tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15222528169953334412024-02-19T07:47:44.568-08:00Fashion MAPFashion Modeling and PhotographyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-24896547581661309342011-04-01T14:51:00.000-07:002011-04-01T14:57:19.877-07:00Exercising = Feeling Good, Looking Better<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZh3ovudAityMli1yZFYAqDix5IngKT_CQZ-1_YshHqhhuemY9ahMgOXggmctzMoBvl6-4u60hpewBE1iZTD7iFIuOkI8gk7nRrMsLOQLHNF6EP_S_iQ6917ktUNhHVwvIbRO3O6UwHs/s1600/exercise-fitness-links.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZh3ovudAityMli1yZFYAqDix5IngKT_CQZ-1_YshHqhhuemY9ahMgOXggmctzMoBvl6-4u60hpewBE1iZTD7iFIuOkI8gk7nRrMsLOQLHNF6EP_S_iQ6917ktUNhHVwvIbRO3O6UwHs/s320/exercise-fitness-links.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590737586123167010" /></a><br />A few months ago, I began a daily exercising routine. The plan originally stemmed from the desire to expand my modeling portfolio into fitness, but it’s also just a great thing to stick to for a healthier lifestyle. And let me tell you, it feels great. I hope you’ll give it a try!<br /><br />I can say that I impressed myself with my persistence in “getting fit.” And it has paid off. I feel really good and I’m more toned, so it’s definitely helping with my overall model figure. Really, the only thing to it is persistence and knowing how your body works. I hope you give this a try and impress yourself! Exercise and eating right are the only things that will bring you great physical health. <br /><br />This may not be how fitness instructors would put it, but I have talked with one about my routine. And how I put it is if you’re running and feel the burn in the areas you’re toning, you must be doing something right. If it weren't as simple as that, I probably wouldn't be doing any exercising. <br /><br />What I’ve been doing is fairly easy, as long as you stay persistent. I bet you’ll start seeing results in a month or so if you stick to your own routine. I have done quite a bit of research on what kind of exercises to be doing. My conclusion from the results is that my current routine is appropriate for toning and staying healthy. If you are someone looking to bulk up with the muscles, then you might have to do some additional research. <br /><br />The routine: What I have been doing is alternating between aerobic and strength exercises every other day. One day, I’ll run on the treadmill with music for 30 minutes (without an incline, because I don’t want to bulk up my leg muscles) and the next day I will do push-ups, sit ups, and a leg exercise laying down. I’m not sure what the leg exercise is called, but I lay down with my feet flat on the floor, knees facing the ceiling, lift one leg straight out and lift my hips off the ground about 10 times and alternate. I don’t even need a gym membership for any of this!<br /><br />While I mostly stick to this exercise routine, I stray sometimes and do my own thing, or do whatever I have time for. Often, I find myself not get around to exercising on days that I work or when I’m out in Seattle all day, but I try hard to stay on top of my routine as much as possible. Either way, I hope this helps you on your own way to feeling better about your health.<br /><br />Now, if only I could stay away from those darn cookies! <br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Briauna Mariah (:Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-41926585098376718312011-03-10T18:51:00.000-08:002011-04-01T15:02:06.239-07:00Designer Betsey Johnson<span style="font-style:italic;">Fashion MAP's first contest is over. Dave Ward and I carefully reviewed every entry, discussed them at length, and decided we had two winners for our contest. Congratulations to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kristena Schildt</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Olivia Ding</span>! Their entries will both appear here in the Fashion MAP blog, and both will get to shoot with model Briauna Mariah, with Dave Ward Photography behind the camera.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Here is the winning entry written by Kristena Schildt.</span><br />___________________________________________________<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20spV8VPH-F8meCYAN0WqI7T_gxo0tZT_Q6sEnc4JhyphenhyphenOCyr-68aRtXwDjL3CC591-yFg8OxH70vSSPiqxioLG2rkHdFMPAxleri23Va2qs8zX_-QUhTkggJHIwShWN2of2AP3mPFik7w/s1600/betsey.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20spV8VPH-F8meCYAN0WqI7T_gxo0tZT_Q6sEnc4JhyphenhyphenOCyr-68aRtXwDjL3CC591-yFg8OxH70vSSPiqxioLG2rkHdFMPAxleri23Va2qs8zX_-QUhTkggJHIwShWN2of2AP3mPFik7w/s320/betsey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582656056639920578" /></a><br /> When the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week hit youtube, I had to watch it. Sadly, there was a flash plug in problem that didn’t allow me to actually watch the live presentation, so I had to wait until the next week to watch it. Going through many of the designers, many seemed to have a repetitive, dull look to me, even though the designs were relatively new. A few did stand out from the rest, but one designer brought the fiercest style: Betsey Johnson.<br /><br /> I must say, she is my ideal designer.<br /><br /> Betsey Johnson started off with the Spring/Summer collection, which was crazy and inventive. There were so many different time periods that popped up - the more modern 90’s, the amazing 80’s, those military pin-up 40’s, and some baby doll Victorian designs. It was as if we were put in a time machine and brought back to the good old times, but the designs were still up to date and one of a kind. The colors were crazy vibrant with the whole rainbow dancing down the runway. The introduction of the couples walking down, with a masculine and feminine outfit, was brilliant. Having two styles for one outfit gave options for which outfit would be better on a simple or elaborate day. This collection covered a full range of different outfits that just popped with life.<br /><br /> Now, the fall collection had two parts. It was a wonderful show using tall runway models as well as more ordinary people. In the beginning, there was the ‘He loves me not’ designs that were shown off by the runway models. The colors were rich, either complimenting or contrasting the other colors they were put with, but also very dark. All the designs were edgy with a classic look twisted to adapt to the modern day. Many regal looking outfits were mixed with some modern punk styled designs that would satisfy any dark, romantic day. Valentines Day was turned to the worst but still kept the romance of a punk. Next was the ‘He loves me.’ Ordinary people popped onto the runway with flashy clothing that would get any person’s attention. The radiant colors, elaborate prints, and dancing models made the clothing feel more real.<br /><br /> Betsey’s collections revive the classics with a fresh and new look while remaining true. The colors are crazy, and the looks are edgy, fierce, and fun. She is a designer everyone should look into as a favorite! <br /><br />~Kristena SchildtAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-13977409493058552742011-03-04T22:27:00.000-08:002011-03-04T22:35:46.528-08:00The Essentials of Posing<i>Fashion MAP's first contest is over. Briauna Mariah and I carefully reviewed every entry, discussed them at length, and decided we had two winners for our contest. Congratulations to <b>Kristena Schildt </b>and <b>Olivia Ding</b>! Their entries will both appear here in the Fashion MAP blog, and both will get to shoot with model Briauna Mariah, with Dave Ward Photography behind the camera.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i></i><i>Here is the winning entry written by Olivia Ding. Kristena's entry will appear in a few days.</i><br />
<hr />Hello love,<br />
<br />
I'm going to tell you a bit about posing.<br />
<br />
When I get in front of the camera, I don't freeze. I do even worse: I try too hard.<br />
