B In The Zone

Just B...Confident

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:37:00 EST

So I'm sitting at a model casting call now and as usual, this is always a sight to behold. This is also reminding me of the social profiles I come across online. Man, I don't even know where to begin but for the sake of this post I will try.

Sometimes I wish I could interview some of the young ladies that I see at these castings. I wish I could ask them, "What were you thinking about when you got dressed this morning and put on your makeup?" It's not that they look terrible. Actually they look very nice...just dressed for the wrong occasion. For example, why would you wear a flowing ankle length dress to a casting call for swimsuit/glamour models? Naturally, you are there to display your body. And to make matters worse, you didn't wear a swimsuit under your dress or even bring one to change into. *smh* That's not good ma'am. Here's another one. Why would you wear 2 pounds of makeup on your face to a casting call for a cosmetics line? See what I'm getting at? You have to dress for the job you want to get or at least come prepared to look the part. If you're not sure how you should dress, ask. Look for an email or phone number from a contact person involved with the casting. Be informed before you embarrass yourself.

THE most important thing you should take with you to a casting (and everywhere else for that matter) is confidence. Without this, it doesn't matter how you look if you don't carry yourself like a person of purpose. Now, I know we all have things we might be self-conscious about but having a general overall confidence about yourself is priceless...literally. I can't stress this enough.I will be completely honest with you, it was a long while before I gained confidence about myself. True indeed my mother always told me I was beautiful but I had to see it for myself. I used to be shy and extremely quiet, not a social butterfly at all. It wasn't until I reached my early twenties that I realized how unique everyone really was. That's when I embraced my individualism. I believe in God and believe that He made me exactly the way I am for a reason. There is and has been only one "me" and there will NEVER be another "me". EVER. There may be a lot of people like me but there will never be a duplicate. This is my truth and this is what I remind myself everyday. This is what makes me beautiful. The same applies to you!

So the next time you attend a model casting, hold your head high and be confident in who you are and what you are capable of doing. Don't let anything or anybody distract you from the very purpose you are there. Always present yourself in a professional manner and have a pleasant attitude. ;-)

Now, about the lovely ladies on online. Everyday I see girls on Twitter, Myspace and Facebook claiming to be the "baddest in the game", "your favorite model's favorite model" or something to that effect. See, when you make a statement like that the natural response from someone who sees that is, "Oh, I bet she ain't all that!" Then they click on your profile to see your pictures. Now, before they even see what you look like you've already tainted their perception of you. They are ready to find all kinds of faults and negatives about you simply because of what you said. True, you might be "drop dead gorgeous" but arrogance is a natural turnoff. Period. Nobody likes an arrogant person. The reality is, if you are really all that you claim to be, you don"t have to say it. Your work should speak for itself and believe me, people are looking at your work.

By no means is this post intended to offend or attack anyone. Because of the nature of my work, I'm privy to a lot of conversations with other industry professionals and the vote is unanimous: most aspiring models are naive, rude and extremely unprofessional. The good news is that is doesn't have to STAY that way. You can change how people view you. Yes, celebrities like Jay Z or P. Diddy may boast about what they do or how good they are at their craft but its for entertainment purposes. What works in the entertainment industry may not necessarily work in the modeling industry. Entertainers entertain. Models model. Ever heard the saying, "Shut up and model."? Lol! Unfortunately, there is some truth to that. A model's job is not to be excessively vocal about their skills. Their job is to simply model whatever it is they were hired to model. I'm not saying bragging and boasting will stop you from getting jobs (although in some cases it does) but your skills is what will get you jobs, not the proclamation of your skills. I hate to sound harsh but I am speaking the truth. Let your pictures and abilities do the talking. What you do will always speak louder than anything you will ever say.

This was tough love but it's love all the same. I am very aware that most of my readers are aspiring models and I want you all to know what is being said about you and how you are being viewed. Like I stated before, I want to reach out and help whoever I can...even if it's thru the pages of my blog.

Much love and success,

B.

Just B...Understanding

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:37:00 EST

I meet all kinds of people everyday and I must admit...that's one of the perks of my job. Models, entertainers, makeup artists, music producers, graphic artists, school teachers, waitresses, bus drivers, bar tenders, etc. Each person from a different walk of life and totally unique experiences. My mama always told me and my sister, "Never judge someone by appearances. You never know what that person has experienced or what they have to go home to." I didn't have a full understanding of that as a child but now that I'm older, I comprehend exactly. Thank you mama for that life lesson!

