Photographic Artist Paul Granese

In this interview I would like to welcome Partner/Co-founder of BSP “Boston Studio Photography” Paul Granese. A brilliant and awesome person that puts a huge amount of efforts to deliver quality work, yet he keeps quiet and don't bring too much attention to himself. It’s noticeable to everyone, how Paul could put an event together to make a successful outcome and to bring joy, and yet with his management skills he keeps all groups organized and maximizes the use of their skills while making sure that each and every individual is getting the recommendation that they deserve.

Enjoy the interview and don't forget to leave a comment.

Hi Paul,

Q. Tell us a little bit about you, and how did you start with Photography?

A. In the darkroom! I started in B&W as a teen and spent a lot of time in the darkroom. I had photos placed in the local newspaper, mostly scenery around town and local events. I studied photography courses in High School and College again with a primary focus on black and white. I studied the Zone System by Ansel Adams and made that a college project. I have not stopped shooting since then.

Q. How long did you live in Boston, and Where is home?

A. My home is west of Boston. I have lived in the Boston area most of my life except for a 5 year stint in California. Today I still live here but I travel very frequently and spend about 1/3 of my time in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Q. If you don't live in Boston what other place would you chose?

A. Sometimes I think Los Angeles, other times I just want to escape to Belize or DR

Q. When did you buy your first camera and what brand was it?

A. A long time ago and it was a Mamiya.

Q. Do you remember your first picture?

A. No!

Q. Do you consider photography as a hobby or a way of living?

A. It is a way of living but that is not to say that photography is my sole source of income.

Q. What is your specialty?

A. I try to create art rather than create photos. I want the photo to be an expression of who the model is and who I am at the same time. You have this collaboration between two people, a digital device and specialty software and the resultant synergy of those can sometimes be spectacular.

Q. What is your favorite subject to shoot?

A. I shot landscapes and architecture for many years and about 5 years ago started to focus more on people. Portraits and fashion. People, either in a posed setting, or in their life, is now the most interesting subject for me and where I have spent the bulk of my time in the past 5 years.

Q. How many events do you average per year?

A. At BSP West we hold group shoots almost monthly and the coordination and time put into that is significant. Other than that I have attended Photoshop World last year and will be going to the After Dark workshop in May., I also have benefited by having both Brooke Shaden and Bobbi Lane hold workshops at BSP West so by default I attended.

Q. What inspire you to carry the camera and start shooting?

A. I was an artists as a kid, always drawing and painting. Then I discovered the camera and started shooting and was excited by the possibilities of creating art with this new tool.

Q. When you are shooting an event or a portrait session do you like to run the show or do you follow your Clint's directions?

A. I found most clients are looking for direction...they are paying me to supply the creative element to what it is they want captured. I will work within their stated guidelines but after that it is my show.

Q. Do you have an assistant that accompanies you in the events?

A. Sometimes, it depends on the event.

Q. How do you prepare for a photo shoot at the studio?

A. I prepare well in advance. I work with the model beforehand to understand what it is she is trying to capture. Whether it is a portrait or a fashion shot I want to know what they are trying to achieve in a photo session. Then I will exchange sample photos from the web to get an idea of the areas in which we would want to go. Once we are in the studio it is simply a matter of lights, sets, angles, etc that are all just tools in the making of the final product.

Q. How do you prepare for a photo shoot in location?

A. I like to scout the area out beforehand. I look for interesting architecture or settings beyond the typical. For instance I recently did a shoot in Cabarete Beach in Dominican Republic and while the beach was beautiful I scouted around and found an open air yoga hut and a graffiti wall in the skateboard area. These shots proved to be far more interesting than simply girls in bikinis on the beach in the sand.

Q. How many images do you average per event? And how many images do you average per portrait session?

A. I take a lot of shots. I take multiples of every good shot I have lined up to find the one that really captures the model's personality. Also if the model blinks or was off in thought it loses the imagery. I want him or her focused on the camera.

Q. How many images the client gets?

A. All the good ones.

Q. Do you have a favorite photographer that his/her work inspires you?

A. Some of the contemporary ones I like are Brooke Shaden and Lindsay Adler. I think Martin Schoeller does amazing work as well.

Q. What type of cameras do you shoot with, and do you shoot digital or film?

A. I am of the Canon family. I have several cameras, some for studio, and some for travel. All digital.

Q. Which is your favorite lens, that you can't live without, and why?

A. Believe it or not it is a simple 50mm f1.8 Canon lens that is spectacular clarity and low light and costs around $100 on Amazon.

Q. Have you ever broke or lost a camera or valuable equipment?

A. I have had a camera stolen from the carryon bin in a plane.

Q. Do you ever use natural light?

A. I prefer natural light and use it 80% of the time.

Q. What do you use to edit your pictures?

A. I use Lightroom 4 to do the bulk of my image processing and then use Photoshop if I want to play deeper with layers, compositing, and special effect.

