Model Tip Tuesday: Columbus MS Photographer

(love this one from Katelyn and Wayne's engagement session)

Ok, back to some modeling tips for all you out there wanting to learn how to model... :)

Today is all about bringing someone with you... should you, shouldnt you?

If you are meeting your photographer for the first time to discuss shoot ideas and such, then yes, bring a friend and meet in a public place... its always a good idea to be careful when you are meeting someone you dont know for the first time.  Meeting with them first will give you a good idea if your personalities mesh if you would be a good fit working together. 

If you are meeting your photographer for the first time right before you shoot (maybe if you dont live close to each other), then its ok to bring someone with you, but you should let the photographer know before hand so they can be prepared. 

You should never really bring a person with you to a shoot - its very distractful, for you and the photographer... if you dont feel safe with the photographer, then you shouldnt work with them.... but if it is necessary to bring someone, then make sure they know how to act once the shoot starts - even if you are a great model that the photographer loves, they may not hire you again if they think there is a chance you might bring the same person with you to ruin the shoot.

So how should an escort act when on a shoot?  They should stand back... or even better - walk around/away from the shoot.... stay out of the background, be quiet, dont eat or chew gum, dont talk, dont interfere in any way or make suggestions to the photographer.... and under no circumstances, should they pull out a phone and start taking pictures of the shoot - that will pretty much end the shoot right then and there.

Again, its all about respect.  The photographer usually has taken alot of time and effort to set up a shoot and they know what they want.  It becomes a problem when you have an outsider offering suggestions that dont fit in with what the photographer wants, or the photographer is having to ask them to stop talking or get out of the shot - thats a huge timewaster.... and will definitely hurt any chances of you working with the photographer again.

Id love to answer any questions you might have... feel free to comment!

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com and find me on facebook!

Flower Girls: Red - Columbus MS Photographer

On to the second part of our Red shoot.... this one was all about the light and I seriously could have stayed and taken a million pictures, but the sun doesnt really last that long at one time, so.... :)   But I think we got some amazing shots, and I was super happy at how the light really pushed out the reds in the clover... gorgeous!

 

 

 

 

Hope yall are having a great week!

 

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com



Model Tip Tuesday - Columbus MS Photographer

So now you are wondering what to wear to meet with your photographer.... There are 2 different options depending on how you are meeting.  1.  A first meet just to meet and talk, 2. A first meet right before a fitting/shoot

If you are just meeting to meet and talk with the photographer and discuss the things you want to work on together, then dress nicely, but not too nice... dark jeans, a cute top, some cute jewelry and boots or sandals work well.... it doesnt need to be too busy, but the photographer needs to get a sense of your personality and what you are comfortable in.  Its also pretty much an interview and first impressions are a big deal - this is where a photographer will decide if he wants to work with you and on what shoots.  If you arrive late, or are dressed sloppy or in sweat pants, the photographer will be turned off and may not want to work with you at all... some come ready!

If you are meeting for the first time right before a fitting or a shoot... then its most likely b/c you dont live in the same town, and have been communicating on the phone or online.  If you are coming for a fitting of shoot, you still need to dress appropriately - this does not mean cut off shorts or sweat pants.... this means in something simple thats easy to get in and out of - usually a tank top or one-colored t shirt and jeans or simple shorts.  If you are trying things on, then you need to be able to get in and out of your clothes quickly - dont forget that a photographer's time is worth more than money, so if you take forever trying on clothes, you are cutting into your shoot.  Also, if you are coming for a shoot, you should have already discussed hair, makeup and shoes with the photographer and know already how much you need to do before you get there.

So.... even if a photographer decides to meet with you, or even to work with you, you need to come dressed appropriately for your first meeting.... this could make or break your shot to work with this photographer on a regular basis.

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com

Sneak Peek Monday - Columbus MS Photographer

Just wanted to give a sneak peek of the 2nd half of the Flower Girls:Red session.... come back for the rest!

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com

Flower Girls: Red - Columbus MS Photographer



Not sure what it is about red, but I love it - especially a bright, true red... maybe its b/c Im a red-head so I cant wear it... or maybe its how it reacts in the low-light sunlight... or maybe its b/c I love bright color and you just cant beat red for that.  So here is our next installment of the Flower Girls series... and its only part one of this shoot, so come back next week for part two.

 



Hope yall are having a great Wednesday... speaking of Wednesday, who else is in love with that Geico camel commercial?  Just me?  Well, I think its hilarious (whoot, whoot).... :)

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com and dont forget to find me on facebook... :)

Model Tip Tuesday - Columbus MS Photographer

(Audrey was a gorgeous model!)

