Amy Dunn, Houston Photographer Blog » Model Tips

Another Photo Added to Fashion Gallery

amydunn — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:44:12 +0000

Modeling Tip of the Day: Don’t be afraid to get dirty.

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Houston, TX 2010

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Hair/Makeup Artist: Sara Eudy
Model: Allyson

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS

A Thank You Blog

amydunn — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:00:24 +0000

Jon recently surprised me with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS. Where has this lens been all my life?! I thought I loved the non-IS version, but let’s face it, I move around a lot when I shoot, and the IS grants me that versatility I so desperately need. I thank Jon for noticing ways to improve my photography, and I absolutely love this gift. Thanks, J!

Now let’s move on to the photoshoot. I’m loving my collaborations with Sara Eudy, by far one of the most talented makeup artists in the great state of Texas. I love it when a makeup artist also kicks ass with hair. Sara’s incredibly talented, and her enthusiasm inspires me. Thank you, Sara.

I had incredible luck finding this model, Allyson Cook, thanks to fellow photographer Jaysen Turner. I love it when models take chances and embrace the photographer’s vision. Despite the scorching hot Texas heat (95°, Good Lawd!), Allyson never complained, even when she jumped around around in six-inch Christian Louboutins. We had a lot of unsavory characters around us, and Allyson did not let her audience affect her performance. I wish more models could take a few lessons from pros like Ally.

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Houston, TX 2010

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Hair/Makeup Artist: Sara Eudy
Model: Allyson Cook

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS

Photo Shoot with Russian-American Beauty, Natalya Read

amydunn — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:30:28 +0000

When I first moved back to Texas, a model canceled a test photo shoot with me because she said I lived “too far.” I had given her the address to my location days in advance, so I did not appreciate the last-minute excuse. She told me where she lived, and I calculated a 30-minute to drive to me, and 30 minutes back. The model suggested that I drive out of my way to the makeup artist’s place because it was more convenient for the makeup artist since she would have all her supplies handy.

I could not find an assistant to help me schlep all my photography equipment to the makeup artist’s apartment. And I did not understand how I should be inconvenienced, so I offered to cancel the shoot if she preferred not to drive that far. The model’s thoughtlessness left a bad taste in my mouth, and she when asked to shoot again weeks later, I had no problem declining her request.

For every bad egg, there is a really, really good egg. I met that good model this weekend when I worked with Russian beauty, Natalya Read. She showed up on time with enthusiasm–not bad for an early Saturday morning. She later told me that she had driven nearly eight hours across the state to shoot with me, and it should be noted that she also had a show with Aveda the following day. Now that’s dedication.

Natalya reminded me so much of myself when I modeled. I had that hunger, that drive, and would travel back and forth to Dallas or take random flights to San Francisco or New York just to shoot. Paid or unpaid.

When I look at the unmotivated model’s portfolio, I see that she has only added one or two new photos in the last six months while Natalya’s book has advanced and improved significantly in the same amount of time. This can be said about photography, too: those who put in the effort will certainly reap the rewards. In another six months time, I guarantee Natalya’s book will look even more exquisite. All it takes is drive.

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Photo assistant: Jon Slevec
Makeup artist: Stacey Rosas
Hair stylist: Brandy Stokes
Model: Natalya Read

Houston, TX 2010

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon EF 70-200 mm
Lighting: Photoflex Starlite

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A Model’s Sense of Entitlement

amydunn — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:24:46 +0000

Filed Under: What NOT to Say to a Casting Director, Photographer or Client

Dear Photographer,

I am assuming that as I have not heard anything from you that I was not fortunate enough to make the cut for the project.

It is another staple of this industry whereby if you make efforts to be punctual, follow up, and show enthusiasm – in the end if somebody else is chosen you will more times than not receive no communication from anyone involved to give the news.

Many companies do not even have the courtesy or humanity to disclose the fact in an email thanking the participant for answering the audition call and informing of the fact that you were unsuccessful. You are left with that ‘Up in the air’ feeling, and it turns out to be another wasted morning or afternoon of preparing yourself and traveling to the location, attending the shoot or audition, and returning – in the end to not only not get the chosen spot but not be contacted again as a courtesy.

Well, it was good to meet you. I have heard from you many times that you ‘want to work with me’ but I am not expecting to hear anything further from you or the project.

I am seriously weary of the modeling industry and the many disappointments and let-downs that occur, and I am going to push ahead with my acting training and concentrate in that area.

Signed, Model

Author’s Note: I sent a response, and then she deleted her modeling profile. It takes a thick skin to make it in modeling.

** I know people will have a variety of opinions regarding this issue. I would love to hear your comments and will follow up with a subsequent post.

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I Am… Amy Fierce

amydunn — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:14:04 +0000

Just kidding! I’m not that conceited.

But my alter ego is.

Just kidding again!

Whenever I’m not shooting, I like to get on the other side of the camera just so I can relate to the models that work with me. I raided Alice’s closet since she’s a former fashion designer and found all the trendiest items this season: sequins, feathers and furs. Stephen has a whole supply of beauty products at his studio, so I futzed with my own hair and applied my own makeup for a low-profile shoot. Diana Manzanares stopped by later in the day to polish my application.

Posing is a skill, and most models–including me–need some time to warm up. Stephen and I are obviously friends, so we have great rapport when we shoot. Even though most models/photographers do not have that luxury for the first time, it is important to make the model feel comfortable. I always tell the model to “have a thought,” something that conveys the mood. A mood board helps, but some of the newer models need direction from start to finish.

