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Press
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Here’s that interview that I did with ReelModels that I said I would post when it went live. A great new blog that is taking the modeling industry to new levels. Click on the ReelModels link to read the full indepth interview. I really enjoyed doing this interview, and sharing some of my thoughts and stories about my experience in working with models, and insights into the modeling and acting world. A few months ago I shot a demo reel for a model, Anna Knight, and the editor of ReelModels found my reel and feel in love with it. I agree with him, there seems to be something missing in the modeling & talent world today, maybe agencies have over looked the potential of reels for their clients & talent. Over the years as a business owner, I sometimes come across ideas that take off like a rocket, this is another one of those ideas that the talent and modeling industry needs to rethink. This is a new trend that will catch on soon, fasten your seatbelts and get your portfolio up to date!
Seaside Photographers Workshop a Success!
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After several months of preparation, and lots of hard work from an amazing team, the Seaside Photographers Fashion Workshop came off with great success. We had a crew of 17 that included 4 amazing models. The 2 day workshop included a extra half day of shooting, and some amazing “boxed lunches” by Seaside’s fabulous catering crew. The management team at Seaside even complimented us of being the best most professional crew they have ever worked with. (that’s huge considering they work with movie crews and photographers on a month basis.) I’d love to post some of the images from the shoot, but the publishers want those kept top secret until it goes to press in May. I’m happy to show a few of the behind the scenes snapshots and will post more once the magazine is released in May 2010.
Did you know that Seaside was selected by Conde Naste Magazine as one of the Top 12 Destinations in the World?
Our next workshop location: To be announced.
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Last year I was happily surprised to see one of my Model Reels featured on a new blog for models and talent. This is a pretty major blog that is turning some heads in the modeling industry. If you follow this link and scroll down to the June 23rd, 2010 post, you can read about the new trends in the modeling industry, model reels, which happens to feature my reel on Anna Knight. Heres the blog for reelmodels.com featuring Anna’s reel
I stay pretty busy shooting headshots for actors, models and businesses. One of the things I encourage people to do is get a really really good photographer to help them create a very diverse portfolio. So many models have really poor quality headshots, they don’t realize how much that hurts them when getting selected for jobs. I know there are a lot of photographers out there, but only a very small select group of professional photographers know what they are doing. Some have a very outdated style. You want fresh, current photography using the best professional cameras and lenses available. In some markets there may only be one or two photographers that are any good and specialize in professional headshots, so be very selective, and plan on spending some time & dough on your shoot for your portfolio.
Last month I was in charge of selecting models for a major fashion spread, I went through dozens & dozens of models comp cards from several agencies, I immediately eliminated the ones with poor photos, they lacked the professionalism that I knew would be needed for the shoot. I was amazed how poor the average model’s portfolio images were.
You want a great closeup image, I mean very close, and you want it to show as much detail as possible. Your images need to be very sharp and clear. Limit showing artistic images that hide you behind a mask of makeup. Next you want some great medium images, show all angles, your body shape, and your back. Finally you want some full length images. You also want both fun images, and serious modeling images. You want to make sure you show both studio fashion images and natural lifestyle images, both with full makeup and some with less makeup.
Earlier this year I attended a gathering of film industry professionals who had come to hear a successful casting agency talk about the industry and tips for success in landing roles. The number one thing the agency suggested was to get current, professional headshots from a really good photographer. They said too many actors and models have outdated portfolios, and that seriously hurts the chance of landing a good role or job. I happened to be the only still photographer in the audience, and was called upon as a contact for a professional photographer who specializes in portfolio photography.
I’m also excited about a recent interview I did with Model Reels last month. The interview will be published in the coming months, so I’ll keep you posted on it’s debut. It’s a pretty detailed interview, so you should be able to get some ideas about the future of modeling from the article.
Capture Memphis – Landmarks & Architecture
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Michael Allen Photography:
This year several of my photographs were published in a book featuring the best photographs of Memphis. The book is available at bookstores like Barnes & Noble, Davis Kidd and Borders. I was also honored to have several of my photographs published in the very first Capture Memphis book in 2009. This month the Capture Memphis blog is featuring some of the best photographs of Memphis Architecture. The blog goes through thousands of photo submissions and features the photos that stand out as the best. Visit Capture Memphis/showcases to see some amazing photographs and one of my favorite submissions of Central Station in the Downtown Arts District on South Main.
Here is a capture of the page from the Capture Memphis Blog. Photo by Michael Allen
Ginny Owens – Say Amen Project
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In early 2008 I had the honor of meeting and photographing grammy award winning singer songwriter, Ginny Owens at The Grove studios in Memphis. She came to Memphis to help a young patient at St Jude Childrens Hospital. Ronell Ragbir came to Memphis to fight her disease, and had mentioned to someone that her life’s dream was to write a song and record it. Through several connections at Hope Church, her dreams became a reality. Little did Ronell know at the time, but Ginny was told of her dream, and surprised her with a visit to the studio. Together they bonded and began writing and recording. Ginny later came back to Memphis and played a concert with Ronell at her church in Southhaven, Mississippi. Ronell eventually lost her battle with cancer, but she inspired hundreds of other patients and friends with her amazing strength. Ginny later came back to Memphis to record a new album, Say Amen. She reproduced the song Say Amen, which Ronell had helped her pen, and included it in the new album. Since then I’ve photographed Ginny several times, and had one of her images included in a book called Capture Memphis, featuring photographs from accomplished photographers who live in Memphis. She also uses some of the photos for her concerts and publicity. Be sure to buy Ginny’s album and remember the story of her love and compassion for this young woman.
Photo by Michael Allen
Bruce Carroll & The Hymns Project
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The Hymns Project is an internationally released music cd released with a live performance DVD produced by Bruce Koblish. Featuring 11 time grammy award winning songwriter Bruce Carroll, the project takes some of the most well know hymns of our time set to a new modern worship style developed to inspire others around the globe. I was brought into the project to shoot stills of the live performance which are featured in the DVD package. I’ve been shooting concerts and musicians for years, and love to offer my personal, upclose photography style that helps capture the essence of a project like this.
Photo by Michael Allen
The new press blog launch!
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One of my new years resolutions for 2011 was to expand my press blog. I needed a professional industry blog that showcased my model & talent portfolios. I’ve had a personal style photography blog for the past 3-4 years, but this calls for something different. Over the years I’ve photographed some pretty amazing people and various subjects, from musicians, to actors, models, architecture, interior design, food, & products. I hope you enjoy my new blog, and check back as I add new stories, information and photographs! I will even go back and pull a few older features than I think you will enjoy seeing.