MODEL SHOOT

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

You Tube Video for NY Model Camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lso0RU8E3M

Saturday, August 27, 2011

NY Model Camp Fall Sessions

Check out our two day workshops for the fall and sign up for our webinar.
It's for those of you who can't make out workshops and camp in NYC!

www.nymodelcamp.com

Thursday, May 12, 2011

What David Vando from Models Mart has to say about MODEL MOVES

Once, in what seems to be an eternity, I am sent a book, a dvd or some other product that I know is truly outstanding and will be of tremendous use to the industry. Such is the case with the new, 30 minute dvd MODEL MOVES by the highly gifted and talented Shawn Ehlers.

Some of you may know her as a very successful model who worked with Elite and Ford and did a number of campaigns for such companies as Gucci, Versace, Maybelline and Chanel. Others may know her as a teacher and modeling coach, while still others know her as a fashion photographer with a distinct edginess. You all would be right, because she is all these things and now, for a new generation of aspiring models, she is going to be known as the guru of Model Moves.

Shawn's dvd covers so much it is hard to do it justice in this short newsletter. First, it covers fashion moves for women and men, men and women together as well as moves for commercial print. All her directives are clearly illustrated, and so logical, that it makes it very easy for the model to follow.

The wonderful thing about Shawn's movement technique for the camera is that it energizes the models. Most instructional on-camera technique is very static "posing". Shawn's approach makes the model come to life in a seemingly effortless, natural way. It gives them confidence and relaxes them in front of the camera, and gives young models the tools they need to be a working professional. Some of the topics covered include: how to prepare and what to expect at a shoot; the importance of energy and personality; posture; connecting with the camera with eye nose coordination; facial expressions; hand placement; and hip and leg movement. Suffice it to say that the dvd is quiet thorough.

Whether you are in the business of training prospective models, or are representing talent with limited experience in front of the camera, MODEL MOVES will make it so much easier for you to help give them the edge to become successful professionals.

-David Vando
Model Moves is available on the Models Mart website: www.models-mart.com

Friday, May 6, 2011

NY MODEL CAMP SUMMER SESSION REDUCED RATES!

NY Model Camp is now offering summer camp sessions at a great price! $1499
For the cost of two photo shoots, you get the amazing experience of this three day model camp.
Check it out!www.nymodelcamp.com

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Sadie's Shoot

This is Sadie...she's fab! New and really comfortable in front of the camera..moves well and has SUCH potential. She is being developed by Karen Lee and will be coming to OUR NY MODEL CAMP this summer!!!

Here's Sadie.....

Saturday, March 26, 2011

NY MODEL CAMP DATES!!! SIGN UP NOW

Dates: June 24, 25, and 26th
July 15, 16, and 17th
July 29, 30, and 31st

NY MODEL CAMP

Fashion industry veterans combine their talent to create the most exciting model camp ever. Karen Lee is a former Elite scout and is now the owner of Karen Lee Group. Shawn Ehlers is former Ford/Elite model and currently a fashion photographer and model coach. Together they have created a three day program that gives models the edge they need in the competitive world of modeling. It’s a wonderful program for all girls because it instills confidence, poise, beauty from the inside out, posture and overall boost of self-esteem. This dynamic team seek to empower and inspire all girls. Shawn and Karen are very passionate about preparing talent for success.

So, whether you want to model, look like a model or learn about the fashion business, this is the ultimate experience for any girl.

Individual Model Evaluation

Overview of the Modeling Industry

Hair Consultation and Update

Fitness, Yoga, Nutrition

Creating a look

7 P’s-Posture, Poise, Presence, Positive Inner Dialogue, Personality, People Skills and Patience

Walk This Way-Walking for the runway or red carpet

Model Moves-Movement in front of the camera

Test Shoot with NY photographers

Visit to NYC agency

Visit to Magazine

For more information contact:

Shawn Ehlers at ehlersphoto@mac.com

Tel. 917-721-7941

www.ehlersphoto.com

Monday, March 21, 2011

Three Common Scams in Modeling

I get asked over and over again the same questions and here is where aspiring models get into trouble:

1)Free testing (TFP) unless it comes through a reputable agent is usually a waste of time. Not only is it a waste of time, it could be dangerous. Check out the photographer’s website, google the photographer and go with a parent or friend to the test. Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

2) A photographer that says they will do your entire portfolio for $1500, $2000 or $3000. Having 5-7 great photos from one shoot is fine, this is how you begin build a portfolio. If you are going to be a commercial print model, this works for an initial card but you don’t want your entire portfolio done by one photographer for an exorbitant price. A reputable fashion or commercial print photographer would never charge an aspiring model that kind of money.

