Cassidy is the OMP Rising Star of the Week!

Cassidy (OMP Model #372508) is an experienced teen model from the Northeast. She has modeled for the past two years, and considers herself to be “a carefree young model who loves fun, funky, crazy, and ‘outside the box’ ideas.” Her hard work has paid off, as she just booked an assignment with the DC Fashion Week in February.

This talented girl joined One Model Place in May of 2008, and started doing photo shoots soon afterwards. “My mom found it in a Google search in May 2008. I started with the free portfolio, and have since moved up to the top Platinum Plus level.”

One Model Place has helped her career in several ways. “OMP was really my first introduction into the modeling world. From there I started auditioning for local runway and fashion shows, and I never looked back. OMP has opened new doors for me and given me tons of chances to work with photographers, agencies and other models. I am having a great time and learning more than I ever thought.”

Cassidy loves to shoot many styles, including high fashion, glamour, and casual styles. “I can throw on a pair of jeans and sneakers, or high heels and a dress, and be completely comfortable.”

She prepares for a photo shoot by planning everything out the night before. “I find out what styles I am going to shoot, then prepare everything from the hair to the shoes and clothing. I also try to get a good night’s sleep before the shoot. People do not know how hard modeling really is.”

For Cassidy, the rewards and challenges of modeling are many. “The rewards for me are traveling to new locations, getting outstanding photos, and meeting tons of new people. The challenges are pulling off new poses and all the tough competition out there.”

She offers the following advice for other models just starting out. “You have to try your best and stay focused, keep working with new photographers to learn new ways of modeling, and remember to never ever feel rejected. You really have to move forward everyday!”

Cassidy’s goal as a model is pretty simple -- “I want to be seen all over the world, from the magazines to the runways!” After meeting this amazing teen, we don’t doubt that she will achieve that goal, and many more.”

Image of Cassidy OMP Model #372508 courtesy of www.photogirl800mm.com

Search For Angel is Latest Project for Victoria's Secret

CBS is broadcasting the "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" tonight at 10pm, and included in the show will be the results of the recent "Angel" search. One lucky model will be chosen to walk in the prestigious runway show along with famous VS supermodels. During the show, the Black Eyed Peas will also be performing.

This photo shows the ten finalists competing to be the next Victoria's Secret Runway Angel. Top row, left to right are: Kylie Bisutti, 19, Simi Valley, Ca.; Krystina Holbrook, 20, El Dorado Hills, Ca.; Catharina Lee, 20, Washington, D.C.; Alicia Hall, 24, Las Vegas; Raven Ervin, 24, Birmingham, Al.; Courtney O'Conner, 20, Raleigh, N.C. Front row, left to right are: Allison Turner, 23, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Katelyn Fortes, 18, Boston; Jamie Lee Darley, 23, Carmel, Ca.; Tika Iveaj, 25, Detroit.

Read the full story by AP Fashion Writer Amanda Critchell at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091130/ap_on_en_tv/us_fea_fashion_victoria_s_secret_model_search;_ylt=AoTWbp65mm7cq_3f4FCD5rJY24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTE1NjRhcXNtBHBvcwMyBHNlYwN5bi1jaGFubmVsBHNsawNtb2RlbHNjb21wZXQ-

AP Photo by Richard Drew

See more at http://www.cbs.com/specials/victorias_secret/

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