Q. Do you shoot raw?

A. It depends on the shoot.

Q. Do you prefer Windows or Mac?

A. MAC!

Q. Do you use other devices like Wacom?

A. Yes I have a Wacom medium sized tablet. I use it for fine touches in Photoshop

Q. How do you showcase your images? Do you use a laptop, iPad, tablet, or prints? And do you have a web site? Can you provide us with the link?

A. Yes. www.PaulGranesePhoto.com

Q. Can you briefly describe for the readers your photographic workflow after an event?

A. I dump all photos into my MAC using the import wizard with Lightroom. I then sort through them on a first pass to remove the obvious bad ones. I go through a second round where I begin doing color and lighting corrections. With Lightroom you can actually copy and paste these corrections from one photo to the next which I do with similar photos. Then I go through a third time being more selective and picking the best in the series that I want to produce as final shots. I will start working on removing blemishes, smoothing skin, brightening eyes, etc. Form this final list there will be some that I wish to perform more in-depth work so I will import those into Photoshop and make additional changes/improvements to.

Q. Do you make your own prints or do you outsource them?

A. I definitely outsource them. Rather than invest in the equipment and toner for prints I invest in my shooting equipment. Besides there are so many good printers available at a reasonable price.

Q. How often you update your equipment, and do you plan on buying any new equipment?

A. I am always picking up something on a regular basis. I am a junkie. Having said that I don't believe the equipment makes the photographer. But better equipment can reduce your limitations.

Q. Do you belong to any photographic organizations?

A. Yes, I belong to NAPP, the National Association of Professional Photographers.

Q. Do you have any personal photographic projects, and can you briefly describe?

A. I am planning a photo excursion to the Dominican Republic. The trip will include shooting locals, models, scenery and the life there. I am planning the trip for May of this year and it is open to any photographers that want to explore this great country with so much beauty.

Q. Anything you’re still learning?

A. I learn every day. I am constantly looking for new ways to express my creativity and to capture the person or the scene in the optimum way to create a work of art rather than a photo. I find myself getting lost in studying light and angles when I am watching a movie. Any photograph that catches my eye I study it to understand how they did it. I continuously take online training courses and go to seminars to learn more. I feel if you stop learning and growing then you dead end your creativity.

Q. Last subject, tell us a little about BSP West “Boston Studio Photography West”?

A. BSP West is the sister studio to Boston Studio Photography in Boston. Boston Studio Photography was opened in March 2010 by me and Younes Jabir. BSP West opened one year ago in Clinton, MA. The idea behind the studios is to offer a virtual private studio for photographers who require studio space but don't want to carry the cost of maintaining their own. We are a member-based co-op studio where members can use the studio as much as they like 8 AM-10 PM 7 days / week. Members have their own keys and book their time with an online calendar. They also have a secure storage area for their equipment. Both studios have been very successful in building a great membership base as well as being rented by non-members for short term shoots. At BSP West we are in a circa 1800 mill building. The main studio space has two 600 sq ft shooting bays along with makeup and stylist stations and a dressing room. In addition we have 5 additional themed rooms including a Victorian Parlor, a powder room, a large, classic styled bedroom, an ultra-modern high key room and a classically styled board room. We also have the run of the building at BSP West so we have a 10,000 sq ft loft for edgier shots, a spiral staircase and a full basement. The studio has 14 foot ceilings and 8 foot windows with tons of natural light. It is a beautiful space and some have joined as members simply for the themed rooms themselves.

It's always fun to meet with Paul. You will always feel that you know him since the first day at school. When talking to Paul about photography you can feel the confidence on his words. His eyes sparkles with excitement, and his answers to any questions are supported with knowledge and facts. I would like to invite all of you photographers to give him a visit at BSP West. You can't imagine the place without seeing what Paul is describing. BSP and BSP West are every photographer dream studio. Possibilities and creativities are only limited by the time you willing to give.  It's a world without boarder lines.

To see more of Paul's art and to contact him please visit his website at http://www.paulgranesephoto.com/

       Photographer Paul Granese

Thank you Paul

Hair Stylist Amy Linnell-Monkiewicz

Talking about beauty and glamour looks is an easy subject. However, learning about the efforts hidden behind the art of beauty would be a subject that has no end. We are all aware of the fact that it can be a complete transform of a model or pride or any person. But in my opinion the real art is just showing the real beauty of that person with that special touch without creating a new person that unrecognizable for others. Beauty products are found to help add some highlights or to hide that oily skin etc. Creating a new person is not in the job description. Real make up artist and professional hair stylists help envision the real you. You can’t just trust anyone to bring out the best of you. It takes one of a dedicated team of artist and hairstylists to do the job right. Talented artists will help you to achieve your most desirable look by deciding what colors and style of makeup and hair best suites your face and personality. So if you are in the look for a beauty team, then look no further because I have found you one of the best teams. Hairstyle, make up, on location, on saloon, models, prides, fashion, beauty, personal care, and many more services that comes with incredible and amazing smile. Amy Linnell-Monkiewicz and her team had set themselves apart from others at Glam It Up. I have seen that myself at some of the beauty and fashion shows that I was photographing. Having Amy and her team in their have added a level of comfort to everyone. Looking at the results of their work is indescribable. Simply it was flawlessly natural beauty.

