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So
You Want To Be A Model!
- Does
Everybody Tell You That You Should Be A Model?
Well Maybe They Are Right. I Can Tell You Beyond
Any Doubt That The Number One Reason For Not Making It
As A Model Is Never Getting Started.
-
Life moves so fast. You are
changing everyday and there will never be a better time
to start your modeling career. But, how do you get
started in modeling? Maybe you've been looking around
the Internet and that has just confused you more. Well,
I want to help! You have read this
far and that put you a step ahead of most. By the time
you have read this entire page you will be miles ahead of
most. Or maybe you already have a
portfolio but would like some different looks, better quality
or just more recent pictures.
Whoever
You Choose, I Want To Help You Choose A Photographer You Can
Trust
Whatever your situation, I want you to
find a photographer who will make you look your best, who will treat you with
respect during your session, who will do more than just give
you your pictures and leave you on your own. I don't need to do your
portfolio. As you can see from the rest of my web site I
do very well in other areas of photography. But, I still
love doing portfolios. It's a chance to be more
creative; a chance to stretch and grow.
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"I love my pictures. It's like New York
quality modeling photos right in Tuscaloosa. The
best I've ever had done!"
Lori Beth DuParier
Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
Obviously,
you should contact me right away about whether or not I have
any openings left to create your model portfolio. With
people coming for miles around, not just the Tuscaloosa
area, I am extremely booked up already, but hopefully I
still have an opening in the near future so I can do your model portfolio for
you.
But that's not the point of this web page
. The point of this web page is to warn you about
the major mistakes that most models make. If you
don't decide to work
with me, that's fine. I still want you to be aware of
these major mistakes, so you don't make them yourself!
11
(Or More) Myths, Mistakes, And Misconceptions About Having A Model
Portfolio Created - The Stuff Most Beginning Models
Don't Know:
Mistake
#1 Is The Most Important Of Them All!
Mistake number one is choosing
a photographer who's motives may not be pure. Whether you choose to use me as your
photographer or not, Please, please, please, make sure that your photographer is a
true professional. Check references and take someone with you
to all sessions for safety. Especially for this type of
shoot you need to be extremely careful to use a full time
professional with a studio in a public building. Any
other situation could lead to a disaster. The least of
which is that you may become uncomfortable and that will show
in your pictures. I'm not going to go into horror
stories here, but believe me I could. Safety concerns
aside, you will feel much more at ease in a comfortable studio
environment.
Mistake
#2 Can Kill Your Career Before It Ever Gets Started!
Mistake
#2 is not using a photographer who is going to help you make
the next step beyond putting together a portfolio and comp
cards (Don't worry if you don't know what comp cards
are. I'll fill you in during our consultation).
I'll help you get to the next step like a pro. There is
more to this than just having the perfect heashots. I'll give
you contact names, phone numbers and addresses; lots of
them. I'll even give you a letter of recommendation.
Mistake
#3 Is Easily And Often Overlooked!
Mistake
#3 is not wearing the right clothes! This is very common. Even
a top model wouldn't know what to wear that would help him or
her look the very best in a still photo. The "Art
Director" would say what to wear! The
"model" would just show up, and wear what has
been arranged! The hair
person does the hair. The Art Director plans everything and
tells the subject what to do next.
You see, most people don't know what really photographs well.
Why should they. I know. That's my job
. And I love it. I'll help you select clothing
that will help you look your very best. That's why I give you
a free consultation. Don't worry I'll help.
For
example, the wrong clothing can make up to a 44 pound
difference in the way you look in your portrait! 44
pounds!!!
Now,
most models want to look as thin as possible in their
portraits. Clothing makes a HUGE difference in this area, so
let's make sure your clothing is really perfect!
Mistake
#4 Is A HUGE Destroyer Of Portfolios!
Mistake
#4 is making mistakes with hair. Many models goof this up in
several ways. But also, most photographers goof this up,
too, because they don't know how to photograph hair properly.
