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

Jolie is a Midwest Marvel on the Rise

Check out new model Jolie (OMP #422747), who is set to take the fashion world by storm. This Midwest native is quickly becoming a favorite of all the photographers in the area. Visit her portfolio on One Model Place for all her latest pics.

Image of Jolie OMP Model #422747 courtesy of Mark Niemi of CIMM OMP Member #8742

Meet Florida Talent at Fashion Industry Mixer

What is a Blusch Affair? It is a mixer for the fashion industry! presented by Blusch and T.M.R for Stylists, Models, Photographers, Agents, Hair and Make Up, Designers, Coordinators and Production, and Publications and Media.

TopModelRequest is having a mixer and fashion show to start off the fall modeling season on September 30th at 8pm at Universe Cafe, 1925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33020. We will be connecting models, agents, clients, photographers, magazines, hair and make up, and many more in one night. There will also be a fashion show at 10:00pm by Paulaje and La Vi En Rose. The event is hosted by Renee Bhagwandeen (OMP Model #419680) and Tasha Ford.

Admission is free to all OMP models and members until 10pm, after that there is a $10 donation collected at the door.

Natasha is the OMP Hot Model of the Weekend!

Natasha (OMP Model #341974) is a sultry glamour and fashion model from Michigan who started as a child and took an early retirement. Luckily, she is back doing what she does best, and her amazing images are a testament to her versatility.

Check out Natasha's portfolio OMP Model #341974

Image by www.snowdenphotography.com

Brian DeMint of eyeworks photography Captures "Artistic Fashion"

Brian DeMint of eyeworks photography (OMP Member #61063) has a background in oil painting, so his transition from brush to camera five years ago is a logical extension of his artistic talents. He and his wife, who does almost all the makeup and hair styling for his shoots, collaborate on creative visions that seem worthy of being hung in a museum.

He got his start in photography by building a website for a local modeling agency. "I started taking interest in their photographer's work and doing creative retouching for him in Photoshop. Soon, I wanted to try my own hand at fashion photography. The first shoot was a complete revelation for me... a rebirth, as it were. I knew this is what I was here for!"

Brian describes his unique style as “artistic fashion.” "That is a bit of a misnomer now because the term 'artistic' has evolved into a generic description for running around shooting naked people... and it's really not so much about 'fashion' as it is trying to convey a mood and thematic idea. The clothing plays a supporting role instead of the lead. Despite the fact I may cover a model with fake blood or dirt and sticks or paint, etc., the women are still beautiful and the men handsome."

He reveals that his detailed and colorful concepts are generally not pre-conceived. "For the most part, the ideas come on the fly. I rarely pre-plan any themes. I prefer to be inspired when I see the model in person, and fortunately I've been blessed with models that resemble everything from the Virgin Mary to deranged serial killers. The ideas are rooted with the diverse set of artists that have influenced me, melded with the aesthetics that I feel are visually appealing and hopefully unique and thought-provoking."

The Missouri resident does, however, like to communicate with the model before and during each shoot to help them get into the right mindframe for the assignment. "With the initial information I send to models, I inform them that posing for me is more akin to acting. I do not pose models for each shot. I expect them to make a sincere effort and interpret the theme, idea or mood with their own input with creative posing and expression. In order to accomplish this we make the model 'look' the part with styling, I then give them adjectives that describe the general mood we're going for. Then I always play music that supports the theme we're shooting so they can 'feel' the role. Giving them feedback as they work is extremely important as is a very positive and supportive attitude, and giving the models some creative freedom is essential to being diverse in your imaging."

The photographer who gave Brian his start is an OMP member, and introduced him to the modeling website. "He raved about the assets of being on the site. Since I joined, OMP has allowed me to get my product to my target market (models) in a professional and non-imposing way. It has also allowed me to collaborate and share information with my peers which has resulted in both knowledge gain and business leads. Plus, with its incredible model base, the site is just an invaluable resource for finding the right talent for each project."

His equipment consists mainly of a Canon Digital Rebel and five dollar reflector lights from Wal-Mart. "My backdrops are everything, from textile prints from JoAnn's fabric to painted cardboard and 4 x 8 sheets of plywood. I realize this information might cause some hardcore tech photographers to vomit profusely, however, for me it's all about the end product and this equipment is producing the look I am currently going for."

In terms of new photographers just starting out, Brian's advice is to study heavily on the fundamentals that govern visual art. "Learn the elements of design, theories of composition, etc. While technical knowledge is a must for some situations, what will compose your art and define your style is the ability to manipulate the elements of design. This is the knowledge that will advance your art. Your competitor can may have the same or better equipment that you have, so your edge should be your artistic knowledge. In addition, if you conform completely to the critique of others, then your vision can get lost in the process. Learn to self critique and always challenge yourself to never let anything but your best work leave your studio. Lastly, here is a quote from Ernest Holmes to consider: 'All limitations are self imposed'."

