Photo Model Sessions

GAGA Models & Photogs 4th Annual Valentine Shootout & Mixer

2012-01-22T20:03:00.000-08:00

Professional photo models Luna, Laly & Ashley are among the models participating in the GAGA Models & Photogs 4th Annual Valentine Shootout & Mixer SUN FEB 12 at Croc Rock.

Limited Earlybird tickets available for only $15. Click below to get yours!

Models! Photogs! It's always a fun time and you will get valuable images for your portfolio.

Online event registration for GAGA Models & Photogs 4th Annual Valentine Massacre Shootout powered by Eventbrite

London Calling: Professional Voluptuous Studio Workshop! SUN JAN 8

2012-01-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

London Calling: Professional Voluptuous Studio Photography Workshop! SUN JAN 8 11:00 am -3:00 pm Allentown, Pa

Must my camera be an SLR? No. An SLR will certainly allow for greater control over composition and lighting, however all creative art is unique and individual. Photography, more than many of the arts, has a strong scientific and mathematical component but that is no reason to tell an artist what kind of equipment to use to achieve their own desired results.

Is this session nude/non-nude or a combination of both? This session will focus on sensual, erotic, elegant nude and non-nude performance.

What does it mean about bringing a release form? Release forms are important if you intend to publish or sell images. A release form is not required in order to participate in this event. Blank standard releases will be available for those who want them.

Can we bring props? Participants are welcome and encouraged to bring props of all kinds including balloons, scarves, large, ornate empty picture frames, lingerie, toys, etc. Your imagination (and the stairway) are your only limits!

Will there be other models present? That is a possibility but none are scheduled at this moment.

What else can you tell me about London? She is completely natural: no tattoos, no piercings, no body modifications. She travels extensively and has a large following of devoted fans. She loves vampy, victorian, glamour, erotic, fetish and pinup styles; has a great sense of humor and is totally comfortable in most scenarios.

London is talented, professional, experienced, beautiful, full-figured, very easy-going and lots of fun to work with. See more (nude) photos of her HERE. Click the small images to enlarge. London is best described as voluptuous, full-figured, plus-sized or thick--not fat.

Will I have to bump the other photogs to get a few good shots? No. It will be relaxed and comfortable. We'll have at least four solid hours of shooting with a max of eight to twelve photogs. In other similar sessions, I have always found the photographers to be gracious, accommodating, professional and helpful to others.

Can I bring a friend or my S/O to observe? Yes, but s/he will have to pay the full admission price.

What is the refund policy in case the event is cancelled? RSVP's are closed at 8:00 am Friday, Jan 6th. If we do not have eight paid shooters by that time, the session will be cancelled and your prepayment will be refunded in full by the end of the business day.

What is the cost and where can I sign up? Space is strictly limited. Please click HERE for complete information and to register and prepay.

More questions? Please send email.

Sad Statements: Ten Worst Lehigh Valley Modeling Portfolios

2011-09-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Speaking of sad statements, my email had Indie Model Insider; Gary Stewart's (Guy Hoops) reviews of what he calls the Ten Worst Lehigh Valley Modeling Portfolios. Gary goes on to qualify his targets by saying, "Granted, we only looked on Model Mayhem".

Sadly, in every case, the models he selected as having "the worst portfolios", all admit right up front that they are beginners trying to learn about modeling; trying to get more experience modeling; trying to connect with people who can work with them, guide them and help them move up into the world of modeling.

The author of this Ten Worst list scathingly critiques these novices who are just discovering their dreams and passion for modeling.

One of the ten has already removed her profile since Hoops's review. This is not encouragement. It's not guidance. It's not helpful. I find it mean-spirited.

Some of Hoops's targets include:

Joan Kelly, a21 year old mom who would like to pursue a career in modeling.

Mithsouka Rejouis, a 16 year old who admits she always wanted to be a model and doesn't "have a lot of experience but we all have to start some where".

Alyssa Marie Snyder, 22 years old "new to modeling, I'd love to use it as a side job. I'm interested in all sorts of photo shoots"

LyssaMayhem, 21 years old, "Completely new to the world of modeling. Right now I am looking for photographers who are willing to shoot for their portfolio, as well as help me build mine".

Emma Greenberg, 20 years old "I'm just getting into modeling outside of just for fun with some friends"

.
Tanasia27, 19 years old "everything end nomore dance school or modeling when i moved to allentown pa i was looking for a modeling agency i wanna do fashion shows i wanna give it a chance"

Kayy Jurus, 19 years old "Started modeling just a few months ago but ...I would like to build my portfolio & gain more experience."

