Match My Fly Fashion Show

The Match My Fly fashion show held on December 17, 2010 at the International Institute of Technology was an event to remember.  Firstly, the first time fashion show producer Morgan Kaprice did an outstanding job pulling the entire show together from casting call to greeting guests at the end of the show. Secondly, the number of fashion designers (9) and models (26) that participated in show in a joint collaboration really made the show pop.  Lastly, the models walked the runway with pure confidence and the fashion designers presented various up beat urban collections.

 Most of the fashion shows in Chicago are held in nightclubs; however, this show was too big for a nightclub and the venue chosen fit the bill exactly.  Keep an eye out for future productions produced by Morgan Kaprice in 2011.

Producer / Coordinator / Coach

Morgan Kaprice (LM³ Entertainment)- Producer/ Show Coordinator

Buddy Fresh- Assistant Show Coordinator

Helen Louisville- Model Coach

Models

Andrea Craig          Christopher Franklin

Jeresa White           Crystal Harris

Jah'rell Strickland    Jahan Nurhussein

Lorenzo Walker      Nikkia Smith

Papa Fall                 Paris Metcalfe

Lionel Watson         Simone Erskine

Jasmine Johnson     Tracee Monroe

Cha'tese Bishop      Candice Patrick

Angelina Rose         Romaine Young

Asia Henderson      Demetria Drain

Vanessa Cox          Sterling Montgomery

Amanda Ellis          Kelli Griffith

David Alexander    Chrissy Rene

Fashion Designers

Cier Fashions- Cristine Acierto-Ben

Vixen's Wardrobe- Jessica Buck

T.B.Y. Fashions- Michael Jordan

FINAOrio- Brandon McRoyal, Steven McRoyal

Vory Clothing- Kiarah Moore

AbStRacT- Tiana Williams/ Jae Maurice

Nayeli- Nicole Joyner

Creatistic Urbanwear- Charles Thomas

Hynesis- Maureen Osborne

Make Up Artists

Charity Hardison

Rockstar Faces (Yoly Gomez & Jennipher Gonzalez)

Hair Stylists

Tasha Toye

KeKe Hamilton

Jamal Willis

Araceli Rodriguez

LM³ Entertainment will be producing another fashion show titled "My Passion is Fashion" Fashion Show June 2011

Match My Fly Fashion Show Photos:

View photo slideshow

View photo slideshow

- D. Reid

Photography: The Misconception

Here at DaShoot Spotlight we like to bring awareness and knowledge about the modeling industry.  There is a strong misconception about photographers in the Chicago land area.  That misconception is that photography is easy and anyone with a camera phone can take pictures.  Well, the truth of the matter is yes, anyone with a camera phone can take pictures; however, great photos are accomplished with lighting, props, scenery, editing and a good eye. Not to take anything away from the model(s); however, photography is hard work.  Just because someone has a digital camera does not make them a photographer either.

Now, keeping what I said above in mind, why do most models want free photos?  Notice I said photos and not pictures there is a distinct difference between the two.  So, the moral of story here is if your calling yourself a professional or trying to get noticed pay for professional work....period.

The work involved in a great photo shoot:

End result of the photo shoot notice the photos at the booth

- D. Reid

The Video Vixen Type

Several models here in Chicago are targeting fashion and trying to stay as far away as they can from bikini / swim wear modeling.  I shutter to even mention video vixen.  Models ask yourself this question...are you modeling just for the fun of it or are you doing it as a career choice.  The big misconception about modeling for videos is that your less of a model. That's a load of crap if you ask me.  I see more women with curves and breast get turned down for modeling because they do not fit a type.  Well yeah this is true if the type is suppose to be thin, small breast and no curves.  Give me a break, if your modeling to get paid for what you do and for what you have make it happen.  Truth be told models that shoot for videos get paid too.  In saying all this by no means am I saying to degrade yourself or do something that your totally against.  What I am saying is this...there are several paths in modeling and if your going down a path that is not yielding any results try a different path.

