Cali Photographer Tim Jahns Brings Beauty Into Focus

Tim Jahns (OMP Member #4467) has, in his own estimation, been a photographer for "a long time — let's say over 25 years!" But he admits his work has gone through different stages and changes over that time. One thing is certain -- his eye for beauty has remained consistent throughout.

He got his start in photography through a friend in Santa Barbara who was a serious amateur photographer. "My friend had a good 35 mm camera, and I ended up buying the same kind of camera and playing around with it, learning to see the world through the lens. In that early stage, I was shooting a lot of black-and-white film, processing and printing it myself in a darkroom. I took a couple of classes at the city college, but also had a darkroom I shared with two other guys in the converted cellar of a house."

While he appreciates a variety of photographic styles, Tim's favorite images to shoot are what he calls "abstract fine art photography" and a hybrid style of "fashion/fine art/glamour" that he has been perfecting in recent years. Speaking of perfection, his imagery of his main muse Elyssa (Model #18537) has been so successful that he turned it into a book project -- check out the online preview at www.Elyssabook.com. "My big personal project over the last year or so is my book concept built around images with Elyssa. It's a project that's been very rewarding for me. I'm done with most of the shooting I wanted to do for the book, so I'm concentrating on editing and finalizing the images I want to use in the book, and working with a company that will help with the preparation of it to get to publishers in a more final, print-ready form. I'm finding that I have more I want to do than I originally thought in the way of post-production. That includes some manipulation or enhancement that is fun but takes more time after the shooting itself."

Working with one model has helped the photographer develop a strong creative collaboration. "Elyssa has such a unique look and presence, with such an amazing long body and incredible legs, that it's always inspiring to work with her. I want to find the most interesting locations, wardrobe and styling opportunities to use with her, something I started to expand more in the book project. She's the only real "muse" I've had in that sense, so I feed off of her physical qualities and her energy. I tend to look for locations where I can place her and know she'll make the scene by being in it. She takes direction well but can also come through with some creative choices in her poses, angles and that sort of thing."

Before any shoot, Tim prefers to cover a lot of details. "If it's a glamour or fashion shoot, I go over wardrobe, hair and fingernails, location plans, and the kind of images I plan to shoot. I try to find out what ideas they might have and what they're comfortable with. I also make clear how long the shoot will be, so they know the commitment they have in time and energy. During the shoot, I work with the model to find the best wardrobe choices and describe what I'm trying to achieve. It's always a combination of setting the stage, placing the model and giving general directions, then hoping the model will go with it. It's best if the model will start to move spontaneously and expressively, playing off the mood of the location and the styling. Finding the most interesting location areas to work with, and placing strobes or working with available light are also crucial. If it's a kind of standard or formula lighting set-up, that's routine. But if it's more experimental or free-flowing, that's even more interesting for me to develop the lighting and mood. That helps me present the model looking her best and creating a stronger image."

Another photographer initially recommended One Model Place, and before long, he was a habitual user of the site. He relates, "OMP is definitely habit-forming in the early stages. It's obviously helpful to have a representative portfolio in a major clearinghouse of models and photographers, and access to a huge talent pool like OMP. I work with many established professional models who I find in various sources including agencies, but I count on OMP for discovery of both emerging talent and some undiscovered models who are out there but not always working the mainstream."

In addition to his book project, Tim's been teaching workshops lately for places like Samy's Camera and Calumet, with a focus on glamour. And he continues to work on his "bread and butter" projects including calendars, web productions, stock, and other markets. "I'm trying to expand both the markets and the styles of work, and trying to reach back to my fine art roots a bit more. I'm starting to pursue more gallery exhibitions and magazine publications again and go after markets that feature more of that type of work."

While he thinks that quality equipment is important, Time feels that sometimes it gets over-emphasized. "The camera I use most these days is the Canon 5-D, which is fine for most of what I do, but occasionally I'll rent something for more specialized projects. I'm big on zoom lenses, even with the inevitable compromise you usually have to make in optical quality at certain points. I have a bunch of Calumet Travelite monolights for most of the strobe lighting, plus a ring flash and a couple of special lights or modifiers. My computer is a mid-period iMac, and I have a host of external drives for all the storage and back-up. Of course, Photoshop and Lightroom are extremely important software tools."