3) An agency that charges you a large fee to “sign up” with them: $1000, $2000 or more. They may tell you that to test with their photographer, to have classes and be on their website they have to charge these fees. NO legitimate agency will ever charge you upfront fees like that. Most agencies these days will charge you a nominal fee to be on their website. When looking at agencies, google the agency to see if they have ever been involved in scams.

The World of Modeling

Welcome to the world of modeling! There are commercial print models and fashion models...do you know what the difference is? Commercial print models sell products and services and fashion models sell clothing and beauty products. Let’s talk about fashion models first. Fashion modeling has very specific requirements. Female models must be minimum 5’9, be a size 0 or 2, have toned bodies, gorgeous legs and be really photogenic. Now there are always exceptions...but it is only because the model is extraordinary like Kate Moss. She doesn’t meet the height requirement, but she is incredibly beautiful and was made famous by the renowned fashion photographer Steven Meisel. There are models in the business that are super cool or strange looking, but they have something special. Usually one of the famous photographers launched their careers. Female models are scouted at young ages and watched for several years as they grow and develop. Male models must be 6 feet tall, buff, wear a size.... and have photogenic or interesting looks. Male models usually have a chiseled face. You must be deemed beautiful by the fashion industry, have a strong booker behind you and have a healthy sense of self to become a success. Remember that you are running a business, the business of getting yourself work. So, become a good business person. There are variables in the fashion industry. You must have a great personality...though the physical is the focus here. Look through all of the fashion magazines you can get your hands on:W Magazine, Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, I-D, V Magazine and there are many others. You need to understand fashion and how to dress like a model to be in the business. If you don’t fit the requirements I mentioned before, there are other great careers in the fashion industry: bookers, hair/makeup artists, stylist, photographers, tech assistants. It’s something to consider because it really is such a great industry.

If you think you have the requirements, you can do a test with a photographer who knows how to shoot fashion. The most important thing in the beginning for a neophyte model is to see if he or she is photogenic and has the potential to be successful in a very competitive business. It is also smart to learn how to move in front of the camera. The better you move as a model, the quicker you will start working. Modeling is not that easy...it looks easy but it’s a combination of expressions that are connected, body position, hand placement, leg position and making smooth transitions. On top of that, fashion models need to understand how to create a mood, an aura and to be able to project confidently whatever it is that the client or photographer are looking for. Usually you if you are selling clothing, you are interpreting the clothing and the photographer LOVES a model that can just move and make that clothing look fabulous. Once the photographer loves you, you will get booked again and again. At this point of your career, you don’t need a comp card though you do need to see if you have what it takes to be a top fashion model.

Now for commercial print modeling. You don’t have to be 5’9, fashion model gorgeous, thin as a rail and end your career at 25 years of age. There are no height, weight or age restrictions. A commercial print model is someone who represents a regular, everyday person. Unlike the fashion and beauty models who sell clothing, makeup and skin products, the commercial print models sell products or services. These products or services are found in advertisements, on the internet, in magazines, newspapers, commercials and trade publications. Here are some examples of some of the products and services that a commercial print model may sell: soap, eyeglasses, computers, food, ipods, vitamins .. almost anything you can think of. Modeling in the fashion and beauty arena is limiting, but products and services offer a much wider gamut of work. What you do need is an amazing personality! Yes, it’s all about the energy you project. Whether you are on castings or in front of the camera, you must be present and in the moment...ready to express whatever the client or photographer asks you to. Also, you need to be really clear on what types of roles you can play in the commercial print world. Can you play a downtown hipster, banker, geek, guy next door, girl next door, banker, doctor, athlete, or cool kid? You need to figure out who you can play before you get started in this business.

