The Art behind the photograph (Models) Part 2

The first time I was offered a modeling job was by accident. The model I am featuring is how it all began for us both.
My aunt was not crazy about the modeling industry. She had read the stories behind Brooke Shields and didn’t want her daughters to be a part of it. So once they turned 18 they were allowed to go on auditions. I do know there were many preparations before hand.
Modeling is not an easy industry to get into and if you’re planning on making it a career you have to meet the requirements.

(This has always been one of my favorite photographs when it comes to fashion. It's interesting how clothes really do help a photograph. When the model feels comfortable and confident, things just come together.)

I decided I was going to try something different and that was by making sure all of the models were the same height, on the runway no one could tell the difference.
When I started Dlonzo Modeling Troupe most of the girls were about 5’ 4”, they had the look and they had the walk. I had become tired of going to the fashion shows and seeing the same faces over and over.
I also didn’t like the way the agencies got a percentage even when you got a job on your won. I decided at that point that I would get in on the business and learn as much as I could.

I was already taking photographs and putting together portfolios. The next step was to find jobs for the models.

I then created Dlonzo Models and covered the spectrum from petite to regular size models. For every four female models I have one male. The models all had unique looks and I showed them how to use this as a stepping stone to whatever they wanted to do.
Some of my models have since told me they were no longer shy in front of people.

I learned to deal with people, write up contracts and model releases. I also taught my models how to manage themselves so that they could make more money. Unless I had to negotiate something their money was their own.

I enjoyed meeting people and the perks that came along with modeling.

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

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Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

Coming up: Simone, Wilbert, Ron C, Ronald, Merlin, Dino, Carolyn

The Story behind the Photographs (Models) Part 1

A friend, also a photographer created this image of himself for his business cards several years ago. I liked the image so I copied it for myself. Currently we are both using the images for our business cards.

After years of taking pictures, I made a decision that I wouldn’t ask anyone to pose in a way that I wouldn’t be comfortable doing. Of course if I didn’t look a certain way then I wouldn’t pose. Sometimes I’ll create an image with someone else and wonder what would I look like if I were in that pose.

This was one of the first images I did of myself for my portfolio when I was not happy with how other photographers were doing pictures and charging so much. This opened the door for new opportunities.

I used myself in a lot of pictures that I would sometimes re do with other would be models. As much as I admire some photographers I didn’t want to copy them and instead chose to copy myself. If I find a person I wish to photograph or that is looking for something different I’ll go back and decide which photograph I’d like to do a new take on it. Coming up with new ideas for photographing a person and keeping them safe becomes limited. So for a lot of photographers that’s where digital photography comes in. I must admit I’ve done a few things with different programs, but if I’m going to use a program I’m going to try and do something really different. As I’ve stated many times, artists do think alike so you’re bound to see something that you’ve created without evening seeing another artists’ work.

I did a photo shoot of someone in biker shorts and I wondered what would I look like in them; this was the result. I've gotten lots of comments on this one.

How I got into modeling was really by accident. I had always wanted to get into acting, but I was steer in another direction and it wasn’t until 1982 that someone even mentioned modeling to me. One of my supervisors, Janice C. had taken a Polaroid of me at one of the company functions and said I should think about modeling. A few months later I was without a job and I had gone on an interview with one of my cousins who was interested in modeling. There seemed to be some interest in me, but I didn’t take it seriously. I wasn’t 6’ tall and I didn’t think I was that attractive. As I’ve learned over the years beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So just because you may not like something about yourself doesn’t mean someone else might think the same.

Black and White had become my signature colors. I was lucky enough that Benneton, Oaktree and Chess King allowed me to only where these colors. I did where color in other shows especially when I modeled Willi Wear by the late designer Willi Smith. I had begun experimenting with non traditional backdrops to create my art.

There was a person I photographed and they left some biker shorts behind and I decided to see what would I look like in them. The finished project for me was this photograph which I got many comments on.

The image below sort of inspired this image of myself. I was just curious as to what I would look like. I was quite surprised. Not everyone can get away with wearing leather.

