Model Profile: Diane

August 24th, 2008
Published in Photography
Tags: modelmayhem, models, profiles

I haven’t profiled any of my models before, but thought I’d give it a try. There are several reasons. First and foremost to show off some of my work, of course, and to give my model a pat on the back and something she can show others, who are thinking of working with her. A public recommendation if you will. But also to share some of my experiences, about what made working with this particular person unique and memorable.

I met Diane via ModelMayhem and we managed to get three shoots done together, before she moved to LA to pursue her dream. Besides modelling, she dances hip hop and wants to get into acting. If I’m lucky, she’ll be famous and I’ll have some early portraits. I really enjoyed shooting with her, and not just because she has a versatile look and can pull off everything from cute and girlie to tough and bitchy. She also takes direction very well and brings her own ideas to the shoot. That kind of enthusiasm is perfect for my style of shooting.

Shooting with Diane was so casual, that the second time we shot, I hardly even spoke to her about wardrobe. I think my only input was: Keep it simple. Maybe dress in neutral tones or black/white. Turned out great and it was liberating for me, to be able to trust her like that, and still come away with great photos.

The two shots above and below this paragraph are from a shoot in West Seattle (our most recent), to which she’d brought several outfits. She changed in the car with me keeping watch. At one point she realized, she hadn’t brought a clothing item, she wanted to wear, so we went and got it at a nearby store. This kind of spur-of-the-moment working is inspiring to me. Sure, the time is not spent 100% effectively, but who cares when you’re having fun?