The Saturday Evening Post covers that  were popularized by the iconic artist Norman Rockwell featured all American ideals and values without having to stoop to such low tactics as making a mockery out of  breast feeding a baby.  The cover tried to capture a true Norman Rockwell moment and might have succeeded if the child in the image was a baby instead of a little boy.    As a photographer, I work very hard to abide by all current laws especially the ones that pertain to underage models and I do not appreciate the fact that  Time Magazine was allowed to print this cover with such a blatant disregard for any child exploitation laws.  This image will haunt that little boy for years just so Time Magazine could sell some magazines.  If Playboy Magazine had run such a cover they would have been shut down and criticized harshly so I am very perplexed as to why Time Magazine got a free pass.  Laws are laws and unless the laws are changed then all magazines and publishers should be scrutinized under the same laws equally.

If Time Magazine is not thoroughly condemned  for this cover then the door may be thrown wide open for even more outrageous covers and more child exploitation cases.  The “Got Milk” campaign may have just got their new poster boy!

Real talent that sustains itself over time comes from passion, dedication and hard work.  Some  “Big Breaks” do eventually come to some individuals but the timing of the  breaks is crucial and a combination of strength and a healthy balance of your foundation is essential to sustaining your success.  Knowing how to deal with notoriety and fame is just as important as the talent that landed you there.  Unfortunately, in the world of Reality TV, there are very few second chances and the bottom can fall out just as fast as your “bottom line”.  It pains me to see people lined up for blocks just to try to get their shot on a reality show because only a few will be chosen and a lot of real talent will be missed or discarded.  Most people have some sort of a marketable talent and some people were born with  exceptional talent skills but the development, success and longevity of your talent is directly related to the amount of time, dedication and marketing that you are willing to spend to develop and sell your talent.  Andrew Wilson Studios prides itself in helping new talent to achieve their goals by providing award winning photography, professional coaching and key marketing materials that are necessary to achieve success and to sell your talent.

Always approach every opportunity with the thought that this might be your day to shine ….so don’t let your star or your talent fade away!

The Film Noir photographic style is available  for all age groups, individuals and even couples.  We can incorporate many attitudes including drama, romance and mystery into our Film Noir shoots but our ultimate goal is to create a timeless look for you. The Film Noir look, like most of our shoots, evolves from a consultation session  where we carefully design your shoot to match your expectations.  It is during that planning consultation session that we discuss your wardrobe, makeup, locations, and your expectations for the final result.  Film Noir is an era specific style so we usually try to suggest that you incorporate some unique period costuming to achieve your ultimate desired look.  Some of our most recent Film Noir shoots have been much more simplistic and featured a more modern wardrobe approach with a dramatic lighted background. I actually like both concepts because one of them incorporates the original purity of the Film Noir era and the other establishes a more contemporary style that makes the effect more editorial.  The choice of styles that we ultimately shoot usually depends on where the final prints will hang or be placed in your home because the images needs to follow the flow of your surrounding wall space decor.

The Film Noir look actually has no boundaries so it is really up to our client as to which direction the shoot will travel.  One of our latest concepts is to incorporate a “story board” approach to a shoot so that we can either  film your shoot as an actual video or shoot stills that can later be transformed into a dynamic slide show video. This concept is very creative and captures the true essence of the original Film Noir era.  The goal of our “story board” shoots is to provide you with a Film Noir style video, a slide show video presentation or a permanently bound book that will express both your look and inner thoughts in a completed story format.  This is a great way for us to be able to collaborate with our clients to create more than just an image!

Your stories never end and neither does our imagination……

Did you notice that I used the word “business” twice in the previous sentence?  Modeling is a business that comes with the responsibility of being reliable and professional.  Too many people get caught up in the glamorous part of the business and overlook the fact that modeling is more than just a game with very competitive adversaries.   This means that it is up to each model to make the rounds, stay in shape and to be at the top of their game when the opportunity happens.    If you are ready for the challenge of operating and managing your modeling career as a business, then you are ready to become a model.

All model or talent agencies have certain niche clients and are either fashion or commercial based.  The first step that you need to do is to fairly evaluate yourself to determine which type of model niche best fits you based on your qualifications and realistic goals.  Fashion Agencies such as Click Models of Atlanta focuses on women, men, plus size, runway, showroom, FIT, and television commercials.  Teen and adult fashion models may have to meet certain height and weight requirements to be considered for high fashion work.   Commercial Agencies such as Atlanta Models & Talent provides professional talent for the film, video, commercial and television industries as well as the voice-over, new media, print and trade show markets.   Both of these agencies desire models that are professional and have a strong work ethic.   After you have analyzed your direction and qualifications, it is time to take the next step in achieving your goal of becoming “The Next Glamour Model”.

The biggest myth in the modeling business is that you need a portfolio before you can become a model.  The reality is that you will only need a professional headshot and/or a composite from pro photographers like Andrew Wilson Studios to get started!  A portfolio by definition is a flat case that represents your most creative work.  Since you are just starting, you probably have not even created your most impressive image yet, so don’t sweat it now.  A model will ultimately need a portfolio to showcase their best images and tear sheets but it is not required or expected when you are just beginning.   A small 5.5×8 printed composite featuring your name, stats and a variety of 3 – 5 quality images or an 8×10 copy of your best headshot (with your name on it) are preferable when contacting an agent.   Beware of companies (or “agencies”) that have their “own photographer” and that want to charge you to shoot a “portfolio”.   These pictures will probably be substandard and will not get you to the next level.