See more of Brian DeMint's eyeworks photography on his portfolio at OMP Member #61063 or by visiting at www.eyeworksphotography.com.

Fashion Photographer Christopher Makris Leaves a Lasting Impression

Christopher Makris (OMP Member #4773) has worked as a professional photographer for over 25 years, primarily in the fields of fashion, beauty, and travel. The native of Greece has extensive experience collaborating with high fashion models, world-renowned designers, and top makeup artists and stylists. Now living in the South Florida area, he divides his time between editorial shoots, runway shows, live concerts, and public events. To see Christopher’s online portfolio, visit www.onemodelplace.com/cmfoto.

Photography is a full-time job for Christopher. “My primary focus these days is fashion and beauty. I get my inspiration mainly from female beauty combined with gorgeous garments and amazing lighting.” Christopher’s recent projects include magazine and newspaper assignments as well as serving as lead photographer for a Miami charity event that featured Agent Provocateur lingerie and celebrities as runway models.

Being focused is one mark of a great photographer, according to Christopher. “You really need to be good at focusing on all the details that go into a photo shoot. For beginning photographers my advice is to simply focus on whatever style you are best at, and go for it!” Christopher feels the main challenge photographers face these days is to satisfy the clients’ needs.

Christopher’s definition of the perfect model is “someone who has the height and beauty to stand out in the industry.” He suggests that models getting started in the industry learn what styles of modeling suit them best. “Depending on your physique and facial features, it is important for beginning models to determine which type of modeling they are right for, whether it be runway, print, fashion, or glamour bookings.”

The first camera Christopher used was a Minolta, but nowadays he works exclusively with Nikon equipment. “I am not a diehard fan of any particular brand, because I feel that it is not the camera that gets a great image, but the photographer.”

Christopher relates a memorable experience that he had during a runway show. “Photographers were permitted to be up on the runway shooting, however, when I got up there the runway collapsed and I fell through to the floor. Everyone saw me and people were taking pictures of me instead of the models!”

Image by Christopher Makris OMP Member #4773 featuring fashion by Belinda Belinda's Designs website

Model Marisa is a True Teen Talent

Marisa aka GreenEyesDiva (OMP Model #321459) is a 16-year-old model from Florida. Modeling for over three years, she has a wide range of experience in the industry.

While Marisa’s main focus is on commercial and fashion assignments, she has recently branched out to more creative ventures. “One of my recent photo shoots was in the OMP Studio in Fort Lauderdale. I got to wear some crazy outfits -- it was the best time I have had on a shoot.”

She travels a lot for her career, both in and out of state. “I have worked in California with some amazing photographers that gave me some amazing photos. I have also shoot in Georgia and all over Florida.”

This talented teen decided to try modeling after seeing her sister become successful at it, “I love the process of taking pictures and preparing for shoots. I just love being in front of the camera.”

She is grateful to One Model Place for helping her to get more images for her portfolio, and allowing her to not only meet wonderful photographers and agents but also to make some good friends in the industry.

Citing Brooke Shields as a role model, Marisa offers some of her own advice for models who are just starting out, “I would tell new models to just be yourself and work hard and never give up on your dreams.”

Image of Marisa OMP Model #321549 courtesy of Sko’s Creative Design Studio OMP Member # 21434

Fashion Show Brings Professional Projects to the Runway

Bravo will be airing "The Fashion Show" on Thursday (10 p.m. EDT) in place of "Project Runway," which will now be seen on Lifetime. The new reality show features designer Isaac Mizrahi, singer Kelly Rowland and IMG Fashion Vice President Fern Mallis of New York Fashion Week.

"The Fashion Show" features professional designers, online sales of the winning weekly outfits, and a retail line for the season winner.

Mizrahi relates, "As a judge, I am looking first for integrity. I can't tell yet about niches that people will fit into, but we have to train them to think properly and then think about the marketplace aspect. The difference with our show from other shows is that we have an audience that votes every week and they say some brutal things."

For more details, visit http://www.bravotv.com/

AP File Photo of Isaac Mizrahi

Everybody Who Was Anybody Was at the FII-OMP Event

One Model Place hosted a red carpet event for the Fashion Industry Insiders, with a meet-and-greet, giveaways, and a fashion show featuring the designers of clothing artist Jason Stwhicky. Judging from the look on the faces of the models Leticia and Amee, it was definitely a night to remember.

Image courtesy of Bonnie (OMP Member #208937) OMP Member 208937