Today I have the honor to interview Amy Linnell-Monkiewicz the owner and founder of Glam It Up LLC.

 

Hello Amy,

Q. Tell me a little about Amy, and how did you know that a career of beauty was waiting for her?
A. I was born and raised in Lynn, Mass & was the youngest of four kids. I always had a passion for hair and makeup even though I was much of a tom boy growing up, thanks to my older brothers.  But I am a big goofball too who likes to have fun. I like to spoil everyone & help out as many people as I can. My Passion in life is being artistic & that is why I love to do hair & Makeup. There are so many possibilities to be creative & to make people feel great about themselves in my professional field. I knew there was a career of
beauty waiting for me was after the triumphs of dead end jobs were I found myself to be very unhappy. I made a decision to go back to school in 2010 and became a licensed cosmetologist where my heart has always been.

Q. Did you work for other salons before you start your own business?
A. I have not worked in any other salon before opening my own business. I have always been a big risk taker & strongly believe if you want it, you can achieve it. Lots of dedication, hard work & passion will drive you to succeed.

Q. Have you always been based in Kingston?
A. My business has always been based in Kingston. I moved to Kingston right after my 22nd birthday, when I bought my first house.

Q. What gets Amy inspired when around models or prides?
A. I honestly get inspired by everything. I like to talk to people & get to know their personality, I look at their bone structure, what they are wearing, eye shape etc.. Sometimes during photo shoots, if the model has a more bubbly personality I may think of doing something more out of the box, creative. If they have more reserved personality
I may do something more classic or sophisticated.

Q. What is beauty in your own words?
A. Beauty is such a strong word for me. I believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder as everyone has their own meaning & feelings about it. Personally, beauty is everything to me. The trees, the air we breathe, all cultures, creatures, shapes, colors, forms etc.. Beauty can be a simple smile or as complex as gene makeup or an architectural structure.

Q. Would a day/work look be different than a night out look?
A. Most definitely! During the day we have more light so your makeup can be as light as you would like. While working especially, keeping it lighter and simple will give you a more professional look. At night, lighting is much more darker so you would want to enhance your features by going a little bolder.

Q. Speaking of looks, how old you think the girls should be to start wearing make-up?
A. I think girls should start wearing makeup when they are mature enough. Probably, around the ages of 12-15 years of age. This time in their life they are starting to grow up & should experiment with makeup if they have interests and if their parents consent to it.

Q. Does beauty product matter?
A. YES! There are many reasons why I avoid many of the cosmetics on the shelf today. I have talked about this before on Glam It Up’s Facebook fan page with hopes of reaching & helping many women. One of the main ingredients to avoid is Parabens. Methyl-, Butyl-, Ethyl-, & Propyl parabens are carcinogens. Carcinogens raise the estrogen levels in woman causing breast cancer and early puberty in females. They are also linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, skin irritations & other problems. Parabens are in about 90% of cosmetics today and are used so widely because they are the cheapest preservative around. My mother is currently battling breast cancer & I
would never want to see anyone go through what she has. I understand breast cancer can be caused by other factors, but me knowing that certain makeup can cause someone else to get it, makes me not want to even risk their health & to spend a little more money for better quality.
All of my makeup is safe for women, paraben free, cruelty free, & so much more.

Q. What is the most overlooked feature on the face?
A. I would have to say the eyebrows. Filling & shaping your brows with an eyebrow pencil or powder that matches your hair color, can completely finish your look. It completely frames your face & adds a little bit of sexy too

Q. How do you describe a woman after you complete working on her make-up and hair?
A. Most definitely more confident and a little more glamorous! It is an amazing feeling when someone tells me how great they look/feel when I am done with doing their hair and makeup!

Q. What beauty items a women shouldn’t leave home without?
A. Women should never leave home without their favorite lip gloss/tint, some powder to refresh, and a hair tie. I always have those things and a girl emergency kit that I got at Sephora (it’s pretty cool). It is a compact purse that contains, breath freshener, hair tie, double sided tape, nail polish, remover, makeup cleanser cloth, lip gloss, safety pin, emery board etc.. It is really small too! I still wonder how they got it all to fit, but its perfect!

Q. Do you have a favorite make up brush?
A. OOooOo! This one is tough to pick since all of my makeup brushes help me create great looks! Hmm.. I would have to say a blending brush, a precise liner brush & a blush brush have to be my top 3 since I use them the most.

Q. Do you have a secret make-up tool?
A. I do! But it is a secret!  I just started a Youtube channel with Glam It Up, where all my secrets will be exposed! Stay tuned

Q. Is there anything you wish you knew before you became make-up artist/hair stylist?
A. Honestly, I wish I knew about the struggles of earning money as an artist when starting out. Money is not everything, but it feels great to be compensated for your time, the effort & skills you provide.

