Monday, April 23, 2012

FRESH NEW FACES....

When I work with industry insiders such as models, agents, stylist, makeup artist, casting directors, and other photographers, i sit down with them and ask lots of questions. Within the five years i have lived in new york, I have learned ALOT! Every year I have shared my knowledge and talents to help a few aspiring models move toward successful career. I work with these guys without my hand out and no expectation of payment - Some people think I am foolish for not becoming a mother agent or manager and cash-in on their modeling success. Sometimes I feel I am foolish for not doing so.  I have helped many people because I am able to...because I can. I just wanna see people excel in life and if my work can contribute to their lives in a positive way.... that's payment enough for me. I'm just happy to know that my images help make a difference in other people's lives. :)

these are the fellas i worked with recently signed with top agencies....

SHANNON WALLACE @ Wilhelmina NYC


I have worked with Shannon since 2009 when he was a pimple-faced  "regular" guy in red basket-ball shorts. I watched him transform into one of the most dynamic dudes to step in front of my lens. He developed style, cleared the skin up, and tighten up that 6'3 frame of his. He was a basketball player now he's a actor and model. Before he signed with Wilhemina, he worked with many amazing photographers, booked fashion shows during fashion week, and done countless magazine editorials including being a regular model featured in Cosmopolitan magazine. Shannon has also snagged a few campaigns that have appeared on the side of buses.....all this without agency representation. On the acting side Shannon has been the  man-hoe in a few music videos and  starred in a few independant films. check out one of his acting skits below and follow his youtube channel (he's funny as shit)...


TYHEEM CHRISTOPHER LITTLE @ Re:Quest Model Mgmt.


Tyheem's cousin, choreographer/ actor Anthony Burrell, introduced me to him. As soon as I opened my front door  and saw his big eyes, lanky frame, and infectious smile, i knew he had potential to be a working model. I spent a year and half working with him and prepping him for the fashion industry. I watched him develop his body and modeling performance in front of the camera while teaching him how to book modeling jobs without agency representation. Last fashion week, Tyheem booked 5 fashion shows without agency representation as well as landing options for major campaigns like Converse. He also appeared in a 16 page spread in FLAUNT magazine.  I encorage all the guys to be independant and do things for themselves and its exciting to watch someone like Tyheem do things on his own.

BRANDON WILLIAMS @ Major Model Mgmt.


After becoming one of the 5 finalist in the Sean John Model Search, Brandon reached out to me. Being a fellow southerner  (from Virgina) who is finishing up a degree at Morehouse College,  we instantly bonded. After his failed attempts at getting agency representation  through a few mother agencies, Brandon followed my advice and managed to attract the attention of Major Model Mgmt. I was really excited for him when  modeling agent Tom Winslow contacted me to do a test shoot for this "amazing new boy" they just signed and it was Brandon. 

BRENDAN WASHINGTON @ Q Models NYC


I met Brendan when he first moved to NYC after he finished college at Clark Atlanta. He was a very nice guy that I was drawn to because of his odd looks. I was also very impressed with his hustle.... he was booking fashion shows, networking with really good photographers, and he even snagged a 16 page editorial in FLAUNT magazine without agency representation. You gotta respect real grind like his. He's worked very hard and I'm excited to see where Q models take his career. check out his entertainment blog - www.thastarvingartists.com.

PAST GUYS TAKEN UNDER MY WINGS.....


 


BRANDON PARKER @ FORD - ANDRE DOUGLAS  @ WILHEMINA NYC - CHRIS CLARK CATES @ VNY - BRIAN PETERS @ FORD





DURAN BUNCH @ WILHEMINA NYC - LAURENCE MCCRAE @ NEXT NYC - RUMANDO KELLY @ CESD - GENE GRADY @ MAJOR NYC

CHECK OUT PREVIOUS  BLOG  POST TO READ ABOUT OTHER MODELS I HAVE WORKED WITH WHO HAVE MOVED ON TOWARD SUCCESSFUL MODELING CAREERS -


I am just happy that my images and advice have helped steer their modeling careers in the direction they want to go. I will continue to help those who i believe in their "look" and  I see potential in having success in this industry. In the coming weeks I will do individual blog post on the guys and elaborate on how they made it without representation and the things they had to do when preparing to get representation. I will also feature more developing new talent who are unsigned and seeking agency representation, so look out for more new faces coming your way...soon.

3 comments:

  1. You have been an inspiration.I see alot of young black men who have potential.I want to get them to notice how the modeling works but I myself do not have a lot of experience behind the lens.I appreciate your images and your notice of how to make these men see their qualities.Hope to work with you some day whether it is bringing you modela or assisting you in the process of creating stars.I have that "eye"....From the M-Town....Peace.

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  2. That's amazing! I love your work and I think it's great that you enjoy helping people and not manipulating them, unlike many other people in the entertainment industry.

    Bless.
    J.R. Yussuf

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