<br />
Sometimes freezing in front of the camera works out because you could get something good! But I just go into overdrive. I try to take everything anyone has ever told me about what to do, and try to do it all at the same time. Trust me love, this does not work out. When you try to push something into a picture, when you try to exude happiness or intensity, you won't. Instead, you'll just look like you just got punched in the gut by a small person.<br />
<br />
You have to feel happy, to feel just everything you want to portray to the camera bubble up inside of you, and you will potentially get something strong, something gorgeous. People tell me to think back to a memory, or of an important person in my life. Anything that will bring you to a place where you feel comfortable and you can do anything. Where you are just you. Because really, when you're in front of a camera, in possibly one of the most unnatural situations you can be in, all anyone wants is for you to act natural.<br />
<br />
~Olivia Ding, TCM Models & Talent, SeattleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-12677729521619719002011-02-17T15:01:00.000-08:002011-02-17T17:28:14.046-08:00Baby, I was Born This Way<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-KlvvO9dR6ZE0a6P6aeZI-pe7cglhXQpFrRSzu71kObb6PO2G1eBpOHsBTRjzOkrHVSi_MoNziuXKUEm1J-aVL1VEpWGpnXjlsdOuKz_SLzBdyoq-JWCvNSqbnn0bySqXJv2WFeS2wI/s1600/lady-gaga-born-this-way-385x385.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-KlvvO9dR6ZE0a6P6aeZI-pe7cglhXQpFrRSzu71kObb6PO2G1eBpOHsBTRjzOkrHVSi_MoNziuXKUEm1J-aVL1VEpWGpnXjlsdOuKz_SLzBdyoq-JWCvNSqbnn0bySqXJv2WFeS2wI/s320/lady-gaga-born-this-way-385x385.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574798479859205186" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />“Don't hide yourself in regret,<br />Just love yourself and you're set<br />I'm on the right track, baby<br />I was born this way”</span><br /><br />In September 2010, I took a risk. Lady Gaga wasn't exactly my inspiration, but she has a point in her new single, "Born This Way," and I absolutely love and adore her, what she stands for, and her amazing music. She is a lovely phenomenon.<br /><br />Some of you already know, I’m super nerdy. I love school and I was in running start during high school. I graduated with my Associates and Diploma at the same time in June 2010. I had every intention of continuing with my education to get a 4-year degree. Until something inside me got all switched around and I started veering off in a whole other direction.<br /><br />A week, yes, a <span style="font-style:italic;">week</span>, before move-in day at the 4 year University I was enrolled in, I chose not to move in with the rest of the freshmen. My heart is in school, yes, but my heart wasn’t in the major I was settling on. I had no plan but to go to college and get a degree; probably merely because that’s what people expect. My degree was going to be marine biology but I had no idea what I would do with $40,000 of debt and a marine biology degree. I decided to model instead. And it’s that simple.<br /><br />You may be wondering where I am going with this. I’m kind of wondering too. But wanted to say, I have been receiving the most lovely comments and messages from you all regarding my progress as a fashion model. Just the other day, a model who has been all over the world sent me such an endearing message, she inspired me to write this.<br /><br />Your kind words will all always be close to my heart. You, my fans, are what allow me to go on. You have given me such kindness, and its time to return some of that. You are all each amazing and you encourage me to keep pushing harder until I reach the top.<br /><br />I have a friend who says I’m lucky that I know what I want to do and that I’m doing it. I’m blessed to have found my passion in time to change things around. I’m glad I had guts to not go to college, even though many expected me to. I’ll let you know now, I have no idea what I’m doing, just like everyone else. As I said earlier, I took a risk. It could have been a terrible decision. But if I had not taken the risk, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Pursing my passion.<br /><br />I’ll tell you now, it isn’t easy, but it’s something you have to just do, if your heart is in it. Make the decision and stick with it. Don’t worry about what others think. As Lady Gaga puts it, “You were born this way, baby.”<br /><br />Toss aside all societal expectations, look into your heart, and ask yourself if you’re happy going where you’re headed. If you are, great! Keep going there. If you’re not happy, try some new things and seek what makes you happiest.<br /><br />Now, in addition to my advice, I have to say Dave and I have a contest going on. If maybe modeling, fashion, photography, or anything along those lines is your passion, you can win a shoot with me if you enter our contest. All you have to do is write a blog about anything fashion and submit it to either me or Dave by Feb 28th and we'll decide which entry wins. <br /><br />Be <span style="font-weight:bold;">BOLD</span>, take a risk!<br /><br />Thank you all for everything!<br /><br />Briauna Mariah (:Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-72581432637844432862011-02-16T03:54:00.000-08:002011-03-04T22:33:59.843-08:00Win A Shoot With Briauna Mariah<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHhMEa0PRzl1V1WSo32n8BzpC-taELByBBBI0PbC5gBDaHRyLLk4kYz_BNL6m5yurAxOFKNo8_45IM0Mh7uJPuoX-XAhXJB1O0NX4ECYks0_q3jvVx-pyD-Ge64cnFLT9_TQsMS69ujY/s1600/5053861559_fd55e47dbc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHhMEa0PRzl1V1WSo32n8BzpC-taELByBBBI0PbC5gBDaHRyLLk4kYz_BNL6m5yurAxOFKNo8_45IM0Mh7uJPuoX-XAhXJB1O0NX4ECYks0_q3jvVx-pyD-Ge64cnFLT9_TQsMS69ujY/s320/5053861559_fd55e47dbc.jpeg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model: Briauna Mariah<br />
Photo: Dave Ward<br />
Makeup/Hair: Heather Thorson</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">The Fashion MAP blog is running our first contest. You can win a shoot with a famous fashion model, our own <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=111696388842428" href="http://www.facebook.com/model.briaunamariah" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Briauna Mariah</a>!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Love writing and have a passion for fashion? Submit a blog entry about anything fashion to either Briauna Mariah or me, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=503430327" href="http://www.facebook.com/dave.ward.photography" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Dave Ward</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">, to be featured in the Fashion MAP blog! The one we feel is best will be added to the blog and you'll be given recognition. Submit by Monday, February 28th!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><b><i>Deadline extended! Last chance to win!</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">We've got some entries here, but decided to give you one last chance to enter. It's easy! Just write a short, suitable blog entry for us and send it to either of us by <b>7PM Pacific Time on Wednesday, March 2nd.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">You can email your entry directly to <a href="mailto:dave@daveward.net">dave@daveward.net</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><b>CONTEST CLOSED NOW.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Thank you to everybody who entered. We have not one, but TWO winners: Olivia Ding and Kristena Schildt.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-13162789909086530622011-02-10T20:37:00.000-08:002011-02-10T20:47:23.776-08:00Selecting Photographers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-i4ciSwJfANCmc0FuxN_WUzYnE0icu2-5JXFGG73PtRVZS2GxJwBj_kNCxO5PuAuTkZtGhxgsw6d1ZpUTsZdKNIKUOkjY7myx513QgWSTyw5kZ5WzLuTPKmforKLJFoX9K5HWpvzc3M/s1600/fall_fashion_weigh_in.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-i4ciSwJfANCmc0FuxN_WUzYnE0icu2-5JXFGG73PtRVZS2GxJwBj_kNCxO5PuAuTkZtGhxgsw6d1ZpUTsZdKNIKUOkjY7myx513QgWSTyw5kZ5WzLuTPKmforKLJFoX9K5HWpvzc3M/s320/fall_fashion_weigh_in.jpeg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study fashion magazines closely to learn what<br />