The other myth is that you need training from a “model school” to be a model.  When you shoot with top photographers and makeup artists, you will learn almost everything that you need from them.  Professional Fashion and Commercial Photographers like Andrew Wilson Studios know how to pose and work with models of all experience levels so it is to your advantage to shoot and learn from them. The only formal training that Andrew Wilson Studios suggests is the Alliance Theatre Acting Program which is taught by working professionals for stage, film, and television acting.

There are a number of “online agencies” and online model sites that you can showcase your images but be prepared to do an extensive amount of screening before you accept any shoots or job offers.  Unfortunately not all of the “photographers” on those sites are reputable and the images that you post on those sites may end up on other sites.  There are ways to prevent this from happening and we can help you with the steps and procedures to do this.   Do not reveal any of your personal contact information on any of these sites and please communicate by email only!

Always take an escort when meeting with or shooting with an unknown photographer.

Do not sell yourself short….and do not expect the impossible unless you are prepared to make it happen!

Many local actors, businesses and individuals are benefiting greatly by the rush of many Hollywood movie studios to film in Georgia. People of all ages are being hired for principal, supporting, “stand in” and as extras for every motion picture so this presents a great opportunity for you to showcase your talent…… and to get paid! Some Atlanta actors are now getting their “Big Break” and are discovering the importance of a good Headshot, Resume or Composites to enhance their movie career. Andrew Wilson Studios has had the unique opportunity to work with many Atlanta actors to help them to get noticed by creating photographs that catch the eye of discriminating casting directors. Remember, when you audition for a movie role, it will be up to your marketing presentation, resume, and individual talent to get you to the next level!

Talent agents such as Atlanta Models & Talent can also be a potentially great way to stay in touch with the movie industry because many film companies and casting directors rely heavily on their recommendations and talent. Andrew Wilson Studios strongly suggests that you prepare yourself ahead of time by taking professional on-camera acting lessons, work on your resume, have professional headshots taken and have copies of both available before you meet with a casting director or talent agent. When you are prepared to read for an on-camera audition, have professional headshots to hand out so that you will prevent the chance from being lost in the shuffle and will save yourself and the agent some valuable time. You need to look and act very professional because your competition is serious and your first impression with an agent is very important!

Working with on a major motion picture is a great way to supplement your income and maybe even launch a new career! We wish you much success!

Unfortunately, there are a number of hobbyist “shooters” that rely almost exclusively on their camera and software to obtain an image but most of them do not have a clue as to how to light or enhance a subject. Photography can be a fantastic hobby but professional photography is a craft that you learn and perfect over time. Some photographers go to schools to learn camera operation, visual design and lighting techniques that can separate them from the hobbyist “shooter”. Others learn from experience by studying the masters, and by constantly learning through practice. It is the many years of experience and the constant love of the craft that separates Andrew Wilson Studios from the rest of the competition. We strive to learn, educate and impress our clients with some of the finest, most up-to-date imagery and photographic techniques available.

Andrew Wilson Studios appreciates the variety and quality of other photographer’s work as well as the healthy competition that comes with the photography business. When you are deciding on a photographer, keep in mind these three tips. First, find the photographer that can best achieve your objective within your budget. Second, research the photographer to verify that the work that they show is actually their work. Finally, hire a photographer that meets your budget and maybe even avoiding the lowest or the most expensive rates because some of those photographers do not rely on referral business and may not be able to deliver the satisfaction and quality that you are expecting. Our goal at Andrew Wilson Studios is to listen to your needs, work within your budget, and deliver the quality photographic imagery that you expect!

When you decide to update your headshot and marketing material it is important that you do your homework to find the right photographer and then have a solid marketing plan in mind before you schedule your shoot. Headshots and lifestyle photos should be a key ingredient in your marketing campaign as long as the images reflect your personality, fit seamlessly into your marketing plan and look very professional. Headshots and lifestyle photos are like hairstyles because they can make you look very good if they are done right but they can make you look very bad if they are not photographed correctly. It is a bad idea to sabotage your marketing material with images that are not photographed well or that do not make you look your very best. Try to avoid cell phone and snap shot photos from your marketing material because prospective clients will view them as very unprofessional and may not take you seriously. The first meeting that you have with your client is very important so make it as meaningful as possible and take advantage of every opportunity that you might have to make a positive impression.

I hope that in some way the suggestions that I have shared might be able to help you in your marketing program. The success of your marketing program is due to a variety of factors but we hope that the photography of Andrew Wilson Studios can be a key part of you overall marketing strategy, photographic imagery and your success!

Check out our new blog site at http://thenextglamourmodel.com

“The Next Glamour Model”  is  devoted to promoting Glamour Modeling and Glamour Photography.  Please let me know if you would like to be featured on this site…… Any model that I photograph is eligible!

Executive Portraiture has gone way beyond the standard poses and light setups of the past and has finally become more creative and editorial. The new direction of  Executive Portraiture combines the lighting skills of our Professional Commercial Photography, with the unconventional posing ideas of our High Fashion Model Photography and is wrapped up with the artistry of our Fine Art Photography.