Melinda Dresher, 28 years old, "I'm just your ordinary girl next door looking to have good pictures taken ...but am just starting out so will take advice on most anything. Looking to build a portfolio.

Tiff0312, 20 years old, "I enjoy all different ways of modeling, like promotional and runway. I dont have much experience in either but always willing to learn and try!"

What Are the Chances?

2011-09-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

What Are the Chances?

Modeling magic by the talented and beautiful Pooh Marie. Photos by me!

One good model leads to another...

2011-07-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

Make great photos of beautiful women and you can be sure of one thing: they will love to show off their pictures. And when they do, they will also be showing off your artistry, your technical mastery and your creative genius. And showing off photos is so much easier now than it has ever been.

My phone was ringing. I didn't recognize the number. "Hello?"

There was a woman on the other end of the line. "Hi, My name is Dominique and I saw someone's Facebook page. Their photos were amazing. They all had your web site on them and I looked you up. I want to get photos like that of me! How much do you charge?"

"Well, that all depends on a number of things, Dominique, but I can promise that I have a package that fits your needs and your budget perfectly. But first, please tell me, on whose Facebook page did you find my photos?"

"Well, I think her name was Angelica or something like that."

"And do you know this Angelica? Is she a friend of yours?"

"No, I don't know her, I just clicked through from a friend of a friend but I want to do a photo shoot so I can get pictures like that."

If you have been mystified by marketing people talking about the magic of social marketing and networking, the above conversation reveals a great deal about the way things really work, and it's really not such a big mystery.

The magic is the ease and power with which we can reach other people...people who need and want the products and services that we are offering.

It isn't a mystery to suggest that delivering quality to your market will result in success. And it should be elementary that we need to get the word out in every way possible. Everyone you meet shoud know exactly what you do.

I'll have more for you shortly on this subject, Meanwhile keep shooting. Value your work And keep the conversation going.

3) Keep your models cool in a heatwave to get hot photos

2011-07-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Keeping your models cool can always be a challenge, but right now with record-breaking heat scorching the country it's more important than ever to keep things cool. It's not only important for safety, but it can help you get sizzling images!

There are plenty of ways to keep cool. One of the most fun is water! Lakes, rivers, beaches, swimming pools, cold showers, etc.

For our recent Photo Model Session with Luna Vette and PoohMarie, we drove to a wonderful State Park with a beautiful lake. We brought along plenty of chilled spring water for drinking and lots of snacks to keep our energy levels steady.

This was a multi-part photo shoot with studio, limo, trees, cave and water. They were all fun, but I think everyone enjoyed the water part the best. It was most refreshing.

Click the photos on this page for enlarged images and check back soon for a few more awesome images from this shoot. You'll also find more of Luna Vette and PoohMarie, as well as some of Melissa and Lanesa.

Click the SUBSCRIBE link to find photos from the cave, the studio and the trees. Fun, fun, fun!

Teen Model Luna Vette Checks Out Lehigh Valley Gran Prix Indoor Cart Races

2011-07-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

Shooting with spicy Latina teen model sensation, Luna Vette, is exciting, not just because of her beauty and style, but because of her commitment. Having worked with many models and aspiring models, Luna Vette impresses me with the amount of effort she puts into it before, during and after the actual photo sessions.

She arrives with stunning hair and camera ready make-up. She arrives with outfits designed to make you look twice...or more. She catches your eye and take your breath away. Her smile is genuine and she is happy to be working, not all grumbly and grouchy...or should we say...bitchy, like many models.

Luna has the graceful moves and confidence in the moment. She IS all that she can be and she is fully prepared with all the tools of the models trade to surprise you with excellence in modeling.

Luna also has confidence in the future. She know that her continued work WILL pay off. It isn't a matter of luck to her. It's a matter of discipline, dedication and hard work. Hard work, by the way, that is an awful lot of fun.

Speaking of confidence, it's great to now that she has confidence in me. It makes working together so much easier knowing that she trusts my decision making. I like to do things on the fly...spontaneous and impromptu. That's the way I connect with the dynamic energy of the Universe!