When I show a new model how to pose, I start with the feet at 10:00 and 2:00. I tell her to give me something different with every pop of the flash–hand on the hip, look off, smile, eyes towards the camera, hands in the pockets–but not too different that I have to change my lighting. I once had a girl start off standing, and then she squatted. Then, she stood up again, and then sat down. She exhausted me after only a dozen shots.

If a model needs help with expression, I instruct her to cite the vowels:

A to look cool.

E for a great smile.

I for mystery.

O for a little surprise.

U for sensuality.

Even when I get stuck on poses, I cite my vowels. Can you guess which ones I’m citing here?

New York City, 2009

Photographer: Stephen Eastwood
Makeup artist: Diana Manzanares
Model: Amy Dunn

Elizabeth Waite, the “High-Ratio” Model

amydunn — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:01:05 +0000

Meet Elizabeth. She’s an up-and-coming commercial model, and I had the pleasure of shooting her for a second time during my last trip to New York. Elizabeth is what I call a “high-ratio” model: whenever we shoot, 90% of her images look amazing. Very few models can boast that kind of accomplishment.

Elizabeth is naturally gorgeous with flawless, creamy skin and a mega-watt smile. With each click of the shutter, she gives me slight variations in her poses and subtly angles her face and alters her expression. This provides a fascinating shoot for the photographer and offers dozens of choices in the editing process. Whenever I shoot Elizabeth, I tell her, “Yeah, good luck picking your favorite–they’re all gorgeous.” Luckily, I had the help of Anthony Pichette, a kick-ass casting director in New York. I narrowed down the selects as best I could (starred anything that looked good, then went over those and applied two stars to the ones that stood out from that bunch and so forth), and Anthony picked the top one or two.

Here, we got the pictures down to these two. See how hard it is to pick a favorite? Sometimes it boils down to a flip of a coin.

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Makeup artist: Alice An for Candifiend Studios

Brooklyn, NY 2009

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Hello from Ljubljana!

amydunn — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:44:08 +0000

I’m in Ljubljana. Can you pronounce that? Or spot it on a map? For those good with geography know that Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, a country part of the former Yugoslavia. It is conveniently located near Italy, Austria, and Croatia and is the perfect place to catch up on a little R&R, drink some of the world’s finest wine, and eat tons of pasta and sweets. I found the best tiramisu in Koper, and Bled Castle has the best cherry ice cream. Ljubljana loves Madonna even though she bailed on the scheduled August 20th concert at the LJU Hippodome. The radio stations play her music all the time, so naturally, I feel right at home.

The last time I visited Slovenia, I shot with two amazing photographers, Dragan Zlatanović and Miran Juršič. My shoot with Miran ended up on a cover of a European magazine, how cool is that! The makeup artist, Maja, and the wardrobe stylist, Danaja, looked absolutely fabulous, and they work as models themselves. The beauty and talent in this country boggles the mind.

I will be in Europe for a couple of weeks and hope to do a little shooting, in front of or behind the lens. Over the next few weeks, I will introduce the talented artists that put Slovenia on the map. Be sure to check out the links above for Dragan and Miran’s photography, and show some love!

“Hey” is for Horses

amydunn — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:19:07 +0000

I received an email from a model that simply said, “Hey, are you interested in testing?” Hey, whatever happened to good manners and professionalism? Right there, the model—although beautiful—completely lost any opportunity of working with me. Models, take note! To avoid letting this happen to you, I have compiled a short list of email etiquette that will add a little finesse to your interactions with other professionals and up your chances of booking a shoot.

8 Tips to E-mail Etiquette

1. Mind your manners. “Please” and “thank you” still go a long way. Models that show a modicum of respect always get a response from me and future consideration. Address someone by their name, not “Hey.” Write your name at the end of the E-mail, especially if your username is something indecipherable like, “SWEETXTASY420.”

2. Brevity is sweet. Try not to tell the reader about your goals and aspirations or the obstacles you faced in your pursuit of these dreams. This includes sending resumes (unless requested). A sentence or two expressing your interest will suffice, but…

3. Don’t be too concise.

There is a trend on a popular modeling/networking site where models post a brain-dead response, “Interested!” as a casting comment or worse, send emails that simply state that one word. I created a casting last week that fully detailed an upcoming shoot. A male model emailed me, “interested.” Some photographers would delete something that obnoxious, but as a professional courtesy, I responded, “Thank you.” The male model followed-up with this reply: “need more info.” I clarified, “Thank you for your interest.”

4. Write something in the subject line for a better email-open rate.

5. Please, for the love of God, stop shouting at me. DO NOT USE ALL CAPITALS! IT HURTS MY EYES.

6. On that note, please remember, this isn’t myspace. As much as I’d like to keep up with the lingo, Plz dOn’t rite liKe diS. diS is my bizniSS, my bisNaSS.

Do not automatically assume your readers understand this.

7. Spell correctly and use proper grammar. Know the difference between your vs. you’re. It kills me a little bit inside to know how much the public school system has failed us. One is the form of a possessive and one is a contraction for “you are.” Please look up this very important and useful grammar lesson.

8. Write complete sentences. See the reference above regarding the male model writing fragments (e.g. “need more info”). Since he showed such little effort in his communication to me, I dismissed him altogether since he would probably put in that same half-assed energy into the shoot.

Sample E-mail:

Re: Models for Beauty Test on Saturday

Amy,

I am interested in your casting posted on April 15^th. Please review my portfolio for consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Brooke Shields

(212) 867-5309

It’s that easy! With these tips, I guarantee you will have a higher success rate booking jobs online. In addition, you will avoid snarky replies like: ‘Hey’ is for horses and constipated cows.” Best of luck!