Model Session: Autumn in the Summer

Model: Autumn MariniMUA: Michal MayHair: Shameka WilcoxAssistant: Carlos CartagenaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Autumn MariniMUA: Michal MayHair: Shameka WilcoxAssistant: Carlos CartagenaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

I wanted to post about the awesome session that I did back in August with Autumn. A beautiful model based out of Jacksonville, Florida. Autumn, is also an awesome singer!

Autumn was a blast to work with this summer day at Amelia Island beach. I want to thank Michal May for doing the Makeup. Michal is moving to Dallas, but I hope that this isn't our last session together. 

Once again, I got to work with Shameka Wilcox of The Kimberly Clarke Salon in San Marco, Jacksonville, FL. I loved the color and fun look that she added to the session. I always love the energy that she brings to the set. 

This was also the first time that I got to work with Sarasota and South Florida photographer, Carlos Catagena. Carlos added much valued expertise to the set and helped create some AWESOME SHOTS!

Model: Autumn MariniMUA: Michal MayHair: Shameka WilcoxAssistant: Carlos CartagenaPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Autumn Marini
MUA: Michal May
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Assistant: Carlos Cartagena
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

The Technical: Camera: Nikon Df. Lighting: Natural light, SB800 with a DIFF60 Light modifier, 5 in 1 Reflector, Sekonic 478DR, and Pocket Wizard +III's and X's.

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Nicole's Test Shoot

Model: Nicole SnyderHair: Shameka WilcoxMUA: Davianne RiveraPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Nicole Snyder
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
MUA: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Nicole
Hair: Shameka Wilcox
Makeup: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

Last month I had a great opportunity to work with international Hair Stylist and Educator, Shameka Wilcox of the Kimberly Clarke Salon located in the heart of San Marco in Jacksonville, Florida. The purpose of this session was not necessarily for a client, but as a test session. 

Normally when we hear the phrase "Test Shoot," normally it is in reference to a model having a session testing her "camera presence" for usually an agency firm. I have always felt that when working with new people, when possibly, to have a test run between all the players. This allows for a more efficient process for clients. The Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, and Photographer are all on the same page, which allows us to provide the client an UNBELIEVABLE experience. 

Model: Nicole SnyderHair Stylist: Shameka WilcoxMUA: Davianne RiveraPhotographer: Leighton DaCosta

Model: Nicole Snyder
Hair Stylist: Shameka Wilcox
MUA: Davianne Rivera
Photographer: Leighton DaCosta

I routinely work with new MUA's and Stylists for the first time, but there is something special when you walk on set and it there are familiar faces and voices. The energy is there. Our model, Nicole, had worked with Shameka before, and as of late, I have done several sessions with Davianne previously, but this was the first time that all three of us had worked on a project together. With each one, the energy gets better and better. Can't wait until our next session. 

Hair Stylist, Shameka Wilcox tends to model, Nicole Snyder's hair between frames.

Hair Stylist, Shameka Wilcox tends to model, Nicole Snyder's hair between frames.

In the Fashion, Beauty, and Hair industries, test shoots are crucial for all participants as they grow within the industry. It can be anywhere from an agency/firm testing out a model's presence in front of camera, a photographer's ability behind the camera; or even serve as a pre-shoot of sorts to act as a rehearsal before the actual shoot. In a business where time is money, I have made it a staple to get as much practice as possible in between assignments, so that when the actual assignment comes up, it is handled in stride. 

Thank you ladies!



Technical talk. 
Nikon Df with 50mm f/1.8 lens and one Profoto B1 with a 28" Beauty Dish. 
ISO 100; 1/160s; f/8 for most images

 

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My Thoughts on Working TF*

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The PAID/TF* relationship.

I am about to expound on this relationship. There are many photographers and models out there who have never paid for a shoot. And that is great! Do what works for you. But my belief in a TF* shoot is this, as the photographer, who has invested thousands of dollars into my craft, the first thing I will ask myself is, "how does this person improve my portfolio?" Which I think a model should also ask his or herself as well before shooting a TF*. But I feel, and I preach, that the TF* shoot is for the benefit of the Photographer and the Model is using "sweat equity" to work off the cost of a shoot. Therefore a photographer or model should never shortchange a shoot.

The paid relationship goes back to WHO is doing the paying. IF you pay me, then I work for YOU. It is my job to give you the best possible shoot that I can for your money. IF I pay you, then you work for ME. Which means that I should get the best possible shoot that you can give. Also, I hate to say this, but if you hire me, you expect me to be ready to shoot with all my equipment, likewise if you are hired, YOU should be ready to shoot at the agreed time.

Even though, during a TF*, no money is being exchanged, it can actually cost a photographer or model more than a paid shoot. Everything from reputation to location/transportation and opportunity costs from doing other shoots. One of the most TACKIEST things I think models and photographers do is to believe that a "paid" shoot takes priority over a TF*. If I have an open dated and decide to do a TF* on that date, that TF* now has priority over everything. If a paid shoot comes up for the same time, then I should contact the other principles and see if its possible to reschedule for another time or date, but ONLY if both can agree to it. I often travel and when I schedule a shoot, it might be JUST for that weekend and time. I think we do not take those aspects into consideration when we schedule. The paid shoots often do, but those who have not invested hard currency sometimes fail to understand because it comes so easy.

Models and Photographers, if someone approaches you for a TF shoot, take it as a compliment. But don't forget that there is no such thing as a free lunch, nor a free shoot!

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Nicole Stoddart and Betty Blake

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Styled Bridal and Beach boudoir session in Amelia Island and Jacksonville. 

Models:

  • Nicole Stoddart, Montego Bay, Jamaica W.I.
  • Betty Blake, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Makeup Artist:

  • Timothy Cabell, Savannah, Georgia
    Studio Beau Monde
    On Facebook

Hair Stylists:

Wardrobe Stylist:

Assistants:

  • James Burney, Photographer/Assistant to Mr. DaCosta
  • Nicholas Fletcher, Photographer/Assistant to Mr. DaCosta
  • Tiffany DaCosta, Assistant to Mr. Dacosta
  • Brei Morgan, Assistant to Mrs. Sullivan

Special thanks to:

 

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Model Monday: Angelica Scurry

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Model Monday: Angelica Scurry

Angelica Scurry has been selected to be one of Dozen Ent Magazine’s “Queen of Heart Dolls”, which is one of the major features in the magazine. 

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