Q. How do you keep your make-up & hairstyles skills fresh?
A. Being a licensed cosmetologist allows me to attend hair/esthetician shows everywhere, where I learn new techniques & trends before they hit the streets! I also, practice new things I learn, & come up with my own ideas that I believe people would like.


Q. What is your normal routine styling hair and adding make-up?
A. Makeup Routine: Sanitize hands, start with a clean face, moisturize if needed, cover blemishes, apply foundation, eyeshadow, liner, mascara, fill in eyebrows, add lip color/gloss.
Hair Routine: Sanitize hands, comb/brush hair, spray heat protectant, style, spritz/hair spray lightly.

* I am big on sanitation as many people who have worked with me know, I am constantly sanitizing my hands and makeup brushes!

Q. Do you believe that make-up and hair style should match with the dress or outfit?
A. You would look your absolute best if they did match, but I also believe you should wear and look as you please.

Q. Any make-up artist/hair stylist’s role models?
A. I learned makeup on my own as a kid with no role models really. As for hair stylist’s I would have to take it back to my cosmetology school I graduated from. My teacher Jane at PortsmouthBeautySchool taught me so so sooo much that I am thankful for. Every beauty school student should have a teacher like her.

Q. Do you like to listen to music as you working or do you like the surrounding area to be quite?
A. I honestly do not mind either way. If there is music on, you will find me singing to my model/client or showing her a little dance moves (hee hee) If it’s quite you will definitely hear me talking. My Boston accent gives me away all the time.. lol

Q. How important is team work for you?
A. Team work is soooo very important. Helping each other out is how we function smoothly. Without it we would crumble quick!

Q. How do you choose your team members?
A. Team members are chosen by great skill & personality.

Q. What something that everybody likes about Amy?
A. I would have to say my personality. I am very honest, helpful, compassionate, funny & positive

Q. What is Amy’s favorite song?
A. This is so tough for me to pick a favorite song because I love every
genre of music. I can list tons and tons!

Q. How can people reach you?
A. Phone: 781-913-6528
Email: GlamSquad@GlamItUpLLC.com
Web Site: http://www.GlamItUpLLC.com

Q. Anything you would like to add?
A. I would like to add by saying thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far and for the continued support as well. It really does mean the world to me! For the people who have not supported me or doubted me I would also like to say thank you too, since you light the fire brighter within my soul that motivates me even more to push even
harder! Everyone that knows me I do something for a charity every month and hope to get more people to like my page to help get the word out.

My hopes are to help as many people as possible with Glam It Up LLC. Also, to inspire other people that come from broken homes and less fortunate lifestyles as I did, to never give up on your dreams because they are just right around the corner. Give it your all & put your heart in everything that you do, no matter how many bumps in the road you may hit.

Thank you Mo for interviewing me and for the support as well. I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity.

We need professionalism and ethics in all lines of work. When it combined with deep knowledge of products, and its ingredients, then we call that services that exceed customer expectations. Beside all that you add a service to the community to help people in need, then that is a service that way beyond any expectations. Amy is committed to her art, she is committed to Glam It UP, she is committed to inspiring people, and she committed to help others.

Launch of Original Living Magazine

Last night December 28th 2012, I had the great honor to be featured in Original Living Magazine. We had a great party at the Woodward at Ames Hotel in downtown Boston. Isabel Lopez designer and owner of Original Living had put a lot of efforts behind this magazine and behind making this celebration a success. It was amazing to have her around and to watch her being interviewed by the media, and it was great just to relax and watch the excitement on her face and everyone there. Beside the people that they were there we also had the  amazing hair stylist Kiara Mooney. She is one of the greatest hairstylists and make up artists that I have ever known. Her work speaks up for her as she always make sure that final touches has been completed to the customer satisfaction. Also we had with us my friend the great photographer Younes Sphinx the owner/partner of BSP. The energy was surrounding his positive attitude as always. I’m thankful to Younes for introducing me to Isabel Lopez, and to many other talented artists. We also had with us my friend the amazing photographer Lori Whalen. I should let you all know that when ever Lori is around everybody always happy and smiling for her present. Along the people also we had a lovely model Elena Kollarova. Taking pictures of Elena is always fun and you can never have enough. So many people and artists and professionals celebrated with us last night and wish that I have the time to list them all.

Isabel I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity. It’s a great honor to be featured in your magazine Original Living and it’s a great honor to have you as a dear friend.