Video Vixen making it happen:

- D. Reid

Interview with Chicago Model Jay Melendez

DaShoot Spotlight interview with Chicago Model Jay Melendez.

What do you consider a great night on the town?  A great night on the town for me would be one of those hot summer nights in downtown, a night where I am looking good feeling great stress free... and can just enjoy myself to do whatever it is I want... Full Interview

- D. Reid

Interview with Chicago Model Tasha Gardner

DaShoot Spotlight interview with Chicago Model Tasha Gardner.

What is the most creative thing a guy has said or done to approach you? One day last year on Michigan Ave. I was having a late lunch/early dinner with my boss. I left the restaurant to head home and  this gentlemen ran out after me...chased me ( I wasn't running but he had to catch up to where I was)... told me he had been watching me the whole time, I'm so beautiful, told me where he worked at, asked for my number and said he's not trying to sound creepy but he would really like to get to know me. I thought that was so cute~!  Full interview


- D. Reid

The Chicago Modeling Culture Has To Change!

The past few days I have had the luxury of getting the outside perspective of the Chicago modeling industry.  Speaking with an agency representative from a well known modeling management firm was not really an eye opener for me; however, it just really help confirm what I have been telling people in the industry all along.  Below is the actual online discussion I had with the agency representative.

Agency December 7 at 10:50pm 

I wanted to send you personal messages that we will not support and local fashion events in New York, Chicago, or Miami next month. If you hear otherwise, please disregard.

Agency December 7 at 10:53pm 

We meant attend.

DaShoot December 8 at 9:12am

Can I ask why agency will not be attending any local fashion events next month?

Agency December 8 at 10:51pm 

One night of scouting and disappointment from our end. Do you mind if I ask one question since you live there? I the fashion industry mainly geared toward the nightlife? I am just curious.

DaShoot December 8 at 10:55pm

Sadly, your observation is correct. This is a culture that needs to change drastically. However, there are and have been fashion events held at other venues other than the clubs. Chicago does not have a outlet to really showcase models and fashion like NY and LA.

Agency December 8 at 10:58pm 

I appreciate your feedback. Factor seems to be terrific, but as you can imagine, the heart you city's models have, does not quite fit the other levels of fashion. Referring to the models who do try very hard.

DaShoot December 8 at 11:00pm

On the brighter side, Chicago has a large population and several aspiring models, photogs, make-up artist, stylist and designers hungry for a chance. So, I would kindly ask, to not give up on the Chicago fashion and modeling industry. Just realize the challenge and help breathe some life into the industry here in Chicago.

DaShoot December 8 at 11:03pm

Can you explain the lack of heart the Chicago models have as it equates to the other levels of fashion?

Agency December 8 at 11:14pm 

They do not lack heart my friend. It is the stats that may hurt some. It is not me, but the look sought after is more personality based. I have a difficult time in the United states. It is not just your city, but the country. The aspiring models almost imitate the industry with a star struck side to them. We look for more than that aspect my friend.

DaShoot December 8 at 11:22pm

Ah, thanks for clearing that up for me. If I may ask; what additional aspects do you look for in a model?

DaShoot December 9 at 8:49am

If you don't mind I would like to post this conversation on my blog. I think it can provide some insight or different perspective for the local models. I will not disclose your name or company in the blog.

Agency December 9 at 5:27pm 

Feel free to post it.

DaShoot December 9 at 6:04pm

Thanks

Sent via Facebook Mobile

Agency December 9 at 6:05pm 

Please do not disclose my name or company in the post as you mentioned. Have a good night my friend.

DaShoot December 9 at 7:07pm

I will NOT disclose your name or company as mentioned.

Feel free to leave a comment we would like to hear what you have to say about Chicago's modeling industry.

