneous amounts of money. I put my time and effort in honing, improving and perfecting my skill as a designer and photographer. In time, if it is meant to be we will simply cross paths; if not, we will not. We certainly don’t have a monopoly on premium people. In fact, we would say that there have many more people we would like to work with; all of which are well-suited to the ideas we have planned. Are they “Helios Models” before we even work with them? We can’t answer that if we don’t know why the label exist.

We don’t happen upon active photo shoots from other photographers very often so we don’t see their process with how they select, engage and direct models but I can’t imagine it would be that different. You select, research, schedule and shoot or you reply to a message or an email, agree on a rate, schedule and shoot. Simple right? Or so we thought. Apparently, somewhere along the line we seem to develop these new classifications and what some are designating as a higher echelon of talent than what is normally found. 

We honestly don’t know what is going on. But what we do know is that we are eternally grateful for every single paid assignment and collaboration that comes our way and we have fun doing them. As you might also be aware, we often credit the talent and clients themselves with how well the images manifest. We couldn’t be who we are without their skill, vision and talent. 

So what is a Helios Model? I still don’t really know. Perhaps someone else can define why people we photograph just seem so categorically premium and elite. If I had to guess we believe people decide to become a Helios Model when they make that first email, send that first message or make the initial phone call to setup a shoot. It’s a mindset not a look. They’ve decided to take a leap and see what happens and that within itself suggest a creative and more open minded way of approaching art and photographically specific. If the label derives from the results then that is most certainly our theory. Full trust in the process is over half of our successes. 

Our final theory on what constitutes a Helios Model is a person that constantly strives to improve their craft. They encourage others to be the best they can be while they themselves work hard to expand their creative opportunities. They want to forge productive relationships and work with other people like themselves that respect style, taste and refinement above all else and they would much rather have quality above quantity. If that is a Helios Model then I believe nearly everyone we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with suits that label. 

Who is To Blame When Your Photos Turn Out Bad?

We have been fortunate not to have these things occur. Yet, we hear about them all the same. We’ve had a misunderstanding or two over the years. Who hasn’t? Usually it’s about start times and styling choices. Even after all these years there are some things we still simply refuse to photograph. There can be a great deal of finger pointing when things go bad on or after a photo shoot. When the pictures aren’t of the quality and caliber of what everyone expected then who is to blame for that?

Is it the subject, the client, the photographer, the creative director, the makeup artist or hair stylist, the agency, the wardrobe stylist, the retoucher or the booking agent’s fault that these images are so horrible? There are several people blame can and will be assigned to. 

The photographer wants to blame the agency for sending him such an inexperienced model. He says she doesn’t understand his instructions or that he has to almost babysit the model and take him or her thru every single pose like a baby having to be guided through taking it’s first steps. Or the model came unprepared, she didn’t bring the right clothing discussed, she didn’t wax, she was unable or unwilling to do the required looks. I’ve also heard photographers say the model simply can’t model. She can’t pose or move. Everything was jerky or incomprehensible and out of context with the theme. It happens but is that all the model’s fault? Read on.

The stylist or booking agent might say that the modeling agency sent the wrong model. Or the agency will say the model is exactly what the creative director asked for. But someone will complain that she's too tall. She’s not expressive or that she doesn’t have the dress size or hair color we requested. Is it the stylist’s fault or the agency? Read on.

The model blames the photographer. He was too pushy. He was weird. He spoke too fast. I couldn’t understand him. He was not communicable. He was too quiet. I didn’t want to do lingerie. I thought we were doing lingerie but he wanted swimwear. I told the agency I only shoot nude. I don’t shoot nude; why was I asked. I was cold the entire time. I was too hot. The location was far away. He wasn’t good with lighting. He focused too much on lighting. The list goes on. Could she be right? Read on.

I think you see where I’m heading with this post. Everyone has a complaint about someone at some point in time. The simple answer is that it’s your fault your pictures are terrible. What do I mean by “your” fault? I mean anyone reading this. In short, it’s everyone’s fault. It is no single person because pictures can’t make themselves. If there are humans involved in their creation and a human is on both sides of the camera then it took both and all involved to create that image.

Most of the problems associated with photo shoots is a lack of preparedness and a failure to manage expectations. This all starts with communication which is why I cannot emphasize enough of knowing and preferably having an open dialogue with everyone involved with your project. Blind photo shoots are like blind-dates in that you don’t know who you’re getting. Why set yourself up for failure? Study a port. Look for inconsistencies in shooting styles. Models, check the photographer’s work ahead of time and look into the ports of the models he or she has worked with in the past. Message one or two and ask how he shoots, if he’s communicable, if he’s difficult and then decide for yourself if it’s worth your time. Ask how long it takes to get pics, do you get to choose them, how will they be used, how much are his or her photography rates? Ask if you’re expected to bring your own clothing or will you have help. 

