Apple Not Listening To Customers Anymore
By · CommentsApple taking a page out of Microsoft’s book – “We are to big to listen to the small people”
Today was a productive day….at least that is how it began. I finally received a voice mail this morning from the Apple App review team regarding my inquiry about the BoxScore Babes app being banned due to “overtly sexual content”. BoxScore Babes being banned is difficult to comprehend, since the SI Swimsuit and Playboy apps still exist on the iTunes store (see http://www.mandarichmodels.com/blog/my-apple-app-review-rant).
The voice mail stated,
“This is Richard from Apple calling so we may address your questions about your app.”
Naturally, my first thought was “This is great. I received a phone call from an actual Apple person. This doesn’t happen every day. It must mean one thing, progress. The issue is going to get resolved and BoxScore Babes app will be available again in no time with any changes we need to make.” Thus, I called him back.
“Richard, this is Tony Mandarich calling about the BoxScore Babes app. I am wondering why the BoxScore Babes is being banned.”
Richard replies,
“It is being banned due to the overly sexual content.”
My response,
“Why is our app considered overly sexual content when the Playboy app is much more explicit in sexual content than any of our images?”
Richard replies,
“It is being banned due to the overly sexual content.”
My response,
“Well, could you define overly sexual content, so I may fix the app?”
Richard replies,
“Sir, I do not have that definition.”
My Response,
“So you are able to ban BoxScore Babes app by stating it contains overly sexual content, but you cannot tell me how to fix it, and Playboy app remains available for download?”
Richard replies,
“Sir, I cannot discuss any other apps with you but yours.”
Then, to my amazement, Richard repeats,
“I cannot talk about anyone else’s app but yours.”
Thanks Apple apps, for exemplifying blatant ignorance by being unable to define “overtly sexual content” and not providing any regulations about what is considered permissible. We want to fix the situation, but by not addressing our questions, you are not allowing us to do so. The hypocrisy of the situation is that the Playboy app is still up and downloading strong. Our app had no images of topless women on it, covering up with their arms, like Playboy’s. So maybe I should resubmit our app with new images of women in granny panties, a chastity belt, no make up, and have them baking sugar cookies.
My Top 10 Sexiest Women
By · CommentsThe Tony Mandarich Top 10 Sexiest Women List
I have always wanted to make a list like this. These are my top 10 sexiest women of my era or at least the ones that have influenced me. Its a part of what influenced me to learn about Boudoir Photography. I always wanted to know how they made those pictures look so good. Please keep in my that this is my list and my opinion. There are many other beautiful women that could have easily made the list.
I also want to say that there is a HUGE difference in beauty & sexy. I have been lucky enough to photograph some beautiful women that just weren’t sexy, and I have photographed some average looking women that are extremely sexy! The way they walk, the way they talk, the confidence they have makes them sexy. The reason my wife is not on the list is because she is numero uno and then that would make the list 11 ;~) I hope you enjoy the selections and would love to hear about your top ten.
Tony ;~)
- Raquel Welch
- Pam Anderson
- Farrah Fawcett
- Madonna
- Angelina Jolie
- Sophia Loren
- Stephanie Seymour
- Fergie
- Jennifer Lopez
- Megan Fox
My Apple App Review RANT !
By · CommentsI received this email from the Apple App review team today:
Dear Mandarich LLC,
The App Store continues to evolve, and as such, we are constantly refining our guidelines. Your application, BoxScore Babes, contains content that we had originally believed to be suitable for distribution. However, we have recently received numerous complaints from our customers about this type of content, and have changed our guidelines appropriately.
We have decided to remove any overtly sexual content from the App Store, which includes your application.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter. If you believe you can make the necessary changes so that BoxScore Babes complies with our recent changes, we encourage you to do so and resubmit for review.
Sincerely,
iPhone App Review
So I responded with this email:
Dear Apple People:
Can you please give me the definition of “OVERTLY SEXUAL CONTENT” please. I would like to make the proper adjustments to my app so it meets your guidelines and I can resubmit for review. The term ”OVERTLY SEXUAL CONTENT” is subjective and broad. Please give me your definition.
Thank you for your prompt response in advance.
