LAUREN FOX…puttin’ the fox in foxxy

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Is there anything Lauren Fox does not do well? I means seriously. She is an unbelievable actress of stage and screen…just ask the New York Times that have repeatedly sung her praises…for Lauren, writing screenplays is as natural and as easy as breathing …and she just walked away with this year’s Bistro Award for Best Debut Artist. Girlfrien’ has got it goin’ on!!

So when Lauren asked me to photograph her, I was like, hells yeah!! I had been wanting to work with Lauren for awhile but with both of our crazy schedules it had been a challenge to get it together. I had alot of time to think about it. And as all of you who have worked with me know, that is a good thing. I am crazy about location and clothes. So I took my sweet time putting it together.

Lauren is a bundle of gorgeous contradictions. She is stop dead in your tracks beautiful…current but classic, sexy but pure, deep but ethereal, strong yet soft. I knew I wanted to do something timeless… a kind of merchant ivory vibe, then we talked about doing something a little more no nonsense…I call that corporate angel…lastly we wanted to come back down to earth with the …I’m insanely beautiful and just rolled out of bed looking like this but I’m the coolest and sweetest person you’ll ever have the privilege of knowing vibe…I think we nailed it and I am so crazy thrilled.

Love you Lauren!! Not only are you  goddess on a mountaintop but I am so honored to have you as my friend. Go get ‘em girl!!!

for more on lovely Lauren…click here

FINDING THE ONE

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Getting new pictures can be an empowering experience. Besides your chops, its one of the most important tools in your arsenal…which make it doubly…no, triply important to have the right person behind the lense. So how do you find and choose that right person? There are a few things to be focused on when trying to find “the one”.

When looking at a photographer’s portfolio make sure there are people that fall into your demographic. If you don’t see anyone in your age range, ask the photographer if he/she has any additional images they can show you. Are there people who look like you? Shooting someone who is older, younger, lighter, darker, male or female all pose different issues…make sure “you” are represented.

Just like every actor has a brand, so does every photographer. Is his or her brand aligned with yours?  You need to find the photographer thats going to tell your story. Who gets you and is going to bring your brand to life. If you are Mr understated then don’t go to the photographer who’s aesthetic is edgy and visa versa. How are the subjects lit? Does the photographer shoot mostly outdoors or in the studio?

In the end it all comes down to chemistry. Do you connect with the photographer? Can you spend all day with this person? Does he or she make you feel good about yourself? Come shoot day it’s important for you to be relaxed and in your power. The last thing you need is someone who makes you feel uptight or who doesn’t inspire you. Make sure the vibe is great between you and your “chosen one”.

Finally, look at the photographers complete portfolio. Often, the best pics on someone’s site are on the first page front and center. Make sure all the work is as consistent and the photographer isn’t a one hit wonder.

Peace and Grooviness, Timothi xxoo

 

THE BARGAIN BASEMENT SHOOT

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There has been a nasty little trend surfacing in the photo industry over the past few years. It’s called the bargain basement photo shoot and me and my compadres are not too jazzed about it. It slowly began rearing its ugly head ( yes, you can take that literally ) when all of us professional shooters began moving over to a digital format. Anybody and their mother could now buy a digital camera and call themselves a pro…and thats exactly what many did. We call them bottom feeders.

You know the type of pics I’m talking about. Everyone’s in the same pretty pastels or boring ass button down and its cropped real tight. You’re probably in the “photographers” apt standing by the window or against a brick wall. The picture says nothing about you. That’s because its not supposed to. It’s focus is on being nice and attractive but nothing else. Which will get you where? that’s right, in the recycle bin.

Gone are the days of having to know the many types of film stock, how to load a camera, printing proofs and prints in a darkroom…just throw in a card, fire her up and wam bam thank ya ma’m. Even a monkey could do it…right? Nope. Along with having a natural born calling, it takes years to really hone your craft. To understand light, color and composition. It takes trial and error. Photography is a muscle and it take time to build.

There are alot of people out there that are doing crazy stuff like charging $99 bucks for a full shoot pus retouches or even more crazy times…the infamous charging by the click. My advice to you when you see these prices is run in the other direction. Quality shoots take thought and time. they also take an assistant or two. There is no point in getting subpar pics just to be told you need new ones. One third of my business is just that. So it pays to get it done right the first time.

What are the signs of a bottom feeder?

* the images all look the same and are poorly lit

* there will be no meeting before the actual shoot

* you will be told to bring solid colors, no black or white.

* numerous retouches will be included. Great retouching takes time and is a specialty unto itself. Any professional is too busy to take this on. Big ol’ red flag.

* the price tag is less than your monthly electric bill.

So bite the bullet and put your money where your mouth is. Your business is competitive. Your calling card should be as slammin’ as it can be…

thats why it called “show” business…people are only interested in one thing darlin’…whatcha got!

Peace and Grooviness, Timothi xo