Models… go further and ask the photographer if you can bring an escort ahead of time if you need one. In fact, for many photographers its a deal breaker. Not because they’re up to no good but largely because they can manage one stranger in their home or business but not two. Additionally, that’s one more distraction he or she doesn’t need. Don’t surprise us. We hate unexpected tagalongs. A photographer shooting from his home or basement isn’t unusual. In fact, it is common. If that freaks you out then choose another photographer. But you better believe some of his best work was created in that same garage or basement. Do you believe every single image the photographer created was in a $20,000 per month ocean-facing loft studio? A great photographer can create an incredible image almost anywhere if they have enough space, enough light and a willing model. But if someone is too high brow for a basement then go and pay someone with a huge posh studio willing to shoot a start up model with zero experience. You never know. Maybe you’ll get lucky that way. Besides, that option is readily available to you here as well. But that is what portfolios are for. If you saw a scene you like in his portfolio then ask about it ahead of time. Be clear that’s the kind of look you’re interested in and communicate that is what you’re expecting within your level of resources. If that isn’t possible with your resources then be sure the photographer communicates that to you. Don’t assume they can and will do that just because you brought it up. If you wanted a twentieth floor ocean front balcony view as your background image and you’re not paying the photographer, you haven’t spoken to them or referenced them with another model or artist that may have worked with them, then you have reason to be suspicious; but that’s on you. You have reason to be concerned if you’ve been told escorts aren’t allowed and you’re being led into a dark basement in the middle of Idaho looking for the ocean. Some things are just common sense. 

Ask for examples of ideas ahead of time that the photographer or director expects you to do. If you’re working through your agency then ask them to be specific. If they can’t be specific then adapt but don't complain. Beforehand and if applicable, ask if you need to sign a model release and what is in it. If you don’t then why or why not? Ask your contact about image use and how many images within reason you can expect. How long will it take until you get images? How will they be delivered? As professionally as possible ask the photographer if nudity is expected or if implied is okay? Provide a visual example of your level of nudity that you find appropriate or inappropriate. Ask the photographer if there is a changing room or if there are bathroom facilities there. Exercise due diligence and work with creatives that consistently gives the kind of quality and performance you want from the beginning. Even if it means working less or collaborating less - choose high quality projects and be deliberately discriminating on your choices. It only takes one bad image to ruin a reputation and scores of extremely good ones to recover your reputation if it can be recovered at all. 

Agencies… what can I say about an agency? They’re very good until they’re not which is to say most often they’re not. Call the agency, email them a call-sheet with the ideas along with the model you’re requesting. Ask the agency if they can send the model’s current pics (this should be automatic and already current but don’t assume) to be certain her look hasn’t changed. Be sure to cover the aspects of how the images will be used and share your expectations to them as to what you expect them to do and the model that you are expecting to arrive. Confirm arrival times and duration of the project. Do this all and do it twice more. Agencies can be notoriously selectively forgetful and inconsistent. Furthermore, agency turnover is atrocious so who you spoke to this week may be a different person the following week. Therefore, manage your expectations by keeping a trail of documentation of your correspondence. 

Make up artists and stylists… share, share and share again. Make sure you know exactly what the creative director or photographer expects of you. Be sure you are familiar with the look and have your kits and your clothing accessories on par with what was shared, planned and discussed. DO NOT assume autonomy over how the makeup and hair will look. Chances are the people you’re shooting with will want full creative control over the end result and how it got there. Ask ahead of time which looks will be first and the order of shooting those looks so you're prepared. Suggest but don't demand a sequence more efficient for your application. Why not demand? Well demanding is rude for one and there are things beyond your station in-play. In cases like mine, I've had to take into consideration tide forecast times levels if we're shooting on the beach. If it's the tide is too high when the model is there we're doing indoor looks first if it's on the menu. As it the tide subsides, there are areas we can now get to  they were not available when the tide was at the maximum level. Photographers have to consider sun position. Backlit images are best for certain parts of the day. That means shooting a certain look may need to be earlier or later. No one should assume they know everything that's going on. You have to ask, email, call and/or message each other. You’ve probably been given a mood board of a plethora of styling ideas supporting the theme you’re expected to execute. If you're not sure who you’re reporting to then ask. There is no shame in getting it right and asking questions if you don’t know. Too much pride is often times are greatest enemy. Ask your primary project contact about what you’re expected to do and what, when and where you’re doing it. Ask for a mood board and ask specifically how much latitude you have on the look and who will manage your applications. 

As you can see, most problems can be addressed before a shoot ever begins. When that image didn’t turn out like you expected it to then it’s probably something you didn’t do or neither of you talked about. When model’s tell me that they worked with a terrible photographer and the images weren’t that great I have to wonder. Did the model even look at his portfolio? I mean really really look as in study it? Did the model reference other ports of models that this photographer worked with? Were they prepared for the shoot or did they just bring what they had or what they wanted to shoot without discussing it with the photographer? Quite frankly I wouldn’t work with a photographer I didn’t know well if he or she didn’t ask me what I was bringing. Wouldn't that photographer want to be reasonably prepared for what the model was bringing even if it’s something casual and carefree. I would want to know which background I need to put up or even if I should gas up the car for a location shoot on a collaboration. 