So, begin by going through magazines and look for people who look like you and tear those advertisements out. Go on the internet and download photos of ads that resemble you. It's homework that is essential. Look at the way these models dress, their expressions and the situations they are in. Next, you are going to want to have a few photographs taken emulating what you have collected. I really love to photograph new talent and can give great direction. If you are unsure as to what kind of outfits you need to put together, you can hire a stylist. It's really worth the $$$. For all the female models, a hair and makeup person is a must. Although it's going to be your first shoot it needs to be very professional looking. These photos from your commercial print test are the ones you are going to submit to agencies. Agents will not look at your photos unless you really "wow" them. Do you have any idea how busy agents are and how many submissions they receive? Make those photos great or they will end up in the reject pile. The idea is to show your range in these photos. I think it's a great idea to do something playful or quirky for one of your shots. Do you have a fun pair of glasses, how about a hula hoop, can you juggle or do something else that is amusing? When you prepare for the shoot, you should show your range by coming up with a few different roles you are able to play. Put a lot of time and effort into getting your test shoot wardrobe together. Show up at the shoot with four or five outfits (with shoes, belts, and tie if needed) and a couple of props.

After the shoot, select your best three or four photos and they will go on your comp card. Make sure that all of your information is correct on your card. This is what you will be leaving with the agents and they will need to get in contact with you.

So, begin preparing for your first shoot and call or email me when you are ready to do your test shots: HYPERLINK "http://www.ehlersphoto.com/" www.ehlersphoto.com email: HYPERLINK "mailto:ehlersphoto@mac.com" ehlersphoto@mac.com Tel: 917-721-7941

PREPARING FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT

1) If you need a haircut or trim, do it before the shoot. If needed, fix hair color and roots a couple of days before the shoot.

2) Make sure your fingernails are well manicured and that you apply a neutral color on your nails. No french manicures. Men don't apply nail polish.

3) Drink water and stay away from salty foods and alcohol the day/night before the shoot. Salt and alcohol have a tendency to make one have swollen or puffy eyes and face.

4) Nutrition is important all the time because it affects the skin, body and attitude. Get advice from a professional nutritionist if you think your diet is not a healthy one.

5) Good idea to be on an exercise, workout or yoga regime so your body is fit and your skin looks fresh. You need to exude a lot of good energy when modeling!

6) Keep out of the sun. Wear sunscreen and a hat as much as possible. Don't tan before a shoot unless requested by the client.

7) Men shave carefully the day of the shoot.

8) Choosing and putting together a wardrobe is extremely important.

9) Be very clear about what roles you can play as a commercial print model: ie. mom, dad, business person, doctor, lawyer, etc.

10) Shop at stores like J. Crew, Banana Republic and GAP
to buy "slice of life" clothing. This isn't a fashion shoot, but you can definitely pull some fashionable pieces into the mix.

11) Bring more clothing than needed. If you are doing 4-5 looks, bring a couple more looks and make sure each look is accessorized with shoes and belts.

12)Know what colors are most flattering for you. Stay away from black. Look for tops and shirts that are pastel colors (red works really well on some people). They are most likely your favorite colors anyway.

13) If you are going to wear a sleeveless shirt, make sure your arms are in good shape. Turtlenecks are not great choices for headshots and beauty, but you can use them in a 3/4 or full length shot.

14) Keep it simple and choose clothing with solid colors so the clothing isn't distracting in the photo.

15) Jewelry is to be kept to a minimum. Small earrings for a woman and a watch for the men.

16) If you find it too daunting to get a wardrobe together, hire a stylist. It's worth it!

17) Women need to hire a hair/makeup artist that is recommended by the photographer.

18) Start going through magazines to look for models in ads that resemble you. You are going to need these for reference, so keep them. It's going to help you think of a couple of scenarios for the shoot and also give you some ideas for your wardrobe.

19) You may want to bring a couple of props (husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, blackberry, child or grandchild (discuss with photographer).