I never thought all leather would be great for me to wear, but I did have quite a few leather jackets. I never owned anything else because I just thought paying as much for a pair of pants and never having an opportunity to wear them was a waste of money. Of course if I had bought a motor bike then it would have made a difference. I always wanted a motor bike, but never invested in one. I borrowed some leather gear from a friend and I did a series of pictures that just blew me away.  Years before the only other person I had ever photographed in leather was Don E.

This image I am really proud of the way it came out. I was using the traditional back drop and lighting. There's a mystery within the art as the partial shadow lurks behind the image.

These are images of myself and images that inspired the photographs. This is the art that I create.

I've been lucky to have had so many people just me with creating a vision that we would both cherish.
Come back to see and read the stories behind the ART. Become a follower, you can even do it anonymously.
Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Donna Summer the Artist

The passing of Donna Summer came as a big surprise.

 Although she hadn't been in the light for quite sometime she was still an integral part of my life and I always listen to her music.

 It's fun, energetic and inspiring.
 Donna Summer's music was a big part of the soundtrack of my life.

This is part of a drawing I did many years ago of the Legendary singer.

Aside from being one of my all time favorite singers, Donna Summer was a great artist.

 Her lithographs went for substantial amounts of money. Everything will be up in value now. Here are some of her lithographs.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Rest in peace, Donna Summer.

The story behind the Photograph (The Weddings)

The story behind the Photograph The Weddings - I am not a big advocate of weddings so as a photographer I’ve stayed away from them. The reason is just that people expect miracles to happen. Of course now in this digital age a photographer can create miracles, but I prefer to capture natural beauty. I don’t like manipulating photographs other than to create visual effects so I use filters for that purpose.

In all of my years of taking photographs I’ve done nine weddings. The first wedding was easy. I think the reason is because I only shot the reception. Some churches don’t allow photography or they don’t want the photographer on the altar.

The second wedding I photographed had some good shots and some not so good shots. The setting wasn’t right and the wedding was put together so quickly there was not time to check out the places before hand. For me as a photographer having everything planned out is very important.

I had pretty much decided weddings would not be a part of my list of events to photograph so I didn’t include it on my business card.
Of course things happen and you find yourself going against what you said you wouldn’t do.
One of my models insisted that I do their wedding. I couldn’t refuse after all this person had done for me. I agreed to do the wedding on one condition. That I allow to do the photographs I wanted after the wedding. This was going to involve locations. Some of the unused locations in New Orleans.

I was already psyched about these photographs that I was able to shoot everything else without any real problems. I made sure I had enough film and took more pictures than I would normally take just in case. I wanted to make sure the client had what they needed to tell their story. From the rehearsal to the reception.

I did find out something very important. As they say you learn something new everyday… When a bride doesn’t have a wedding planner, it is the responsibility of the photographer to make sure things run smoothly. That means making sure the wedding party doesn’t spend the entire reception taking pictures. You are responsible for setting up the first dance with the DJ or band. You are to get the group shots, the cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. You pretty much run the show. It was all a great experience and I had no problem with that.
I was looking forward to the on location stuff because this is where I was going to get to create ART. That’s what I do.

In 1999 I photographed my last wedding. Once again another model asked me to photograph his wedding. Of course I had to explain to him that although he liked my work it was his soon to be wife’s wedding. So they came over for a consult to look at my work and to discuss her vision and my vision.
I went over to the reception hall, everything was going to take place under one roof. Once again I would take on the responsibility of making sure the wedding was on schedule and that they were able to enjoy their reception. I was pleased with what I had done. Which for me is very important because if I don’t feel as if I’ve done my best then I didn’t do my job. I have to make sure the client is happy with the finished product.

The one thing about doing photographs of family and friends for such memorable events is that if something goes wrong it could destroy that relationship. Wedding photography I believe is the most stressful job a photographer can take on. There is a big burden that comes along with the job. If you can think of it as an art, then you can get through it as a surreal experience. Since we are now in the digital age I might consider doing a wedding when I start meeting people again. I would want to have total freedom and do what I do best. Create ART!

Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.