Luna is also a pleasure to work with because she can roll with the punches. Take today's shoot at the Lehigh Valley Gran Prix for example. Due to an unforeseeable scheduling conflict, we only had a few hours to shoot. As a result, I wasn't able to follow through on my original plan, so I headed over to the Queen City Airport to shoot her up alongside of some small planes. Maybe if we got lucky we'd find a pilot who would let us get some shots in the cabin or the cockpit. I've never had a problem there before, but things are changing rapidly with airport security and we didn't get 'authorization' today. Not a problem; on to Plan B.

Plan B was less than a mile away at the Lehigh Valley Gran Prix. It's a neat little indoor go-cart racing track with lots of colorful walls and cool gear. I had been in there before. The folks are friendly and big on customer service.

I pulled into the lot. Before we went inside, I asked Luna to pose outside by the big black & white checkered wall (not pictured here).

This was to serve two purposes: 1) to get some good shots, but more importantly, 2) to get Luna relaxed, comfortable with the location and into the action-dynamics of modeling & shooting.

The last thing I wanted was to get her inside and have her freeze up. Squeezing off a few shots outside set the stage and the mindset to get things done inside. No one was around to distract her.

Once inside, we strolled up to the front desk, Luna clearly looking like a MODEL and NOT just some chick off the street.

"Can I help you?" the guy at the counter asks.

"We don't want to ride, we just want to get a few photos in one of the cars for some local web sites". I reply, adding that, "You will get full credit. Thank you!"

"I don't understand..." the guy stammers.

"Not a problem", I answer. "We just need to get a few photos with the model in the race car. It'll just be a few minutes".

" Oh!", now he gets it. I can't let you in right now", he says. My heart sinks. Then he says, "The next race is over in ten minutes. I can get you in then. Just wait right here."

Hooray! Someone who can think for himself and make competent decisions! Congrats to you! So we sit in the comfortable waiting lounge. Never one to sit still for very long, I direct Luna to pose on the checkered winners platform (above). This keeps her mind and body in the posing dynamic. It keeps things moving and keeps her psyched because she is actively modeling... not sitting around and waiting for something. And I'm getting pictures.

The race is over. A cool dude w long curly hair in a bandana motions us in to the track. Luna's jeans are so tight she can hardly get into the car. She tries to tell me she wants to shoot standing alongside the guardrail. I tell her no. That's what we've been waiting for. She has to get into the cart. It's a funny bit of a struggle but she manages to squeeze into the cart. And she look good. Click. Flash! Click Flash! Ahhh! It's all worthwhile.

Luna surprises me again by suggesting some cool shots with the tire. I ask her to put a high-heeled foot on the rubber. She has a hard time getting her leg up. Tight jeans. I give her a hand. We get the shot. Then we get back inside the waiting area.

I head directly over to a bright yellow wall. She follows and knows pretty much what I want. She assumes a few poses. I get a few shots. I point to the green door. I ask her to fill the frame. "The door is the frame", I tell her. "You are the picture. Fill the frame." I then tell her to pretend she is climbing up the door. "Don't actually climb it", I say. "Pretend you are climbing it".

She is really good at following my directions and I manage to get some very nice shots of her in various poses.

Inside one of the rooms was a long empty table against a wall. "Go lay on the table", I told her.

She looked at me, made a face and said "We're going to get in trouble".

I told her, "No trouble. They'll just come in and say, "Get the hell outta here!" but we'll get the shot! That's what counts. We'll get the shot! As it turned out, of course, no one bothered us and we got a few nice shots on that table.

Well, this post is getting pretty lengthy, so I'm going to leave some photos and information for another day. Meanwhile, please click the SUBSCRIBE button to get occasional updates directly from me on how to find and work with models for your modeling photography.

Teen model sensation, Luna Vette, shows it off at the Skate Park

2011-07-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

It's always a great day when I discover new talent. Here is a sensational teen model who has it all, on-camera and off. Click the images for a larger view. I will be posting new pictures and videos of her shortly and we have an exciting Photo Model Session scheduled this Sunday in the Poconos, so if you would like to get the photos when they are uploaded or if you would like to hire Luna for legitimate modeling services, please use the CONTACT link to let me know.

Thinking about starting a Meetup?

2009-12-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2010!

For beginner to advanced Meetup Organizers this is the place to learn and share ideas, plans and best practices to supercharge your Meetup Groups.

Organizing a Meetup group can be a highly rewarding experience, but it can also have it's share of headaches, aggravations, time-drains and disappointments.