Time is money!  That saying is especially true of a photographer - they are usually busy, busy, busy.... so if you waste a photographer's time, they are probably not going to work with you again.  Period.

The big thing is to not be late.... and if its unavoidable (which means a major wreck has traffic backed up, or the cat just vomited on the floor... it doesnt mean that you didnt leave yourself enough time to get there), then all it takes is a phone call to let the photographer know how long you will be.... easy peasy. 

It also means when you are on a shoot, you at least try to model, even if you dont know what you are doing (if you are a new model getting your feet wet)... it does not mean that you should stand around and ask the photograher "ok, what do I do?" - it is not the photographer's job to pose every little detail of you - as a model, thats your job... its the photographer's job to tweak you just a little bit once you are posed.

Time really is money for a photographer.... and if you want to model, you need to be professional about it... that means show up on time and work it out once you are there.

On the flip side... if a photographer doesnt respect you enough to be on time... or to get you your pictures back in a reasonable time (talk about this before hand), then you shouldnt opt to work with them again either.....

Its all about respect... :)

Id love to hear your modeling questions.... feel free to comment!

Or email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com

Sneak Peek Monday - Columbus MS Photographer

Just wanted to give you a sneak peek at the next flower girls session... :)

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com

Model Tip Tuesday - Columbus MS Photographer

(arent Katelyn and Wayne gorgeous... can you believe they arent models?)

The next thing I want to talk to you about is your skin..... having good skin is one of the biggest factors of being a successful model.  I know alot of people will tell you that "oh, they can just fix that in photoshop" and its absolutely true, but the worse skin you have, the longer it takes to "fix it" in photoshop.  And no photographer wants to have to spend more time editing than they have to.

So if you plan or even want to try modeling, you need to start taking care of your skin now... skin ages fast, so the sooner you start taking care of it, the better.
- suncreen, sunscreen, sunscreen... every single day, whether you will be outside or not... there are lots of moisterizers that have sunscreen already in them, so find one that works and use it every day.  the sun is the fastest way to get wrinkles and moles.... also, it amazes me how many girls dont know you can tan with sunscreen on - sunscreen doesnt keep you from tanning, it keeps you from burning, so there is no reason not to wear it.
- water.... you need to drink lots and lots of water all the time.... your body is made up of mostly water, so it constantly needs replenishing
- dont smoke.... this will ruin your skin
- get a normal facial cleansing system and use it every day... you need to be using a cleanser, toner and moisterizer every day - they make these for all skin types, so find one that works and use it every day - dont skip! (and its good to exfoliate about 1-2 times a week as well)
- dont forget about your neck and hands, they will show your age super fast as well - the same facial routine you use for your face, should also be used for your neck as well, and keep your hands moisterized

Ok... so you got that?  Good skin is important and its never too early to start taking care of yours!

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com and find me on facebook under Addie Talley, Photographer.

Id love to hear some of your thoughts and questions!

Model Tip Tuesday - Columbus MS Photographer



(Katie was an actual bride, not a model, but she looked too good not to share)

Ok, and we are back with more modeling tips.... this is an important one... :)

KNOW YOUR SIZE!

Chances are, if you are working with/for a photographer, they have a certain look they are going for... and usually they are going to provide the wardrobe.... so you really do need to know your size.

And dont do the "girl code" thing where you say a few sizes smaller.... the photographer really does need to know what your actual size is.... and after one look, they will pretty much know if you are lying or not, which sets the shoot out on the wrong foot to begin with.

To be honest, as a photographer, we dont care if you are a bit bigger or smaller than you think you should be.... we want to help you rock it out, no matter what your size.

Not only that, if we are pulling clothes for you, then its a pain in the butt to know we spent time and money on an outfit that you cant wear b/c you told us the wrong size.  Its much easier just to be honest up front.

And if you dont know your size, be honest about that too.... then get yourself to a store THAT DAY and try on some clothes.  First, you need to know your dress size - and this can vary in different styles, but it shouldnt by just a size or two.... you also need to know what size shirt and pants and shoes you are... but a dress (in the jr's section) will give you the best idea of size.

It also means the photographer doesnt have to pull a million things for you to try on.... if you know your size, then I can pull about 4 or 5 outfits for you to try on and we can figure out what works best... but if you say,  "I dont know, I think I may be a size X" - that means I have to pull about 20 outfits - some the size that you "think" you are, some smaller, some bigger, some much smaller, some much bigger.... and since Im hoping to shoot at a certain time, then I will need you to try on all of the outfits in about 30 minutes.  So yeah, you are adding stress to yourself and also to your photographer (b/c the photographer also has to clean up all the outfits that they pulled when its all over as well).