makes a marketable, useful fashion photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Choosing which photographers to work with can be a complex subject. When you first begin modeling, you take what you can get for the most part. But as you grow and gain experience as a model, you eventually have to become more selective as well as ambitious about which photographers you shoot with, and which you do not.<br />
<br />
If you visit a site like <a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/" target="_blank">Model Mayhem</a> and search for local photographers, no matter where you are on Earth you'll find certain types of photographer.<br />
<br />
The "Guy With Camera" (or "GWC") is very common, though some industry networking sites like Model Mayhem make efforts to keep them off the website. A GWC is a beginner photographer who has a camera but little skill, no "eye" for composition, and no serious knowledge-of or interest-in the fashion & beauty photography industry. Typically GWCs are interested in photography primarily because they get to take pictures of pretty girls; they are in it for the wrong reasons, and it's usually obvious from the quality of their work, or from the nature of it.<br />
<br />
The "art student photographer" is also quite common. These photographers are more skillful than GWCs, but their work has little or no marketability. The work may be artistic and interesting, suitable to hang in a coffee shop or a tiny community-based art gallery, but not suitable for magazines or advertising. You can often spot the art student photographer because they often describe their work as "experimental." Other art student photographers may believe themselves to be shooting "fashion" but their photos are not focused on portraying and selling the product.<br />
<br />
When you are a brand new model, it is inevitable that you will work with a few GWCs. After a while you will step up to working with art student photographers. But if you are serious about modeling then there comes a time when you have to become more selective. For a model with low self-esteem, the "art student photographer" has an appeal because they can make you feel good about yourself. But this is what I call "esteem modeling" — modeling because it helps your self-esteem and makes you feel special. It's okay to do a little of that here and there, but if you are serious and not merely dabbling in modeling for fun, then eventually you <i>have</i> to step it up and "turn pro."<br />
<br />
When you decide to get serious about modeling, start looking for photographers who understand the market. For example, while many photographers describe themselves as a "fashion photographer," very few actually produce publishable work. One of the big secrets is that a true fashion photographer shows off and sells the product, whether it is shoes or a dress or a purse or makeup. Most photographers who claim to shoot fashion are really just taking beautiful pictures of beautiful girls. Photos of beautiful girls do not sell fashion; photos of beautiful fashion sell fashion. And the best way to learn the difference between a photo of a pretty girl and a photo of beautiful fashion is to study published fashion photography in magazines.<br />
<br />
Study the fashion photos in magazines like <i>Vogue</i>, <i>Seventeen</i>, and <i>Lucky</i> and compare them directly to photographers you have worked with. You'll gradually learn from experience how to recognize a photographer who knows how to shoot fashion and understands the market. As you get more serious about modeling, those are the photographers you need to work with. Move away from working with photographers who help your ego by making you feel pretty, and instead work with photographers who understand the market well enough to truly help your career and your portfolio. By studying the work in fashion magazines, you can develop your eye and understand the marketplace for modeling.<br />
<br />
Just as an advanced model should avoid "esteem modeling," you should also beware of "charity modeling" or "guilt modeling." Just because your friend bought a new camera doesn't mean you should become his model and start doing shoots with him. Don't feel guilty about rejecting requests from photographers who are not as good at photography as you are at modeling; you can't say "yes" to requests just because the person is a friend, or just because you "feel bad about saying no." If you find it hard to say no, find a way to make it positive, such as suggesting a more appropriate model the new photographer might work with. Charity/guilt modeling is a dangerous trap that can suck you in, eat up a lot of your time, and take all the joy out of modeling. It's better not to do any of it at all; establish a policy about it and don't make any exceptions; only work with photographers who are at your skill level (or above) and who can genuinely help your portfolio.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-51889033837018476932011-01-30T20:42:00.000-08:002011-01-31T18:46:11.204-08:00Commercial vs Editorial modeling*<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Cjv9k-BaXOyiM-c-oTTQdbF87CyBKrEBf9UhAQ0lnPIjG8klmz0QwQTzUe5mE74IVp3GWsoqbnfznRnFZjofYXYM7glzpd4UqlbLfN255yxwOzXFQh5e-Li8X1AISvB4fsCGDRgD3nU/s1600/editorial.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Cjv9k-BaXOyiM-c-oTTQdbF87CyBKrEBf9UhAQ0lnPIjG8klmz0QwQTzUe5mE74IVp3GWsoqbnfznRnFZjofYXYM7glzpd4UqlbLfN255yxwOzXFQh5e-Li8X1AISvB4fsCGDRgD3nU/s320/editorial.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568209664660506402" /></a><br />Commercial vs Editorial modeling<br /><br />This is the difference between commercial and editorial modeling, in my opinion. <br /><br />Put simply, I see commercial modeling as pretty. I see editorial modeling as ugly (don’t worry, ugly is a good thing here). <br /><br />In editorial, you have to stretch your abilities and take risks. When you take a risk, you get a unique photo that may not be very pretty, but it’s gorgeous in a unique, edgy way. It’s that one risk that will get a stellar photo. You have to be ugly and spontaneous, because that's what captures the beauty. If you want to jump, let the photographer know and just jump until you feel like you've got an amazing shot. Always be moving and changing expressions.<br /><br />Being editorial is also being more comfortable in your own skin. You're not afraid. Not afraid of risk or being ugly.<br /><br />In commercial, there is no risk involved. You don’t have to put yourself out there and be crazy. Commercial is tame, laid back, and pretty. It has more of a natural feel.<br /><br />I definitely feel like I lean heavily towards editorial. Maybe it’s just because I want interesting photos. And I'm crazy and I like to see crazy, not plain... And I think my face is an advantage for being editorial. So being crazy, being bored, and having a unique face also help :)<br /><br />~Briauna Mariah<br /><br />*(I do not claim credit to the above photo, it's purpose is solely for using as an example)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-67162372992561347622010-07-03T22:32:00.000-07:002010-07-03T22:33:36.950-07:00Tips on Model PosingTips on Model Posing<br /><br />I was contacted by a fashion photographer on modelmayhem.com (MM) a while ago from Seattle with an amazing portfolio. She provided links to videos on her profile to illustrate the kind of modeling she would love to see. And if you want to model, you must practice, practice, practice. Practice modeling in the mirror; practice modeling when you’re outside. The world is your runway and your own personal photoshoot. <br /><br />The modeling in the videos was insanely beautiful and inspiring. This is now one of my current goals in my modeling career: to reach the level of perfection I saw in the links.