TEARSHEET Magazine: Vixens Issue

Showing posts with label Vixens Issue. Show all posts

Thursday, May 26, 2011

BTS Video with CoverModel Tresha J

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

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

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.