Featured Professional - Wiggins Studios (Photographer)

An Exclusive Interview with an extremely diverse Photographer

holding in down dirty, dirty style.
Brandon Wiggins of Atlanta, GA
explains how he balances his career, family & success.

Graduate of Perfection
www.WigginsStudios.com

 

Written by: QianaNichol

Freelance photographer Brandon Wiggins went from a freelancing party photographer (one of the founding members of ATLPics.net) part-timing as a photo lab technician to one of Atlanta’s most-sought after photographers.  His client list extends across an unimaginable list of mediums from record labels (Capital/EMI Records, Atlantic Recordings, Grand Hustle) to sports (FOX Sports, ESPN) to television (MTV, BET) to beauty (Sophisticate’s Black Hair Magazine, Mizani Hair Products) to clothing lines (GlassMott Clothing, Fly Couture Clothing, Oema Takor Clothing) to print publications (The Atlantan, Jezebel Magazine, Creative Loafing, Rolling Stone Magazine).  He is confident and proud of the body of work that he has created.  He describes himself as a purest and feels his greatest triumph when he walks into a person’s home and sees photos on their mantel that he created.

 

 

When did you discover the creative side of yourself?
-Creatively, I’ve always loved pictures.  As a child, I would go to my grandmother’s house and dump all her pictures out on the floor and go through them.  I loved to see pictures of my uncles and other family members.  Growing up, my father had this camera that I would play around with it and shoot.  I’ve always enjoyed how when it’s time to take pictures, everybody comes together to be happy. 

You attended GSU under the dual English Degree.  Is that photography & English?  Do you work both muscles?
-I have two English Degrees; One in Creative Writing and the other in Poetry.  First I studied European and Early American Poetry, literary and composition and poetry.  Then, I returned to focus on the business side of creative writing.  I studied advanced rhetoric, and designing and creating content for websites and other educational purposes.

How does photography and graphic designing relate to you?  Do you appreciate one over the other?
-Graphic Design is the icing on the cake.  I love to be able to photograph first.  I want to create an image that is perfect straight out camera.  I shot film when I first started.  I learned how to get it right, the first time.  Then, the digital age came out and the industry began to demand the graphic design.  The meaning of photography is to paint with light, not clicking to hope you get the right image and then “fixing” it in Photoshop.  If you learn photography first, you won’t have to do as much graphically to enhance.  The “cake” should already be made.

When you shoot a wedding, are you telling the story of a wedding or are you capturing the essence of the day?
-I’m a fly on the wall.  It depends on the style the bride is looking for.  If she wants more of a photojournalistic style or fashion conscious about the clothes and how the dress lays.  I shoot her like a high-end couture and add light.  I shoot it a certain way to showcase that and to send out to magazines.  It’s elegant, pretty, timeless and personable.  I want the bride to be friends with me before the wedding day.  During the wedding, you don’t want someone you don’t know involved and in your face. 

How do you balance your life as a father & husband with your work?
-My kids are always with me and my wife works with me.  I am blessed to have a good team.  My studio manager and interns help take some of the load.  I’m there to feed and play with my kids in the morning and then I get dressed and am off to shoots.  I get home and try to side down and eat with the family every night.  My clients love my kids; they play with them during down time.  This is a family business that I want to grow and keep in the family.   I want my children to enjoy this journey with me and be a part of it.  I want my daughter to learn hair and makeup and I want my son to learn to take pictures.  I am trying to build a real company and I’ve done a fairly good job.  Having my kids has made me a lot more hard working and focused.  They are a constant motivation to make sure that I don’t fall off.

You have been featured in several magazines, created projects for artists and corporate clients, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
-I’ve had a lot of touchdowns, but to have my first multiplatinum album cover, Bobby Valentino’s “The Rebirth” (February 2009/Blu Kolla Dreams/EMI).  Bobby could have reached out to any other photographer, but he reached out to me.  I have shot for a lot of independents, but this was the first time I was a part of the entire project, the designing and shooting the album, listening parties, video shoots, special appearance.  I was his personal photographer.  It opened the world up to my work.  A lot of people had seen my work, but once “The Rebirth” came out, it validated it.

Do you have any models / artists that you would like to work with and haven’t?
-Barack Obama!  I would love to do a family portrait session of the Obamas.  That would be major. 

What’s your next step in your creative journey?
-Traveling and destination photography.  There has been a demand on me to travel overseas and shoot weddings.  The world is bigger than Atlanta and now I have the momentum.

Images by:  Wiggins Studio

Featured Professional - HD The Agency (Agent)

An Exclusive Interview with the 

Industry Coach of Modeling.

Jay Glover of HD The Agency in Atlanta, GA
explains the Talent Industry rules.

HD The Agency
www.HDtheAgency.com

Written by:  GF Smith

Don’t think about it as a minor league for modeling by any stretch of the imagination. There’s nothing second rate about Jay Glover and HD The Agency. A more accurate description would be the breeding ground for where models learn the fundamentals of what star power is all about. The Derek Jeters and A-Rods of the world don’t invent themselves. They need coaching, and the same goes for anyone else looking to be a star including models. Jay is the hands on coach that can guide the model to the championship level… if she’s ready to step up to the plate.

Hip us to HD...
-HD The Agency is a boutique, ethnic and modeling talent agency. I represent ethnic and urban models. I have models in Atlanta, New York, L.A. Detroit, the Midwest, I pretty much represent ethnic talent across the U.S.

Boutique?
-I call it a boutique agency, because it’s not a major Agency like a Ford, but it’s an avenue to develop yourself with a professional model mindset so if one day you want to approach one of those agencies you can do so as a professional.

So let me understand this correctly... You’re training the models to represent themselves?
-No, I’m training them to work within an agency setting. The goal of true models (runway, etc.) is to work with the agency that represents you, and you find with a lot of urban or ethnic models they aren’t really disciplined to work in the agency setting. They’re not really exposed to that because they’re not really runway models, so a lot of them freestyle when there is actually a certain protocol that goes along with it. So I work on that development with my models.

You would say it’s not only an education but you help them put the portfolios together?
-Yeah, it’s a full development. One thing I do, I represent models with my agency exclusively and non-exclusively. Most of my Atlanta models are exclusive. Pretty much anything they do is facilitated through the agency. Most of the ones not based here are non-exclusive, they act independently as far as getting bookings and they use the agency more as a consultation service. So I pretty much provide feedback and direction.