<br /><br />What’s all the hype about? See for yourself! My favorite is the last one, with model Agyness Deyn. She has become one of my favorite models now. <br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1mo9D6Tx1I <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oISx0tdN3s <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYmK2vIsx9M (this one is the best!)<br /><br />If you practice in the mirror, trying to do what these beautiful ladies did in the videos, you will, no doubt, get better and better at modeling. Make your movements flow. Upon watching these videos, I got in front of the mirror and posed. I didn’t think about my poses because, if you think, the poses will be choppy. <br /><br />It’s like dancing. If you treat posing like a dance, you will learn what works, what doesn’t, and you will become more aware of your body and how it moves. Don’t stop moving and changing and dancing. <br /><br />It would help to have music playing in the background. That way, you can obtain a certain mood in your modeling and you have something to keep time for you. <br /><br />Try it for yourself! Feel free to share your experiences and successes! <br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br /><br />Briauna MariahAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-45653505196043737562010-05-22T03:21:00.000-07:002011-01-30T23:16:45.838-08:00A Quick History Lesson EVERY Model & Photographer Should Know, Part 1When you're doing a photo shoot that's inspired by an historical period, it is important to have at least a basic understanding of some essential eras of history. Of course every culture and region has its own history and eras, but for this purpose we'll only briefly touch on a few essential eras which are very often referred to from British and American history.<br />
<b>The Ancient World</b> (prior to the year 476 C.E.)<br />
This period is very general, and refers to everything prior to the Medieval era, from the ancient Egyptians to the Roman Empire.<br />
<b>The Medieval Era</b> (476 to mid-1400s)<br />
The Medieval era, or the "Middle Ages", was the era dominated by feudalism. Today's highly-romanticized vision of the era is dominated by castles, brave knights and princesses in need of rescue. It was, however, also the era of deadly plagues and brutal religious inquisitions.<br />
<b>The Renaissance</b> (roughly 1300s to 1600s)<br />
This time is typically said to be a period of "classical" learning and refinement in the arts. Literature, music, painting and sculpture all took enormous steps during the renaissance. It was also the time when many true sciences were first born out of the medieval pseudo-sciences, such as astronomy growing from astrology and chemistry evolving out of alchemy. Kings still reigned in most of Europe, but feudalism was gone, and the development of gunpowder and guns had put an end to the use of suits of armor and greatly reduced the popularity of the sword, bow and arrow and crossbow.<br />
<b>The Georgian Era</b> (1714 to 1830)<br />
This was the era of the powdered wig and political revolutions. Both the United States and France, among others, had their revolutions and defeated monarchies, and <a href="http://www.erasofelegance.com/entertainment/movies/marie/marie44.jpg" target="_blank">white powdered wigs</a> were the fashion for both genders.<br />
<b>The Regency Era</b> (1811-1820)<br />
The powdered wig was <i>absolutely</i> out-of-fashion by this time, never to return. Although this was a brief era, many of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Austen">Jane Austen</a>'s novels take place in the Regency Era. If you are familiar with film adaptations of her novels such as "Pride and Prejudice" or "Sense and Sensibility," then you are familiar with the look of the Regency Era, even if the name of the era is unfamiliar.<br />
<b>The Victorian Era</b> (1837-1900)<br />
Under Queen Victoria, Britain experienced a long era of peace. As machinery began to be used to make work easier, the industrial revolution began, factories sprung up -- and smoke began pouring from tall chimneys. Fashion was dominated by tightly-laced corsets, and romantic but conservative dress. The modern concept of "Victorian" clothing is sometimes colorful, but <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveward/294522851/" target="_blank">authentic Victorian clothing</a> was often black or gray, or sometimes white. Architecture became ornate and a bit eccentric, leading to many elaborate Victorian homes. The visual arts, typified by Art Nouveau master <a href="http://www.muchafoundation.org/" target="_blank">Alphonse Mucha</a>, became highly romantic during the period, often depicting idealized women in elaborately draped flowing cloth. Photography was born in the Victorian Era, and eventually a custom took hold of giving a photograph of yourself to any home you visited; Victorian families prided themselves on their books full of these "<a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=%22carte+de+visite%22" target="_blank">cartes de visite</a>."<br />
<b>The Edwardian Era</b> (1901-1915)<br />
During the Edwardian Era, the flowing cloth and whiplash curves of Art Nouveau went out of fashion, replaced by the stylized geometric simplicity of Art Deco. Toward the end of the era, early automobiles began to be used by some people for personal transportation instead of horses. In large cities, the first skyscrapers were built. The elaborate, heavy dresses of Victorian clothing were replaced by looser, more modest dresses, and tight corsets dropped out of fashion.<br />
If you're interested in any of these eras, just go exploring on <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google</a> or on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>. As a starting point, here's a <a href="http://www.erasofelegance.com/fashion/hairstyles.html" target="_blank">guide to hairstyles from many of the above eras</a>.<br />
Part 2 of "A Quick History Lesson EVERY Model & Photographer Should Know" will focus on the fashions of these eras, and will include visual examples of each era's "look."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-74289262427498730552010-05-16T15:18:00.000-07:002010-05-23T15:27:27.527-07:00Staying Composed on the Fashion RunwayStaying Composed on the Runway; & Seattle Fashion Week 2010!<br /><br />I was at Seattle Fashion Week at the WAMU Theater in Seattle yesterday, May 15th, 2010. The designers there were IDCW, House of Versatile, B’zma, Vera Wang, Richard Blayne, Eva Chen, and Catalin Botezatu. I was modeling for B’zma. There are pictures of all the designers’ work here: http://www.allklier.com/clients/FSW2010_Intl/ (photos by Jan Klier).<br /><br />Many modeling events and fashion shows are all day productions. I arrived promptly at 8:45am and left the Seattle Fashion Week event at 10:30pm. It was an amazing opportunity for fashion models, fashion designers, MUA’s (makeup artists), hair stylists, and much more. There was press from all over, including Seattle Pi. There weas amazing hair, makeup, dresses and crazy outfits. There were people, lots and lots of people. <br /><br />Fashion modeling is all about the people, the networking. This fashion event was definitely worth the 14 hours of practice, changing, waiting, hair and makeup, and walking (the whole day was just one big, fun adventure!). I met so many great people there and reconnected with others. It was also pretty cool that I got to see Florin, from Go Periscope there. Also Apolo Ohno, the Olympic skater was there for the show, which was a pretty big deal for everyone. It was simply amazing day with amazing people with a whole lot going on. I had a blast and I was completely in my element. I have some pictures in my Facebook Seattle Fashion Week 2010 album for those who want to see them. (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21150&id=111696388842428">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=21150&id=111696388842428</a>).