Photography is ALWAYS a lot of fun.....as well as work.  However Certain themes make it much more of an adventure, zipping the creativity to an all new level.  One of our favorites is the spooky atmosphere of October.  Even those among our staff members who claim to have been birthed prior to receiving any creativity.....get into the groove rather quickly.

What a magical time for all involved.  We must admit to requiring more from the models, almost as if we truly believe they can fly.

Take advantage to the extra boost of fun and excitement, as well as the perfect weather.

Who says you need an extra sunny day to take a good picture?  Besides, great pictures come from within.

A model can thin him or herself out, condition and color their hair, use products and foods to improve skin.......but who can do anything about their height?  In fact, when we age, we tend to shrink a little.  Female models have the advantage of the notorious "HEELS".  Despite the love hate relationship we have with them.......every woman owns at least one pair.  Even so, if you dwell in the UNDER 5'5" world as I do, heels only help you appear taller....NOT TALL.  Argh....I feel cheated.  When I was younger, everyone went on and on about my so called beauty and as flattered as I sometimes was, I knew the industry felt different.  If only you were 3 inches taller.  Anyone know of a pain free stretching service?  As I result I spent many a year running around in the appropriately nick named "hooker heels", I was rewarded with angry 40 something year old feet that only stop screaming in sneakers, flip flops or slippers.

Anywho, the best advice I received is passed along to you with all my best intentions.  Wear comfortable shoes....BUT take heels everywhere you go and never interview in anything other than your heels.  Shop for clothes that thin you out.  Stay in shape.  Find a fantastic hair dresser and get a hair cut / style that fits your face and body style...NOT the cut you think will work.  Most importantly, draw attention away from your flaws:

It won't matter how pretty/handsome you are....if you have any of the following....that is what we are all staring at.

1.  If you have a big forehead.....wear a bang or side sweep.  I have given this advice, only to be ignored.
2.  If you have cellulite cover it.  Those size 2 chicks who sport daisy duke shorts and have cellulite....guess what the guys are looking at?  Hint:  It is NOT your lovely behind.
3.  Pimples?  Get products that treat them.....wash your face and put down the fries.  Then, find appropriate makeup to diminish them when working.
4.  Thighs.  Say goodbye to the couch, fast food, skin tight clothing and get out there walking.  If you still can not lose them.....DRESS APPROPRIATELY!  
5.  Yellow teeth......there are affordable products out there and for goodness sake.....use a STRAW!

The biggest mistake potential models make is ignoring their body types.  We now have petite models and plus size models.....but there are still standards.

Everyone is beautiful or handsome.....we just do so much to destroy that.  You may not be able to adjust your height, but everyone can improve their appearance.

I accept my new pear shape and who knows, maybe someday I will LOVE IT!

~Cat  (CFO of Axial Photography)

One of the hardest parts of my job is trying to re-adjust the perception models have of their job.  Most young ladies and men swing to one extreme or the other in their thoughts on what the position actually is.  No example sticks out further than the "new model".  There are a wide variety of myths to be laid to rest with their young, impressionable minds.  My least favorite is the model who walks in thinking, "My job is just to stand here looking pretty". They are in a tremendous amount of shock when they find out it is actually WORK.  I am accustomed to hearing.....I'm cold....I don't want to get my hair wet.....I can't get on the ground because it is dirty......how long do I have to hold this pose.....my feet hurt.....etc.  Then you have the....I won't show any skin....model.  OK, I understand the "no nudity" policy....we have that at our studio....I love saying...."we are not that kind of photographer".  That being said.....have you cracked open a magazine lately?  High heels, slick lips, shoulders.....etc.  If you don't want to be sexy.....DO SOMETHING ELSE FOR LIVING.  Next up is the opposite to this.....your setting up for a head shot and the model whips off her clothes.....HELLO.....!  I guess that is ok....if you want to be bundled into ONE corner of the industry.  Make sure you are ok with your friends, family, spouse and CHILDREN stumbling across your work someday.  There are photographers out there, who live for the young person willing to bare all for the slim chance they will have their 15 minutes of fame.  Make sure that whoever you work with is on the same page as you.....before embarrassing you both.  I try telling new models to leave their crotchless panties at home.  We are NOT that kind of photographer.  Lastly, my personal favorite....the model who shows up thinking they are in charge.....(no new model makes big bucks....and most have done Trade for Work, Exchange for Merchandise or small payment jobs).  No model should walk into a job telling the photographer how to shot, make up artist how to blend, etc.  If your opinion is not asked for.....tight lip it Dear.

The purpose of this blog is not really to vent....but just hopeful that those reading it....will learn from it.....make smart, sound decisions with your career and dwell in the reality of each moment......no matter what part of the industry you end up in and long after you leave.