Photographer Lori Whalen

Meeting new people and making friends has always been a “go for it” in my life. But when it comes to meeting competition there is always that little question that comes to mind, what kind of information can I share with this new rival? However, when I sit with myself I realize that only photographers share there ideas and techniques openly. We immediately forget about competing and we become a team working together. So what that we are getting identical images and so what that we are using the same techniques, after all if you just think about it we all using same kind of cameras and same kind of lenses, and we also using same computers and same editing software to edit our images. Basically we are all artists and the only different is that we are using different perspectives. What I could like in black and white others could see it better presented in colors or sepia. My conclusion, that steeling ideas from other photographers is not illegal. We are not steeling, no, no, no… We are adopting ideas and we are working together and that’s all. To make the long story short, that’s how I met the emerging photographer Lori Whalen. I have had the privilege to work with Lori three times using almost same cameras and same lenses. We used same lighting, and we stood at same spots to catch the same angles. Our images were almost identical, yet the perspective for each image was a masterpiece of its own. Please welcome with me my new friend Lori Whalen.

Q. Describe Lori Whalen’s ambition in photography?

A. I actually am extremely happy when I hold a camera. I have moments of indecision, some doubt, but something always makes my mind jump to what I think the scene needs or what I would like the photo to convey.  I call this my minds eye!  Most times my mind sees it better than my reality, but on occasion it leads to some kind if artistic inspiration. My ambition, hence, is to be able to take an idea and with intent make it happen. Easily said, not always easily done.

Q. When did you buy your first camera, and what kind was it, and did you start with film or digital?

A. 3 years ago for Christmas my husband Ed bought me a Nikon 60 D. Digital camera.  I hated it, there were too many hidden menu options, and it totally frustrated me.

Q. If you started with film was the transition to digital a hard task?

A. I do remember having a Pentax film camera that did nothing automatically in the 80′s. I had a friend who used to cut rolls of B & W movie film for me to shoot with and he would process them for me. I cannot imagine doing that now. We are in an instant world and it would kill me to have to wait for development. I would be so frustrated to not be able to manipulate my own images. I love post processing almost as much, if not more than the taking of an image.

Q. Do you consider photography as a hobby or as a way of living?

A. It’s my way of life. I couldn’t imagine ever being without some form of camera. The world is full of such glorious inspiration, and the moment that anything wows me I feel the need to record it. It can be the most insignificant thing, but to me it is a moment captured in my time capsule. I WILL remember it, and where I was, and usually why I took the photo. It will always have meaning to me.

Q. As a photographer what were your most difficult challenges?

A. Learning to slow down, to breathe to relax and be in the moment taking in more than one speck of space that I am trying to capture. What I mean, is to look at the subject from all angles to see little items that shouldn't be in the image and to think ahead of just snapping shots and hoping at least one will be usable.  In camera great is better than Photoshop good!

Q. What is you favorite subject to photograph, and why?

A. This is so difficult. I think it may need a three part answer. I couldn't choose one thing but I could choose 3 categories that I couldn’t live without shooting. Anything that moves! Huge category right? I know, but if it moves fast I want to chase it. If I don’t get it the first time I can wait for the next, but it will get bumped up to the top of my list! I have so many things I have done in my life that I loved, that I don’t do now, but I can photograph them. I love planes, trains, antique Reva and Chris Craft boats, 12 meter yachts, horses, rodeos, and any bird or animal. Especially birds and raptors.
Barns and generally any old thing! If it’s rusty I love it. I don’t want to own it, I just want to shoot it.
Beautiful landscapes that take my breath away twice. Once when I take the photo, and every time I look at it. Sometimes I get goose-bumps just looking at a photo. Memories of the initial awe will fill my heart. It’s a beautiful thing, and nothing captures a moment in time with the such reality and emotion like an image that has meaning. Three people could look at the same image a feel varying emotional tug. That is power and no art does that with the precision of a single moment like photography.

Q. What gets Lori inspired?

A. Life gets me inspired. Living, learning, sharing ideas, being kind, and loving the people close to you so much, that they never doubt that you will be there anytime they need you. I love faithful friends who care and love you unconditionally. We only come this way once so if you do something great, I will applaud you. I am not jealous of another’s good work I revere it.

Q.  Have you done any street photography?

A. On occasion, but I do not like it much. It has no emotional attachment to me, and usually doesn’t portray emotion to me either. I want a photo to inspire a question, to engage the viewer. There are extremely talented street photographers out there whose work will take you breathe away but it isn’t my niche so I don’t work at it.

Q. If yes what was your most interesting photo?

A. I don’t think I have one and if it isn’t popping or jumping into my head I must not have one.  I think street photography is capturing a significant moment. I like engagement with a stranger and by talking or engaging, it isn’t street work any more it becomes a portrait. I now have chosen a specific outcome and changed the dynamic.

Q. What camera brand do you use now, and which is your favorite lens?

A. Canon, is there any other?  I love my 24-70mm f/2.8L for an anytime lens.

Q. We all know that to be a good photographer you must have an artistic EYE. How did you realize that you have that eye?

A. I am so opinionated I don’t think I cared.  I know what I want and need to see and most likely someone I admired told me I had one. A good eye is simply living what you see, capturing it and still loving it!

