OMP Blog Moving to New Location!

Dear OneModelPlace.com Members,

Thank you to all the faithful readers of the OMP Blog! Now you can find all the same exciting interviews, reviews, and features in a new location, so check us out at:

The New OMP Blog

If you would like to be considered for a feature story on the New OMP Blog, email us with your OMP ID# and a synopsis of yourself at

newseditor@onemodelplace.com

Looking forward to bringing you more and exciting news from the modeling and photography industry soon!

The Danielle is the OMP Hot Model of the Week

OneModelPlace.com is the perfect place to book out-of-state models when traveling this summer.

For example, The Danielle OMP Model #334886 is THE model to book when in Central Florida. This golden-haired beauty -- who describes herself as “very motivated, energetic, fun, and extremely focused when on a shoot” -- has already been discovered by Playboy photographers and lights up any photo shoot she is on.

Modeling for the past four years, she got her start by taking photos of herself and sending them off for modeling submissions. Her Playboy adventure began in just that way. “I simply submitted some photos I had of myself, and I received a phone call from Playboy telling me they were very interested. They flew me down to Miami where I worked with one of their photographers and had a great photo shoot. It was really fun -- the photographer and all the people on set were great to work with.”

Preparing for a photo shoot is easy for T.D. “I always like to feel good about the way I look, so I make sure I have had some intense workouts at the gym and several tanning sessions. I usually start preparing a couple days prior to each shoot to make sure everything is ready.

During a shoot, she focuses on being natural and giving the photographer plenty of good angles.
As much as she enjoys being in front of the camera, her favorite part of the long day is seeing the final results.

She believes that the rewards of modeling are worth the effort involved. “At the end of the day, you can relax and see your good work.” For beginning models, she advises, “Practice posing in the mirror a lot and take a lot of pictures of yourself to find what angles look the best. At the shoot, be as relaxed as you can be so that your images will look better.”

T.D. discovered OneModelPlace.com by searching the web for different model sites. “One Model Place is a great place to meet photographers that are very good. You can meet and get some good work from OMP.”


Image of The Danielle OMP Model #334886 courtesy of Playboy

Christina is the OMP Hot Model of the Week

Enthusiastic, effervescent Christina OMP Model #134034 has almost being modeling half of her entire life. Working in the business since she was 10 years old, the 19-year-old has made quite an impact on all the photographers she has worked with.

Christina is also familiar to many OneModelPlace.com members after being selected as the 2006 Teen Model of the Year and being featured in our “Day in the Life of a Teen Model” videos. After entering a fashion contest on the site, she was surprised to find out that she actually won. “I won a trip to Florida for a photo shoot and met the whole OMP staff! They were great and took great care of me and my mom!”

She received the royal treatment as the OMP Teen Model of the Year. “My mom and I were picked up at the airport by this awesome bus with OMP logos all over it! We felt like VIPs the whole time! Part of winning the fashion contest was receiving $500, I got this HUGE check that everyone signed, even the webmaster dog, Chapetto, with his paw print, and we nicknamed it ‘Numcheck.’ We still have that check! The whole experience was so much fun, and I would love to do it again!”

Christina wants everyone to know that OMP is full of opportunities. “You can meet amazing people, participate in contests, plus it helps to introduce you to the modeling world! It’s awesome if your just starting out! I don't know any better way to further yourself and your modeling career!”

She got her start as a model in an unusual way. “It’s a funny story, actually. I was going snow-tubing on a mountain with my Dad. I was completely bundled up to my eyeballs. Thankfully my eyes were showing because in the ski lodge we met a photographer, Dan Doyle OMP Member #53176 who told me and my dad that he loved my eyes! We had lunch with him a week or so later, and my first photo shoot was scheduled shortly after that!”

The Albany, NY resident may take her modeling seriously, but not herself. “I'd say I like to be less business and more fun. I like to have fun when I shoot -- make jokes, do silly things, and be friendly. But don't worry, I get the job done! But I'm never serious, unless I'm doing a ‘bad ass’ face, of course.”

