Sometimes it's what a model is NOT wearing that makes the image sizzle. But in my style of photography, there's no need to give everything away. Showing skin, but maintaining a bit of sexy mystery... that's provocative to me.
I often get caught up in the day to day portfolio shoots for models... and I LOVE doing them, but when I get a chance to be creative and when I have a model as laid back and as open-minded as Blake, that is my passion. Blake is always up for anything, and barely questions me when I say things like, all you'll be wearing is clear plastic. For a photographer in West Michigan,...
Read more...
After much planning, Marcie and I were finally able to match up our schedules and get together for her portfolio photo shoot at my studio here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The plan for our shoot was to get a nice new variety of images to add to Marcie's existing portfolio, and give it a little update. With make-up artist Hanna Wagner on board, we set out to complete four different looks.
Marcie has a certain sparkle in her eyes when she smiles. And she smiles a lot. But, there is still that hint of excitement in her eyes when she's not smiling as well. This ease in front of the camera...
Read more...
Sometimes simplicity is best. A two look photo shoot is a welcome break from the standard full portfolio shoot. Capturing a model in two different looks is certainly less stressful than working to capture them in four completely different looks. And for the model, sometimes he/she only needs a little spruce to his/her portfolio... a little addition of something new.
So, here with Matthew Agency Model Rose, we did just that. Two outfits, two backgrounds. Simple. The images will be a great addition to her existing portfolio, and gave her another experience in front of a camera. I have...
Read more...
When I travel, I enjoy setting up shoots with models in the cities I visit. When I set up a shoot with model Joey in Las Vegas, the thought of freezing cold temperatures never even crossed my mind. That, however, is exactly what we got.
Our plan was to trek into the Red Rock Nation Park to a small waterfall Joey thought he knew the location of. With only a couple vague memories of this secret spot from his childhood and a general direction in his mind, we set off. The wind was biting and far colder that I would have expected mid-day in the desert of Nevada, but after a solid 45 minutes...
Read more...
Carly walked into my photography studio here in Grand Rapids with a huge smile and lots of energy. As a new model looking to begin her portfolio, she was eager to get to work. We spilled out her wardrobe onto the racks and sent Carly into hair and make-up with our good friend Hanna Wagner. Carly was set to do the full 4 look portfolio photo shoot. From light and simple, to a smoldering beauty, we wanted to show multiple sides of the young, new model. Enjoy! -JM
Read more...
Adam and I met years and years ago in Nashville. We both were living and working there at the time, and would hang out together on occasion. But more often, I watched him perform on stage at a popular club called PLAY. For some of you, you may recognize this familiar face, but may know him better as THE PRINCESS. Adam is an incredible performer and female impersonator who recently had the distinct honor of being on Ru Paul's Drag Race, Season 4.
It was actually the announcement of the new cast, and his inclusion in that cast, that caused us to reconnect. And after a number of years of distance,...
Read more...
Due to some schedule conflicts between Bonnie and myself, it took us a while to collaborate on the final choice of images from our shoot. So, in all honesty, it has been quite a while since the day we actually had Bonnie in front of my camera. What I do remember, however, is that our photo shoot went very smoothly! Bonnie was a wonderful professional, with a great vision for how she wanted to look in the final product. Bonnie had recently shot in NYC for a very well known brand book, and this experience certainly shown through during our little shoot. And even with the amount of time...
Read more...
Luke and I have been discussing doing a photo shoot for some time. It seemed as though our schedules simply never quite lined up. But as this series of images shows, good things come to those who wait! Luke clearly works very hard on his body, even participating in competitions. And his hard work has clearly paid off! Here is an amazing series of (mostly) black and white images shot here at my studio in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Enjoy! -JM
Read more...
Here is new face, Amaia. She is young and naturally beautiful, but it is her eyes that truly stand out. They are her most striking feature. Here are the final images from her recent portfolio photo shoot, shot at my studio here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Enjoy! -JM
Read more...
Fun and full of energy, not to mention her big curly hair... Thell's photo shoot was a joy! She was laid back and comfortable in front of the lens, especially considering her young age. With a great start to her portfolio and the great vibes, she's sure to be successful. Her big smile is infectious. Given how easy she was to work with, I'm pretty sure we finished her portfolio shoot in record time. She delivered her energy frame after frame, making it easy for me to capture some great images.
In these images you can see her heart shining through. You just wanna be there smiling...
Read more...