Q. How important is post processing for you?

A. Love love love it. It’s like a paintbrush on the world as I see it.

Q. What editing software do you use?

A. Everything! Photoshop, NIK, Topaz , Lightroom, all apple products, but mainly Adobe products are my go to and any plug in that I can find. I also use AKVIS and a few other relatively unknown softwares on occasion.

Q.  How do you keep your images organized?

A. By location and type. ie… Massachusetts >town > lighthouses > month and year.

Q. Do you carry your camera everywhere you go?

A. Everywhere except the bathroom! And I have shot a few bathrooms come to think of it.

Q. Have you ever missed a good shot because you don’t have your camera?

A. Yes of course, hasn’t everyone. It doesn’t kill me though. I soon forget it and try not to dwell. There are times you need to view and not record, to be in the moment as a participant not a photographer. Otherwise the camera is everything and your life takes a second place.

Q. What is something special or unique about Lori that most of her friends like?

A. Lord I wouldn’t know. If I had to guess I would say I am fun, and will be there if you need anything. I may crab about it but I will be there.

Q. Do you network with social media?

A. Yes, I love anything with to do with social technology. It’s so fascinating, all of it and I love the gadgets we use to be in contact with the world. Skype has become a life line for my husband and I while he is serving in the Army in Kuwait.

Q. How do you scout locations, and do you keep a list of places to shoot at?

A. I do keep a list of ideas and locations. I find a lot of places by getting lost on purpose! It’s amazing what you can find when you look at a place for the first time. I keep a list of ideas too.

Q. What motivates you when behind the lens?

A. Movement and color mostly, but the desire to capture what I see as beautiful.

Q. Do you get nervous when someone is watching you and patiently waiting for the results?

A. Maybe for a moment and then it passes. Everyone wants to please the viewer so taking the time to do it correctly is crucial and it can be difficult to step outside of that panic to use your brain and figure it out.

Q. What books and magazines do you read?

A. Magazines: Smithsonian, National Geographic traveler are my favorites, but anything with grand photography and for books, anything with murder and mystery I will devour. I also listen to books when I am on the road. I do tend to be on the road a great deal. It passes the time wonderfully.

Q. What would you advice new photographers whom waiting to have a name for them in this industry?

A. Take your time to learn your art and don’t be afraid to fail.

Q. How can clients reach you for a photo shoot? Please provide links or email address?

A. email: loriwhalen@me.com or http://6degreezs.net

Q. One last question, what is your dream camera to buy?

A. I own it. 5D Mark III I adore this camera. I do however dream about a 500 mm lens!

Q. Would you like to add anything?

A. It has been my pleasure to have met, shot, and shared ideas with you, Mo.

Lori, I can’t thank you enough for being in my interview…

For some people at one point the camera becomes their best friend and they can’t live without. I know that for a fact because I’m one of them. We need not to over look the person or the artist that holding that camera. My personal view is that if the photographer helps people to have profound realizations when they look at their images, then they have reached their goal. Photographers, they controlled that tool “camera”. They contemplated and recorded. You saw and smiled or maybe had tears. You commented or shared. Mission accomplished.

Please visit Lori’s website too see some more of her amazing recorded arts.


       Lori Whalen

Remember to comment and share because your perspective is important to us too.  :)

Model Ashley Jermaine

Back in August 2012 I had the opportunity to be one of the BSP photographers to shoot models wearing amazing designs by designer Isabel Lopez. Between the crowed a beautiful young lady stood up in the studio with her magical smile and was looking around with complete self confidence. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her and I couldn’t wait to take some pictures of her. I was thinking to myself that with some supervising and with some directions and advice to that young model I’m going to catch the best pictures of the day. Once I had the opportunity to start shooting it didn’t take me long to realize that the young model doesn’t need any supervising nor she needs any advises because I came to realize that she knows it all. She doesn’t only have that magical smile and amazing beautiful face but she is a professional at what she’s doing. I also came to realize that opportunity can be hidden behind a quite young lady Like Ashley Jermaine the 15 years old model that I can with no doubts bet the world that it’s not going to be long before Ashley become a supermodel, and her pictures all over cover pages for fashion magazines. Here is my interview with Ashley;

Q. Where are you from?

A. Boston, MA

Q. What are some of your main interests and hobbies?

A. Outside of modeling and acting… Volleyball – I love the game! Aside from playing on my H.S. team for the past two years, I also play on the club level. I also like to bake, and strive for honor roll status in school, which I’ve achieved each term to date.

Q. How would you describe your professional interests?

A. Modeling and Acting is something I’ve always wanted to do, I love it…. It was my ‘sport’. When everyone was chasing a ball on the field, I was acting in short films, booking print work, and eventually landing larger roles and eventually gaining recognition for my work.

Q. What’s your background in modeling?

A. I’ve always known I wanted to model. From the time I was 5 I was telling my parents I wanted to model and would someday be a supermodel. By the time I turned 9 they were tired of hearing me ask to model, and we walked into a Newbury Street Agency and walked out with a contract in hand. When I was 10 my mom entered me into an online casting, and I was ‘discovered’ by CLICK Models of Philly, the only office of CLICK with a child’s division. I’ve been with Renee’ Lauren of CLICK Boston for 5 years, and signed with Stefano D’angola of CLICK Boston’s Junior Division in April 2012.