<br /><br />So obviously, there WERE a lot of people, which leads me to my next point: nerves. There were models there of all different experience levels. Some had never been in a fashion show before, with hundreds of people watching, and some had been in way too many to count. <br /><br />An experienced model and friend of mine doesn’t get nervous; she meditates. She decided to meditate before the fashion show and her walk on the fashion runway. She seemed extremely calm and serene, and stone-still. It was very calming for me. There are different ways to channel the nervous energy so it doesn’t affect performance on the runway, which depends on what works best for you. It could mean doing something with your hands, to get your energy moving and take your mind somewhere else. Or it could mean dancing to the beat of the bass, which also takes your minds off things. <br /><br />Runway music at fashion events is amazing. I love the upbeat pumping rhythms. I danced just before walking the runway. Actually, I danced all day to keep the energy level high. <br /><br />If you find yourself getting nervous when you have to walk the runway, don’t sweat it! There is really nothing to get nervous about. When you’re done, you may reflect on how well you did. You may think that it was a total blast and wonder why in the world you got nervous in the first place. It’s really the same exact thing as rehearsing the runway; only, people are watching you strut your stuff when it’s the real deal. That’s the only difference: you have an audience to see how amazing you are. <br /><br />The fashion runway is your time to shine. <br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br /><br />Briauna MariahAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-51909861476480429982010-04-26T23:46:00.000-07:002010-05-11T22:20:19.931-07:00What is "Pin-Up", Really?<p>Pin-up is an art form celebrating idealized female beauty, with an emphasis on innocence and flirtation. The most successful "pin-up girls" have frequently become household names, including (in very-approximate chronological order) <a href="http://img.listal.com/image/464598/500full-mary-pickford.jpg" target="_blank">Mary Pickford</a>, <a href="http://sublimefemme.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/maewest.jpg" target="_blank">Mae West</a>, <a href="http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/27/21627-050-61EE5AA2.jpg" target="_blank">Betty Grable</a>, <a href="http://magicbeanonline.com/lesphinxblog/images/posts/lauren_baccall/lauren_bacell_01.jpg" target="_blank">Lauren Bacall</a>, <a href="http://www.born-today.com/btpix/bardot_brigitte2.jpg" target="_blank">Brigitte Bardot</a>, <a href="http://www.gii.in/hollywood/images/B/Bettie-Page-1.jpg" target="_blank">Bettie Page</a>, <a href="http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Gorgeous-marilyn-monroe-604718_800_1001.jpg" target="_blank">Marilyn Monroe</a>, <a href="http://districtramblings.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/twiggy02.jpg" target="_blank">Twiggy</a>, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bambTVF3vOH2ygacGn5lWn3qWjFIyAbcGFIA0TUtjTDEeWhDaamH3ibOtBMTM74naqT7tbWb_b75FYbGddPdv0pB2LDG0dFAz3SAYcJ-maLYqhMjZRUZQ5PodkIQt1N3cUcnVQE4KgQ/s1600/Pin-up+Raquel+Welch+was+rejected+by+model+agencies+until+she+found+fame+as+an+actress+1.jpg" target="_blank">Raquel Welch</a> and <a href="http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2009/06/FAWCETTREX_450x550.jpg" target="_blank">Farrah Fawcett</a>.</p><p>When photographers talk about "shooting pin-up", there are several different things they could mean.</p><p>Today when photographers talk about "pin-up" they often mean shooting in a style which refers back to the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s -- the golden age of pin-up art. Many are inspired by <a href="http://sweetsaralime.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Bettie-Page-Beach-Towel.jpg" target="_blank">Bettie Page</a> (the archetypal "bad girl" pin-up model) or by <a href="http://www.de-kroon.info/maand/pin-up-02.jpg" target="_blank">Marilyn Monroe</a> (the archetypial "good girl" of pin-up). Others are inspired by (or even obsessed with) the great "cheesecake" calendar pin-up painters, particularly <a href="http://www.thepinupfiles.com/vargas1.html" target="_blank">Alberto Vargas</a>, <a href="http://www.thepinupfiles.com/petty.html" target="_blank">George Petty</a>, and my personal favorite, <a href="http://www.thepinupfiles.com/elvgren1.html" target="_blank">Gil Elvgren</a>.</p><p>Elvgren's work is particularly influential to many "retro" pin-up photographers and models alike. His paintings, with very few exceptions, were very situational, featuring a playfully flirtatious accident such as the subject's <a href="http://www.myfavoritepinups.com/images/elvgren/4.jpg" target="_blank">skirt being blown upwards</a> to expose a bit more thigh than would normally be seen, or <a href="http://www.myfavoritepinups.com/images/elvgren/7.jpg" target="_blank">a girl with a playful "oh no!" expression as she spills ketchup on herself at a picnic</a>. While these types of pin-up are flirtatious, they do not cross the line into nudity. Nudity is almost unheard of in this type of pin-up. (Incidentally, pin-up art in this style almost always includes the entire model in the shot, from head to toe; close-ups don't even really qualify as true pin-up in this genre.)</p><p>But sometimes when photographers say "pin-up", they mean other things. Some photographers use the term "pin-up" to refer to a certain pop-culture poster-girl look typified by <a href="http://filmgordon.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/farrah-fawcett.jpg" target="_blank">Farrah Fawcett</a> and <a href="http://theselvedgeyard.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/21.jpg" target="_blank">Cheryl Tiegs</a> in the 1970s. In this definition of "pin-up", the face comes first: it's all in the sunny smile and the twinkling eyes. This type of pin-up is not limited to full length shots; it can include waist-up photos or even portraits. But certain elements of pop-culture appeal are essential to it -- and like the more retro type of pin-up, it generally remains wholesome and does not include nudity.</p><p>Others might be referring to a more alternative look, such as <a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/rockabilly%20pin-up/joshuahunt/31.jpg" target="_blank">rockabilly</a> style, rock and roll, or "biker girl" style -- all of which often feature tattooing, dark cherry-red lipstick, and a feel that is a bit darker than traditional pin-up. (They also often feature motorcycles or vintage hot rods in the photos.)</p><p>Still other photographers when they talk about "pin-up" can mean something more sexual. Sometimes they may be referring to the so-called "Playboy style" (which is more correctly called "centerfold", not "pin-up"). Sometimes they mean something even more explicit than Playboy -- which also is not truly pin-up, but more probably erotica or fetish. The term "pin-up" is often used carelessly to describe nude or erotic photography; this is a misuse of the term. True pinup is sexy, but not sexual. Most of it is flirtatious and somewhat conservative. It can occasionally involve implied nudity, but it very rarely ever depicts nudity openly -- and it is never, ever lewd!</p><p>When a photographer approaches you about shooting pin-up, it is very important that you clarify what type of "pin-up" they expect to shoot with you before you agree to a shoot. You wouldn't want to expect to be doing a sweet, flirtatious Marilyn-style shoot but arrive at the shoot finding him expecting you to bare everything! Clear communication beforehand is essential, and be sure that you and the photographer are talking about the same type of pin-up.</p><p>By the way, if you skipped all of the links above, you might want to go back and click through them all. It's a treasure trove of images exemplifying what "pin-up" is.