Is this a different approach to a modeling agency or is this fairly standard?
-It’s a different approach for ethnic models. Attention to detail and strict protocol and development aren’t given a lot of attention. A lot of ethnic models don’t really do it to be looked at as viable models or viable talent, They do it in pursuit of being a celebrity or being popular. And that’s not what modeling is about. The essence of modeling is representing a product brand a service or a client. They don’t hire models to go out and be popular and be the next big thing on blog sites.

So you have a pretty good reputation with the clients you book with?
-Yeah, I work with several genres from TV to print, commercial, fashion, music video, hosting and spokes modeling. And I have good relationships with all my clients. A lot of the clients I started with I still work with and the agency has been around for 6 years. And of course the more prominent work my models do the more I add new clients. And now my clientele has really diversified. At first it was just the urban outlets, music videos and so forth. But now I do TV, film production people, beauty and make-up people. So when models do come into the agency they have a lot of different resources they can channel.

If a woman wanted to be represented by your agency, what would be the best way to prepare herself to be a model?
-First thing is, the pictures have to be professional quality images with professional quality photography. I get a lot of pictures with the whole lingerie thing which I’m kind of desensitized to, because I’ve been looking at that for 6 years. I like the strong headshots, with strong fashion or commercial appeal. I’ll pay more attention to the models who leave a little bit of mystery and intrigue about themselves. How am I supposed to market something if you’re giving it away? I really am also looking for more ethnic models right now. A lot of companies are looking to diversify their look so you need someone who can be a representative in that way.

This is the full-time gig?
-Yeah, I’ve been doing this full-time since 2005. My first two years ding HD I was still working with an advertising agency managing clients for about 6 years. But then I decided to leave and focus strictly on my model and talent agency

Does that mean you’re pretty selective about the models you choose to work with or you just take everyone and kind of work on them?
-No, I’m very selective about it. One of the things I pride myself on is that I don’t go out of my way to work with every model that’s “hot” in the industry. I like working with models that are new talent just staring out to develop them. You’ll find that most agencies tend to work with new talent they feel they can build up to being the next supermodel. My roster of models is up to about 30 right now. I’m able to have a lot of one on one contact with them, so they know I’m loyal to them and we can develop better rapport. But on the flip end they understand that because of that exclusivity, they have to be ready to put in some work. You can only model and take pretty pictures for a short time. You have to be able to use what you know to open up other doors for you like becoming an actress, see yourself in business or whatever it is you want to do.

And if a model has her stuff together how does she get in touch with you?
-I’m actually having a website built for the agency now so the quickest way would be to check the Myspace page which is Myspace.com/hatkahd. There’s a little literature about what we expect on that site or the email to contact is jayg@hatkaentertainment.com

Gonna loan any of your next supermodels to TEARSHEET?
-I commend Sam on what he’s doing and I definitely got a couple of concepts I wanna shoot by TEARSHEET. 

Featured Professional - VXN Studios (Photographer)

An Exclusive Interview with the

once full-time Model, now full-time Photographer
Kaylana Reese of VXN Studios of Orlando, FL.

Written by:  Pencil & Pen

 

Something has to be said, when you have a Photographer who has the drop-dead beauty of any model.  Kaylana Reese, has been able to take her experiences in front of the camera, and turn them into a beautiful business.  Based in Orlando, FL, Kaylana has made VXN Studios one of the most in-demand photo studios.  It could be a little intimidating for some models, but what better opportunity could a model have...  they would be getting the best from one of the best!

 

How did you get started in Photography?  Did you have formal Training or Self-Taught?
-As a model, I wanted to set myself apart from the competition in the glamour world. I also wanted to be able to change up my style without having to shoot with multiple photographers. I wanted something different. After not getting consistent results from the photographers I worked with, I decided to take
matters into my own hands.  I am self taught. I learned by asking questions of the photographers I worked with. Did a little reading and during every photoshoot I learn something new.

Some say, “it’s all in the name”.  So what is the meaning behind the name ‘VXN Studios’?
-I chose VXN because by definition Vixen means a female fox. literally. It is also taken as a fine female (winks).  I’ve also had emails with the word “vixen” in it so it almost seems appropriate. Because I want to also work with modeling agencies and possibly in the wedding industry, I wanted to find a more acceptable name than Vixen... so VXN Studios was born.

Photography is broken down into different genres.  What would you say is your favorite?
-I love all genres but I’d have to say fashion is my favorite. Not catalogue type fashion, but the type of fashion one might see for a Gucci or D&G Ad. Sharp, sophisticated, and sexy.

Where would you say your creativity comes from?
-That’s a hard question. I definitely think it comes from within to be able to execute the ideas, but I draw my inspiration from magazines and various websites. If I see a picture I like, I’ll grab it.

Is VXN Studios a one woman operation or is there a Team behind the success?
-I do have an assistant that takes and makes phone calls. From time to time she may assist with getting things I need during a shoot, but ultimately this is a one woman show. I do all the makeup, styling, photography, and editing associated with my photos.

What services does VXN Studios offer?
-Wardrobe styling, Makeup artistry both for our shoots and freelance, photo retouching, graphic design, and website design. The website design is a team effort between VXN Studios and an independent programmer.

What has been the most difficult part about making VXN Studios successful? -I would have to say the most difficult part is the almost instant acceleration in the flow of clients. I am not complaining. I love it, however I have to balance my photography with my modeling that is still very active. I give each client my undivided attention when planning a shoot or coming up with a concept and it takes time. I want each client to feel that their photos with VXN is the best they’ve ever had.

If you could have a photo shoot with any celebrity, who & why?
-I would have to say it would be the President (LOL).  Is he considered a celebrity? I’d want to shoot the President, because it’s a prestigious privilege. How many people get to sit the President down for a shoot?

Let’s clear the air... there is a difference between a quality photographer who captures the essence of the image and then there is the Photoshop photographer, who only can create images based off computer-assisted enhancements.  What is your take on this?
-I think that a photographer that doesn’t depend on Photoshop is able to create different images easier than a “Photoshop photographer”. The more that is understood about lighting techniques and angles, the less time is spent in Photoshop.

So what can we expect from VXN Studios in the upcoming year?
-I will be focusing on getting more published work in various markets. Once I set my mind to something,
I achieve it.

