The Girlz

I know I haven't blogged for a while (10 days to be exact) but I have been busy at work and traveling (just got back from Texas). It hasn't stopped me from shooting , just slowed down the editing and blogging process for me. I have some very cool shots from Texas including the Gaylord Texan and will be visiting another Gaylord Opryland Luxury in Tennessee during my visit to there.

Anyway, before I took off to Texas, I met with the two of the teens (Brie and Ashlyn) in our Model in You (MIY) program. If you frequent my blog then you see Brie's picture or half picture in my banner. I have had the pleasure of shooting her, her brother, her mother, mother and aunt, grandmother and grandfather so her family is featured all over my work. Don't tell anyone but Brie is my favorite.

There's also Ashlyn and I am really looking forward to shooting her with the project and watching her smile and personality blossom as she gets more comfortable with me and Angel. She has a very cool personality and the camera loves her.

So, here are "The Girlz".

I'll be blogging you later...

David

More Models for MIY 09

So, now that I am finally feeling somewhat better I figure it's about time I post something.
A few weeks ago we met with Philip and his wife Christine. These two are such a cute couple. Phil and I work together so it was nice to finally meet his wife. They are going to be a lot of fun. Here are their photos, let me know what you think.

Angel

It Turn Out to be Ladies Night

Last night,Dave and I met with Atoi and Eileen for The Model In You (MIY). He felt a little out of place as the ladies and I were just talking away about everything under the sun. Check out his blog about last night.
I'm really excited we found Atoi. She's not only a gorgeous young woman but she is also pregnant and glowing. We will get to photograph her pregnant and also take some family shots once her baby girl enters the world.
I'm looking forward to getting to know Eileen better. Listening to her talk about her interest and her son, I can already see what makes her so unique. She's truly has a big heart and a wonderful spirit.
The MIY Project is really coming together and so far all the models are amazing people. Each model is unique and diverse in their own way, as we do their individual shoots we will tell you a little more about each of them.
Till next time I hope everyone enjoys Atio's shots. Eileen was a bit under the weather so no shots of her ...YET!
Let me know what you guys think.
Angel

MIY Models - All about the Pets

Last night we had another quick MIY meeting; kinda puts you in the mindset of Mission Impossible doesn't it. LOL. We met with Eileen and Atoi and at one point I felt like it was "girl night" and I didn't get the memo. I sat back and listened to them share stories about pets, cats, etc. and just laughed/marveled at how well these ladies and Angel clicked. Both Eileen and Atoi were tired after working all day, then our meeting so we got some quick shots and sent them home to beddy bye. For now, here's Atoi.

More MIY Models

We are making progress with our MIY project and added two more models (Kelli and Jeff) to the fray. I continue to be impressed with the diversity in looks, background and initial ideas for their shoots and how we may pair up some of our models. Each one add something very unique to the group and that is awesome.

Wow, A Busy MIY Weekend!

This weekend was crazy but so much fun! Saturday we met with Elaine, one of the models for our MIY (Model In You) project. Elaine was a great model to shoot. She has gorgeous eyes and such a lovely smile. I'm really looking forward to her individual shoot.
Tonight, Dave and I met with Jeff and Kelli. Jeff is the brother I never had, he's such a sweetheart. Jeff is also a photographer, we found out he is not only good behind the camera but in front of the camera as well!
Kelli, is such a nice girl and was fun to shoot. She has a great smile and a fun personality. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better.
The MIY project is really coming along. I'm ready for the weather to get nicer so we can start in on the model's individual shoots. Each of the models are so unique, it's going to be a blast spending time with them and getting to know them better.
I hope you enjoy these shots, please feel free to share your feedback.

Angel

Elaine




Kelli




Jeff

Meet Elaine

More meetings with models this weekend and today was all about Elaine. I approached her while she was working and to discuss our project (MIY) Angel and I are working on. I had my doubts about whether she would show up but as it turned out we had her, I mean she had us all to herself. Tomorrow will be a challenge as we will probably meet with our largest group yet but today was all about Elaine.

We visited with her for almost two hours and shared our stories and we got to learn a lot about her. I already have several ideas on how to shoot her but you're going to have to "wait and see". She was a lot of fun and VERY comfortable in front of the camera and I even asked her twice whether she's modeled before. This was her first time though and she's a natural.

Enjoy these and more to come from our last meetings tomorrow.

David

MIY - More about the VISION...

The more and more I think about where this project can go the more excited I get about it. We have received overwhelming support from friends, family and everyday people who have been willing to support us through modeling for our project. To date, we’ve only had one person say “no” and that was perfectly fine. I can say from personal experience that it’s been a little awkward; I mean challenging asking people; okay women to model for us. I get that initial “are you crazy”? look or the “do I look like I’m stupid to you” ? Many are very flattered to be asked and they should be as I explain to every model in person and in our meetings the specific reason I chose them for the project. I believe that puts them more at ease along with the fact that they get a chance to meet the other crazy people; I mean models who have agreed to participate.

Recently I asked a waitress at one of the local restaurants to participate and a woman at a local bank. The waitress agreed and the bank teller is still considering it and I hope she says yes. I loved her look for our group of models and have very specific reasons I sought her out and how I want to use her. I had a woman ask me the other day “why do you want me, I’m not diverse”? My response was that without you we’re not a very diverse group. The project is all about bringing out something unique and diverse in each of our models that is about their ethnicity and what make them who they are. My challenge and that of my partner will be to find that and bring it out in how we “capture” each individual. There is overt beauty and diversity but there are also aspects of our true beauty and self (who we really are) that many of us never get to see; either because we’re not paying enough attention or that the environment isn’t conducive. Whatever the case, I am going to quote Ray Charles in saying “I’m gonna make it do what it do baby”...

This project will may start with photography but I believe it will quickly mature and transcend it. It will help each of us (even us photographers) become a little more comfortable in our own skin or bring out what’s been hiding inside screaming to get out. I hope to hear comments like “I can’t believe that’s me”; “I never knew that about…” etc. As you might have guessed, the model selection of this project is the easiest part. Getting each model comfortable with us, inviting us into their world and capturing them through photography is the most challenging piece. So, stay tuned for more from me as I continue my journey and theme of “FOCUSing on what’s most important…