Ok, thats it.... if you dont know your size, go find out TODAY.... if so, good girl!

Misty - Columbus MS Photographer

Misty and I talked and she really wanted to do a fairy themed shoot, so I was all on board.  And I think we definitely made it work... :)

Cant believe its already Wednesday... and Monday is Memorial Day - definitley looking forward to the weekend, how about you?

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com and be sure and find me on facebook under "Addie Talley, Photographer"

Model Tips Tuesday - Columbus Ms Photographer

First, I want to say my heart goes out to everyone affected by the tornado... I know there was much loss, sadness and destruction.  You are in our thoughts... and will continue to be.

 

Ok, so youve got your profile set up on model mayhem, and youve contacted a photographer and decided to work together... now what?

COMMUNICATION.... I cant stress it enough.  You need to stay in good communication with your photographer.  Keep in mind that the photographer is probably doing most of the work for this shoot - scouting the location, procuring a wardrobe, figuring out the look/theme, getting a stylist, hair person and makeup artist, making sure all the props are there and tons of other business-y type stuff.  So you need to make sure you do your part.... asking the following questions is a good start.
- What time should I be there?
- What should I bring?
- Should I bring someone with me?
- Should I do my own hair and make up or will it be done for me?
- What should I wear?
- Do I need to provide wardrobe or will it be provided?
- How long will this shoot take?
- Will I need to drive, follow or ride with you?
- Do I need to bring any props?
- What is the best way to stay in contact?

And thats just a start... the main thing is to figure out what time you need to be there, where you need to be, and what you need to bring. 

Also, definitely talk about the style/theme of the shoot so you and the photographer are on the same page and you know what to do and how to practice before the shoot.  Also, dont be afraid to offer the photographer a few of your ideas as well, if they go along with the shoot.

And it always a good idea to double check the details of a shoot the day before.  And if there are going to be any potential problems, let the photographer know in advance so they can prepare for them ahead of time.

Ok.. thats it.... stay connected, communicate and know whats happening!  The more that you are on the same page as your photographer, the better!

Come back next Tuesday for more tips... :)

Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com

Model Tips - Columbus Ms Photographer

(Kayla was a wonderful model on this 2011 mermaid shoot at the Dismals)

So you want to be a model?

 

Whether its for fun or an actual career, you need to know a few basics of how to work with a photographer.  Ive worked with alot of great models and some that were really terrible to be around, so I thought it might be fun to do a series on modeling from a photographer’s perspective.  Note: these are just my opinions and dont really count for anything, but talking with other photographers, we usually want the same things, so I hope this helps out anyone looking to get into the modeling game.

Getting started.... so whats the best way to actually get your feet wet and get started with a few modeling jobs?  Well, first off, if you have no experience, then you need to be willing to work for free or at least TFCD or TFP – those initials are important and often used for beginner photographers and models, they mean “trade/time for cd” and “trade/time for prints”, respectively.  This means that you agree to model for a shoot and they will give you a cd of pictures or prints. 

*Let me add a disclaimer here... just because you are new, have little or no experience, does not ever mean you need to be doing porn or nudity shots.  If that is the market that you want to enter, go for it, but either get paid or work with someone reputable – never, ever do nudity for free (unless its an artist that you respect) and without some kind of contract as to how it will be used and how much you own the rights to it.... it could come to haunt you down the road.

First off, let people know that you are wanting to model... put it out there on facebook and let your friends know so if they see an opportunity, they can let you know.  You can also find new photographers on craigslist, but make sure you communicate thoroughly with anyone you do not know and never meet anyone alone for the first time.  If there are photographers in your area (or that you are willing to go to), then email them and let them know that you are a fan and would love to model for them if they ever needed someone – be aware though that experienced photographers are rarely going to do a “normal, pretty” shoot – its probably going to be out there and involve costumes and crazy makeup, so be aware of what you are agreeing to.  Personally though, the best way for me to find models is to go through www.modelmayhem.com – this is an easy site to set up a portfolio and synopsis of who you are and the kind of modeling you want to do... it will also help you to find photographers that you want to work with.