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-75029374080880691252010-04-24T15:09:00.000-07:002010-05-23T19:20:37.642-07:00Promotional Modeling ExperienceSo today was the in-store promotional modeling event for the FACE charity fashion show (Fashion, Auction, Compassion, Event). *hurray and much applauding!* I arrived five minutes early and headed up to the second floor as I had been told and then promptly had to wait to get my designer Barney's New York wardrobe on. Unfortunately I forgot to get pictures of the outfits I got to wear today, but I did get a picture of the awesome shoes (and many compliments on my cute summer hat and dress)! The shoes were very fun to walk in and walking up and down stairs in them became progressively easier. I think they were maybe five or six inch heels.<br /><br />Before I was dressed up, I was given the rundown: the FACE event is on April 29th, 2010 at 6:30pm and there will be a fashion show for Barney's NY clothing. It is in SODO park, Seattle. There will be wine tasting and an auction and of course the fashion show and its for charity. A great event to attend and support. Tickets are available for purchase online at <a href="http://www.faceseattle.com">http://www.faceseattle.com</a>. Be there or be square!<br /><br />I was to tell the store customers the details of the fashion show and give anybody who is everybody a flyer/invite. It was interesting to note that most of the people coming into Barney's NY store were from out-of-town. One couple was from Australia and their next destination was New York. Another lady was from Canada.<br /><br />All in all, it was quite an eventful day. I am stoked for the fashion show and can't wait to go out, walk the runway and meet some very important people in the Seattle fashion industry. One great thing to remember about being a fashion model (or being ANYTHING involving work/some kind of career) is that it is ALL about connections and networking. The more people you know, the better off you are.<br /><br />The promotional modeling event today also reminded me how much I love to model. I have never "promo-ed" for anything before, but it was quite simple. I was "out of my comfort zone" in some ways, but I felt completely in my element. I was also portraying a different person, a different me. Someone that all my great friends from school never really see (or even my family, for that matter). As I was reflecting on my day, I came up with a cool expression for what models do:<br /><br />We must be versatile and transform. We have to embody our character given to us, embody our role, as an actor or actress does. We fashion models get to make like a chameleon.<br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br /><br />Briauna MariahAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-78189469860716465002010-04-23T14:58:00.000-07:002010-05-23T15:08:50.860-07:00Facial PhotoTips for Fashion ModelingIf I had to choose the most important aspect of a great modeling photo shoot (within the model’s control), it would be the face.<br /><br />When in front of the camera, it’s all about the “face dance.” There are many things you can do with your face when modeling. <br /><br />Each model has her (or his) own obstacles to face. There is never one set way on how to model or, in this case, create different expressions in your face. But I can start you off with what works for me.<br /><br />During my first modeling photo shoot with Leo Lam, I was told to exhale with my mouth slightly open. I didn’t know that doing so would show my teeth so much and now I’ve learned how to leave a gap between my lips while hiding my teeth at the same time. (The secret? I VERY slightly jut out my jaw and touch my teeth together. My lips shade over my teeth and there is still a gap there.) This gap is seen in a lot of photos and is very “model-y.” I would call this one of the standard poses with your lips.<br /><br />The possibilities? Endless. Seriously. You can smile and show your pearly whites. You can smile with your mouth closed (for a more gentle look). You can give a devious half-smile. The slightest lift of the mouth can be the difference between a wild stare and a mischievous grin. A tiny squint of the eyes changes the story from bland to intense and dramatic. This is what it takes to make a mask of emotion believable.<br /><br />This is where Tyra Bank’s famous term “smize” comes in. Smizing, smiling with your eyes, gives an intensity and life to a photo. If you aren’t doing anything with your eyes, the photo is going to lack luster. For me, smizing consists of slightly squinting my eyes, to make my eyes smile. You only need to smize if you’re not already smiling. If you’re smiling, your face automatically lifts and becomes livelier.<br /><br />Here is a very helpful video on smizing from ANTM:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRBV-UTrdjM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRBV-UTrdjM</a><br /><br />To perfect the face dance, the many poses you must know how to do with solely your face, practice in the mirror a lot! If you’re putting on makeup, try smizing. If you’re just in front of a mirror in passing, practice posing with your face.<br /><br />Happy smizing!<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Briauna MariahAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-75392625619889101772010-04-18T14:45:00.000-07:002010-05-23T14:55:26.982-07:00Walking the Fashion RunwayThe (meeeeow) Walk. What I KNOW you’ve all been waiting for! Yes, it’s the catwalk, the strut, the runway, The Walk. There are videos online to help as you learn how to walk like a fashion model on the runway, but if those aren’t for you, listen up and I’ll give you some insider modeling secrets.<br /><br />In my last blog, you learned about being confident on the fashion runway and in front of the camera. And as I wrote, I was thinking about the fashion model runway walk. Strut like there is no other. You are the most gorgeous model in the world: Let that confidence show in your runway walk and in your face.<br /><br />Step 1. Look straight ahead; look fierce!<br /><br />Step 2. Take long, graceful/strong/fierce steps. The “crossover” isn’t so popular with me. Don’t actually cross your legs over to the other side as you’re walking. I’ve never really seen any fashion models do this. Do walk in a very straight line, with one leg in front of the other. Keep your knees bending at a minimum. You want to be as tall as possible.<br /><br />Step 3. Hips forward, shoulders up, back straight. Keep great posture, while kind of sticking out your hips. As Nick Casaus says, “Walk as if you are pushing a shopping cart with your hips.” It gives a nice curve to your body.<br /><br />Step 4. Let your arms swing loosely, but controlled, with them almost behind you. Straighten your fingers a bit so they don’t curl and look shorter than they really are.<br /><br />Step 5. Don’t be timid in your steps. Heels are loud (depending on the surface you’re walking on). One thing that held me back for a short time was being timid with my steps. Your steps are going to be loud, so let them be loud and clear, and strong.<br /><br />Step 6. If you mess up, make the audience think you messed up on purpose. Don’t look embarrassed. Messing up never looked so smooth and good.<br /><br />There are different kinds of turns for when you come to the end of the runway (and the beginning of the runway, for that matter). I suggest slowing down your runway walk slightly before the turn. Now, the turns are hard to describe through writing. I highly suggest watching professionals on the runway. A great website to watch fashion shows online is <a href="http://www.frillr.com">http://www.frillr.com</a>. What I can tell you about turns is that your head should be the last thing that turns. Maybe even strike a dramatic pose at the end of the runway for the fashion photographer.