When the photographer says a model was stiff and inflexible and just overall inexperienced and haughty, I think… did he meet her first? Has he spoken to her at all aside from her “Hello, I love your work; let’s shoot this weekend,” messages many upstarts let themselves get entrapped by because they're so eager to get pictures of a beautiful new model they haven’t worked with before.

Let me level with you on a little secret. Photographers are prideful and models are even more prideful. They really don’t like contacting one another for advice on a model or photographer. They want everyone to see, believe or think they did this all on their on. Yet, the regional photographer and model community is a small one and people talk - if not now then soon. Eventually every nuanced thing, bad habit, good habit, preparedness, lack of professionalism, flirt, whisper or word of encouragement gets passed around. So why not, just manage those expectations, talk to each other and share your experiences to improve your projects. I’ve been more than disheartened about how many photographers fail to contact us about models. Yes, it has been several over the years but you’d think it would be dozens of times a week at least. Then they complain and whine about what they didn’t shoot or couldn’t shoot. Or they whine about a lack of image quality or that the model was this or that or didn’t model lingerie when they talked about lingerie. Well I might have told you she would do that. Well that’s the photographers’s fault. We’re the one’s pulling the proverbial trigger. Even though it’s everyone’s responsibility, the pressure is on us to perform despite the circumstances that led to the bad images or lack of images. 

Retouchers retouch. Stylists style. Models model. Photographers manage, direct, orchestrate, adjust, manage people, often times style, produce, help to design sets, and create the circumstance by which the entire project will be executed. It stands to reason that we would take every single measure to insure the results are nothing short of stellar. Sometimes despite our best efforts, something or someone falls short. But it’s not our time to point fingers. It’s everyone’s fault but ultimately we have to get up, dust ourselves off and see what we can do to keep such things from occurring again. I have found that in the end, it still comes down to communication, preparedness and managing expectations of every single project.  

In conclusion, whose fault is it when an image fails? It’s everyone’s fault. I can’t take a picture of another person all alone without the other person. 

A New Model Search for a New Idea

I've had this idea in my head for the last 18 months or so. I've kept it to myself because quite frankly I just haven't had the time to cast a model or number of models for the series and sit down and map out an editorial story for it. I still haven't quite nailed down the model for the series yet but I figured I'd get something just to hold me until I do find my model. In comes Kim.

Now if you've read how I carry on about her you would know that she's often described by me as sexy-quirky and she hasn't changed a bit. I had zero plans for her to do any of these looks. Not because she isn't perfect. On the contrary, as you can see she is more than capable. It was to be something of a mashup of beauty mixed with glamour with very dramatic lighting effects. Kim is a perfect blend of extraordinary beauty and glamour. My decision to not use her stems from a need for a new face, variety and simply just the want of something fresh. Forgotten was the fact that here is a stunning capable woman willing and able to do anything I wanted done within reason. Kim would do it not just because I asked but she would also do it to show me that when pushed she could do it. You can't but love those kinds of models.

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Model: Kim Jonet

I still shared the idea with her if for nothing else but bouncing it off someone else. I didn't have a sample pic or anything to show her but I guess after working with me more times than I remember she intuited where I might be headed with it. After a few minutes she pulls up this article of clothing; the one in this pic. I thought I'd died and went to heaven. My first question is always the same. "Have you ever been photographed in this before?" That's kind of a pet peeve of mine in case you didn't know. She said "no. It has been sitting in my closet collecting dust for nearly two years. I just didn't know how to use it or what to use it for. I knew I should have shown it to you before but I kept forgetting it was there. Do you want it?" Is she serious I thought? As if my slack jaw didn't give it away she waited with a sneaky smile for a reply. I think I died and went to heaven again. That's twice in the span of two minutes I think. She was saying all the right things as usual of her.

It was perfect. One of the first things a fashion photographer learns to do is envision how something will look on a particular frame of model. How it fits, how it will hang and hug all flashed through my head within a millisecond. That will dictate the angles and the light setup for maximum effect. I knew Kim would be the one to wear this glorious thing for me. It was just too perfect for her body and if pushed just hard enough, Kim can be immensely expressive and emotive which is what this situation called for.

While she will not likely be my final model for this series, she kicked it off nicely. Her successor has some work to do to follow her. That's for sure. Maybe a dozen or so pics later we're jumping up and down hugging as to how epic it looks. She was happy she got to use the garment and I'm just happy that she's happy. I finally kicked off this series the right way with the right model. 

It ended up being just a test shoot for this a larger idea and it was wildly successful. I've named the series and planned it out but now comes the even harder part. Who will be her successor? I'm starting the hunt right now. 

2015's Greatest Models Part IV with Elizabeth Rhoades

From a rare combination of personality, intoxicating beauty and an infectious smile I was immediately enamored with Elizabeth upon our first and only pre-shoot face to face. Elizabeth might be among a very very short list of people I could just kick it with - have a drink, a few laughs and just hang out for hours and wonder what happened to the day. I actually didn't want the meet-up to end. She's just easy to look at and very easy to talk to. Besides who wouldn't want to hangout with as gorgeous a woman as she? She has this warm easy going attractive thing working for her I couldn't let go of and I immediately thought, we're going to make some magnificent images.