Q. Was it for the glamour, the money, or pure kicks?

A. Pure love for it!

Q. Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?


A. I can’t say I have favorite models or designers, I love fashion, study magazines for looks, and artistry of makeup and hair designs and yet still I feel I’m unique and have my own sense of style without the necessity of emulating someone’s work, yet still appreciating fully what they do.

Q. Which fashion magazines, websites, blogs, and catalogs do you visit most often?

A. I read Seventeen Magazine, Teen Vogue, and Vogue. I read The Fashion Hub blog by Jennifer Chen and various other blogs as I stumble across them.

Q. What’s your fashion mantra?

A. I don’t have one – I tend to pave my own fashion style, and I’m never afraid to add pieces to my wardrobe that are off the map.

Q. How would you describe your style?

A. I consider anything and everything from color to historical eras and more. I like a combination of vintage, edgy and classic. I like to mix it up. Some days I’m wearing sleek black leggings paired with a silk camisole and fitted black leather jacket and boots, to the next day, a feminine dress with a sheer skirt light with movement and lace bodice paired with a soft pale pink, silk lined jacket that’s as soft to touch as it is to look at. I like to think that my wardrobe is as diverse as I am, allowing me to take on a multitude of looks.

Q. Where do you generally shop?

A. Delia*s, Forever 21, Hollister, American Eagle, TJ Maxx for designer finds, Charlotte Russe, H&M, and so many more!

Q. What other modeling projects have you done? Could you provide links?

A. http://www.AshleyJermaine.com

Q. Would you like to have other experience in the fashion industry (writing, photography, marketing, etc.)?

A. I love photography. I would definitely like to see what it’s like behind the camera.

Q. What is fun and rewarding about modeling?

A. Modeling transforms you, the clothes, the setting, and the genre of the shoot. Each piece brings a uniqueness all its own, and it’s my job to bring the design to life on print. I’m not just wearing the design, I’m the muse chosen by the designer to showcase their piece as it was meant to be seen. Working with a designer, whether it be for print or runway is incredibly rewarding, and having the ability to translate their designs, each with their own unique personality, has been the reason I’ve been called a chameleon by many I work with. My last shoot for Seventeen Magazine, I shot with Peter Rosa, the shoot was for Seven Days of Beauty. I had seven different looks with seven different hair styles along with seven makeup and wardrobe changes. After the first few sets were completed, the design team and Peter Rosa started flipping through the frames, and they were visibly thrilled, and then commented, “They all look different”. This was one of the greatest compliments, since of course the shots should look different, my hair style changed along with my wardrobe and makeup, I had to bring a different energy and personality to each look, it couldn’t be shot with the same smile, or tilt of the head, each set had to be unique.

Q. What do you dislike about modeling?

A. Modeling in cold weather. Or the wait time between the call time and when the hair/makeup actually wraps so that we can start shooting.

Q. What advice do you have for other aspiring models your age?

A. You have to love it. If you are interested in modeling, definitely give it a try, and keep an open mind. You may hate it, or find you love it, either way, know that modeling is a lot of work. Looking at behind the scenes photos or runway clips makes it all look glamorous, but there is three times the work prior to hitting the runway or clicking the first shutter on the camera.

Q. How do you prepare for a modeling shoot?

A. I preview the designers work, and it’s especially helpful if the designer shares the inspiration for their pieces. You need to know what their vision is for the shoot. I also make sure I drink plenty of water days before the shoot so I will have the best skin possible. I get plenty of rest! You can’t go to bed at 1:00 AM if you have a shoot the next day and think you’ll look your best.

Q. How would you describe working with the photographer?

A. It’s a connection – I really like it when I get to work with the same photographer on several jobs. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Jeff Demers on several shoots; this provides a familiarity that with most situations just makes the work easier. My most recent was working with Peter Rosa, for Seventeen Magazine. Peter Rosa shot me for the CoverGirl ad that will appear in Seventeen Magazine’s April issue, and then the next day, we worked together again for a two page editorial spread for the March issue of Seventeen Magazine titled Seven Days of Beauty. We worked well together the first day, so when the call sheet on the second day included 7 style changes packed into one day, it was imperative that we clicked and could read each other.

Q. How would you describe the photographer’s style?

A. Just like a designer, every photographer has his/her own sense of style – it’s like a different genre of books or movies, some like comedy, some like classics, and some a dark mystery. Photographers are artists, each with their own unique brand.

Q. Do you think it’s important to follow the photographer’s instructions?

A. I think it’s important to work together. There are many times when a model needs to follow the photographer’s instructions – for instance, if you’re modeling jewelry, hand placement is crucial, yet it could look completely different if the hand modeling the bracelet or ring is moved a fraction of an inch – a model won’t see this, but the photographer will. However, the model needs to know her own body, movement is key and a photographer can suggest some body movement but the model has to have the fluency to make it translate onto film.