<br /><br />The whole idea is to really sell the garment you are wearing when it comes to fashion shows. For hair shows, it’s all about the hair. You want everyone to want what you have, even if it looks silly (because we all know that high fashion may look a little ridiculous and out-there at times). Whatever you have, you have to work it. Bad hair day? Work it. Bad hair is in style, haven’t you heard?<br /><br />One video that really helped me when I was still learning can be found at this link (I’m surprised I found it so easily after a year): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EprBn84dCcw&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EprBn84dCcw&feature=related</a>. It covers anything else I can think of that I missed in here. I highly suggest watching it.<br /><br />OH and Step 7. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Briauna Mariah :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-48875473447026727062010-04-17T14:32:00.000-07:002010-05-23T14:39:24.974-07:00Confidence on the Fashion RunwayNo matter who you are, you have to believe in your inner and outer beauty in the world of fashion modeling. Confidence is beautiful. If you are not confident, you show fear, insecurity, and/or nervousness. Those are really the only options. Nothing shines brighter than the confidence in your stride and the unwavering spark in your eyes. Except perhaps that shiny silver dress you have to wear on the fashion runway. Be careful, if the light hits it just right… you might blind your spectators.<br /><br />You’re gorgeous, so let the whole world know it. If you’re walking the fashion runway, you must be “strutting your stuff” like you are the most gorgeous person in the world. If you don’t believe it yourself, your/the modeling agency’s clients won’t believe it either.<br /><br />This goes for “real life” as well. There isn’t any better way to get attention than to hold yourself high and be confident. Maybe even flash a nice, bright smile. Don’t care what anyone thinks; just assume they are admiring your looks, your confidence. Why not? I mean… you ARE the most gorgeous person in the world.<br /><br />As I write this, I am mostly thinking of the fashion runway, and being confident in your stride. But it also goes for being in front of the camera. Confidence comes out into the shots. It gives photos a little something extra and makes them pop. It also looks good in person. If you are meeting a new fashion photographer and s/he sees your confidence, s/he will be more confident in you and their choice to work with you.<br /><br />Oh, and no slouching! :)<br /><br />Stay tuned for more insider tips. Next up: The Walk.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />Briauna MariahAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-33319420276547005402010-04-15T14:16:00.000-07:002010-05-23T14:27:04.194-07:00Considering Fashion Modeling?If you want to be a fashion model…<br /><br />First, you have to do your research on local modeling agencies and decide out which one would represent you best and which one would want to represent you. There are a few I know of in Seattle, including SMG. There is Seattle Model Guild (SMG), TCM Models, and Heffner Management.<br /><a href="http://www.smgmodels.com"><br />http://www.smgmodels.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.tcmmodels.com">http://www.tcmmodels.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.heffnermanagement.com">http://www.heffnermanagement.com</a><br /><br />Modeling agencies usually put the information you need to know on how to get started on their website. This includes what kind of looks they want to represent, requirements in regards to age and size, what photos to submit to them, when to come to the agency for casting calls (casting calls are when they decide if they want to represent you or not). It’s different for each agency.<br /><br />For me, I started out by submitting the required unprofessional photos to SMG online and they told me to come in for a casting call to meet them in person. I came in to meet them and they told me to come back in 6 months because I looked too young at the time (aka; I had too much “baby fat” in my cheeks and they wanted to wait that out before representing me). That is what they said too: too much baby fat. This is NOT meant to be taken personal and I took it just fine. One thing you have to know about the modeling world is that criticism is GOOD and it is not an attack at you personally. In fact, I’m pretty sure that goes for whatever you do in life. Criticism is really good and helps a person get further in an industry, depending what the person does with it. Anyways, I took the fact that they wanted to see me AGAIN in 6 months as a great sign because that meant they were interested in representing me still.<br /><br />So I came back and they had me practice my catwalk for a month before making me an official model for them. I had to sign a contract for them with my mom (I’m sure each contract is different for every agency). Do not go along with an agency that makes you pay THEM. You will, however, have to pay a photographer for a test shoot to get your portfolio started. Also, you have to buy your own comp cards, which are like business cards for models, which include pictures and stats, and you have to get your photos printed out for your book (portfolio). I had to get two color laser prints of each photo in quality photograph-paper. My photoshoot with Leo Lam was $550 (SMG has a list of “approved” photographers you are allowed to get your test shoot with). To get 50 comp cards, it was about $80. To have all my photos printed, it was about $50. That is just to give you an idea of pricing.<br /><br />What an agency does is send you out on casting calls for hair shows, fashion shows, photo shoots, etc. A bunch of models will show up at these casting calls in hopes to get hired by the company for the gig. Each casting is different. Sometimes the people there will look at your book, take your comp card, take pictures, watch your catwalk, etc. If you get the job, the agency (for SMG) gets 20% of what they pay. To actually get a job, you need to be going to a bunch of castings per day/week.<br /><br />I THINK that covers everything… If you have questions, just ask me!<br /><br />If you don’t think an agency is for you, check out <a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com">http://www.modelmayhem.com</a> (MM). It is free to join and it’s basically a myspace/facebook for models, photographers, makeup artists (MUA’s), etc. You don’t have to be an “official” model to join. Anyone serious about the industry can join. This is where I get most of my jobs, by connecting with people on this site. You have to be careful with who you work for, though. Some people on there are scams. You should always have a friend or family member come with you if you’re meeting someone from there for the first time. It’s always good to have someone come with you no matter what. If you want a list of safe people to work with on there… well you can just look at the list of people I’ve worked with in my “about me” section. The majority of those people are from MM.<br /><br />Modelmayhem is a great site to get started for makeup artists, photographers, designers, hair stylists, photoshop “wizards,” and much more also!<br /><br />Feel free to add me as a friend on Modelmayhem if you decide to join. <a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/867739">http://www.modelmayhem.com/867739</a><br /><br />Good luck!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02877823690356526586noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-29163567131405256382010-04-14T04:47:00.000-07:002010-05-23T14:58:07.254-07:00Welcome Briauna MariahPlease welcome our new contributor and co-author, Briauna Mariah. She has been writing a series of excellent "how-to" posts on modeling on Facebook and MySpace, and will definitely be an essential part of this blog in the future as we grow.