It took all of about 43 seconds for me to want to shoot with her. The rest of the time was just making sure we're on the same page and ironing out a few, "who is driving this car" kind of details. You see, on creative projects it can be difficult to define who is running the show. On larger shoots you might have a creative director on occasion, a photographer, the model, a publisher or whoever else that might be attributing to or funding the idea. But there can be only a single driver in the end. Part of the meeting is to make certain we have compatible personalities and clear of what looks we're both comfortable with, styling protocols, preparation, image use, copyright terms, etc. It's just best to iron all of that out first. But once all of that was over I wanted to just stare and listen to her for a few hours.

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SIRCUS magazine Issue 12 at www.sircusmagazine.com

The most incredible thing about Elizabeth aside from the obvious was the fact that she has one of the most incredible online portfolios of every model I'd seen in all of 2015. Each image seemed to have been carefully selected for maximum visual impact, quality, style and taste. Like we've always said, it only takes a handful of images to make your point and she made it. In less than a dozen images she told us, she prefers high quality over quantity. She was saying that she wants refined, polished and tasteful images. She was letting us know that she is confident and daring but sophisticated and  premium. She had set a benchmark. But even more-so, she told us that she is very very selective about who she works with and that's the kind of model we want to work with. Someone meticulously caring and mindful of their overall modeling reputation. That very fact, the way she looks, her professionalism and personality gave us all the ammunition we needed to take this collaboration. I left the meet-up very excited and uplifted about the possibilities. I recall thinking, this is gonna be good.

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SIRCUS magazine Issue 12 at www.sircusmagazine.com

It took a few starts and re-starts to get things rolling until finally our project day arrives. After many months I finally saw our talent again. Here she was, after so many long months of planning. I hope she didn't catch my slight lost of composure. She was stunning. I may have audibly gasped a bit. Even before makeup and hair styling I recall asking myself, "has she gotten even more beautiful?"

It was a several hours later that felt like minutes. You see, when things flow very well and you're getting the takes you want, you just don't seem to tire out. You're still excited. Our only regret is that it didn't seem like it was long enough. We wanted more; more looks, more images, more of Elizabeth. On the best days and best shoots, it always happens that way. If we just had her in front of the camera for just a couple more hours I thought. But such as it is, we all have other tasks to get done and we couldn't just adopt her and have her move in to be an on-call 24/7 model now could we? That would awesome and yet preposterous all the same.

In summary, it was a fantastic shoot and a great experience. It was easy, laid back, fun, stimulating. and most of all... productive. We can't say enough how important portfolios matter. Be objective and selective. Yet, personality matters. Talent matters. How you groom yourself and interact with the team all matters. Elizabeth easily goes down as one of our greatest models of 2015 because she is by far one of the most well-rounded models to date; the ultimate combination of beauty, class, talent and flawless execution. Thank you again Elizabeth for a fantastic 2015. 

2015's Greatest Models Part 1

It has been nearly 15 years since we began this process - never perfect but always perfecting and always striving to improve. As one might imagine we've come across more than a handful of talent from the vastly experienced to the person getting in front of the camera for the very first time. Even though we didn't officially publish her this year, she was this year's most popular model by every single measure.

Every blog, every image sharing site, every website and photo-stream where any picture of her appeared went viral. By every metric we could obtain she is the most talked about, most shared, most visited, messaged, emailed, tagged and liked model we've had for the entire year. We could simply post a picture of her and received essays about her beauty. We might share a photo from a recent shoot and get email server errors due to the inbox overflow. She is a phenomena a photographer can only experience to believe.

Kim Jonet
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We simply don't know anyone that doesn't love her. She is kind, patient, flirty, fun, intelligent and incredibly sexy. She has a natural kind of sultriness that can't be duplicated and it emanates from the sites, pages and blogs where she appears.

What impresses us the most is her preparedness, trust and humility. She is always ready. She brings what was agreed upon - sometimes more but never less. She is never boastful or demanding. She is gentle, soft spoken and incredibly humble. She doesn't pretend to know everything despite you knowing there are few things she doesn't know. She will ask you if she needs direction and yet she is confident without arrogance. She is without a doubt one of the most gifted individuals we've worked with over the entirety of our creative careers and most of that stems from a most agreeable personality and an intoxicating visage interlaced with malleable and endless talent.

When you're shooting she truly puts herself in your hands to do your craft. She relinquishes creative control so that you're not inhibited as an artist. In a very real sense, she is yours to command artistically and creatively. She will not argue, complain nor make unnecessary requests. She does not whimper, whine nor cry. She is 100% committed and confident in herself and to her love of modeling but she never takes advantage of people with her obvious enchanting wiles. It makes getting those challenging shots that much more fun and we always get the look we want with Kim.

