The Light Within Her
Have you ever met someone that brings so much joy to your heart you feel as if it will burst? They are the light in the room. They give you energy, and exude happiness. That was what happened when I met Kayleeanee.
Kayleeanne's mum responded to one of our model calls. Every so often I create a model call event. They are great to bring in new clients, network, and support your local business community. It is also a great way to build or freshen up your portfolio. The model call events are very fast paced. I schedule 5 to 6 sessions in one day. The sessions are 45 minutes long plus hair and makeup. Each model usually shoots 2-4 looks. This results in about 8-9 hours of consecutive work with a 15 minute lunch, if you are lucky. You need to be able to work under pressure and transition quickly if you plan on hosting something like this at your studio. I ask for head shots so I can assign looks and garments before the shoot. Prep is essential if you want your day to run smoothly. My models are asked to come in white tops, and blue jeans. They are also asked to have clean, product free hair and faces.The models wear garments from local businesses, and receive digital copies of their images for their time. They also receive goodie bags filled with beauty products, business cards, and discount coupons from the participating businesses.
You also have to find a wonderful makeup artist as well. They will stay with you the whole day. My makeup artist does a soft initial look, light make up and smooth hair. They stay on set the whole time; touching up hair in-between images and making adjustments so you don't have to move. When the model transitions between garments my MUA is able to quickly tailor their hair and makeup. Compensate them well, because this is not usually a normal day for a makeup artist.
From the moment Kayleeanne arrived we could tell she was something special. My makeup artist Shane (Shane Rorrer MUA) got her in the chair first. She was patient, and chatted with us while he worked his magic. The more she talked the more her imagination, and ours, opened up!
As soon as I got her in front my my lens I knew this was going to be an incredible session. Her poses were as equally gorgeous as her candids. She was easy to work with, and kept us smiling the entire session. She modeled for multiple products, and transitioned as quickly as we did between them. Sometimes you get lucky, and have an incredible client. This was definitely one of those moments for me.
With all of that being said, can you imagine this bright little girl was bullied out of school this year? More than 1 in 5 students are bullied. I personally don't feel her peers deserved her presence. No matter how bright you shine, someone will always try to dim your light. Kayleeanne is the perfect example that you do not have to let them. We are now working on building her a modeling portfolio. Modeling gives her the confidence she deserves to have. I am so thankful to be able to be there as this girl grows and watch her career blossom.