This is such a big point! As you know, your hair is a
huge part of your appearance. It can make or break how
you look. We've all had "bad hair days" and if
your photographer doesn't know what he or she is doing, your
photographs will look like a permanent "bad hair"
day.
One of the things that separates my photography from that of
most of the other photographers in the area is that I pay as
much attention to the light that is lighting your hair, as I
do to the lighting that is illuminating your face and
they are completely different lights!
You see, if you study Hollywood Portraiture of the stars, you
begin to see how careful the photographers are about lighting
the hair. Well, I've studied the best professional Hollywood
photo masters
and I'm going to use these very same techniques to create your
pictures, to help you, and your hair look really, really
perfect.
For example, many models who go to other photographers often
complain that, if they have dark hair, that their hair seems
to disappear into the background. Or, if they have light hair,
that their hair has no "life" or detail in the
photograph. Or if their hair is brown, that it doesn't look as
great as they wanted it to. It's not just how they combed or
prepared it, it's how it's lit in the photograph, too!
Well, that's not going to happen to a portrait created by me,
because I'm going to take the time and the care in the
lighting of your hair so it looks absolutely perfect. It's as
if one of these Hollywood Master Photographers just finished
photographing Freddie Prinze Jr. or Jessica Simpson, and now
is going to do your portrait, and I'm going to put as much
care into lighting you as they would!
Mistake
#5 You'll Just Be Spinning Your Wheels Until You Discover This
One
There are thousands of
models out there. To stand out you will need your own
look. A few different ones in fact. I will work with you
personally to be sure you are able to create the unique and individual
look you are seeking which will make you stand out from the
crowd and complete your portfolio - whether you want to be a
commercial, lifestyle, fashion, glamour or artist's model. I
will even meet with you in advance of the session if you like
to discuss every aspect of your plans for a portfolio. There
is no selling involved in this "chat session" and
you will walk away with more knowledge about modeling and
about what type of modeling best suits you. If you
choose, we will even schedule a time for you to have your hair
and makeup professionally styled.
Your first step should be to give me a
call at 205-750-0222 so that we can talk about what you need to create an
awesome portfolio to put your best foot forward with agencies and
clients.
During this (no obligation) chat, we can
gather information about how you see yourself captured on film
and the type markets you are pursuing.
I encourage you to ask as many questions
as you like until you feel comfortable with your choice. When
we both feel we understand the requirements of what you need,
you can make a more informed choice when you are ready to
choose your photographer. Of course, I hope you will choose me
but I can give you valuable information no matter who you
choose.
| "Everyone
has loved Katie's pictures. Katie really enjoyed the
photo session and felt very comfortable with you."
Karen Tidwell
Birmingham, Alabama |
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Mistake
#6 Is A "Silent Killer" Of Modeling Portfolios!
Most
models don't understand (or don't want to admit) that they get
nervous in front of a camera. And they don't know what
to do about it.
You see, there are over 30 muscles in your face. And if you're
tense, these muscles tense up, and therefore, agents won't
like the photographs. You won't know why they don't like them.
They just won't. Not every headshot photographer
understands this.
One of the keys to my success in photography, is that I meet
the models I photograph in advance. And what's the purpose of
this? Yes, we're going to talk about clothing, and all the
other things. We are also going to talk about looks.
This will help us put together session that will be designed
just for you. This meeting will give you the chance to
meet me, get to know me, and see just how well I am going to
take care of you through this. You will see my studio in the
beautiful Jemison Mansion. I'll give you a tour. I'll
spend time with you so you begin to feel comfortable and
confident about how you can trust me and take my advice.
This
is going to make an enormous difference in how natural and
confident you look on the day of your photography! It's almost
like magic! You will be impressed!
I
can't stress this enough. You see, most photographers
just are not willing to do this. Why? Because it
takes time. All they want to do is crank people through
their studio like a "factory." They want to do
your photograph as if they were building a car. They want to
put you on the assembly line, and run you through,
click-click-click-turn this way - click, etc....Next person
please.