As for your portfolio and what needs to be in it.  You need at least 1-2 clean shots of yourself – that means neutral clothing, minimal makeup and low key hair – this will give the photographer a much better idea if you are someone they want to work with – it also helps you appear much more professional than someone with blurry cell phone pics.  You also need at least one head shot (close up shot of your head from the shoulders up, preferably smiling), and a full body shot so they can get an idea of your body type.  It also helps if you add 5-10 more photos of you – preferably in the style that you want to be photographed in.  You can take these yourself or with the help of your friends, but honestly, it would be in your best interest to spend a little money and get professional shots taken – not only will your pictures stand out and give you alot more credibility as a model and a professional, but it will give you experience working with a real photographer and seeing that process up close. 

Use your summary to tell about yourself – where you are from, what experience you have, what kind of shoots you want to do and what you are willing to do.... dont make this extremely long because it will bore people and they will click off your profile... but dont make it so short that there isnt anything there.

Above all else... dont lie!  Dont lie about your size and your experience – I know its girl code to always say you are a size or two smaller than you are, but you cant do this with a photoshoot because usually the photographer is looking for a specific size range, and probably has a wardrobe already lined up that they have spent money on.  If you show up, and those clothes dont fit because you have given the wrong size, then you will have wasted both you and the photographer’s time – which probably means that they will never hire you again, and will probably warn other photographers about you as well.  So just be honest, as photographers, we dont care if you are a “big girl”, sometimes thats what we are looking for, so own it!

Alright... I think thats enough to get us started in this series... come back next week for another installment.  And let me know if you have questions or maybe I missed something... :)  Email me at talleyimages@yahoo.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com

Casting Call - Columbus MS Photographer

Been working on getting a million different shoots put together, but I love having a million things to do, so its been fun.

Meanwhile, the two guy models that I had procured have since disappeared... so I guess need to recast those parts.

I have two guy parts open.... one guy should be of thin/skinny variety, and the other should be able to grow some facial hair... thinking in the 18-35 range for both.  These are going to be fun!

Email me at addietalley@mail.com with a pic and some info if you'd like to be involved... thanks!

Personal Friday - Columbus MS Photographer

Sorry Im so late in posting today... blogger drives me crazy some days.... but hey, at least I finally one and got the pictures up...  these are from Emma's 3 year old picture session.... and you never would have guessed the location would be this pretty just looking at it - its an abandoned lot that is on the side of a road, but I saw that fallen tree and knew that I could work the angles to make it look like I wanted... Normally, Im not a huge fan of light colored clothing, but that green dress just worked in this setting where everything else was all dark... and the bottom pic makes me smile every time.... Gabe came along with us on the shoot so at the end, I made him pose for a pic and you can totally tell that he doesnt really want to be there - you can also see how much Emma loves her brother... its so them.... :)

Ok, a few things I wanted to cover... :)

- I would love to give back to some up and coming photographers... Id love to have an intern/assistant/second shooter... I might even get you some pay if you help second shoot a wedding.  Id love to train someone on how to do a styled/creative shoot, how to pose, how to work with models, how to make and attain props, how to work with clients, how to edit, etc, etc.... Columbus is a very saturated market and alot of higher end photographers look down on the newbies, but I dont think it has to be that way... so Id love to have someone join me on my shoots - you would get tons of amazing experience and it would really grow your portfolio.

- Also a secret that Im revealing to all my blog readers first.... Im doing an open casting call HERE and NOW.... :)  I am looking for a young girl, preferably around the age of 11-14 - that tween stage, and a size 0-2 (note, I have nothing against my gorgeous curvy girls, just the dress that I will be working with is a 0-2)... I cant say too much, but this shoot is going to be out of this world - crazy and beautiful.... if you are looking to get into modeling or just want to have fun, here is your opportunity... feel free to share this with anyone you think would be interested... just send me a pic and a little about yourself to addietalley@mail.com

- Also, I know prom season is coming up.... I rent out dresses - I have tons of formals in all different sizes... why spend $200+ on a dress you are going to wear once... when you can rent it from me, wear it for the night and be done.... you wont have to store it or fret about not being able to sell it for what you paid for it.... also, all the money from dress rentals will go towards our adoption so you can feel even better about it.... and I promise, I have some AMAZING formals.... :)

- Also, I rent wedding dresses too... and I have some AMAZING dresses in this department as well.... eloping or doing a courthouse wedding, or just have a tiny budget.... dont fret about not being able to get the dress you want - you can still look gorgeous and not spend a fortune, plus no worries about having to pay to get the dress sealed or store it.... and I also have quite a few true vintage dresses and few with color as well.... and again, all the money will go towards our adoption so you can feel good about it too... :)

ok, hope yall are all having a great Friday and have an even better weekend... so glad to see the sun again!

Email me at addietalley@mail.com and check out the website at www.addietalley.com