Interview with Chicago Model Angela Shoaf

DaShoot Spotlight was finally able to catch up with one of Chicago's up and coming models

Full Interview


- D. Reid

Interview with Chicago Model Lena Levy

DaShoot Spotlight was finally able to catch up with the busy Ms. Lena Levy one of Chicago's up and coming models.   Complete interview

- D. Reid

Models: How to model in a Bikini for photo shoot

I have shot several bikini photo shoots and there are a few things that I see several models fail to do. Below are a few tips to follow.
 1. wear loose fitted clothing before the shoot (tight fitted clothes leave impression on body that take a while to disappear)
 2. bring the sex appeal or sexiness to the shoot
 3. make sure all exposed body parts are clean shaved, yes even the arm pits
 4. make sure your skin is moisturized (i.e. lotion or baby oil)
 5. bring heeled shoes although the shoes will not be in the photo the shoes help bring out the sex appeal
 6. have some poses. search the internet for models posing in bikini's

Watch this video
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Model-a-Bikini-in-a-Photo-Shoot-146784338

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4160660/brooklyn_decker_sports_illustrated_swimsuit_2010/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4619D8J3qk

Sample photos

- D. Reid

The Great Meetup

If you have not heard about meetup.com then you probably have been on facebook way too long.  Meetup.com is a social site; however, meetup.com is all about groups. If you have a hobby or interest then there is probably a group on meetup.com for you.  Your probably wondering why I am blogging about a social site?  I have a very good reason why, and the reason is that I am the organizer for the Chicago ProAm Photography meetup group.

What is the Chicago ProAm Photography meetup group all about?  Again, another great question, this meetup group is group of photographers, make-up artist, stylist and designers.  My objective for the group is to offer an environment where everyone can get together and craft their skills. Usually there is a small fee require to participate and the reason a fee is required is to cover expenses (i.e. studio space).  A few benefits of attending our meetup events are easy to identify network with others in field, craft your skills and mentor others.  Our next event is scheduled for Dec 12, 2010 @ 11am -2pm.  We currently have a waiting list for models; however, we still have a few open spots for photographers.  So, you might be wondering how to I get involved or join.  Wonder no more, you can find the Chicago ProAm Photography meetup group by visiting http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoProAmPhotography.  The meetup group is free to join (click Join Us).   

Summary of the Naughty Santa Theme: http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoProAmPhotography/calendar/15517542/

-      D. Reid

Models: What's on your social media site (Part 2)?

In part 1 I left you with hanging a bit (intentional).  Before I continue I just need to let you that I did take some time and reviewed a few models pages ( some random and a few that I know).  Well, obviously models are not reading this blog or maybe they are reading the blog and saying oh well.  Needless to say I still see those crappie looking pictures on your pages.  Now, you are probably saying so what it's a social site.  My point exactly, it is a social site and just about anyone can stumble across your crappie pictures. 

 I digress,  if you  consider yourself to be a model or you are taking modeling seriously then you really need to take a serious look at your social media site (i.e. facebook, etc...).  Clean up your photos page and put high quality photos on your social media site or create a totally new account and use that account as your official modeling site.  Oh, yeah, don't forget to put a link on your old page to your new social media site with the high quality photos.

Ok, now, for the question you may have been wondering about or waiting for me to answer.  How do I get high quality photos?  Your camera phone takes good pictures, right...wrong.  You have a friend that takes good pictures, right...wrong.  Almost forgot you know someone that likes you and always takes pictures of you; again wrong answer.  Whew, a lot of wrong options.  Well, truth being told and I am sure you have heard it before, find you a professional photographer and pay for high quality photos.

Lastly, modeling is a tough and highly competitive industry and you need every advantage you can make for yourself.  

Models: What’s on your social media site (Part 1)?

Chicago has a plethora of models on the scene.  Due to such a large number of models in a specific area it’s no surprise that competition is tough.  Now, with tough competition comes a lack of work in the field or tough entry into the field.  Albeit the industry is tough I continue to see models posting just about any type of picture of themselves on social media sites.  What I am about to say next will determine if this post is worth your time reading or if you should just leave right now.  If you are serious about pursuing a modeling career and are guilty of posting poor quality and poor content pictures on your social media page then STOP IT!!  Professional models or models that are serious about modeling scrutinize the photographers that they post that represent them.  Modeling is about living and breathing the modeling concept.  I am sure you have heard the old adage “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.  So, if you are guilty of posting those not so great (let’s face it horrible) pictures on your social media site it is time to clean it up.

