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
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
Professional Makeup
The professional photographer utilizes a variety of tools to make his/her trade successful. Among the most important and least talked about is the definitive color and flair offered by a professional make-up artist. His work can make the difference between success and failure. Or perhaps, more accurately, professional makeup can make the difference between a stunning set of photos and a ho-hum set.
Many models apply their own makeup and feel comfortable doing so. However, the expertise and insight offered by a third person, who is also professionally trained, can make a contribution not available otherwise. For example, often a model uses an application that she developed over time, not realizing it may have become outdated and is not appropriate for the unique requirements of a photo shoot. The professional makeup artist is always current on fashion makeup and is able to use that information to lay the groundwork for a successful ‘look’.
Hair & MakeUp
Every model, whether male or female, has something unusual and unique about her/his appearance. It may be bone structure, or contour of eyes or mouth, or shape and tilt of nose… or some other eye-catching feature. The model’s hair may be unusually striking in color or texture or length or shape. Whatever features the model brings to the photo shoot can be emphasized and strengthened by a professional makeup artist. And that emphasis can then be highlighted by the photographer with light, pose and angle.
The professional makeup artist introduces herself to the model, creating a sense of trust and comfort with her expertise. She asks what the model likes and dislikes about her appearance, and discusses what visual effects they want to create together. The makeup artist knows he cannot accomplish his work without the cooperation of the model.
‘Looks’ are also created with makeup. Innocent, foxy, inviting, beguiling, stern and scolding, and many more, can all be generated with makeup. We’ve talked elsewhere about the role the model plays as a sales agent. Frequently, photos from a shoot will be used commercially, to sell a product. The ‘look’ resulting from the combination of physical attributes and makeup application will make a statement about the product. The makeup artist will create a look that is consistent with the product to be sold.
The photographer knows when to snap the shutter to achieve a striking photo that captures every element in a ‘just right’ place. Equally important, the makeup artist knows how to bring out striking qualities in the face and hair to make the total look ‘just right’. Color added to face and around eyes in the right way will make a feature look larger or smaller, depending on how color is applied; cheeks can be made to stand out or recede; eyes can be made to look larger or smaller; a round face can be made thinner and a thin face rounder. Outlining eyes or mouth will create emphasis, again depending on application and heaviness or thinness of lines.
He/she also knows how to minimize physical attributes that could detract from a quality photo. Makeup can camouflage all kinds of physical sins! But the makeup artist knows whether the ‘sin’ should be camouflaged or emphasized and her work is completed accordingly.
The model and photographer often cooperate with the makeup artist in decisions regarding how makeup is applied and hair is designed. The professional makeup artist isn’t a prima dona; she knows input from others is important to the total success of the photo shoot. The combination of her people skills and professional expertise contribute significantly to the success of the work.
Female Model
By · CommentsModeling Portfolios
Every model needs a portfolio. Without a good portfolio, it is very difficult for a model to get paying jobs. A portfolio consists of pictures of you in different settings and locations. This showcases the variety of work for which you are available.
A great portfolio can take some time. Nothing happens overnight. You will need to build your portfolio by selecting your best photos from shoots with several different photographers. Your portfolio needs to consist of a wide variety of photos. A good portfolio should contain anywhere form 10 to 30 photos. You will need a head shot with no make-up. This will showcase the natural you, and is something the client can look at as a blank canvas. Also you will need an incredible body shot in a swimsuit, lingerie or form fitting clothing to showcase your body. These two photos are probably the most important in your portfolio because every client needs to view these types of photos before coming to a decision.
The images in your portfolio also need to showcase a variety of styles. You may want to show versatility by taking some outside photos with a bright, commercial, cute look. Then take a picture inside with a black background with darker make-up giving the more mysterious kind of image. Also having different make-up and wardrobe in every picture shows the different looks you can create. Creating the variety is the key to an incredible portfolio.
Stephanie Seymour’s Model Portfolio
To find the right photographers, research on the web and ask around. Once you find one that seems suitable ask about the kind of work he specializes in because you may just want to use one photographer for glamour photography and another for a more commercial look. In deciding upon using the photographer don’t forget to ask basic questions about wardrobe, hair and make-up. Also ask if he/she edits the photos, as this may play a big role in the final outcome of the picture. Always ask to see several samples of their work.
The pricing in a photographer should be reasonable. The photographer shouldn’t be ridiculously priced, neither should he be cheap. The more money you spend on a photographer usually reassures you that you will get what you pay for, but make sure to ask if you will be able to re-shoot without charge if you are unhappy with the final images.
Once you have obtained all your photos, you should put them in a model portfolio book. Yes, a print portfolio is still very important for models, even in this day of web portfolios. Make sure to choose a quality, professional-looking portfolio book, in at least an 8x10 size. It is often advisable to create two print portfolios, as often a booker will keep your portfolio for several days and you don’t want to be without one if you get a call from another potential employer. Also, if you do both glamour and commercial work, consider keeping those print portfolios separate, as a potential commercial booker may be put off by suggestive glamour images.
Model Photo Release
By · CommentsA Model Photo Release Form
Does a professional photographer really need a model photo release form? How does it protect the model? Are there times when releases aren’t necessary? How do you know?
Professional Photographers today are finding both legal protection as well as clarity with use of model photo release forms. Such forms state the purpose for which a model’s images will be used and where they will be placed. Her signature gives the requisite permission to the photographer. Neither party can misunderstand what is explicitly stated. The release becomes a guideline for how the photographer will handle the pictures.
A lot of images are uploaded daily to internet web sites, and the release becomes especially important. Surprises are great at Christmas and birthdays; they are not great when a model clicks on a web site and sees pictures of herself that she didn’t know would appear. A generic statement in the release that includes all possible media and venues eliminates the surprise element. The model photo release form makes clear the photographer is in charge of where the images will be placed.
Models pose for commercial shots daily. Their images will appear in printed advertisements, brochures and posters advertising a product or service, any product that will be ultimately sold to the public, and any eCommerce sites (such as photography), to name a few. We are not aware of litigation surrounding permission or lack thereof for use of photos. However, we believe obtaining written permission from models to use photographs of them is good insurance. Potential legal hassles can be avoided fairly easily if a model release form is standard operating procedure.
Non-commercial uses of pictures of models poses another set of questions. If we look at photo journalism for example, we see photos being used in articles that are sold for a photographer’s profit. If photos become a story that is sold to a magazine or newspaper or ezine, is a release necessary, especially if one or more photos feature a person? The owner of the story is making a profit from the sale of the article/pictures. Does the person featured have a proprietary interest in the pictures?
We believe a case can be made for being respectful and having consideration for others, especially when their images are being used for the benefit of another. This probably isn’t a legal matter as much as it is just treating people with respect, whether it’s a professional model or a passerby on the street that you catch at just the right time for a spectacular photo.
Securing permission is wise even when you photograph strangers. Most professional photographers keep digital files of their work for use in the unknown future. Such use may include commercial projects that weren’t defined at the time the shot was taken. File shots that may be perfect for commercial use later will need release forms; otherwise, their commercial value is nil. Obtaining that permission at the time the photo is taken allows for limitless possibilities in the future.