Tony
I am not upset about the app review team changing their mind and their policies; they have every right to. Heck I even agreed (or was forced to agree if I wanted my app in the app store) that Apple can pull our app at any time. What upsets me is that they leave apps like S.I. Swimsuit models available. Our app was no racier than S.I.’s app. Why are they letting S.I. slide and enforcing the rules on others (like BoxScore Babes)?
You compare;
Sports Illustrated App Girls
BoxScore Babes Girls:
BoxScore Babes Girls
The Perils of Self-Tanner
By · Commentsfemale photography & Self Tanner
I’ve been meaning to blog about this for about a month now – ever since I edited an image of a GORGEOUS Fitness model that we shot for her portfolio. One single image took over an hour to edit, and there was literally nothing wrong with her body. I spent all that time editing… the very obvious remains of poorly-applied self tanner on her hands.
More often than not, female models (and male) with whom we work try to achieve a tan before our shoot. Tanned skin looks healthy, and we have nothing against a model with naturally tanned skin. An appropriate color of spray tan, done by a professional, usually has a good result as well. However, when a client tries to apply a spray or rub-on tan before a shoot, the result is always disaster. Yes, always.
I hear the protest from our clients and glamour models now, “But I use self tanner all the time and I know how to do it – it isn’t streaky or blotchy and looks natural!” My answer to that is, Yes, I believe that you can do a good job and that it looks natural…. under normal viewing conditions. However, being under color-balanced photography lights is NOT normal viewing conditions. Skin will reflect and absorb light in a photograph with much starker contrast than a viewer would see ‘in person’. This means that no matter how carefully you apply self-tanner, the camera will see uneven tone, blotches, and areas of unnatural color (usually orange). An additional peril of self tanner is that the user often chooses the darkest shade available, which is usually much too dark to look natural. The best spray tan deepens and intensifies existing skin color; it doesn’t dramatically change it.
The moral of the story: if you want a tan for your shoot, then start tanning (either in the sun or in a salon) well before the shoot, so that you have time to naturally build color while doing minimal damage. Know that even when a sunburn has faded to the eye, skin will still looked burned in a photograph — the camera is relentless. If you prefer a spray tan, spend the few extra bucks to have it applied by a professional. We know of several spray tan professionals, one of whom will do an application for only $25. And if you insist that you are the one person who really, really can do a good job of applying your own tanning spray or lotion, then I will allow you to do so… but be prepared to pay for excessive editing time, because it WILL be necessary :-p
Boudoir Portraits
By · CommentsHow To Prepare For You Boudoir Portraits Photo shoot
Here is a quick down & dirty list of dos and don’ts when you prepare for your Boudoir Session
- When you come to the shoot wear loose clothing, like a sweatsuit. Don’t wear tight jeans, bras or any other kind of clothes that leave lines embedded in your skin.
- Shower so you are clean.
- Do NOT wear any makeup, not even a little!
- Do NOT put anything in your hair, like hairspray or gel.
- Bring more outfits and wardrobe than you think you will need. Options are a good thing.
- Bring accessories like bracelets, rings, necklaces, hats, berets or anything you wear on your head that you like.
- Bring high heels, stilettos, shoes, boots or any kind of footwear you love. Well maybe not moccasins, unless you wanting to look like Pocahontas.
- Bring an iPod or iTouch with your favorite playlist that we can play for you as we shoot.
- Expect to have fun…after all you’re not doing this to be stressed out.
- If you’re using the photos for your husband, boyfriend or maybe girlfriend, your comfort level or stress level will show up in the images. So don’t stress and have fun!
- Bring a friend if it makes you feel more at ease and helps you relax. Just make sure they don’t tell us how to shoot
. - If you choose to tan that’s fine. We suggest you stay away from spray tan because it will make your skin look blotchy in the photos.
- If you need to shave or wax, do it.
- A manicure & pedicure is a small detail but it will make a difference in the end.
- Get plenty of rest the night before the shoot so there are no bags under your eyes and you will have lots of energy.
- If you have any good suggestions that we overlooked (and I’m sure we did) when preparing for a boudoir portrait photo session please post them below and we will add them to the list.
