Behind the scenes of a fabulous end of summer shoot with Leighton DaCosta, International Fashion and Wedding Photographer (@LeightonD). Assisted by Jacksonville photographers Nicolas Fletcher (@Driven_24) and James Burney (@JaakabPhoto) and styled by fashion consultant Beth Sullivan (http://www.seibellaimageconsulting.com).
Thursday Thought: The Unspoken Cost of Being a Model
Good Day. Photographer, Tom Brooks of Toledo, OH with a very heartfelt message. models take note. This was a really eye awaking thought that is rarely discussed to young men and women as they go to chase their dream. "I've learned there are different tiers of modeling as a career. There is frequently a need for local models for conventions, car shows, local TV ads, and local businesses making a product. then you have a regional level (it seems) that is basically the same as local, just in a larger market...Chicago, Atlanta, Houston/Dallas, etc. Then you have the major markets like NYC, LA, Miami.
One of my models went to IMTA and had 3 major houses interested in him, including Click, but he can't do it. Truth of the matter is...for a major market like NYC he needed to live there. he figured he would need about $12,000 to do that. First is the move, finding a place to live, waiting for an assignment along with 40 or so other guys in the same agency, then waiting 60-90 days for a check from the gig he would shoot in, which would have deducted from the first check the money they paid out for shoots just of him and other expenses incurred...in short, he couldn't afford it.
When the agency here in Toledo signed high schooler Katie Holmes, her parents were well off and could afford to fly her and her mother to LA or NYC for auditions before she was signed to Dawson's Creek. the guy i was shooting is now depressed...he has worked for a year to get to NYC only to be faced with the reality that no matter how good looking he is, it is still a dream blocked by financial resources. i am going to tell this story to any little girl or boy who comes to me wanting to be a model."
Do you think that you can make it today in the modeling world with a hope and a dream? Is it still possible for a street kid, or a country gal to be able to get discovered and make it? what say you?
LD
Happy Independence Day America
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States
On this day, July Fourth, we Citizens and Residents of the United States of America, celebrate a Great Nation's birthday. America is not great because of the institution of government, but the the citizen society of the individuals. A nation of people of all walks of life, races, cultures, coming together to make this experiment in history continue.
What makes American history as great as it is, ARE the flaws of its history that should and always be remembered. A country separated by race, that goes to Europe to fight on behalf of a threatened race and way of life. A country of "cowboys" who live the law of the Wild West, who form a Marine force that is committed to being the champion of the little guy. A society, that roots for the underdog, regardless of the challenge; Civil Rights, LGBT Rights, Women's Suffrage, Animal Rights, and even the little known politician that dares to rock the boat.
I have learned that America is like the perfect woman... imperfect. What makes us love this country is not that it gets it right every time, but that it strives to get it right, and when it gets it "wrong" it strives remember its history. On this day, there are more civil war reenactments out there than almost any other war. I would like to believe it is because more US troops were lost in the war with ourselves than any other war in our history.
Maybe this is a lesson that we can learn with our own personal lives. What is it that is our tyrant and oppressor in our lives? Is it Fear? Failure? Health? What is it that we should choose to declare ourselves free of? We will notice that our worst moments are often those that we have the internal conflicts instead of the external ones.
I wish you a great Fourth of July Holiday. I wish that you are with your families and friends, and this gives you more than just an opportunity of eating great barbecue, but the time to reflect on the highs and lows of life, and the ability to live in one of the greatest societies in the history of man.
Lastly, I want to thank all the men and women who volunteer everyday to protect our society and way of life. Those that volunteer to Support and defend the Constitution of the United States, without mental defect and reservation, and to protect it from all enemies both foreign and domestic. Those that have spent many Independence Days away from the shores of the USA, and those who will never see those shores again. Those that put on a uniform everyday, and whether it is standing guard, protecting us from drunk drivers, or running into a burning building when everyone is running out, I thank you. I thank you for doing the things that very few would be compelled to do, much less volunteer to do. It is often the few that so impacts the many.
Thank you America.
LD
Events: The Premier Hair Show. Orlando, FL
So this year I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual Premier Hair Show (PHS) in Orlando, Florida. I want to say this first. THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCES THAT I HAVE EVER HAD IN THE INDUSTRY! Between the performances on the Main Stage, the platform educators, and the models and attendees. Such attention to detail and passion. I saw a performance from Matrix, known for their color that was simply amazing. A String Quartet, Performance Dancers, and even a DJ, but not one word during the styling performance. I was TRULY inspired.
One thing I liked about PHS, compared to many other hair shows, that it was not just a hair show. The PHS is an opportunity for EVERYONE involved in the Beauty Industry to learn. From Barbers, Makeup Artists, Salon Owners, to Nail Technicians and all the others in the industry were able to attend, as this event is closed to the public. Licensed professionals, students, and those who have business credentials in the industry are the only ones allowed to attend. OH, and Models.
I was VERY pleased to see that one of my favorite models to shoot, was in attendance as a model for Wella/Nioxin. Christina looked absolutely beautiful as she strutted her stuff.
Tina had a blast, and so did I. I look forward to going again next year and learning so much more.
LD
The May Orlando Meet and Greet (OMG)
Just before Memorial Day this year, Jesse Walker, Orlando Photographer and his crew put on another great meetup in Orlando, Florida. This time at the HUGE Studio One, right there on International Drive. The Orlando Meet and Greet (OMG), has been a Central Florida semi-annual event for over 6 years. Often turning out 100-200 Models and Photographers of all levels, skills, and experience, the OMG has helped many in the area get the jump start to their career that is often very hard to get. With models as young as 12 years old, to over 40, the OMG is something that you MUST attend if you are looking to jumpstart your portfolio, or even if it is just to network. See you at the next one.
Here are some images that I was able to capture from the OMG. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
LD
(OMG)
Where have you been Leighton?
Hey all, It has been such a LONG time since I have blogged, and I apologize. GEE, I have even left you hanging with my Model Monday posts. For this I apologize. I am making a more concerted effort on updating the blogs and let you know what is going on with Leighton DaCosta Photographer. I know I have been tons of busy, and have all kinds of news to share. Including, upcoming publishing for some of the images that I have done from the winter and spring.
Please forgive my tardiness, but now, I'm HERE!
LD
My standard Mirror shot in the new studio.
"But Why Can't I Have All the Photos From Our Shoot?..."
Solstice - Creative Entertainment. recently posted a Tumblr blog on just that same aspect. Showing probably one of the most beautiful and hottest acts in entertainment, Beyoncé, in her Super Bowl performance. While the expression and pose is probably not the best, her physique is undeniable. Unfortunately this was not a shoot for Muscle and Fitness. Whether it is a Fashion shoot, Boudoir L-session, or Wedding, the likelihood of getting a few shots that are not the most flattering will is still possible. Not only do photographers want to control what they release out on the market, but in reality, we only want you to see you how we saw you. The beauty, the essence, the allure of all that we saw. As a service your awesome photographer will take the time to actually go through and select the great shots of you, so you don't have to ever see the ones that are NOT so flattering.
