Second Life Modeling

Many of you are aware of the virtual world called Second Life. What you may not know is there are thousands of people creating and teaching there. Maverick Creatives has opened a studio and is busy teaching Modeling Skills and coaching models from around the world. Before you "laugh" at virtual worlds or think of them as being designed for children, I'd like to make you aware the Government of Ontario, along with countless other governmental bodies, Universities, Colleges, Businesses both International conglomerates and small neighborhood stores are present. Just saying, if you are involved in modeling or photography, there are many many avenues to explore. This is simply another one.

MODELING, the Business

Rosemarie Enslin
Enslin Group
Public Relations/Marketing
David Wilton
Director
Small Business
Scotiabank
David Miller
Mayor, City of Toronto. Taken by Gary Berger of Maverick Creatives during a business meeting for entrepreneurs.

Most people perhaps think of Modeling as fun and enjoyable. Don't be fooled, Modeling is a career and you are your own Small business. Sure, it's a ball in front of the Camera getting paid to do what you love, but before that can happen there's a lot of networking to do in preparation. If you're even semi-serious you should research the business end of Modeling, Fashion, Photography before you jump into it and blow a lot of money.

Yesterday I attended such a meeting at Toronto City Hall. Here are a few people that support the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals starting their own business. If working for yourself in this industry is a dream,,begin preparing. A dream is ALWAYS just a dream. However, when you begin working toward that dream, it becomes a GOAL. And Goals are obtainable.

Beating the winter blues

Brrrrr, I can feel the cold northern chill in the air. After a busy summer it's time to think about relaxing and shooting for our spring portfolios. Another year will soon be upon us and as we all know each new year brings new challenges. Are you up for it? I know Amrita is, isn't she gorgeous?

COSTUMES

Costumes are an important part of modeling. Many aspiring models are Actors involved in theatrical productions. Others are product representatives, often required to appear in a corporate branding outfit, or costume. Dance companies are also very involved with the use of costumes and of course Singers looking for album covers. So although IT’S FUN, it actually is an important component of many photoshoots.

Val and I took a trip to our local costumer, Candy's Costume Shop, to purchase a few props. I love browsing there and always leave with a mental list of themed projects I’d enjoy creating in the future.

MALE MODELING

Male models receive overall less publicity than female models. Nevertheless, male modeling is an area in the fashion industry that has grown tremendously in the last few years. The number of men's magazines are on the rise, and retail stores are continuing to expand their men’s fashion inventory. The male modeling industry in Toronto centers around catalogue, print advertising and television commercials.

We shot recently with JERMAINE, an agency represented model working his way up.

MOTION CUSTOM CAR SHOW with model Sarah-Jane

Sarah-Jane, from Kat Calls Creative modeling spent the day shooting with me at the Car Show held at the Direct Energy Center. What a "hoot".

We had a fantastic day. Hundreds of lovingly restored vehicles to drool over. Although I'm pretty sure there was also a lot of drooling when Sarah-Jane was in the area. People were more than happy to help her over the guard ropes and into their vehicles. That's unusual, these are the same car enthusiasts with signs everywhere saying "do not touch".

We shot in the car from "Knight Rider" and with John Schneider of "Dukes of Hazzard" fame.
Sarah's Daisy Duke in the shot lol, and John was totally cool shooting with her.




Long ago my mother told me never to get into cars with strangers. So although this beautiful woman with a perfect body, big blue eyes, blond hair, and driving a FERRARI was trying to flirt and get me in the car, I was smart enough to ignore her. LOL @ myself.

As much as I love studio work, it sure was nice to get out into the real world again and have fun.

Gotta go. My helicopter is waiting to take me to my next adventure! If what we do interests you, it's affordable. Remember, Maverick Creatives isn't an agency, we're more into education, experience and having fun. That's what Modeling and Photography SHOULD be about.

MAKEUP ARTISTS

Makeup Artists are the talented people who's contribution to a shoot results in a special photograph. They are the unsung hero's of a great photo and are often overlooked. We photographers are credited with creating a portrait, when in fact, it's the makeup artists who deserve the accolades. Elizabeth, the Model in the following images, worked with Valini, the owner of Toronto's VDH MAKEUP ARTISTRY to produce some nice looks that were fun to shoot.