Booking / Contact Method:
- VXNStudios@aol.com  |  www.myspace.com/432686485  |  www.modelmayhem.com/889429

 

 

Featured Professional - Kissable Lips Cosmetics (MUA)

An Exclusive Interview with the

extrordinary and talented

Michelle C of Kissable Lips Cosmetics of Atlanta, GA.

Written by:  GF Smith

 

Michelle C. is a singer/songwriter and a poet.  So being an artist is already a natural gift, which makes it easier for her to translate her skills to make-up artistry.  But unlike some of us artists, she doesn’t slip from the grind for a second.  She manages her own store all seven days of the week.  So if you want to hear Michelle singing, more than likely you’ll need to find your way to Kissable Lips Cosmetics store where she manages her employees daily, and does it all with a kiss. 

 

You have a Staff, what do they all do?
-They’re all freelance Make-Up Artists.

So depending on the size of a job, do you contract out?
-Oh no, we’re a cosmetic retail store. They come to us.

So you have a store... we thought you were doing on location for photo shoots?
-Well, we do that as well... and if they wanna book us for weddings or whatever, they do it through our website. But our main source of business comes through the store.

So anybody in the world can walk into Kissable Lips and get themselves done?
-If they like our work, yeah.

Where is the store located?
-We’re currently located in Union City, GA, but we’re about to Move to Riverdale, GA.

Ok, and Atlanta is home for you?
-Well, I’m from Los Angeles, but I been down here long enough to call it home.

Do you have any motivations to expand your store further, maybe beyond Atlanta?
-Well, we’re going to do the Franchise thing, as opposed to doing a chain. It’s just easier for one person trying to run the store.

Are you in the process of doing that?
-Yeah... we’re getting ready to (start) advertising for it, but as of yet, it’s still in the beginning stages.

Who is ‘we’? You have a partner?
-No (LOL), that’s just the way I talk. I’m the sole proprietor.

And you are open 7 days a week? So you’re at work everyday?
-Oh yeah... either I’m at a shoot or I’m in the store.

How does your boyfriend feel about that?
-Well, I don’t have one, so I don’t have to worry about that?

Is that cause you work seven days a week?
-I don’t believe so. Whoever is supposed to find me will eventually.

Gotcha... you ever meet anyone in the industry you were attracted to?
-When it comes to business that’s what it is. If there’s someone I’m working for, it’s strictly professional.

So you come out of the shop to do shoots, are you looking to break into the movie industry or something like that?
-Of course. I’ve done videos.

Any videos we might know?
-Murphy Lee “What the Hook Gon’ Be” might be the only one you know.

So what motivated you to do this?
-I always wanted to do something in the entertainment field, and I’ve always been artistic as far as drawing and stuff like that.

But was the motivation always to run your own business?
-No... originally I was working for other people, but that got to be a headache, so...

So did you get into this from just knowing people?
-Well it depends on what route you want to go. I went and got my licensing, because you have to be licensed to do all the services I offer.

Ok. You all have the new store in Riverdale... are you all looking to upgrade to Lenox next?
-Oh no... there’s too much traffic with that.

But isn’t Lenox where the “ballers” go to shop?
-Not necessarily. They got plenty of people who come our way looking for quality at good cost.

So you all are pretty affordable then?
-Oh definitely, very affordable.

Is Kissable Lips pretty much running off of momentum of your brand or is there a lot of Networking involved?
-Oh yeah... we do have a lot of word of mouth, but we do a lot of radio advertising and some magazine advertisements too.

And what is the website you mentioned earlier, about booking for shoots?
-KissableLipsCosmetics.com and ArtistPeriod.com

Featured Professional - TL Glam (Photographer)

An Exclusive Interview with a photographer

who is making her way to the top
Tatiana Lavin of TL Glam of Long Beach, CA.

Written by:  QianaNichol

 

You describe yourself as an artist/photographer, I figure you look at a subject/model as a canvas, what are your favorite features to bring out?

-Well, with each individual and concept, I feel there is always something special about each person.  I feel that on every person no matter who they are, the eyes always tell a story.  During my editig process, I like to pay special attention to the eyes and what they are saying.

When did you create TL Glam Studio?  Why do you include GLAM in your company name?  What is your definition of GLAM?
-I created the company name TL Glam Studio about two years ago.  It took a long time to come up with the name.   To me, GLAM is all about being glamourous and beautiful. I also wanted to choose a name that reflected my personal point of view, so I chose my initials, T.L.

Is TL Glam Studio made up of a small group of (makeup artists, stylists or do you have many different makeup artists/stylists that make up your team?
-TL GLAM has one MUA Illyne Rios.  I work with different stylists, but my favorites are Gee Gee and Tai Collins.

What attracts you to being a photographer?
-As a teen I was very vain, always behind the camera. As I got older I began to do a lot of the photography at events. I took some artsy Black & White Courses for fun at a local community college. The thing that draws me is the URGE to shoot. I dream about shoots sometimes.  I am just very passionate about my craft.

When did you discover the creative side of yourself?
-I saw my 3rd grade teacher a year ago and she asked what I was doing, I responded, “I am a photographer.”  She wasn't surprised. Art has always been with me.  I have always been creative for writing, to drawing, to photography.

Do you do photography for Red Carpet events and/or fashion shows as well?
-I am learning runway now.

You are self-taught in studio lighting & photoshop, how did you begin to teach yourself?
-I asked many questions and learned through trial and error.

You have been been shooting for 3 yrs & yet your port is more versatile than photographers shooting 2 and 3 times longer, what do you attribute to that?
-I honestly do not know, how or why.  I am tremedously blessed.  Sometimes, I can not believe what my team and I have come up with. I tend to look at  beauty in all individuals.  Sometimes the most awkward-looking person can be the most interesting to shoot.  I look at that when searching for subjects.

Where do you get your inspiration?  Do you watch the top models, look at certain publications for ideas or do you experiment?
-I mainly experiment.  I usually don’t have a concept going in.  I usually draw inspiration from the model or the make-up or wardrobe.  I'm very attentive to every detail when lighting and setting up.

Some artists seem to be afraid to shoot women of color in bright hues. Usually sexy is associated with dark, mysterious colors, but I notice that you have a lot of bold colors in your port, what’s your motivation?
-I guess I see things from my own perspective and my vision is my own.  Color is my thing and if done correctly, it can be very original.