Now, some of you may find yourself in a bit of a dilemma after you clean up your social media site. Do not be surprised if you only have a few professional photos (e.g. photos that say WOW) to post once you finish your cleanup process.  

- D. Reid

Photography: Building the portfolio

My previous entry “Photography: Shoot for Free or Not?” basically stated that you should not shoot for free if you consider yourself to be a professional photographer.  Now here is an interesting conundrum; how are you supposed to get paid for assignments if you do not have work to show a potential client?  You guessed it you have to shoot for free; which is also called building your portfolio.  Now, the thing about building your portfolio is that it is not entirely free.  Sure you can do TFP/ TFCD shoots all day long to build your portfolio; however, the truth of the matter is that TFP /TFCD shoots come at a cost.  Some photographers will argue my cost analysis of TFP / TFCD photo shoots. 

Cost analysis of a TFP / TFCD photo shoot will vary from photographer to photographer based solely on how the photographer values their time and service.  I cannot speak for other photographers; however, I value my time and service so if I do a TFP/TFCD shoot it has be for something that I am lacking in my portfolio or experiment with new techniques.  A TFP/TFCD shoot cost you time and energy. Time is spent planning/researching the shoot, executing the shoot and post-processing the shoot.  Now, if you had to invoice a client for your services listed above how much would you charge? 

Building your portfolio can be hard work when starting out.  Here is the scenario that many photographers face when attempting to build their portfolio.  You have your new DSLR and a few lights (i.e. mono and/or speed lights) now you need to find you a model or two work with. Most models will not do a TFP/TFCD shoot with just anyone.  So, now you are faced with the frustration of having equipment, read all your manuals but now no model to shoot with.  One way to find models to work with is to join a local photography group.  Joining a local photography group has several advantages from networking with other photographers, make-up artist and hair stylists to being informed about events that are happening in your area that you did not even know were going on.  A great place to find local photography groups is on meetup.com. Below is a list of active photography groups that are free to join.

Photography groups:

http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoProAmPhotography/

http://www.meetup.com/Chicagos-best-photographers-in-one-location/

http://www.meetup.com/ChiPhoto/

Acronyms:

"TFP" is a term used frequently in the modeling world. It means, quite simply, "Time for Prints." “TFCD” means “Time for Compact Disc” or digital images.http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoProAmPhotography/

Photography: Shoot for Free or Not?

Should you take a photography gig for free or not is a question that all photographers encounter (aside from hobbyist) at some point in time. A photographer that is initially starting out trying to build their portfolio usually does not have a choice but to take a free photography assignment.  Now, the real challenge or hurdle that several photographers battle with is converting from free photography assignments to paid photography assignments. 

So, the question Shoot for free or not?  For those who consider themselves as a professional photographer, then absolutely not.  Now, there is an exception to the rule and that exception is what do you value as currency?  Currency comes in different forms besides the obvious currency that we thrive for (i.e. cash, tender, money, etc...).  Here is the exception to the rule; if you feel that the assignment is going to provide you with great photography that you can market or the assignment is with a great company and you feel that taking this assignment will benefit you then you should consider taking the assignment.  If the assignment does not offer 1 of 2 exceptions to the then you should get paid for the assignment.

One of the traps that photographers fall prey to is working with clients that have a limited budget (i.e. cannot pay you) and the client promises you paid work in the future.  Usually this type of arrangement seldom comes to reality so, be careful when you deal with clients that promise you future paid work if you take an assignment for free. A true photography professional knows how to identify and walk away from a fruitless assignment.  Clients know that professional photography services come at a fee and if a client knows that you will take an assignment for free it will be very hard for you to charge the client for future assignments.

- D. Reid