A fan of high fashion, Christina loves getting, as she puts it, “glammed” up. “Big hair, lots of makeup, funky stylish clothes.” She also likes outdoor shoots – “When the weather is nice, that is! I especially like shooting near lakes, oceans and fields.”

Her preparation for photo shoots is in the bag.
“I have a ‘models bag’ -- it's actually a Victoria’s Secret bag that says ‘Supermodel’ on it. I put all of my clothes, accessories, shoes, makeup, and hair products in it the night before. The day before a shoot, I eat only healthy little meals, and on the day of the shoot, I don't eat anything till we take a break for lunch, it makes my tummy hard and flat.”

During a shoot, Christina concentrates on getting into character. “If I'm doing high fashion, I'm a snob. If I'm in a field, I'm a cowgirl -- I'm not scared to play in the dirt! It just depends on the outfit, location, and what the photographer is looking for. I like to focus on the assignment… and having a little fun of course!”


One thing this brunette beauty wants to let everyone know is that modeling is not easy. “It’s not just getting dressed up and standing there; I swear, it is actually mentally and physical draining! So after eight hours, it’s everything I can do not to take a little cat nap! At that point, I like to grab a coffee from Starbucks, with EXTRA expresso! Of course, modeling does offer tons of rewards! Every girl loves to look pretty! Plus, you meet a lot of great people, visit awesome places, and get to share some amazing experiences.”

Christina has some excellent advice for beginning models. “Start out with a photographer you trust and start a friendship with them -- you could work with them for nine years, or longer! Also, have a role model. There’s this one Victoria’s Secret model that I’ve always wanted to be like, she's beautiful. Get support from your family, and if you love it, go for it! All you need is a little hard work, and you can do anything!”

Image of Christina OMP Model #134034 by Dan Doyle OMP Member #53176

Check out Christina’s “Day in the Life of a Teen Model” videos:

Video Part 1

Video Part 2

Photographer Charles McCubbin Captures South Florida in Style

South Florida photographer Charles McCubbin of BMR Photographers OMP Member #212994 has worked as a photographer for over three decades. “Photography has been very rewarding for me artistically and technically. It has been challenging and lots of fun. I have enjoyed every minute of my career.”

He started in the field by following in the footsteps of his father. “My father took the hobby up when he was young, he had a Roliflex and Argus, all the good stuff. So when he retired, being the engineer he was he did an exhaustive study and selected a camera, then announced to my brother and I that we should both buy cameras that would allow us to exchange lenses. So we both got cameras, and we were off and running.”

He took a break from photography while working at a job which required lots of traveling, but then got back into it professionally in 2005. “How I got back into the profession is a funny story, in a way. A former girlfriend of mine knew of my interest in photography and brought her brother's girlfriend over to get some shots. I had already done a lot of landscape and architecture, but female portraits were something else. When I asked what she wanted she told me beach shots, when I asked her where she said Haulover Beach. At the time I did not know that Haulover had a clothing optional section so I went along with it, drove her down and walked to the beach. We got set up and then she walked behind the clothing optional sign and took her top off.”

Charles has attended many events and shoots at the OMP Studios in Fort Lauderdale. “When I get an opportunity to shoot at OMP studios, I take it. If there is a better, more photographer-friendly studio in the area, I have not found it. The shooting space is big and spacious. The equipment is in good shape, and it's top notch equipment. The staff is friendly and easy to work with all the time.”

The Sunshine State resident enjoys shooting in the studio environment. “I like to work on model portfolios, mostly glamour and Playboy Style nudes.. I just did some shooting and prints for a new restaurant in downtown Fort Lauderdale called BlueJays Cafe. They will be selling my prints in the cafe. It is opening in the next month. I also like shooting catalog fashion, nothing really fancy or artistic, just nice straight shots.”