What's the point I'm getting to? Well, every now and then I am graced with the presence of "divas" and "divos". Let me paint the picture for you. Ok, let's say I have a 2PM appointment on a Saturday afternoon. Normally, I'm hyped about doing makeup and shooting a new person. It's refreshing meeting new people and hearing about what's going on with them. It takes my attention off everything in my life and allows me to get into someone else. Honestly, sometimes my experiences aren't always so pleasant. For the sake of this story, let's call this particular client, "Sally". "Sally" comes to The Studio Concept for a photo shoot. First of all, she arrives late. I'm talking 2:30 late. You know, the kind of late when you don't know if the person is coming or not because they didn't call. Strike 1. That is a NEGATIVE. Not just at The Studio Concept but anywhere you go. (Side note: If you make any kind of business appointment and all parties involved have agreed to meet at a certain time, it is understood that not only will everyone be on time but that the said time was convenient for everyone. Sooooo....why are YOU late if there was no emergency besides the fact that you got stuck in traffic? If you live in a large metropolis, you should've already factored in traffic. Am I right? Don't shout me down 'cuz I'm preaching good!)

"Sally" is late for her photo session. Ok, I can get over that because I do understand that "life" happens. I remember that "Sally" booked a 1 look photo session but she brought her entire closet, every pair of shoes she owns and a nasty attitude. The clothes and shoes are expected. I know as a female we want to make sure we are prepared, right ladies? What I can 't understand is the attitude. For the Love of Ray J....WHY??? This is suppose to be a fun experience! So, after I wait for "Sally" to finish her phone conversation (oh, I forgot to tell you she came thru the door on her cell phone), I notice that she is carrying a McDonald's bag in one hand. OH JOY! So, not only is she late and rude but she is also hungry. That means she didn't get a chance to eat so now she expects me to do her makeup while she wolfs down her Big Mac combo. Strike 2.

"Sally" finally ends the call with her boyfriend (who else did you think she was talking to?), looks at me and asks, "Do you know how long this is gonna take because I have somewhere to be when I leave here. Just wanna make sure I have enough time but I don't wanna rush my shoot." (I see a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!) Strike 3.

I smile and reply, 'Hi, Sally! My name is B. Breezy. I will be your makeup artist as well as your photographer. Just let me know what time you need to leave and I will make sure we optimize your time while you're here." (*Pause* For those of you who might be confused by my response, let me explain something. "Sally" has already set the tone for her photo session. I can do one of two things: (1) be totally unprofessional and unleash "the beast" OR (2) take control of the situation and give her the "studio" experience she expected at the time she booked her session. I opted for the latter. Why? Well, as a business woman I can't underestimate "Sally". She might be the "mouthpiece" that brings in more business, feel me? I don't know who she knows or who she might tell about her experience at The Studio Concept. If I can help it, I will protect and save the reputation of my business.)

So she tells me she needs to leave by 5PM. Cool. That's feasible. We can do that. I politely ask her to give me an idea of what she wants to wear and what she had in mind for today's photo session. Immediately, her face lights up as she digs thru her suitcases, shoe boxes and bags of accessories. The tone changes. NOW, she and I are concentrated on her wardrobe. She explains how she wants to wear "something like Beyonce did in her video". Let's do it!

Ok, we have wardrobe decided. Now, for makeup. "Sally" takes a seat and looks nervously at the makeup spread out on the table beside her. She says, "You can do whatever you want on my face but I don't want any greens or purples on my eyes. It makes me look old." (Oh, how I love when clients come in and tell me how to do my job! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside!!!) I want "Sally" to have a nice experience. No green or purple eyeshadow. Besides, there are plenty of other colors to choose from. And the magic happens. As I start on her makeup, I casually ask her about what she does and if modeling is something she's interested in. The heavens open up and "Sally" begins to sing like a bird. She tells me that she is 22 and in school for nursing. It's really hard for her because she's a single mom with no family here in Atlanta. She has a 2 year old that decided shortly before her photo session that he didn't want mommy to leave. This explains the conversation with the boyfriend. He was calling her for advice on how to make the little boy stop crying. I also learned that her mother is against her decision to pursue modeling so "Sally" is dealing with the stress of disappointing her mother. Her mother thinks modeling is a waste of time and that "Sally" should do something "real" with her life.

