Marathon Shoot

Introducing the Marathon Photo Shoot by Jerrad Matthew.  The idea, get multiple models together on one day.  Save the models money, save the photographer time!  For this inaugural marathon shoot, I took a giant give directly into the deep in, with 10 models booked!  Now, THAT is a marathon!

All things considered, I am very excited how all of these images turned out!  It doesn’t hurt that I’m shooting the amazing models of The Matthew Agency, Inc.  We’re so proud at the agency that our roster is expanding with more and more phenomenal talent!  Some of these models below have been with us since day one, and some are brand-spanking-new!

Another Marathon Shoot coming soon?  Perhaps.  I know for a fact, space will be much more limited.  I was feeling the exhausted effects from this for days.  Nonetheless, here are the amazing images from this extraordinary day!  Enjoy! -JM

Ashley

Alex

Steph

Shay

Marria

Madeline

Lauren

Ian

Jessica

Steph – Portfolio

Steph is a relatively new model at the Matthew Agency, but she worked her portfolio photo shoot like a pro.  I have been so lucky as a photographer to continually work with such professional acting and versatile talent, and it gives me great pride knowing they are all represented by my agency.  Steph was prepared for everything I threw at her during the shoot… from not allowing herself to blend into the background when I matched her black shirt with my black back drop, to rocking out huge hair and heavy blue eye make-up (Courtesy of the Douglas J Aveda Institute).  With a great collaboration of talent, artistry, creativity and of course a little fun, I think these images turned out fantastic!

Enjoy! -JM

Ryan – Portfolio

Ryan is a do-anything-try-anything-crazy-should-be-on-jackass-wild-child-speed-demon sort of guy.  He races bikes, pulls stunts on scooters, and pretty much has no problem risking his life in any way possible.  And somehow, The Matthew Agency is now one of his racing sponsors (doubt too many agencies sponsor a motorcycle racer).  Check out his site, RyanPowel218.com.

And… He models.

The first time I met Ryan I told him he had a very Kerry Degman vibe.  After the photo shoot, I still agree he has that Kerry Degman look, although maybe with an ounce more bad-ass.  Easy to work with, fun to shoot, and pretty laid back, Ryan was willing to give anything a try.  While the shoot was completely impromptu, Ryan’s attitude really made this shotgun photo shoot work!  Enjoy!  -JM

Mikiala – Portfolio

Mikiala is not the tallest model at the Matthew Agency, but she can give the other girls a run for their money in the category of spunk and energy.  I first met Mikiala at Grand Rapids Fashion Week, where she stomped that runway just as strong as her taller cohorts.  She brought that same intensity and energy to her photo shoot.

Her gorgeous eyes sparkled in front of the flash, and her smile shone.  From cutesy to bold and dramatic, Mikiala embodied each persona we threw at her.  It’s great to see a fun and vibrant girl, who wont be held back by any standard limitations.  Enjoy! – JM

New Face – Benson

I first met Benson when he was recruited by a tuxedo company to walk in a bridal show.  My first thought was “this kid definitely does not look old enough to get married.”  My second thought, however, was “this kid really should be modeling for the Matthew Agency.“  I handed him my card, and the rest is history.

With young, bold features and soft innocent eyes, his inexperience worked in his favor.  He had no preconceptions about modeling to dirty his fresh subtle presence.  He tackled everything we threw at him head on…from simplicity to dramatic to a phenomenal kelly-green military-inspired jacket made by the hands of our fabulous Dan Parker.  I can say, I definitely look forward to working with Benson again.  Enjoy! – JM

Craig – Portfolio Shoot

I recently did a shoot with Craig and his wife Alyssa, which I dubbed The Category of Sexy. I’m pretty sure it goes without saying that these two make for a smokin’ couple.  This photo shoot, however, was all about Craig.

Craig definitely personifies “man,”  scruffy face and all.  He has a very masculine and commanding presence in front of the camera and it definitely seems as though he is at home there.  He looks great with out a shirt, but also fills out a designer suit perfectly.  Just see below for proof!  Enjoy!  -JM

New Face – Kayla

At the age of 14, new model Kayla already exudes a timeless beauty and quiet elegance in front of the camera.  She openly admitted that she was nervous going into this, her first photo shoot ever.  From these images, anyone can see she truly has nothing to be nervous about!

As a photographer, I was elated to have such a natural beauty to work with.  As the owner and director of the Matthew Agency, I am thrilled to have new talent like Kayla coming onto our team!  I’m so proud to say that the talent coming into the agency is truly phenomenal!  It actually gives me goosebumps.

A special thanks to Dan Parker for styling and the talented Julie Strating for hair and gorgeous makeup!  All parties involved… we knocked this one out of the park!  Enjoy! -JM

Levi – Portfolio

I can honestly say I have yet to come across a model as adventurous as Levi Martin (no relation to Patrick from my previous post).  He was open to my creative direction in every way, even when it involved baring some skin in the middle of a field.  I can only assume Levi’s confidence in his own body must come from the work he obviously puts into it.  As a photographer, it’s a refreshing joy to work with a model who is open minded and daring enough to jump in and try anything.

From a field to a factory, we really had fun with this photo shoot.  Our day involved climbing over barbed wire, wading through mud, and even nearly getting run off some property by a machete wielding country man!  Let’s just say that it was a good thing we already had permission to be there.

I have to say that Levi’s complete belief and trust in my vision and creative direction truly yielded some remarkable images.  I hope you agree.  Enjoy! – JM

This post contains images some viewers may find inappropriate.

New Face – Patrick

Model Patrick Martin has a naturally stunning and unique look.  Although he is young and completely new to modeling, he seemed very comfortable in front of the lens.  His fiercely sharp physical features are contrasted by a very calm, shy vulnerability that adds a compelling  depth to his images.  The combination of all these attributes gives Patrick a versatility that will definitely serve him well in what has potential to be an amazing modeling career.

During our photo shoot, and as we were racing the sun to the finish for the day, we lucked into some perfect light.  With the warmth of an evening sun, a variety of my favorite locations in Downtown Grand Rapids, and some phenomenal wardrobe styling by my assistant Dan Parker, the images truly do wow.  This shoot actually featured some of Dan’s very own creative and fashionable designs.  Combining DPark Fashions, some vintage clothing, and a suit provided by AK Rikks, we were able to really push the variety of our looks on Patrick.  Thankfully, Patrick was adventurous and versatile enough to pull it off effortlessly.

Enjoy! – JM

Doug – Portfolio Shoot

Model Doug Summers is as laid back as he is tall.  That made for a very laid back and easy day behind the camera. His boyishly clean features and shocking blue eyes were completely natural in front of the camera for this, his very first photoshoot.  If I hadn’t have known better, I would never have guessed Doug was a rookie.

Braving the bitter wind of a brisk fall day in Michigan, Doug didn’t let out a single complaint as he laid his bare back against the cold steel of our shoot location.  While myself and my assistants were bundled up against the elements, he was jumping around in nothing but a pair of shorts for some portions of our adventure.  There is definitely professional blood flowing through his newby veins.

Already jumping headfirst into the modeling biz, walking in shows such as Grand Rapids Fashion Week and Local Threads, I look forward to see where Doug goes with his career!  At this pace, he should have a lot to look forward to.  Enjoy! -JM

Assistant: Andrea Caitlyn

Assistant/Stylist: Daniel Parker