Charles also likes shooting outdoors as well, as long as the Florida weather is agreeable. “In the winter, I generally like the outdoors, but after April it’s indoors for me. That gives me the chance to stay fresh with lighting, both natural and artificial. I like shooting outdoors, landscapes and architecture. Most recently I have been working on a series of photographs documenting old buildings and historical sites in and around Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.”

He signed up for OneModelPlace.com upon the recommendation of a model. “I was shooting out of the main room in my house, and one of the models I worked with was listed on your site. She told me about it and showed me the website, and I joined up almost immediately. That was in early 2006, and I've been a member ever since. It is so easy to just point prospective clients to the OMP site and have them look at my model-oriented portfolios (fashion, glamour, and nude work). The Platinum Plus membership gives me so much space for pictures that I can literally post a whole shooting if I so desired. In fact, about four months ago a prospective client asked for more samples of my work and I was able to post them in about 15-20 minutes on OMP. I also get emails from models traveling to the area and models in the area who want professional work on their portfolio. Of course I get to see all the new models who sign up so I can always have fresh faces for clients if they want something different.”

Charles prefers Nikon equipment for his shoots. “I use a Nikon D-80 for most work, but I also have a D70 and D70s which I still use for landscape and architecture. Since I only print my artwork in the same aspect ratio I shoot in (2x3), I never print larger than 20x30, and a D70 gives great pictures at that size. All my lenses are Nikon or Nikkor as well. As I said earlier, my father did a study and determined 40 years ago that Nikon was the best glass and best camera. My opinion hasn't changed much since then.”

The photographer offers several suggestions for models to remember during a shoot. “First learn at least 3-6 professional poses and be ready to use them. Second, communication is important. If you’re going to be late or not be able to make the shoot, call the photographer. I have worked with a lot of models and the ones I call first for new jobs, big or small, are the ones who communicate with me. Be early, be ready, be prepared, and be flexible both in body and mind. Push the envelope but don't lose your standards.”

He also has some advice for models when setting up their portfolios. “I always recommend getting yourself a professional portfolio on OneModelPlace.com. If you have faith in yourself, pay the photographer to take good pictures for your portfolio. You'll make so much more money and be known as a professional; not a wannabe! I am so tired of seeing good potential models taking cell phone pictures in their bedroom or bathroom! No one will look at you professionally with those pictures.”

For aspiring photographers, Charles suggests that they find an area to work in (such as fashion, landscape, glamour), develop a style, and then sell, sell, sell. “You have to get good at self-promotion. There is nothing wrong with having faith and confidence in yourself and telling people about your qualifications. Potential clients are not coming to you unless you tell them how good you are. Develop a practiced speech about why they should use you and not do a project ‘in-house’ or with someone else. You also want to market yourself to magazines, websites, product manufacturers, the people who will buy your pictures. And learn to listen. You'll learn so much more and be so much more successful if you just listen to your client.”

Image of Gabriella OMP Model #416493 by Charles McCubbin OMP Member #212994

Estonian Beauty Ly is Very Passionate About Modeling Career

Here is another success story from the portfolio pages of OneModelPlace.com:

If you ask model-actress-singer Ly OMP Model #393439 to describe herself, this is the response you will get. “I am hard-working, positive, always nice and friendly, and full of energy.”

The Estonian beauty was first asked to model in 2007 for a friend who was a fashion designer, then took a year off before becoming very active in the modeling scene. She was inspired to make a serious career move after meeting popular OneModelPlace.com model, Jillian Ann OMP Model #1874.

“Jillian was the same height and weight as me. When I saw her portfolio on OneModelPlace.com, I thought, ‘Wow, her photos are fantastic! I can do this too -- I do not have to be very tall to be part of modeling industry.’ So I started to read about modeling online and signed up for OMP.”