Makeup is finished! Time to get in front of the camera. "Sally" looks in the mirror and gushes about her makeup. (That is always a good feeling!) I notice that she is taking her time getting dressed almost like she's apprehensive about something. She's fussing with her clothes even though she looks fine. Finally, she approaches the set and asks me, "How do I look?" With a big smile and a dramatic nod of approval I say, "You look YUMMY! You ready, beautiful?" She giggles and walks nervously to the spot I point out to her. I take a couple of test shots to make sure my lighting is perfect. Once I'm satisfied, I give her a couple of tips to keep in mind while she is posing and she nods in agreement as she takes in my every word. Lights, camera, ACTION! She starts posing and I can tell she is nervous. I'm not surprised. In fact, I expected it. I pause and give her some words of encouragement and affirmation. She starts posing again...this time with more confidence. With each pose I see the progression and transformation from "Sally" to "the inner supermodel". Now, we are getting somewhere.

The shoot goes great and I'm actually excited about retouching her photos. By this time, her face is flushed with excitement and she can't stop talking about how much fun she had. I feel a sense of accomplishment! As she's packing, I explain to her the The Studio Concept's process on how she will get her pictures. (This is also the part where I take care of any balances due. I love my job but-er-ummm...gotta get my money!) She is on a natural high! She calls her boyfriend to check on her son and to her relief, she learns that he is no longer crying but is now fast asleep. She's grinning from ear to ear as she tells her boyfriend about her shoot. I can't really hear what he is saying but it seems like he is happy for her and wants to see the pictures. She hugs me and thanks me again before she leaves.

Later that night, I send her the proofs from her session. This is the reply email she sends me:

OMG!!! I love the pictures!!! Thank you so much!!! That was my first photo shoot. I didn't think I did good at all because I was so nervous. Thank you for helping me. You were right, I was over-thinking my poses instead of just doing them. I'm having a hard time choosing the ones I want retouched. How much does it cost for extra retouches? I'm sorry for going on and on. Lol! Thank you so much Breezy! I can't wait til you finish them!!!

Her boyfriend calls me the next day. Guess what? He wants to schedule a shoot because he needs pictures for his next music project. My phone rings an hour later. It's "Sally's" aunt. She has a modeling agency and she's been looking for a photographer. Guess who she wants to work with?

Now THAT was worth me keeping "the beast" caged and just keeping it Breezy. Remember this next time you have a similar experience...you never know what people are going thru or what they have to go home to. You might be the "breath of fresh air" they need that day. Let'em breathe deeply.

Much love,

B.

Just...B

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:37:00 EST

WELCOME TO MY CORNER!!! This is my private space to come and share my personal thoughts with you. My first message from my corner is sheer appreciation and gratitude to YOU! Ooooohhhh, I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported me thru my modeling and photographic career. *shoutin'* THANK YOU!!! Some of yall remember me from when I first started...and you're still cheering me on. You have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. From Myspace (my first love!) to Facebook and now Twitter, I have received so many warm wishes and positive messages; some I must admit have moved me to tears. It is truly a blessing to be able to do what I LOVE but to have those watching me appreciate what I do....words can't even begin to express how that feels.

It is always nice to receive encouragement from those around you. Sometimes you need it to help keep you going in the midst of challenges and setbacks. I feed on positive energy! That's why I purpose to return the favor because I never know if someone else might need to hear the right words from me; the very words that resonate in their soul and breathe life into what appears to be a dying dream. Some of ya'll have done just that for me and I thank you. I will never forget you. I even saved a couple of messages to read every now and then when I need some extra UMPH. Hehehe!

Again welcome to my corner! I will warn you in advance, there is no rhyme or reason on this section of the blog. Lol! It's gonna be totally random and all over the place but you are more than welcome to join me. Leave comments if you like but please keep it clean, ok? My mama might read this! LMAO!!! Anyhoo, I wanna share my heart with you like you have with me. Here is where I can Just B.

Much love, success and LOTS OF MONEY, B.