You can't pay for that kind of trust with anyone else. But even so, you have to earn it; you have to nurture it over multiple photo shoots and collaborations. More importantly, you have to deliver with Kim. Make no mistake, she is there to work and you owe it to her to get it right and never leave her wanting. You'll want to buy her an island, cars, houses and pretty much whatever you can acquire to keep her happy and satiated. But all Kim wants is a great experience, your artistic respect and of course stunning images.

People never ask why we have Kim back again and again and again. They see it in the image. They see our comfort with one another and they can feel our sense of camaraderie. That feeling you feel when you see her, that distinct but fleeting gasp that escapes you when you stand in front of her is a real thing. She will always have a spot on my schedule without even asking for it. She is one of a few who can call at a moment's notice and get whatever it is she wants. For us, she is more than a model; she is a cherished friend and we wish her all the best for 2016. If we're as fortunate as we have been in the past then 2016 will belong almost entirely to her. In a nutshell it means that for 2016 if Kim wants me to shoot with her then she will have the highest priority. What do you say Kim?

Modeling and Age Discrimination

About three weeks ago I worked with a model I’d never worked with before. She is gorgeous in every way. Polite, intelligent, beautiful skin, gorgeous full and shiny hair and an amazing fit body. As long as a person is of legal age I don’t really care how old they are. If they suit the look I’m going for then I really could care less beyond getting the job done. But I was stunned by what she told me. She mentioned that in her experience many people were turned off by her age. She perfectly recalled an occasion, when a photographer she had just finished shooting with asked her age. When she told him he visibly expressed shock and immediately became dismissive and treated her horribly. I personally just don’t understand the obsessiveness with age. Clearly this model was perfect before the photographer knew her age. I was appalled and very disappointed in this photographer’s behavior. It makes the entire industry seem so very very superficial.  All we really want or really need is a competent and talented subject to meet the criteria of the task. 

I might have known that something was off when she asked the average age of the models I typically work with early in the photo shoot. She was unnaturally interested. When I mentioned all ages she was visibly but pleasantly surprised. I clearly remember saying, “I don’t have an age limit. I only have qualifications. If a person suits those qualifiers then I don’t care. If she is slightly older then all the better since statistics tend to suggests that more mature models are more reliable.” Then she told me her story. I couldn’t get over how someone calling themselves a professional could behave in such a manner. In her estimation, anyone over 30 years of age was at a horrible disadvantage. Clearly she had been shaken and somewhat discouraged by her experiences and given her talent and her looks I was simply baffled why anyone so beautiful might have developed such a distrust and negative attitude about the industry at large.

It didn’t take me long to realize she was not alone. I did a bit of research and spoke to a few colleagues and other models. While there are certainly more mature models working, many have experienced some form of push back when they revealed their age. It wasn’t because they didn’t look the look, walk the proverbial walk or that they didn’t meet all the criteria of the task - NO! It was only because of their age; a simple number that often disqualified them from further consideration.

When did we become so shallow a society to care how old or how young a person is if they perfectly suit the task at hand? In fact, I have argued that on occasion it might be more attractive to seek out a slightly more mature model because of their attention to detail, their work ethic and dedication. Paid or unpaid, collaboration or commissioned, I have never had a model over 30 years of age not show up. From a marketing perspective, any smart person would know that models in their 40s, 50s and 60s is a rapidly growing and sought after group due to the amount of products and services seeking that demographic. More specifically, the amount of quality images needed to promote products to that group is rapidly expanding. It is quite simply, a smart move to work with this rapidly expanding market. If anything, this photographer should be bowing and pleading for the pleasure. But even that is not really the argument here. The lack of common business sense is argument enough for the imbecile that has a problem with age. But what truly perturbs is the fact that this age-nazi expressed no problem whatsoever until he or she actually learned the model’s age. It’s baseless and ignorant to age discriminate for any reason short of not being able to perform the task and that can be true of any person at any age. 

This photographer, whomever they are is simply a fool. It was a tactless thing to do, a blatant lack of professionalism and it shames me to know that someone as kind and as beautiful as this model has to endure such ridicule for being who she is. 

Lucky for me I did photograph her and quite frankly I loved every second of it. She was perfectly qualified, punctual, experienced, respectful, communicable and gorgeous. What else could I possibly want? All things being equal she was perfect and I don’t care how old she is beyond being of legal age. 

5 Mistakes You're Making With Your Portfolio

5 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Portfolio

If you’re out there in front of the camera or behind it and just having a bit of compensation free fun then who cares, this will not apply to you. But if you’re serious about how your port is perceived, if you’ve devoted time to even having a port, then you owe it to yourself to understand how it might be perceived when these common mistakes are made. 

1. Too many selfies. If you’re serious about your port (meaning you really want to attract and land some high quality assignments or attention) dispense with the selfies. Put them on your Instagram Page, your Facebook personal account or whatever is being used to house your casual going ons. But a professional account or any page where you’re trying to bring in quality collaborations, you’re not going to get them with selfies. Sure, I know you want to show clients and other potentials your casual fun loving side. Trust me, they’ll get that when they meet you in person. The port is your resume and your first chance to deliver what you’re about and what you’re capable of. You will not be landing any big fish with selfies today.