20) Come to the shoot with your clothes pressed and in a

garment bag to help insure they are wrinkle-free.

21) In the meantime, work in the mirror with various expressions...keep it natural! Try to figure out which side of your face is the better one.

22)Remember that your eyes are the mirror to your soul, so make them sparkle. Think positive and happy thoughts.

23) Get a good night's sleep and see you on the set!

WHAT TO DO ON THE SET OF THE PHOTO SHOOT

1) Check in the mirror before walking onto the set, making sure that all your clothing is straight and that it's smooth and tucked in. Is your belt straight? How about wrinkles in your shirt? If you are wearing pantyhose, tuck the shirt inside the pantyhose. It helps anchor the shirt.

2) Check your hair and make up too, under the eyes for excess bits of eyeshadow or mascara. If you are working with a hair/makeup person which is a great idea, they should pick up on any "mistakes".

3) Stray hairs, severe wrinkles in the clothing, almost any problem can be fixed in Photoshop, however, the retoucher charges you for his or her time. So, if you get it right from the start you'll be saving money.

4) The photographer will direct you once you are on the set.

He or she is the person you take directions from. There's usually a focal point that you will always come back to although you may be moving around.

5) Find that place on the set and just relax. It's going to take a bit of time for the photographer to get the lighting and the correct exposure. This may take a few minutes.

6) Once you get started, the movement is always gentle and smooth. Change your head position just slightly from frame to frame because the photographer may miss that perfect moment if you jerk your head around. Sometimes just a slight tilt of the head works really well.

7) Think of things that light you up from the inside out.

Even if you are having the worst day, push those thoughts aside and just find that awesome inner energy. That's what we're looking for in the photo. Not only does your face light up, your eyes do!

8) You may also want to shift your weight slightly from one leg to the other. Do it slowly and change the position of the head just a bit as you are shifting your weight. This is something you definitely should practice in the mirror before your shoot. Try to figure out which side of your face is the better one. You will "cheat" the better side of your face to the camera.

9) Think about your light source..is it the sun coming in through the window or is it a light. Your head will be turned in the direction of the light unless you are shooting a profile shot.

10) The following are a few tips for working in front of the camera. a) Make sure your hips are not square, they should never directly face the camera (it makes the hips look bigger than necessary). b) Good posture is important but don't get too rigid. Remain relaxed (even if you need to do a little stretch every now and then when the photographer isn't shooting). c) Relax the face too and if you're doing a lot of smiling you may want to stretch your face out.

A nice big yawn! Not right in the middle of the shoot, but when there's a bit of downtime. d) Whatever expressions you are working on, make them real. It's really obvious when you are not really connected and just faking it! So whatever emotion you are trying to conjure up, really feel it. e) You are essentially an actor and you have to be believable. f) Your eyes are "the windows to your soul"....so remember that!! The focus of a close up photo is the eyes.

g) Give the photographer some variety in your expressions. Don't stick with the same expression throughout the entire shoot.

11)Before your photo shoot, try out different expressions and the study the angles of your face in front of a mirror. Have a friend or family member take some photos of you. Practice, practice, practice before you get on the set!

12) This business is a people business. It's about forging good relationships, being very professional and having fun. Photographers and clients who enjoy your energy and spirit will want to work with you again. So, relax and just go for it!

MODEL SHOOT

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

You Tube Video for NY Model Camp

Saturday, August 27, 2011

NY Model Camp Fall Sessions

Thursday, May 12, 2011

What David Vando from Models Mart has to say about MODEL MOVES

Friday, May 6, 2011

NY MODEL CAMP SUMMER SESSION REDUCED RATES!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Sadie's Shoot

Saturday, March 26, 2011

NY MODEL CAMP DATES!!! SIGN UP NOW

Monday, March 21, 2011

Three Common Scams in Modeling

NEW MODEL MOVES DVD

Model Shoot's Fan Box

EHLERSPHOTO

MODELWIRE NETWORK

MODEL SHOOT

Shawn

About Me

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PREPARING FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT

WHAT TO DO ON THE SET OF THE PHOTO SHOOT

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