Tim doesn't travel nearly as much for work as he used to or as much as he'd like. "Being in the LA area, I have a pretty good pool of talent for models, makeup artists, assistants and all the equipment needs. I do have a lot of models coming in from other parts of the country, so the talent usually comes to me."

He offers some practical advice do you have for photographers just starting out. "Learn the craft first, and network like crazy. Have fun with photography before you have to think too much about making a living from it or other things that can stifle your creativity. Develop a style of your own without trying to mimic what others do, unless it's just to educate yourself about lighting and other elements before you find your own vision."

And one thing he himself could use some advice on is undiscovered L.A. locations. "It's become more challenging to find great locations to shoot, especially upscale homes and other interesting spots with a stylish quality that don't want a fortune for the location fee. So if you're in Southern California and have an idea for a good location, I'd be happy to hear."

Image of Elyssa OMP Model #18537 by Tim Jahns OMP Member #4467

Elyssa is the OMP Hot Model of the Week

Elyssa (OMP #18537) has been modeling since the age of 14, and has developed over the years into a talented young woman with exceptional poise and posing skills. She has proven that she has legs in the modeling industry -- and we aren't only referring to longevity. Elyssa's height and long legs have made her in high demand in fashion and glamour circles alike.

The California native got her start as a model when a friend of the family introduced her to a local photographer. “He had helped their daughter hook up with a good agency, and he got me started as well. I was very fortunate to have a manager that was also a photographer, so right away I was able to practice shooting and starting up my book. Later, I signed with a few agencies and worked with several new photographers.”

That first photographer, Tim Jahns (OMP Member #4467), has turned into a longtime collaborator and close friend over the course of her career. Elyssa relates that there are several benefits to working with the same photographer on a regular basis.

“It is as simple as trust. We trust each other's opinions and suggestions while beginning a new project. I get the feeling that I am not just a good subject, but part of a product of something that both parties are working hard to accomplish. It is not the job, but something that we are both helping each other work towards.”

Elyssa discovered One Model Place after realizing she needed more opportunity for work. “I needed to find a way to meet more people in the industry and get more experience in modeling, and after some advice and word-of-mouth I found the website. I have received a lot of jobs and met many photographers that I still work with today because of OMP. I have been able to add pictures to my book and gained experience in shooting in many different styles.”

When asked how she describes herself as a model, Elyssa half-jokingly replies, “Tall.” Then she continues, “In many ways I consider myself an actress, so modeling is a chance for me to be someone else. The wardrobe and makeup has never been something I would wear on a daily basis, but instead it is something that is part of the job. I feel I have a good work ethic, and I have always been professional.”

Some of her favorite credits include booking a part in an Aveeno commercial for body soap. “Even if the shooting wasn’t all fun -- which it was -- I enjoyed all the perks and food that were on the set. Otherwise, some of my favorite shoots are the ones that are edgy and different, not just wearing cute little skirts and shirts that show my midriff.”

Elyssa admits that she does not prepare a whole lot for her photo shoots. “There is not really that much to it. The day before the shoot, I try not to wear any makeup due to the fact that I will be wearing a pound of it the next day. Of course, I get plenty of rest the night before. Then again, I love to sleep anyway!”

During the photo shoots, she uses music and dance to help her pose. “Actually I just play music in my head, because after all, posing is just slow dancing. Also, I do try to put the focus on my legs, so the more angles I can give the better.”

The lovely, lithe beauty shares her opinions on the rewards and challenges of modeling. “The rewards are simple -- self-esteem and confidence. Growing up, it took a long time for me to get out of the awkward stage. Modeling really changed that by letting me see that I am unique and special. The challenge for me has been fitting modeling into my schedule. Being a full-time student for so long and working part-time, it has been a challenge to really keep my modeling career going because I don’t have that much free time. Once I am at a shoot, it is just the long hours that are taxing.”

She offers some helpful advice for models just starting out? “If you want really want to be a model, you have to put in the time. Not everyone gets discovered and is on a plane to Paris the next day. Modeling is tough when you are first starting out, so your patience and desire are really what keep you going.”

Image of Elyssa OMP Model #18537 courtesy of Tim Jahns OMP Member #4467