2. Too much of a good thing. It doesn’t matter how hot you look in that dress, showing 15 different variations of smiles or poses in it will get you laughed at. It demonstrates a gross ignorance of the process of selection on the publishing and booking side. Agencies and booking agents want to see one and at the very very most two images of that dress or blazer you’re so proud of. If you’re booked for a job, they’re likely looking for one image of any given look (two tops if it’s catalog work) to sell or advertise what they need to. To land the big fish you need to understand the industry and the selection process of advertising and publishing. STOP WITH THE SERIALS of that same jacket, in that same scene with little to no differentiation between the shots. Even a catalog will show two maybe three of the garments they advertise so that you get a good viewing of the overall look, one closeup for detail and perhaps (very rarely) a third showing it in the context of use such as a lifestyle scene. Lose the serials. Even the best look can get boring after the third pic.

3. Too much emotional attachment. I know you really really love that designer. You’ve seen his or her work everywhere. Plus you have met them and have a deep friendly connection. You’re pretty much pals. But it might stand to reason that their particular garments do not suit you. Bad colors, poor fit and just cuts unflattering to your body. It doesn’t make you any less of a model or them any less of a designer. It just means it’s not for you. So while you might absolutely love that skirt in your port, to the unbiased eye it a horrible horrible fit. It makes you look plump, or anorexic, or just plain wrong. It also extends to photographers as well. You love this model. She’s easy  to work with, professional, always on time but the pics kinda suck for some reason or another. It’s not her. It’s not even you. It’s just poor creative chemistry but you really really like her cause “she’s good people” you say. Change the nature of what you’re shooting or move on and get it out of your port. 

4. Too much randomness. No direction. No clear objective. No clear path of what it is you’re trying to achieve. It’s great to have variety but you risk being a jack or jill of all trades and a master of none. I understand. You want to give yourself the broadest chance of being discovered. Look I can do all sorts of looks. Let me be honest with you, it doesn’t work that way. The same way you have to tweak your resume for each individual job you want, you have to tweak your port for each assignment you want to book. Some of the most popular models in the world all said their agents literally ripped out over half of their port pages and started from scratch because they were all over the place. Do yourself a favor a narrow your path and focus on your strengths. You’ll be better off and you’ll thank me later.

5. Too much of the same crew. You love your stylist. You adore this model. You want this photographer to shoot your entire port. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. By all means, do what I do and come back to them as often as possible for your more ambitious creative projects. Yet, when building your port which may include credits, you would fair best having some personnel differentiation. It proves you can work with different people in different circumstances. It also proves you can step outside of your comfort zone. When I see 10 out of 15 pics from the photographer in a model’s port I cringe. It tells me she’s absolutely brand new with zero experience and that this photographer may be the only one they’re comfortable with thus far. Not to say that he or she is but it implies same. It may also suggests you don’t get along with people or that you’re shy and unwilling to branch out. It’s a deal breaker.  

Buying to Size: Why Shopping for Clothing is Increasingly More Difficult

Here is a fashion shopping tip for the holidays. Did you know that there really isn’t a hard baseline clothing size scale? It varies depending the on manufacturer. Generally, the higher end the designer the smaller the size. In theory, a size 8 may be more like a size 4. On other other hand a lower end discount store’s clothing size 8 may be actually a size 12. 

Unfortunately, clothing sizes are used more like a marketing tool to attract specific buyers.  Studies prove that feel better about buying a brand and more of it if you think you’re smaller than you actually are. Retailers that market to a younger crowd or a more brand and fashion conscious crowd is likely to be smaller. Consider why it is that you love the brand of clothing that you do. We delve more into this in the next Issue of Sircus Magazine.

Breath Mints and Midday Munchies: Everything Models Wish They Could Say and Will Not

You cannot have taken thousands of pictures over the models and retail clients over the years and not have them speak frank to you about what they like and don’t like about photographers. Well we’ve listened to everyone and comprised a list of the most annoying traits a photographer should never ever have and some things you should stop doing if you are doing them.

Stop fiddling. This is mostly about preparedness. Be ready for your shoot when your subject arrives. Barring a technical malfunction, don’t waste her time. She’s ready, the stylist is there, the makeup artist is bored to tears waiting on you for the next update and your hair stylist has another appointment she may not make because you still don’t know your equipment. Be prepared and have your equipment together and be sure to have a backup plan should something fail.

Don’t Get Your Money Where You Get Your Honey. Stop hitting on her and asking her out. This is work. I’m of the mindset that the photographer should take the high road in these circumstances. Why? Because if you’re the photographer then you’re not the one on display. You’re less likely to be in the photographically vulnerable position of having your likeness plastered all over the world for everyone to see. That said, if she wants you then leave it to her to let you know. Sure a little harmless flirting and telling her she’s gorgeous does a great deal to help keep her confidence level up. It lets her know her makeup, clothing and hair is exactly the way it needs to be and that she’s beautiful. Confidence means better, more natural looking images. But beyond the basic compliments let her make the move. Married, unmarried, open relationship or dating for either of you isn’t in question. That’s a private matter between two consenting people. Frankly, it’s not my decision to make. But if you must, be subtle (don’t do it at all if you can help it) and then let it go. She’s there to work, you should be there to work and not seeking a mate or a date. Don’t mess it up for hardworking, genuine photographers who are trying to earn a living and/or develop art by giving photographers in general a very very bad stigma of using photography to seek dates. Bad move. Bad boy.