I will not do that to you. I am going to treat this as
if it were the most important photo of your life - because it
is.
See what a huge difference this will make in how you feel on
the day of your photography? You'll feel great.
You'll have met me. You'll have seen the studio. You'll
know that what you're wearing is perfect. You'll know
that your hair is going to look perfect. You'll know that no
blemishes will show! So You'll be confident, and excited
- not nervous and apprehensive.
Now,
You May Be thinking, "Give me a break. This is just
a photo shoot."
Well,
yes, but it could be your whole entire future...your one
chance. All the people who matter are going to
see these pictures! So let's be sure they're fantastic!
Right? And that's what we're all about. That's what's so
special about us.
It's not the film we use. It's not the camera we use.
It's not the backgrounds we use. (Although we use the
best of everything!) The thing that separates us from everyone
else, is how sincerely we want to help you look absolutely
perfect - stunning - fantastic - better than ever - in your
portfolio.
Mistake
#7 Is A Little Technical, But
Extremely Important To You!
Models
(and an awful lot of photographers) don't realize how
important light is in photography. The wrong light, and the
wrong direction of light can add up to 27 pounds to you on
film, and also, bring out your worst features!
It's really a matter of life or death in modeling. The
light is the "paint brush" with which I
"paint" your portfolio. It's very important!
Now, one of the things that separates my photography from so
many other photographers is that I have studied light from the
true Masters of photography for over 20 years.
I understand the different types and direction of light that
will help you look your VERY BEST. And this is different
for every person! Again, that's another reason we meet
you in advance, so we can determine the very BEST LIGHT for
you and have it ready to use at your session day and time.
You
see, there are five major highlight areas just on your face. And
they must be PERFECTLY lighted, or you won't look your best!
Also,
I don't want to get too technical here, but if you're still
reading this, you realize how important this session is, and
you sincerely want to look your absolute best. So... the
"Transition Zone" of light, between the highlights
and the shadows is what "paints" the contours of
your face, and brings out your personality and
"SPARKLE." So we want to be sure that this
"Transition Zone" is perfect, too! I could go
on and on, but you get the idea.
Also, light is equally important for outdoor pictures! It must
be absolutely PERFECT if we are to create a portrait of you
which truly "Sparkles". So, the type of
outdoor portraits you like will then determine the perfect
TIME OF DAY to create the portraits. It's so important.
Mistake
#8 is a Terrible One!
Nine
out of ten models don't realize how important posing is. The
most important word when it comes to posing is
"NATURAL." You absolutely don't want to look stiff
and fake! One of the most common comments we hear from our
clients is how "natural" the pictures look. Our
models love how good they look, but they also love how
"natural" they appear in the images.
You see, I understand that you want to look really great, but
there are only certain pictures that should use dramatic
posing. weird, stupid, pathetic pose that makes you look stiff
and unnatural.
Yes, I will "guide" you so the composition and
"look" of the pictures.. You and I will work
together to help you look confident, comfortable, and just
plain great.
This
Is Extremely Important To You! Don't Miss This:
You
want to be sure to select a photographer who will not
"manhandle" you with the posing. Almost all the
photographers in our state tend to touch their clients and
push them around way too much when posing them. (In my
humble opinion.) The posing is so important, and should not be
done by sticking you in the middle of your back if you aren't
sitting up quite straight enough! But that's what so
many photographers do. Not only does this make you really
uncomfortable, but it also makes you look stiff!
That's why I call it "guiding". I will guide
you. This is so important to helping you feel
comfortable!
However, I am really picky. I'll be very careful, and
very attentive to detail. I may pick a little at your hair if
something is out of place. I straighten your collar or
sleeves. I straighten your shirt if it has a funny
wrinkle in it. Don't worry about a thing! We'll make
sure you look "like a million bucks"! We're
very picky, but we don't manhandle you - and we won't drive
you "nuts" with being overly picky either!
Mistake
#9 Is Of Enormous Importance!