We will draw upon the collective wisdom and real-world experiences of Meetup Organizers far and wide to gain valuable insight into what it takes to make your Meetup fun, exciting and prosperous!

We all have different goals and expertise. We will discuss everything from getting members involved, advance planning, selecting suitable venues, utilizing Assistant and Host Organizers, the power of your mailing lists, acquiring and maintaining sponsors, the value of good photos, logos, creative ideas and much more.

Because we know that you are busy we will plan to have productive Meetups no more than once every two months. Your input and participation with THIS group is vital to the success of YOUR group!

Whatever your Meetup group category, no matter your level of experience, please join with us to learn and share to supercharge your Meetup group.

Self-Improvement, Work At Home, Volunteer, Personal Growth, Business Referral Networking, Business Networking, Volunteering, Newly Single, Network Marketing, Small Business, New In Town, Meetup Organizer, Community Organizations, Social Networking, Social Media Marketing

Ready to Warm Up? BYOB at Cactus Blue!

2009-12-30T23:16:00.000-08:00

www.twitter.com/mrccross

Come along with Lehigh Valley Wine & Dine for a fun fiesta at Cactus Blue BYOB on Monday Jan 18.

"...creates authentic Mexican dishes native to Puebla."

Conveniently located on Schoenersville Road near Rte 22

Bring a festive attitude and chase the winter blues away! This BYOB also serves up a great Margarita mix!

Named Best Latino restaurant in the Valley by Lehigh Valley Magazine 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Named Decadent Dish - Mexican 2006 & 2007 by Lehigh Valley Style.What people are saying...

"The food at this small restaurant, which opened about a year and a half ago, is fresh and freshly made. Likewise, the decor has a fresh and honest sensibility about it." - Susan Gottshall, Special to The Morning Call

"This place is very nicely decorated. The service was very friendly. The food was fabulous and we had plenty. The prices are very reasonable. It was great Mexican food. " - Yahoo user Anneliese

"Cactus Blue has gotten off to a roaring start. (It) ranks up there with some of the best Mexican I've ever had." - Tucker Hottes, MergeDigital

"Best Mexican food since being in Mexico. Thanks." - David D.

"A mucho magnifico BYOB Mexican joint that serves it up right. Quaint and classy. The Cactus has a hip vibe that could easily be ripped from the Upper East Side of Manhattan." - Aaron Sagers, Merge

"I love your restaurant! The food was excellent and it was decorated so well!" - Sarah E.

"My wife and I visited your restaurant today and were very pleased. Your waitress was wonderful and was more than willing to answer questions and offer suggestions. The food was great! What a deal....great food, friendly service and no smoke as a bonus." - Roger K.

"Food is excellent, prices reasonable, service is fantastic. The ambiance is welcoming and festive, but the dining space is a bit small, so consider making reservations. BYOB and an appetite, best latino restaurant in the area." - Yahoo user

2 car accident at 15th & Hamilton

2009-10-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

Leran more about p[hotography at PhotoQuest101

Here are a few on-the-scene images from the scene of this horrific auto accident which sent six people to local hospitals.

I spoke with a young woman who told me her grandmother was in one of the vehicles.

Questions remain about the cause of the accident.

Traffic was blocked for hours while ambulance, police and fire rescue teams worked to secure the scene and provide emergency aid to the victims.

Police Standoff in Allentown, PA

2009-10-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

The scene at 12th and Turner Sts in Allentown was a big draw for local curiosity seekers. Police cordoned off a 12 block area in hopes of catching a couple of suspects who apparently eluded a warrant service.

The crowd waited patiently in the cold from 4:30 until 9:30 pm for the big action finale, but it never came.

Tim Cox, of WFMZ- 69 News waited with the rest of us to catch the action.

Spotlights were directed at a home where police believed the suspects were hiding out. Rumor was that they were holding hostages.

An armored vehicle with police sniper took position on Turner St. ready for an action sequence that didn't occur.

Click to read more about this story and see video on WFMZ.

Intellectual Property Primer

2009-07-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

When do you need a model release? Not as often as you might think!

2009-06-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

A Digital Photographer's Guide to Model Releases: Making the Best Business Decisions with Your Photos of People, Places and Things

Want to learn just about everything there is to know about Model Releases? It's kind of important if you want to take photos of human beings. It's also important if you want to take photos of certain buildings, sculptures, signs, products, logos, trademarked objects, private property, etc.