The Silent Treatment. No input, no direction and pure silence aside from the shutter release sound of your camera makes models very nervous. Let her know she’s giving you what you want or need. She’s the model and she already knows how to model. That’s not your job. However, she cannot and will not read your mind. Let her know she’s going in the right direction or constructively suggest alternative looks or ideas. Verbally share. Plus it let’s her know you’re comfortable with her and willing for her to take a posing chance or a give you more expressiveness.

Please Shut Up. What might be worse than the silent treatment is the guy that won’t shut up. Hello!!! We’re on a photo shoot here and we need to take photos. Maybe the photographer is lonely and just needs someone to hang out with. There is nothing more annoying to a model than have a photographer that just wants to chant her up endlessly for hours. If she’s up for it then set aside a different day for that. On shoot day, be ready to shoot. If by some chance you can mix a bit of business with a bit of plutonic pleasure then again (as implied above), let her guide the exchange. 

Touch feely guy. Please don’t weird her out by touching her without permission. This is a no man’s land and photography 101. Whether or not your model is male or female, you should have their direct and absolute permission to touch them. If at all possible try to avoid it. Now if you know the subject extremely (EXTREMELY) well and you to have developed a collaborative and intimate creative report then by all means go with what your head tells you providing she has consenting to it. Otherwise, don’t go there ever without permission. For me, it has never been a problem. I don’t linger on or around a model. Assuming the stylist isn’t around or handy of course; I always have somewhere for her to change and if she needs an adjustment on clothing or hair I let her know what I’m about to do and where I expect to make the adjustment with the least amount of invasiveness as possible; very quick and out - NO lingering, NO strange awkward silences and absolutely NO implied anything. I’m just working here.

Cheesy Profiles of You Holding Your Camera. Photographers hear me NOW! If your profile pic must be anything, do not let it be a picture of you holding your camera. Models often cite photographers’ ports that are made up of an uncomfortable amount of pics of photographers holding their own cameras. Okay, we get it. You’re a photographer or you wanna be. Your profile name Bob’s Photography should be enough. It’s 2014. We get it. Models say it looks creepy and screams of a lack of confidence and possibly even implies compensation for a lack of experience. “When a photographer has his camera with him on his profile pic, I think of it as him compensating for his lack of experience or trying to hard to impress me with gear rather than talent. His port should speak for itself. I just skip over it.” Yep, that’s how you’re viewed by models and even other professional photographers. Besides, it just looks weird.

Who cares about your settings? No one but an amateur cares what camera you have or what settings you used to take the pictures. Photographers that list their gear are moronic enough to give burglars a list of targets and/or they’re compensating for lack for a experience yet again. There are two types of photographers that list gear and supplies aside from the one mentioned above: (1) someone that teaches photography classes, workshops, does reviews, or works for a product manufacturer or (2) an amateur photographer taking classes so that his fellow classmates or peers know what gear he or she is using and how they managed to get the shot they captured. Otherwise, WHY? You scream amateur every single time you do that particularly on social media or related applications. Find the proper venue for such things; a class maybe, a workshop or a industry publication, site or blog where that is appropriate.

WANT A BREATH MINT? Laugh now (better yet, wait til’ after the breath mint) but it’s one of the most courteous things you can do. We’re in each other’s face all day or at least for several hours. Do us all a favor and have good personal hygiene which includes having reasonably acceptable breath. We’re just saying. She will love you for it and so will everyone else on set.

Give me a beat. I don’t know any person I’ve worked with that didn’t prefer music on set. Of course, it’s not always convenience such as on location on in circumstances where music isn’t permitted or places you’ve never been. Music sets a great mood and the choose music commensurate with the theme if you can. If you want dark, moody and sultry looks try jazz. If you want upbeat energetic looks try pop, rock or dance. If you want attitude and swagger try hip hop or dub step. Just don’t ever do country. EVER! Just saying. 

Bad Mouthing! Never speak ill of other clients or models. It doesn’t make you look very professional by talking about personal and potentially private problems or pet peeves you’ve had with other models or clients. How do you think it makes you look as an alleged professional photographer to the person you’re speaking to when you speak negatively about every other model you’ve worked with. It’s okay to give examples of what you do not want your new subject to do or even emphasize instances when you hoped things may have gone a different way only to demonstrate what your expectations. However, under no circumstances should you talk repeatedly and be obsessively negative about anyone you’ve worked with. It undermines your level of professionalism and casts a negative light on your business.

Nothing Compares to You. Don’t ever compare a model to some other model you’ve worked with in the past. Unless it’s a very very positive comparison it’s not a good idea. Even still every single person is unique and prefer to be treated as such. So while a photographer is saying, “you remind me of Kirstie,” your subject is thinking “then you should have called Kirstie you idiot.” 