Do you find models are more comfortable with you because you are a woman, especially in a profession saturated with male photographers?
-Yes,  I do.  I also find that because I am a female, there is more drama and competition for me and I am tested more often.

What is your process when you prepare for a shoot?  Do you consult with the model and/or makeup artists/stylists or do you just show up for the shoot ready to dive in?
-My MUA and I plan according to our schedules.  Sometimes I have a set wardrobe or the models bring their own.  I play music while I am preparing to shoot and I edit.  That puts me in chill mode.

Some of your credits include working with VH1 Vixens "Cali", "Cornfed" and "Danger". Did you have to deal with Big Reality Show, Larger than Life Egos, or were they just regular girls that just happened to be reality show grads?
-From my experience they are average women with stories, goals and visions.

As a photographer, how do you get a model that is new to warm up?  Do you pose your models and/or allow them to move freely on their own?
-I talk to them and I remind them that I am their peer.  I also tell them it helps to create an alter ego.  I play music and I show them poses and magazines to pull inspiration from.

What are some mistakes you see photographers make when shooting certain subjects/models?
-I see photographers shooting from weird angles that aren't pleasing.

What type of model do you enjoy working with?
-I like working with models that are open and confident.  Yet not cocky and who trust my direction and vision.

Do you have any models/artists that you would like to work with?
-I'm always looking for the next thing to boost my name and career.  I would love to photograph Adriama Lima, Gisele Bundchen, Ajuma Nasenyana, Ekaterina Stafetskis.  Celebrities would be Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Fergie, Joss Stone, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell and ‘Lil Wayne. The opportunity to work with any big name would be awesome.

What would your dream project look like?  Can you name some locations and/or magazines that would represent the ultimate location for you?
-I would like to shoot for Vogue, Maxim, King, XXL or for designers such as Gucci, Guess, and Victoria Secret would be the ultimate. I would love to shut down a street to shoot or shoot in a fancy mansion.  I would love to shoot in NY, Japan or Brazil.

Have you run into "Phony Industry People"?  What are some signs that you look for to weed-out these type of people?
-I personally have not run into any phony industry people, but I hear horror stories from models I have worked with.  If a photographer is mixing his personal life with the shoot, like trying to hit on a model or being overly aggressive with his words or compliments, I would say that is definitely a sign to maybe go the other way.

What are some things that you plan to do in the future to advance your career?
-I plan to create a coffee table project of various artistic concepts that express my life through my poetry. I would also love to start my own magazine.

So if someone wanted to book you, how would they do so?
- www.myspace.com/lbglam or www.modelmayhem.com/638531

 

Featured Professional - Saira of S1 Studio (Photographer)

An Exclusive Interview with
the female's female Photographer
Saira of S1 Studio of Oakland, CA.

Written by:  GF Smith

Saira is embedded in the heart of the Bay Area California where she lives and works from her in-home studio. The comforts of home are not the only benefits that come from getting headshots done with S1 Studio. Saira provides a zone where models don’t feel pressured and can be themselves in order to best translate that look through the photographs. Since she finished up her schooling, Saira has been well on track to make this happen.

Who is Saira when it comes to S1 Studio?
-A graduate from the College of Photography with a Graphic Design degree, and I have my own business now. I mostly shoot aspiring models.

Would you say that’s because most established models already have a photographer they’re comfortable with?
-Well sometimes they come to me anyway depending on what they’re looking for, but sometimes when they don’t come to me it’s because they want on-location shoots and I shoot from my studio only.

Depends on what they’re looking for? Is that to say you have a specialty?
-I do... I specialize in fashion and I use more creative lighting. Sometimes the models come looking for different shadow lighting and makeup.

Is that something you do yourself?
-Yeah, I have a staff that helps execute it but all the creative ideas and themes come from me.

So where do you get these concepts from?
-It depends. Sometimes I use modeling websites or other photographers, but most times it’s just talking to the model and getting a creative idea of what they might want.

And when you decided to do the photography thing, was the motivation within the creativity you wanted to apply?
-The way I got into Photography was because I just love taking pictures and once I got into studios, I just realized there’s so much creatively that could be done with lighting.

Have you given thought to doing anything not fashion related, like with movies or something?
-Not so much, because I’m comfortable with my studio. Outdoor shoots or film shoots is not something I’ve considered.

Is this your fulltime job?
-Yeah

You have enough clientele to pay the bills?
-Well... yeah, but my income is supplemented ‘cause my husband works.

Oh, so you’re married?
-Yeah and I have a one year old daughter and I find time in between to do photo shoots.

Is it hard juggling a daughter and a model’s schedule?
-It depends on if they’re working on a deadline, ‘cause if they are I’ll just get my in-laws to look after her, because they live with me and my husband. So it’s not really an issue. Plus my studio is in my home, so it makes it easier between doing make up and hair to get to see her a lil bit.

Is it difficult dealing with an industry dominated by single people?
-Well there lifestyle doesn’t affect me.

Do you find most models difficult to work with?
-No, there’s that stereotype that models are snobby, but all of the models are easy to work with. Even if I ask them to do a pose that’s difficult to execute, their patient until we can get the shot we need.

You think they find it easier to work with you cause you’re a woman?
-A lot of the models say that. I advertise that I’m a female photographer because I get a lot of response that way. There are a lot of male photographers and a lot of the girls are prone to be easier with a woman

So you would encourage other women to get behind the camera?
-Oh yeah, there’s a lot of room for opportunity here.

Have you ever given any thought to expanding beyond your present style?
-I have put in motion the plan to (start) marketing by the end of the year to do school portfolios.

Do you feel like you’ll always be more hands on or are you looking for other photographers?
-Well, right now I have a couple of interns, and I might have them take a few pictures (for) each shoot, just so they can understand the concept.

Do you recruit women for that too?
-Yeah, and my assistants are females as well. I work from home, so my whole staff is female. It’s an all female environment, ‘cause that’s often more comfortable for the models and the employees.

So your husband’s a pretty lucky guy?
-(LOL) he’s never around when I do my shoots.

You don’t ever see him hanging around the house like “Need any help at work honey?”
-(LOL) no, no, he’s not like that.

Ok, so how do we contact you?
-I have my main studio website www.S1Studio.com and I’ve got plenty of my work there. You can email me there too at info@s1studio.com.