Q. What comments do you have about frugal fashion–smart or petty?

A. There is no such thing a frugal fashion, it’s the individual’s interpretation of fashion – what makes it fashion, whether it’s designer or bargain basement – wear it well and make it work while making it your own.

Q. Who are some of your favorite fashion photographers? (They do not have to be famous.)

A. Can’t say I have any – there are so many talented people in this industry, you’re right to say they do not have to be famous to be a favorite, nor do they have to be famous to be amazingly talented.

Q. What does fashion mean to you?

A. Fashion does not consume me, it compliments who I am. It’s a personal expression, it becomes a part of me, and my own sense of self is tied together by my fashion choices.

Q. What distinguishes a good model from a bad one?

A. If the model cares more about how ‘they look’ in the shot, and looses sight of the fact that they’re hired to make the design or whatever is being marketed look amazing. If a model doesn’t prepare for a job, is late, and complains.. Gosh I hate complaining. Why be in this business if you’re always miserable or complaining.

Q. What distinguishes a good photograph from a bad one?

A. Lighting and the wrong angles, it can ruin a photograph.

Q. What are some things you dislike/hate about the fashion industry?

A. The pompous side of it. Keep it real; don’t think some crazy design walking the runways of Paris is fabulous just because it’s on the runway in Paris.

Q. How has modeling changed other aspects of your life?

A. I feel I’m mature for my age, and have been told so by people I work with. I have a solid sense of who I am and have gained the ability to juggle school, sports, modeling and acting. I have to make difficult decisions as to when I should pass on casting opportunities, or miss school because it’s an opportunity not to miss. I network with designers and photographers as well as have the opportunity to meet the publisher of Seventeen Magazine, the editors of the 1.4 million subscriber publication, and talk with celebrity makeup artists about school and modeling. So, yes, modeling has changed some aspects of my life, while I’m in NYC, friends are getting together – sometimes I miss out – but I know, right at that very moment, I’m exactly where I should be.

Q. Do you do your own hair and make-up?

A. I do! I feel I have a good sense of style when it comes to my hair, and my makeup is subtle and applied well. I came to the Seventeen Magazine shoot with no makeup but curled my lashes before heading to the HearstBuilding. Professional makeup artist, Sage Maitri commented “Did you curl your own lashes?” and I told her I did, she said “Wow girl, you did an amazing job”. I still get a rush when I think of that moment!

Q. What are some of the main differences between runway and photographic modeling? A. Aside from my heart pounding before I step out on stage? With still photography the model has the chance to over emphasize the design with a pose, arched back, unusual body positions. However, runway provides the movement of the design, how it looks walking the stage, how it flows, the flash at the end of the stage where you can’t see a foot in front of you because you’re blinded by the spotlight, yet you know you need to deliver some killer shots because the designer is counting on just this. My work with Emerging Trends was especially exhilarating. I worked with designer Lauren Beauchesne, and opened her show with an amazing design, that also had me wearing sunglasses. Walking a dark spotlight driven runway with sunglasses was a first, yet the shot that the photographers captured at the end of the runway was stellar, and I was told by the show’s producer, Reaz Hoque, that I brought the show stopping look to the stage.  This very shot can be seen on all the promotional videos Synergy Events is using to promote their runway shows.

Q. What’s your favorite outfit from your own closet? Do you have your own personal uniform?

A. I’m loving my combat boots by ALDO, they’re my new fashion passion – laced up distressed leather, they are perfect! My go-to style for castings would be skinny jeans, tank and boots, pretty much a signature look for most models – to call it a ‘uniform’ may be a bit much – as I mix up my wardrobe based on my mood for the day.

Q. Describe the atmosphere when you’re on a shoot. Do you play music? Do you talk with the photographer between shots?

A. I love to have music on the set – probably another reason I love runway, the music and atmosphere is exhilarating. I talk to the photographer during and between sets. I like fun setting and like everyone to collaborate with the shoot.

Q. One last question, how would you like to be contacted for future jobs?

A. I can be contacted through my website at http://www.AshleyJermaine.com, my FB Fanpage: Ashley Jermaine Model and Actress or through my agency, CLICK Boston, or CLICK Philly.

Q. Anything else you’d like to say?

A. I think it’s all been covered – you had some great questions!

Based on Ashley’s responses it appears that she’s smart, bright, and well educated. Ashley is also great when it comes to loving what she’s doing. It’s not an easy task to point at someone and says how professional he/she is. But Ashley’s determination and hard work had led her to be known at her young age for many magazines, designers and photographers, and it’s only a matter of time before she opens the doors for her bright future.

To learn and read more about Ashley and/or to contact her for a job visit:
Her personal page:    http://www.AshleyJermaine.com
and her Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-Jermaine-Model-and-Actress/182122315179890
and make sure to buy Seventeen March and April issues of 2013, because I’m going to :)