Here are the answers from expert Dan Heller. Click here to buy this book on Amazon and help support your Photo Model Sessions!

A Digital Photographer's Guide to Model Releases: Making the Best Business Decisions with Your Photos of People, Places and Things

FROM AMAZON's EDITORIAL REVIEW:

Do you need a release for a photo of someone you took in public? How about photos of buildings? Does it make a difference if the subject was paid to be in the picture? You can't answer these questions without more information. As the photographer, you need to understand your buyer's concerns in order to make savvy decisions about how you market your photos and to whom. Here's how to make money from all your photos, whether or not they have releases, by understanding the business aspects of the law.

From the Back Cover
Looking to sell your photos? First, take this quiz!

Do I need a release for a photo of someone I took in public?
Should I get a release even if the person is unrecognizable?
Is a release necessary if I make a profit selling a photo of a person?
Do I need releases for photos of buildings?
Are releases necessary for pictures of people from other countries?
I took a lot of pictures as a hobby, and now I want to sell them. Do I need releases for all my people pictures?
If I have no plans for a photo when I take it, should I get a release anyway?
Does it make a difference if the subject was paid to be in the picture?

Give yourself one point for "Yes," and two points for "No." In fact, make it three points. If you scored higher than zero, you have a lot to learn about model releases, because you can't answer these questions without more information. How will the photo be used? By whom? Can the subject be associated with an idea, product, or service? Until you know that, the question of releases can't be answered.

As the photographer, you need to understand your buyer's concerns in order to make savvy decisions about how you market your photos and to whom. Here's how to make money from all your photos, whether or not they have releases, by understanding the business aspects of the law.

Model Releases, Liability Waivers & Copyrights

2009-05-07T09:32:00.001-07:00

Kind of takes all the fun out of photography, doesn't it? No! It's a whole lot more fun when you know the rules. Nobody says you have to follow the rules, and they are always changing and being re-interpreted, but it's still nice to know what they are. And what they are not.

Watch this space for a series of articles and information from street level on the front lines about
Model Releases, Waivers, Copyrights & Liability

There's a whole lot more than meets the eye. And it's gonna be a whole lot of fun. I promise!

Buying a Digital SLR? Buy it here and support PhotoModelSessions.com

2009-05-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Buying a Digital SLR?
Buy it here and support PhotoModelSessions.com

This Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm AF-S VR Zoom Lens + Nikon 55-200mm AF-S VR Zoom Lens + 16GB SD Card + EN-EL9 Battery + Case is affordable, high quality and complete and gets you started on the right track with digital SLR photography.

Click to check some of the great images captured with the
Nikon D60 at PhotoModelSessions.com

Click the image to buy your Digital Nikon D60 SLR and you will be helping to support the always-exciting and cutting-edge
Photo Model Sessions!

Who gave you permission to take pictures here?

2008-10-14T16:16:00.001-07:00

Ever heard that one before?

Did I tell you about the time I was taking photos in the Philadelphia Airport? I spend a lot of time in airports and always carry a pocket camera with me for spontaneous grab shots. As a matter of fact I can't help but notice that lots of people take pictures in airports. Most of them, however, are taking pictures of their friends and family; not of the airport itself.

One day while discreetly snapping photos of the rather impressive International Arrivals area, a rather unimpressive gentleman in a dark uniform with a badge approached me. He wasn't a police officer. He was with the much more feared and dreaded PPA, the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

In a gruff tone he asked, "Are you taking pictures of the airport?"
"Yes", I replied.
"Well, where you from?", he shot back.
"Me? I'm from Allentown", I answered cheerfully. "Where are you from?"
"No, I mean who are you with?", as in what approved media conglomerate was paying me to take pictures there.
"Who am I with? Me? I'm not with anybody", I told him. "I'm here all by myself!"
"No. That's not what I mean", he stammered. "I mean why you taking pictures here?"
"Because I'm a photographer! That's what I do! I take pictures."
Clearly now, he was spinning his wheels. Unable to intimidate me, he was getting frustrated.
"Well, who said you could take pictures here? Who gave you permission?"
Uh Oh! Now he got me. Who gave me permission?

Slowly I looked up and pointed to the words on the vaulted ceiling and the signatures inscribed on the walls.

I answered slowly. "Who gave me permission to take pictures? Thomas Jefferson! Benjamin Franklin! John Hancock..."

With that he walked away. I guess his lunch break was coming up.