Featured Professional - Sparc Media (Photographer)

An Exclusive Interview with a 

very detailed perfectionist...
Sparc Media's, Ryan O. Nash of Hartford, CT.

 

Written by:  QianaNichol

 

As a writer, I have interviewed new artists, numerous models and even Dave Chappelle, but one of the most interesting 99-minutes of my life took place during an interview with photographer and entrepreneur, Ryan O. Nash. 

You live in Connecticut, were you born & raised in Connecticut?  

-No, I was born in Kingston, Jamaica.  We moved when I was 6-years-old and came straight to Hartford, Connecticut.  We kind of went back and forth for awhile, but eventually we were rooted in the states because of the economy back in Jamaica.  We lived in the roughest part of Hartford.  We didn’t have pets, the roaches and rats were our pets!  My parents worked in a factory and saved their money to later buy a house in a better part of town.

When did you discover the creative side of yourself?
-In high school I wanted to take a photography course.  I spoke to my guidance counselor and he said that I didn’t have room in my schedule for the class.  I went to every teacher and hustled to change my schedule to take the course, and I got in.  When I first started, I did a lot of fine art photography.  Then, my buddy, Mike and I decided to open a small business.  We had permission to work in the workshop class at school doing family portraits.  We didn’t do great, but had our own business.  Then, we began working at the Hartford Courant (the largest daily newspaper in Connecticut).  It was difficult, working with older photographers.  Those guys had gone to college, and were insulted that these two young high school kids were doing what they were doing.  

Are you Married with Children?
-(Yes) 9 years.  I have two daughters, Alexis, 7, and Nakayla, 4.

Are you guys done?  Do you think you want to try for a boy?
-We were thinking about it, but in reality, I love my girls, they are amazing.  I have no problems.  Boys are so much work, daughters are a lot easier.  I know once they become teenagers that may change, but if you lay down the right foundation, they will be fine.

How do you balance your family life?  (With a laugh)
-Honestly, my wife.  She holds the house down.  It is very difficult and I try to be better at it.  We have a company (Sparc Media) that is growing rapidly.  We have to put in the time to sit down and go over our schedules.  That’s the only way and without her I couldn’t do anything.  We provide a service to our clients and try to be there for them 24 hours.  She understands and she knows that if I have to go out at night for the better of the company, then in the end, it’s for the better of our family.  Her patience makes it work.  Every day I get up and get the girls ready and sometimes she gets them ready.  I take them to school every day.  Every day I hang out with my youngest and her teachers at school.

*DADDY NASH INTERLUDE*
“Did you brush your teeth?  Let me smell.  Did you brush those good, the front, back, side, roof of your mouth, tongue?  Good night….wait….go pee.  Try to pee again.”

When and how did you create your multi-media company, Sparc Media?
-The idea came the summer of 2008, everything launched around December of last year.  Sparc Media was a vision; I and a graphic designer and videographer were trying to figure out ways to work together.  It started to grow from there.  We recently partnered with B Squared (a NY-based printing company recently featured on The Celebrity Apprentice).  Now we are able to shoot them, design and print their press kits, labels, letterhead, and calendars.  Our philosophy is to build relationships and provide quality work and to be there for the client to talk to about the direct marketing of their image.

Do you carry your camera everywhere you go?
-Not anymore, I used to.  One thing that’s wrong with creative people, artists, painters, sculptors, even writers, is business.  Normally the problem with creative people is that they don’t understand business.  Now, I focus on the business, I only carry my camera for specific reasons.

You are of Jamaican decent, how does your heritage influence your work?
-My parents always taught me, because they were very religious “God wants you to work hard.” You always hear how Amazon was started in a garage, and how Bill Gates started with a small loan.  My mom worked in a factory for 25 years every single day.  My brother was an accountant and worked in law firms.  I watched how they grew their business from my mom’s back porch, 9 years ago, to a small warehouse, to a bigger warehouse, and now they are preparing to buy a building.  My mom has worked hard for 9 years and has put the factory that she worked for out of business.  I know it sounds like a cliché, but Americans take it for granted.  You can do whatever you want to do in this country.  You can do it and the only person that’s stopping you, is you!  You have to work hard and try to make the smallest amount of bad decisions.

What attracts you to photography?
-It’s something I love to do.  I love to create, and capture moments in time that I personally will never see again.  Like when I went chasing the monarch butterfly, which is only in Connecticut for a short time and then it flies to Mexico.  I love the beauty, the creation, the self expression; a lot of people don’t understand photography beyond taking pictures of women.  If you are in love with photography, you explore all aspects of it.  I love the freedom to capture anything.  My advice to any photographer is to go try as many forms of photography as you can.

As a photographer, how do you get a model that is new to warm up?
-There are a lot of techniques.  Some things work better on one person than on another.  I make sure that they feel as comfortable as possible.  I usually ask what type of music they like.  Usually in the urban market it’s Hip-hop or R & B, every now and then they’re a little different and like techno.  Before the shoot I let them know what the shoot will entail and have them  watch video footage from another shoot.  This way they know what we are going to do and how it will be done.  It’s good to have the physical down but they also have to know that it’s the face that sells the product.  I like to give them certain words and noises to get their face and eyes moving.

Do you have any models / artists that you would like to work with?
-Aria Giovanni, Tiara, Rita G, Veronica Zemanova, Lil Wayne, Jay Z; I’ll stop the list there.

What type of model do you enjoy working with?
-They are few and far between.  A model that knows how to move when they get in front of the camera.  They know how to model with energy and feeling.  The body movements and facial expressions work together.  A model that knows what they are doing excites me.

What are some mistakes that you see models make?
-Something that bothers me, sometimes models complain a lot!  They don’t realize that this is what it takes.  We are on a beach shoot, you know its cold, I know its cold, we knew that before we got here, so it doesn’t help that you say “its cold” 10 times.  You have to understand that this is what it takes.  You are not always going to be comfortable at a shoot.  Also, a lot of models in the industry rely on Photoshop.  You can look at their body in pictures and think its one way, but when you get them on set, their body is totally different.  In a picture their waist may look like a 25, but in front of you their waist is a 31.  Now I have to figure out how to make this work with someone that has lied.  Some models feel that while they are shooting, they are just shooting, that’s not who they are.  You can’t continue to be just yourself; you have to have a willingness to explore beyond.