Don't Miss This One!
This
mistake has ruined so many senior portraits! It's the
mistake of not choosing a photographer who GUARANTEES THAT YOU
WILL BE REALLY HAPPY - and who will give you all your money
back, if you aren't!
Here's our guarantee: "You will be THRILLED (not
just 'satisfied') with your portraits, or we will do whatever
is necessary for you to be thrilled, or we will return every
penny of your money. No hassles and no hard feelings either.
We want you to be THRILLED with your pictures, and will spare
no effort or expense to see to it that you are! We absolutely
guarantee it!"
You see, only a photographer who really believes in his
product and service is going to be willing to have such a
powerful guarantee. So his guarantee is your first
indication of whether or not you even want to work with him.
I just can't stress this enough. Ask about the
guarantee. Listen to their reaction. That will tell you
if you want to trust your portfolio to that photographer.
Mistake
#10 Is So Obvious, And Yet Most
Models Don't Do It!
What's
this mistake? Not asking lots of questions when you're talking
with photographers. Now, if you're still reading this,
you certainly have the questions to ask, right?
Remember, you are the customer - you have all the
rights! You have the right to ask the tough questions,
before you make any decisions!
You ask them first about their guarantee, and see how they
respond.
Then you ask them if they will meet with you in person, at no
charge, to discuss the clothing, locations etc,.
Then ask them about how they light the hair perfectly. Ask
them if they have studied with the greatest
photographers of all time.
Then ask them how much time they are going to spend with
you. And do they do outdoor portraits, as well as indoor
portraits.
Ask them if they understand the importance of the correct
lighting of the "Five Major Highlight Areas."
Ask them if they know what a "Transition Zone"
is.
Ask them if their posing is natural, or more "posy and
stiff."
See how much you have learned so far? Pretty amazing,
when you think about it, isn't it?
Mistake
#11 Can Ruin Everything!
What's
this mistake? It's choosing the WRONG PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR
PORTFOLIO. Everything depends on that one
decision.
And hopefully, now that you know these major mistakes that
most models - you won't make those mistakes! You'll be able to
chose the right photographer for yourself, based on all this
new found information you now have!
Now, I may not be the right photographer for you. But the fact
that you're still reading this means I probably am. Because I
care about all the things I've talked about to you here.
But the only way you'll really know for sure if I am right for
you or not is to call now.
It all begins with a
Phone Call ...
During this no pressure phone call, tell
us about your goals, what you expect to get out of your
session, and have all your questions about me or my
photography answered. While this is fresh in your mind, please
call (205) 750-0222 or if you have other questions
or to schedule a complimentary interview with us today. You
will have an enjoyable experience and there's ABSOLUTELY NO
OBLIGATION!
So, To
Restate, Here's My Fantastic DOUBLE GUARANTEE:
If you are not THRILLED with your model
portfolio images - if you are dissatisfied for ANY reason at
all, I will do two things for you:
1st - At NO
CHARGE, I will photograph you again, and make sure that
anything that wasn't perfect is fixed, without you paying
another cent.
2nd - If I
am absolutely unable to thrill you - if I'm unable to create
photographs that you feel you will be proud to show, I will
refund EVERY PENNY you invested in them. You don't pay for
your portfolio photographs unless you love them beyond
expression!
If I don't end up being your
photographer, make ABSOLUTELY SURE your photographer
offers this strong of a guarantee. If they are good, they
should back up their work by taking all the risk off of you.
To call me on the phone to
chat (no cost, no obligation) about how you can have a model
portfolio created that will show you are serious about
modeling ....
NOTE: Your privacy is very
important to me and I will NEVER give your email address to
any third party. - Dale
All the risk is on me so give me a call
at 205 750-0222. No one will try to sell you anything and
there is absolutely no obligation. I'll help with any
questions you may have about modeling or my photography.
Best Wishes,
Dale Haverkampf
Dale
Haverkampf
Session time is always limited so call (205)
750-0222. And get your modeling career going.
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