The Midday Munchies. There are many models that will not eat before or during a shoot; not even for a quick snack. However, there are many more than will. It’s always a good idea to have something on hand if it’s practical. No one is asking for a buffet or a fully catered shoot. Yet, having a few finger foods lying around is good for energy and comfort should your model or your crew partake of any. I’m not beyond asking a model, mua, or stylist about any known food or even fabric, clothing, or metal allergies before a booking. It just made sense to make sure everyone is comfortable and helps to avoid potential problems or performance issues during the shoot. Finger food is a really big deal. Whether a model or client of yours partakes or not is a different matter altogether. They will still appreciate that it’s there for them should they require it.

10 Years - 10 Best Helios Images - (#1) Countdown

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Model: Chanel Alexis

If it was only the model then everyone we've ever worked with is great. Truly they are. We've come across some very beautiful and very talented people over the last 10 years. But we can only speculate as to why some images captivate us more than others. Some images get more attention, feedback and shares than others. We attribute it to a combination of factors not the least of which is the absolute stunning beauty of the model herself. But it was so much more than just that. There was real talent that put this entire series together. All that combined talent manifest itself in this final image that we have chosen to our #1 best image of the last 10 years.

No words could ever describe this photo shoot. No amount of lines would ever describe this model, the way she looks, her warm personality and her skill. No words could ever hope to describe her ability.

Chanel Alexis is the first model you might say we had a “photo crush” on. We didn’t want the shoot to end. Every single shot was perfect. We found her ravishing and quite frankly the kindest, sweetest person we have met since we have lived in the Pacific NW. Ironically, she wasn’t from here; but she is from South Florida and not that far from my hometown. I suppose we had creative affinity for one another that bonded us. 

There were zero complaints and no problems with punctuality. Every single garment was a perfect fit. Chanel needed very little if any makeup at all but the makeup artist Noelle, did a marvelous job. 

This image was one of many from a shoot that was part location and part studio. It is the most blogged about and most shared photo in the series; perhaps the most in all our series. Taking into consideration comments, tags, shares and likes, this image has been the most buzzed about across all sites, blogs and other social media. 

Of course it is purely visual for the onlooker. No one knows how flawlessly the shoot was executed by Chanel and by our stylist Trexie Dorrell. It was the easiest photo shoot we’ve ever had and produced the most enchanting and timeless results. Chanel has the talent and those exotic looks to make it all come together. She is one of few people that if she ever chose to come back, we would find a way and fly her back the country again if necessary should an opportunity exist. 

We all made instant friends; friends enough for her to crash here if she wants to. She is simply that laid back. She is always welcome. Thank you Chanel for being marvelous and creating truly timeless images with us. 

10 Years - 10 Best Helios Images - (#2) Countdown

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Model: Iryna
Stylist: Trexie Dorrell
MUA: Chyeeda Burt

Everything you want in a model with everything you want in a stylist and makeup artist. This photo really is what we have wanted for years. It is a culmination of all that we were longing for. We wanted a high fashion model with superior looks and talent along with the threads to match. 

Iryna literally personifies fashion in a way we had not thought possible. For years we have sought such a look and only with her and the stylist/lighting assistant Trexie Dorrell could such results have come to be. Perfect styling, exceptional lighting and sophisticated garments and accessories. We sought a look and went for it all in and the results were even more remarkable than we anticipated. 

This look holds all we want to do. We want fashion, and we wanted high class style and sophistication.The stylist had everything flawlessly prepared all the way down to the stockings. It was a perfect look and she had the shoot well organized from start to finish. We had discussed the look, the lighting setup and gave Iryna a vibe to shoot for and she not only nailed it, she surpassed it. She really took ownership of the look. Sure she gave us a few complaints along the way about the weather and so on, but nothing can deny the results. She is easily among the top best models we’ve had (not just within the last 10 years) but possibly ever when it comes to fashion. 

Her attitude somewhat brash and her personality feisty and mildly confrontational but Iryna is what she is and we love her for it. It is part of what makes her a great model. She knows what she wants and she lets you know. We may have done much much more with a bit of diplomacy but quite frankly, she could have had and can have anything she wants along the lines of modeling. She is unsurpassed by every measure. She captured the looks flawlessly and this image best exemplifies the direction we wanted to go and the sense of fashion we have been striving for for years and would like to continue to do. 

It was a beautiful collaboration throughout. The garments were perfect. The lighting was supple yet punchy while the styling and makeup was flawlessly executed. Thanks to the entire team for making this image possible. Special thanks to Iryna our very special and talented Cover Model of Sircus Magazine Issue 8 for bringing it all together and achieving this heightened level of fashion and finesse. Thanks to my booking agent & stylist Trexie Dorrell for helping to discover Iryna and assembling a masterpiece. She truly makes everything beautiful come to life. Also thank you Chyeeda Burt for another well executed makeup application. Also thank you Nique Haggerty for coming by to help tweak the makeup to our liking between looks.