Wednesday, January 28, 2015

This Girl Is On Fire! Shooting With Justin Ramsey



I'm having a hard time describing my shoot with Justin Ramsey. I guess I could say I had a metric-crapload of fun standing in front of his camera as he worked his magic. He started off quiet, but extremely personable. As the night progressed he got school-girl-level giddy and it wasn't until later that I discovered why. I've done shoots where I just didn't click with the photographer, it was awkward as hell and left me feeling gawky and graceless because I just couldn't get into it. With Justin, that couldn't have been farther from the truth.

First off, it was my first time wearing heels. Yes, I know, ridiculous, I'm a shame to womankind, blah, blah. I borrowed a pair from a friend and hoped for the best. Try as I might, those things are beastly to walk in. My brain can't wrap around how people dance in them. Justin ended up carrying me from rock to rock as we shot on top of Table Rock Mountain here in Boise Idaho. It was also my first time wearing pantyhose, if you really want in on the details. Those also suck in my humble opinion (My So-Called Life fan for lyyyyyfe)! I didn't feel completely awkward, I was wearing my prototypical black clothes. I'm usually swathed head-to-toe in black, it makes me feel good. Bright colors make me feel like I'm a bug zapper attracting every mosquito in the city. The heels made me feel a little ridiculous, but I oddly find myself wanting some of my own now.

We had zero plans for this night. We drove up the mountain hoping to catch the sunset and we caught fire instead. There was a couple up there practicing the art of Poi, or fire dancing. Justin's brain mobilized and we keenly befriended them. One of them did their dangerous looking spinning gig behind me as Justin rushed to get the settings on his equipment just right. The images turned out beautifully and they were unique. That location has been shot every way imaginable, yet, by chance, we found a way to make it different.




After departing from our new, talented friends we hit up downtown Boise for some more unplanned photography and Justin delivered again. It's photographers like this that make me love modeling. He made me feel like I was a part of the creative process, like it was a collaboration. I am hesitant to take even a smidgen of credit because I just stood there as he did all the work!










Justin and I are both artists, and true to form we both were our own harshest critics. But, I can't deny, we were a good team and created some awesome art!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

My Shoot With Elm Photography ID, and a Little Q&A About Modeling and my BOOTS!

This weekend was a busy one for me. I did three photoshoots total. I've decided to do a separate blog post for each one just to keep things organized! One of the shoots I got to do was with the lovely Edith from Elm Photography ID. I loved this shoot because I totally got to be myself. I got to wear my weird black clothes that I love ever so much, and I got to have a fun time! Edith was a pleasure to work with! She was very sweet and personable. She made me feel very comfortable and I'd LOVE to work with her again!

Many people have asked me lately why I model. Well, it's pretty simple, some girls go get their hair done, or a pedicure, or have a shopping spree. It's their little treat to themselves that makes them feel better. That's what modeling is for me. Sure, sometimes I am advertising a product or service, but usually it's just for my own personal enjoyment. I'm an artist to my core, so to me modeling is just a form of a collaboration with a fellow artist. It helps me to network and make friends who have similar goals and hobbies.

I also got a lot of inquiries about my boots. They are actually WWII gaiters that I purchased here on Ebay. I LOVE them! I wear them over black combat boots. If for some reason that link stops working because the seller runs out of stock you just have to search "Swiss leather gaiters." I always get complimented when I wear them. They're a pretty unique item!

Enough with the blabbing! Here's a few of my favorite shots. It was hard to pick, they were all so good!! Please go check out Edith's other work!

www.facebook.com/ELMPhotographyID
www.elmphotographyid.com