What are some mistakes you see other photographers?
-They don’t come with a business plan.  You have to sit down and say where do I want to be a year from now?  I see photographers focus on opinions that don’t matter.  They post pictures and get opinions, but they don’t get honest feedback that helps them grow.  Also, they get too comfortable doing what they are doing.  One thing that I loved about Michael Jordan was that he was always uncomfortable with where he was.  BE UNCOMFORTABLE, because being uncomfortable helps you grow.  Do things that you never thought you were going to do.  Try new angles, don’t do the same angles, go outside, get out of the studio, break the monotony. There is nothing wrong with being inspired by someone else’s work, but that doesn’t mean you copy.  Put your own twist to it so that it doesn’t look exactly like or too similar to the original work.  Practice your craft.  You can’t be at home hoping it will come to you.

You have been featured in several magazines, created projects for artists and corporate clients, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
-I am most proud of doing Latin Maxim.  Maxim is a world renowned publication.  Photographically, when one of my pieces was featured on MTV’s My Sweet 16 (Aaron Reid, son of producer LA Reid and singer Pebbles).  I am also proud of Sparc Media.  I am proud of the employees, and its growth.

What’s your inspiration?
-My family.  They are a huge inspiration; I want to better their life.  Even after people told me to quit.  I knew my vision, and my goal and I shot for it with a business plan and it worked.

What’s your next step?
-To become a conglomerate.  I want to be the leading multimedia company in the nation and cover the world of multimedia.

Paint the picture for me, of your dream photo shoot
-Playboy!  Do you know how many lights are on a Playboy set?  (My guess was a reluctant, 50).  30-60 lights, I love the lighting, it’s unbelievable.  I mean to do something like Playboy with a model that knows what she’s doing.  The set is unbelievable and so well done.  As a photographer for Playboy, you don’t even have to do a lot, you have a crew of people setting the lights and it’s absolutely amazing!

Booking/Contact Info:
ryanonash@gmail.com  |  www.SparcMedia.com

Featured Professional - Bianca Holland (MUA)

An Exclusive Interview with a multi-faceted woman,

who has grown successfully in each area...

Bianca Holland of Tampa, FL.

Written by:  QianaNichol

Bianca Holland is a wife, daughter, model, sister, mother, actress, and creative director.  Just when you thought she was done, this Puerto Rican beauty has the invigorating flair and precise skill to electrify a shoot behind the scenes as a makeup artist.  As an alum of the Barbizon School of Modeling & Acting and a licensed nail technician, Bianca has been the makeup artist, or model or both on numerous photo shoots.    Yet, to one 6-year-old boy, she’s just “mommy”.

I understand you were born in Boston, but raised in Florida.
-Yes, we moved to Florida (Sarasota-Bradenton-Tampa Bay area) when I was 13.

You are a mom and a wife, how do you balance your family life?
-As a female you just learn to balance it out.  As much time as there is in a day is as much time that I need.  I work on the same schedule that he does, I take him to school and come home and work.  Then, after school I come home, help him with homework, make dinner and perform my other wife duties.  When I have to go out of town I let him know, “Mommy has to go to work now.”

Do you enjoy modeling or being a makeup artist more?
-I love them equally.  I know that makeup will last longer than modeling can.  Modeling can only take you so far unless you become a celebrity.  I can do makeup for the rest of my life.

Are you freelance or have client base?
-I am Freelance.  Whoever calls me, I’m there.

What attracts you to being a makeup artist?
-The transformation.  I love to take someone who thinks that they are a plain Jane and can’t pull off an outlandish look.  It’s cool to see the point A to point B transformation of the same person.

The majority of this former prom queen’s training as a makeup artist has been on an on-the-job training basis.  She has done weddings, photo shoots, commercials, news segments, calendars and magazines and her experience goes as far back as high school.

How does your heritage influence your work?
-I was taught a real love of all cultures and arts.  That portrays into my makeup.  I accept things and people, for who they are and see the beauty in everyone, even if others may not think the same.  Plus, my whole family is like the UN, we have a little of every culture.

Do you think ethnic women are afraid of color, and do you find that makeup artists are afraid to use color on women of color?
-I see a lot of dark colors on women of color. At a recent shoot, I worked with a model that had the most beautiful skin in the world.  We used colors that I think popped on her more than any other model. We used tropical colors on her, orange, gold, and black to give it an Indian vibe. Women of color should experiment. I am not a woman of color, but I consider myself ethnic and I love to use color. We already have color, so I think when we add color we look ever more beautiful. I think you should find a role model (celebrity) that looks like you and has your skin tone, like I’m Puerto Rican but I can’t pull off certain looks, but you can make them your own.  

As an artist, I figure you look at the face as a canvas, what are your favorite features to bring out?
-The eyes.  Most people are drawn to eyes, and the eyes in a photo are the most  important part of you. Then the lips are second. If a girl has great eyes I like to bring them out whether they are blue or brown, they are the focal point.

Where do you get inspiration?  Do you watch the top models, look at certain publications for ideas or do you experiment?
-It’s a mixture. Sometimes I see something on television and think, ’wow that might be hot.’ Especially old school, 50’s-retro trends. I am inspired by current trends, television, and magazines.

What is your process when you prepare for a shoot?  
-It depends on the shoot and who is in charge. If the model hired me, then I consult with her first to see what look she’s going for, what outfits she has, how will her hair be and I go from their with the makeup. If it’s for a client (calendar shoot) everyone pretty much gets the same makeup, I give the client what they want based on the girl’s looks. If a girl has green eyes and black hair then I may want to bring out the exotic look or soften her look.  I’m not going to put bright red lipstick on a bleach blonde with pale skin.

Do you have any photographers / models / artists that you would like to work with?
-I want to work with photographers that focus on beauty headshots.  Kim Kardashian and Gwen Stefani are celebrities that I think it would be cool to work with, because they have a lot of animation in their faces.  And of course, J’Lo.