Ly did her first shoot soon afterward, which she enjoyed very much. “I found a photographer called Tony Papale OMP Member #1405 and many others through OMP. Those first shoots lead to other great opportunities. So I am very happy and thankful to OMP.”

The California resident is definitely very passionate about her work. “I love modeling! it gives me energy and confidence to move forward in life, the same with singing and acting. I believe I was born to do all this, and I am ready to work very hard to achieve my goals and get good photos. I also have strong values -– it is very important for me to keep myself from everything in the industry that can be harmful.”

She always strives for to get the best results in each photo shoot. “I love working with photographers who use lighting so well that when I look at the photos later, they look better than I imagined. Good results are very important. I also like when photographers give models a certain amount of freedom and at the same time guide them throughout the shoot. It feels great!”

Ly relates that she enjoys the whole process of doing a photo shoot, and getting great photos that will last forever is an extra incentive. Her goals as a model include getting herself notices and being signed by an agency. She would also like to be submitted for commercials.

As for advice for beginning models, Ly suggests, “Set up test shoots with photographers who also need photos for their portfolio, to see if this is really what you want to do. Once you decide that modeling is for you, work hard and be nice to people in the industry.”

Image of Ly OMP Model #393439

FAME is Hosting its Model Championships in Miami July 23-25

FAME Model Championships will be held in Miami Beach, Florida from July 23-25, 2010. The event will take place at the Grand Beach Hotel, 4835 Collins Avenue in South Beach, the perfect place for photo shoots with the athletes.

This is an open event -- individuals from all organizations and federations are invited to compete, including Fitness Models, Muscle Models, Figure Models and Swimsuit Models. There will be Divisions for First Timers & Novice Competitors, Advanced & Elite Athletes, and Pros.

Friday's activities will include an Athlete/Photographer Meet 'N Greet from 4-6pm, Charity Concert and VIP Reception at 6pm, and the Model Championships at 9pm.

There will be photo and video shoots on Saturday, as well as seminars and FAME camp. Sunday's events will include sunrise & beach shoots as well as a rooftop pool party and bikini contest.

If you have the what it takes to blow away the judges and wow the crowd, this show is an opportunity to win a fabulous prize packages. Bring your A-game and compete for the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas.

For special hotel discounts, book your room with this special code 1007FAMEFL or mention "Body Proud" when calling the Grand Beach Hotel at 786-369-1512 or 877-538-8666.

For more information, check out the FAME Body Proud Website

Tracy is the OMP Hot Model of the Week

Tracy OMP Model #438419 is this week's OMP Hot Model of the Week. Since she can remember, Tracy has always wanted to model, but only got started in the business about two months ago with the help of photographer Fischer Bessi OMP Model #201954 . "I was a housekeeper at a hotel, and Fischer was staying in my section. We met, talked, and he came to me later with a question he had to ask, 'Can I take your headshots?' That's how it all started. Thanks, Fischer!"

While she admits she may be a bit too short for the runway, 5'4" Tracy points out that she makes up for it by being "outgoing, bold, adventurous, easygoing, and fun!"

The Florida resident has learned a lot from all of the photographers she has shot with, including Jon Barry OMP Member #41308 who recently took the image pictured above.

Tracy likes to concentrate on doing her best during each shoot, and is grateful for both the rewards and challenges that modeling brings. "There are so many rewards. Meeting new people, seeing new things, seeing things differently, and of course financially it's beneficial. I just enjoy modeling all around. As for the challenges... I just try to keep my head up and keep pushing forward. When one door closes, another always opens, and you just have to keep that positive thinking or else you'll get nowhere."

The bright brunette also wants to caution models who are new to the business. "Don't let someone push you around. Keep a strong voice. People like that anyways."

Tracy hopes that OMP will help her career as she moves on to future assignments. "I believe if you look for what you want, and work for it, you will achieve it. OMP is definitely Step One in the process."

Image of Tracy OMP Model #438419 courtesy of Jon Barry OMP Member #41308