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-69682210177953686072009-12-03T03:51:00.000-08:002010-05-23T19:34:40.734-07:00Will I get copies of every photo?There is a very simple reasons why models do not get a copy of every photo that is taken at her modeling photo shoot.<br /><br />It's all about professionalism. Just like fashion models, fashion photographers are very concerned about their reputation, and they do not want bad photos to be circulated out of their control. Indiscriminately handing out bad photos along with the good reflects poorly on the photographer's professionalism. Most model don't want ugly, embarrassing photographs of them circulating. Likewise, most serious photographers don't want any unfinished, rejected photos in circulation.<br /><br />There are some rare photographers who give the model a copy of every photo. One of my friends in Seattle gives models a disk with raw, un-retouched copies of every single photo. He's very casual about it, and told me that he felt models could learn by seeing the bad photos of them.<br /><br />But that's an unusual policy. Most photographers are very protective about only showing the finished photos that are of satisfactory quality. They're simply worried about things that can tarnish their reputation.<br /><br />Just remember this: Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks and Gisele Bündchen do not get copies of every photo taken at their shoots. Don't expect to get something they don't.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-58740844532324083482009-12-03T02:49:00.000-08:002010-05-23T15:36:29.836-07:00Who owns the photo, and how can it be used?The ownership of photos is a point of frequent confusion among new models and photographers alike. There's even more uncertainty about how photos can legally be used, either by the photographer or by the model.<br /><br />United States laws are very clear: <span style="font-style:italic;">Photos are exclusively and wholly owned by the photographer.</span> The person who takes a photograph owns that image, including an automatic copyright which exists from the moment the photo is taken. Appearing in a photo does not give you any ownership to it at all.<br /><br />As a quick example, suppose you take a point-and-shoot camera with you for an afternoon in the park. While you're enjoying the park, you snap photos of the trees, the water, and people walking and playing in the sunshine. Do the people who happened to be walking in the park own the photos you took that they appear in? Absolutely not; you took the photo, and it is entirely your photo. They have no claim to the photo, no ownership, and no rights over it.<br /><br />Photographing a model is no different. Appearing in a photo does not give you any legal ownership of the photo. By United States Law, photographs are completely and solely owned by the photographer.<br /><br />But don't worry; the people who appear in photos -- whether they're models or not -- are protected by the law.<br /><br />Photographers can not use a photograph of an identifiable person for commercial purposes unless he has a signed release from the subject. He can use the photograph in his portfolio and display it on his website without a signed release and without permission of any sort. But he can not sell the photo, publish it commercially, or offer it to a stock-photography business unless he has a signed release.<br /><br />Let's go back to the example where you took photos of people in the park. You can post those photos on your flickr.com account, on photobucket, myspace, facebook, your blog and so on. Likewise, you can make prints and put them in your photo album.<br /><br />But you can not publish the photos with identifiable people in them in a book, you can't put the photos on istockphoto.com or Getty Images, you can't offer shirts or postcards of the photos on Cafe Press or Lulu -- you can not make any money from those photos of people, nor can you give them to somebody else so that they could make money from the photos. Not unless you track down every person in the photo and get a signed release from them first.<br /><br />The photographer does have exclusive copyright and full ownership off all the photos he takes, but he's very limited in how he can use those photos without a signed release from the models.<br /><br />But how can you, the model, use the photographs that you appear in? That depends on what the photographer allows. In the great majority of cases, photographers are very happy to allow you to post the finished photos on your own websites, photo accounts, and social networking profiles.<br /><br />You may or may not be able to make prints of the photographs. Reputable printers will not reproduce a professionally-taken photograph without a written note from the photographer granting permission to make prints, so if you want one, ask the photographer for one. You might get one, but serious professional photographers often sell their photos, so you might have to buy prints from the photographer.<br /><br />Although it's more of an ethical issue than a legal one, you should not ever edit or alter a photograph without permission from the photographers. Some photographers are very open about allowing models or other artists to Photoshop, crop, and otherwise alter their photos. But many photographers view themselves as artists, and altering his work in any -- even simply cropping it -- can be offensive to the photographer. Photographers do talk to each other, and you don't want photographers spreading bad word-of-mouth about you. So before editing any photographs, ask the photographer for permission.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">In summary:</span><br /><br />1. Whoever takes the picture has full and exclusive ownership of the photograph...<br /><br />2. ...but a photograph of an identifiable person can not legally be used commercially without a release signed by all the people appearing in it.<br /><br />3. Find out from the photographer what you are allowed to do with your photos, since it varies from one photographer to another.<br /><br />We've covered a great deal in the first big post on Foundation. I'm sure we'll be following up on these topics, as there are some special exceptions, elaborations, and related topics to touch on.<br /><br />Please feel free to leave questions or comments below, or email them. I'll try to address them here in future entries.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1522252816995333441.post-49331877869277934512009-10-19T04:34:00.000-07:002010-05-23T15:28:52.492-07:00Fashion Modeling and PhotographyFoundation is an essential item for all models. They carry it in their purse, handbag, or makeup kit, if not in all three. But "foundation" also means the essential knowledge which makes everything else possible. The goal of this blog will be to serve as foundation -- not for your skin, but for your modeling career.<br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Foundation</span> blog will serve models of varying levels of experience, from the absolute beginner who has not even done her first shoot, up to professionals who are signed with agencies and getting regular paid work.<br /><br />I am a part-time professional photographer in western Washington state. I've worked with more models than I could count, and I've picked up a great deal of information and insight which can be helpful to models. I'll be sharing it here.<br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Foundation</span> blog will include advice, insightful (and sometimes humorous) stories and anecdotes, cautionary tales, and all sorts of information that can be helpful to models.<br /><br />Please bookmark <a href="http://foundation.daveward.net/">http://foundation.daveward.net</a> and return, or better yet use the "subscribe" links in the sidebar to subscribe to this blog with google reader, mail, or whatever service or software you use to read RSS feeds.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16819386901312411898noreply@blogger.com0