Can you explain to ladies the difference between photo shoot makeup and ‘out on the town’ makeup?
-Your makeup on a photo shoot is extra dramatic.  Most likely you may think that it’s caked on but because of the lights and flashes and the fact that your pigmentation is higher, it blows you out.  For everyday makeup all you need is foundation, blush on your cheeks and eyes don’t have to be super dark.  I see so many girls put on heavy black liner, extra thick black lines around their eyes and they look like someone punched them in the eye. If you are doing dark eyes, then you should do a pale lip, and light blush (a peach or pink, depending on your skin).  To create a smokey eye you put the darkest shadow on the lid and smudge until it disappears.  You don’t need to do a smokey eye all the time.  Especially if you are going to the club and it’s summer and you may get sweaty later.  Use lashes for a dramatic eye.  You will be surprised at what fake lashes can do with a nice line.  You’ll be good to go.    

You are magazine professional as well, explain...
-I taught myself Photoshop.  I was hired on a shoot as a makeup artist (for JM Magazine).  They sent me the photos after the shoot and I said, “who edited these”.  They asked if I could do better and I said, “Of course!”  I sent them samples and they loved it.  I began editing, and that position has evolved even more.  Now I am in charge of the castings, photographer contracts and the artistic side of the shoots.  I choose the girls, their wardrobe and the layout.  I am now so involved that I hire makeup artists for the shoots.  The last shoot we did, I checked the girls at the door to make sure their outfits, hair and makeup were right.

I am a model on a photoshoot and the makeup artist is a no-show.  I have foundation, concealer and a few shadows, but I have no idea where to start to salvage my shoot. What should I do?
-Start with matching your foundation.  You can always match your foundation by placing it on the back of your hand or neck and blending.  Make sure to apply your concealer, then powdered.  I would place a neutral color at the top of the lids and blend to the top of the brow.  I would add a brown or light grey color shadow to line the upper and inner lids, then smudge the lower with a faint black line.  Your lip depends on what you are wearing.  You can do a light gloss, pink or peach, depending on how extreme you want it, you can enhance the hue, but always have gloss. 

What are some mistakes you see makeup artists make when applying makeup?
-I don’t like when artists leave the “V” at the end of a model’s eye.  When you apply shadow you make a “V” at the corner crease of the upper lid, creating a line.  I always blend that, but some makeup artists leave it.  I blend, and never leave hard lines.

Besides the Maybelline Great Lash, what are some of your other favorite products?
-MAC is mainly what I use.  I use Bobbi Brown a little.  I use some shadows from the Loreal H.I.P. line, which actually work like the MAC shadows if you use a primer on the lids.  MAC is expensive, so if you use a base you can buy H.I.P. and it stays all day, it  looks almost as if you had spent $50 bucks on it.

Some makeup artists are creating their own product lines and / or skincare lines, do you see yourself expanding to that in the future?
-That’s something I would like to do if I become bigger in modeling or with the magazine.  Then, I can test the products.  I want to create a line for everyday women, to let them know you don’t have to spend $100 on foundation.

Do you have any tips for removing makeup, especially eye makeup?
-I use tightening eye cream, because it’s lotion-based.  If you apply it in a circular motion, you are working in the product and removing makeup at the same time.

*Celebrity Tip*
One last tip, always moisturize, even if you have oily skin always use a base no matter whether you are using MAC or CoverGirl, moisturize.  And please don’t sleep in your makeup!! Especially after the club, you will wake up with eye liner smeared all over your face and over time your eyes are stained with the color.  

Paint the picture for me, of your dream photo shoot...
-It will definitely have a lot of colors.  Probably, with a Garden of Eden theme with apples in the hair and snakes and leaves.  The makeup will reflect the bright colorful outdoors, very natural.

Booking/Contact Info.

bguadalupe@tampaby.rr.com | www.MakeUpByBiancaHolland.com | www.ModelMayhem.com/386413

Featured Professional - Lu'Jeanik Designs (Clothing Designer)

An Exclusive Interview with a family-oriented

Designer, who uses their support as a driving force...

Lu'Jeanik Designs of Tampa, FL.

Written by:  GF Smith 

Featured Professional - D. Brown Photos (Photographer)

An Exclusive Interview with one of the
Industry's most sought out Photographers
D. Brown Photos of Austin, TX.

 The Alternative Photo Experience
www.DBrownPhotos.net

Written by:  Pencil & Pen

A creative man of very few words, but many visual talents.  D. Brown (of D. Brown Photos) took a minute to breakdown how he took a passion and turned it into a sexy success.

So we hear that you are "THE MAN" when it comes to photography. What have you done to earn that type of accolade?
-Just maintained my passion for it since day one.

What made you choose photography, design and just the arts as a field in general? Were you always into capturing things visually?
-I've always loved art. Photography kinda fell in my lap by chance. I was in the Navy, stationed in Hawaii and I purchased a camera, just so I can have pictures to send back home to family. The minute I took my first picture, I fell in love.

When did you realize you wanted to turn your talent into a business?
-I realize that I was tired of doing my desk job, day dreaming about being a full time photographer.  So I just stepped out on a limb one day and I've been doing my photography full time for about 2 years now.
 

What steps did you take in doing this?
-I did photography as a part time business, while working full time. I wanted to make a name for myself before I took it up fulltime. 

You call your photography "The Alternative Photo Experience", what does that mean?
-When I first took it up as a business, I wasn't that great at it.  [But] my images had an edge to it that was pretty much alternative to a lot of photographers.
 

What makes it an "experience" as oppose to a regular photo shoot?
-They walk away feeling good about the shoot.

We have to commend you on your "What Is Sexy" series. It is very mature, refreshing, artistic and extremely sexy! What’s the motivation behind it?
-I love urban modeling. Even though there is alot of great urban photography, it can get a little cookie cutter at times. I wanted to add a little artistic twist to it.

How have you decided who makes a perfect candidate for the series?
-Being sexy helps out alot. I would do a test shoot to see if they have what it takes to model for "What Is Sexy?"

Who are some of the models that have been honored to be a part of the series?
-I [have] worked with Tiara from Tiaraexposed.com, Deeca from Florida, Laura from Texas. I've worked with alot of models from across the country.

If someone wanted to utilize your services, how can they contact you?
- They can contact me at: www.dbrownphotos.net or dbrownstudios@yahoo.com

Images by:  D. Brown Photos

Featured Professional - BGD Make-Up Artistry (MUA)

 An Exclusive Interview with a focused artist that

even when disaster strikes, she prevails...

BGD Make-Up Artistry of New Orleans, LA.

Written by:  Tracey Mitchell 

It is true “Trouble don’t last always”, and Brandy Gomez-Duplesis is concrete proof that no matter how bad the “storm”, with a dream and drive anything is possible. Gomez-Duplesis tells us that her job is much more than just powdering and painting faces.  We got the story on what inspires her and how Hurricane Katrina played a role in her success. 

Did you always just have a dream of becoming a makeup artist?
-Always. Doing makeup, designing clothes, I wanted to be an interior designer, so all in those three realms…basically I wanted to be in the art field.

So when did it hit you that this was what you wanted to do?
-Oh, I knew it when I was a little girl. I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist. I don’t know if it’s the Libra type thing in me, because I am a Libra.  I used to watch old Hollywood movies. and I felt that “old school” Hollywood elegance. It always caught my eye, and I just always loved it since I was a little girl. I knew that this was what I wanted to do because it always made me feel good.

So how did you get your start and take your dream and turn it into a business?
- I started at Estee Lauder in Manhattan, N.Y., and I worked there part time. One day there was a guy that came up and he asked if I would like to join him [as an] in-house [makeup artist], but as an intern, under the [actual] in- house makeup artist. Well for less than one year, I interned. I got my day when the head makeup artist couldn’t do the makeup because she was on leave, and he  asked if I could step in, and I did. The rest is history. My life completely changed for me. Then I flew back to New Orleans, got set up and took a chance and opened my own place. But right away I didn’t open up the shop, I did a lot of freelancing and made myself a brand in New Orleans. Every fashion show, every music artist that came in town, I was basically the makeup artist that was called.

You mentioned opening up your own place. Tell us more about what it.
-After I freelanced, I knew it was time to do my own thing, and I wanted to do something totally different. I didn’t want to do the whole salon-style thing, because I knew that wasn’t me. I was doing research and I found what was missing: a makeup studio, not a spa, not a salon. I wanted to make it a part of me. A part of me is taking half of New York, half of New Orleans and branching them both together. I merged the two and it just took off. I opened a location [in New Orleans] and everybody told me, ‘You can’t do it.’ ‘You’re a black girl, you can’t do it.’ With no parents, no loans, I did it on my own. I was proud about that because I put up my own money. I didn’t even have to ask my husband for anything, it was all me.  I thought, “I did it”, or at least I thought I did it, but I didn’t know the Hurricane was coming.

So a lot was damaged during the hurricane, but you’re still going at it now. What has been your motivation?
-From losing everything, I think that was one of the hardest things I ever experienced. I really went from riches to rags.  I was so loved, I felt like a local celebrity [in New Orleans]. I mean, I received a proclamation to the city August 4, 2005 form Mayor Nagin, and that’s a big thing. Not a lot of natural makeup artists can say they received a proclamation to their city. [After the storm] I walked into my store and saw what my store looked like, it was hard [especially] because I had no control of it. I really built that store with my own hands. I was in a depression after that. I cried and cried, and I didn’t think that I could bounce back. But I had so many people emailing me, wishing me the best, crying with me, wondering if I was okay. The things that they wrote and the love that they showed me, I just thought ‘I got to do this’. I had to bounce back for so many different reasons. I had to bounce back for my family, I had to bounce back for my kids. It was for my pride, the city of New Orleans. That was my hard challenge, to be told that they couldn’t use me because I was from New Orleans. So I had to show them, but it was like, I didn’t miss a beat. It was hard, but I did it.

You also have your own makeup line. How did you get that started?
-It would have been crazy for me to open a studio and use someone else’s makeup line. I got my own. I talked to two chemists that I worked with at MAC, and we started my BGD makeup line. I told them the texture, how I wanted it to feel on the person’s skin and everything else. I had 100 percent input in what I wanted. It was important because something was missing in that industry. I wanted to make a product that lasts, it photographs great, and it’s not going to break you out. I started out with simple gloss, and then worked on eye shadow and foundation.  Right before the storm I was beginning to work on my skin line, but the skin line didn’t happen.

What is your style as an artist?
-My style is glam makeup.  I love making women feel glamorous. I want them to feel show stopping when they step out of my chair.  I like to enhance my girls, and I call all my clients ‘My Girls’.  Some makeup artists have a certain skin color they work on. 

Do you have a certain type like that?
-I’m an artist, and you can’t teach an artist how to paint. Being an artist, when I do makeup, I don’t discriminate because of race or weight. I see a blank canvas.

What do you think are some misconceptions people have about makeup artists?
-A lot of people don’t realize this is a big business. A lot of eouple just think we just paint people’s faces. My dad used to say that ‘you’re just painting people’s faces.’ But this is a very important industry and a very important service that people need in the industry. I don’t think men take it too seriously either.

What are some of your opinions on the industry? The good and the bad?
-The good is makeup gives power and makes you happy, but it is good only when it is done right. The bad is that it is lacking in color for ethnic skin tones. They know that they can just give us anything and we’re going to buy it. They will stick a price on it, and they know that poor black women are going to buy it, because we are always thinking that we need to buy some thing expensive. But I’m hoping it stays that way, so I can just come up and snatch it and provide the right makeup for those skin tones.

So I know you’ve got some things in the works. What do you have lined up for the future?
-I was able to pick up an agent from Zenobia Agency based out of Los Angeles. They believed in me.  They put me on in January [2006], and they have been keeping me really busy. I don’t want to be freelancing for long. I want to reopen the store. I want to reproduce my makeup line. I want to have a makeup book, a show and I want to have a makeup tour. You know, pull up with the beauty bar tour bus and do makeup on the spot. I don’t want to ever go through what I went through again, with having to lose everything and relocate to another city.  I want to own my next building.  

What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists who have some of your same dreams in mind?
- Do your homework. Go to events. Look at magazines. You have to spend money to make money. Also, know the code. You don’t want to just jump into the business without knowing the code of ethics. There are codes to working behind the scenes. You have to know what colors to use. You have to know what will happen to someone’s skin after an hour once it has set in. Just have your game tight, so that the real makeup artists don’t look bad. A bad look like [Tiffany’s from] I Love New York, can make somebody not want to wear makeup. So do it right.

How can someone get in touch with you?
- Email me at brandy@bgdmakeupartistry.com for questions and/or appointments. If it is regarding a media assignment or a celebrity client, they need to contact the Zenobia Agency. I need a publicist who is ready to work hard (lol).