Why Fill Flash Is So Important

GlamModelz Magazine is pleased to introduce a new face to the Fashion, Glamour & Beauty Modeling industry, JM Jaguar of Tampa Bay Fl. has a unique style that is all her own. With creative posing, beautiful features and expression, Her obvious beauty is matched not only by her desire to succeed as a model, but the amazing potential that she possesses. We look forward to seeing many great things from JM Jaguar in the very near future.

GlamModelz Magazine: How did you get your start in the business? Jackie: I had my boyfriend take pictures of me at our pool and I photoshopped them. I used the pictures to make a profile on modelmayhem.com and from there photographers contacted me for TFP shoots. I spent my entire summer doing photo shoots for free, I shot at least a few times every week and sometimes I had more than one shoot in a day; I worked my ass off! I didn’t even have a car so I would usually ride the bus to my shoots. One time I woke up at 4:30 in the morning to make 4 bus transfers to get from Tampa to Clearwater Beach for an early morning beach shoot. It took a lot of hard work and dedication.

GlamModelz Magazine: What are your goals personally and with your modeling career? Jackie : My goal is to model for Playboy, FHM, and Maxim. My hope is that one day I’ll make enough money modeling to make it my only job, I would love to just model full time. Outside of modeling my goal is to have my own successful graphic design business. I’d also like to write fiction novels.

GlamModelz Magazine: Posing 101 any suggestions to newer models coming into the business? Jackie: Yeah, my suggestion is to relax and let loose. If you are nervous or thinking too much you wont do as well and it will come across in your face. Just do what comes natural to you. Remember that modeling is about your body AND facial expressions. Practice posing and making different facial expressions in the mirror. I’d also suggest looking at magazines and online to see how successful models pose; learn from the best!

GlamModelz Magazine: What have been your greatest successes to date? Jackie: My greatest success has just been coming as far as I have in such a short period of time in the modeling world. My most successful modeling job has been the fashion shows I did for Reborn Couture, it was such an awesome thing to be a part of.

GlamModelz Magazine: When working with a photographer do you bring your own concepts and idea’s as well as working with theirs? Jackie: Absolutely, I always bring my creativity to a shoot. Some photographers are more open to ideas than others but it’s I think it’s a good idea to collaborate together, I’ve come out with some great photos that way!

GlamModelz Magazine: What are your thoughts and issues with Implied and Nude posing ? Jackie: I believe that you should not do nude or implied for free but at the same time be selective, even if you are offered good money. If you pose nude for trashy websites then that’s the reputation you’ll give yourself. Not to mention if you pose nude with someone whose not legit you don’t know where those pictures are going to end up so be careful. Always bring an escort with you, especially nude shoots! Don’t do nude or implied unless you are sure you want to, give it a lot of thought. Remember that once pictures are online, they are always out there and anyone can see them, even if that happens to be someone you know. I’ve chosen to do select nude because I understand the risks and I’m willing to take them. I’m comfortable with myself and who I am so it works for me but it’s not for everyone.

GlamModelz Magazine: Have you had the support of Family, Friends and loved ones with your modeling? Jackie: My boyfriend has been my biggest support, if I didn’t have him I don’t think I’d be where I am today. As far as my family, it’s something that I choose not to share with them because I know how they feel about it. I’m 23 years old, I live my life the way I want to live it and I don’t feel the need to convince other people (even my family) that it’s an okay thing to do. I’ve always been myself no matter what anyone else thinks and I’m proud of that.

GlamModelz Magazine: What are your thoughts on the whole escort issue? Jackie: I’m totally for escorts all the way! You should always bring an escort to a shoot, especially when you are working with someone for the first time. Not bringing an escort can be risky and dangerous. It’s a risk I’m not willing to take. As far as photographers complaining about escorts I say, suck it up. The model puts themselves at risk by working with someone they don’t know; as long as the escort does not interfere with the shoot, there’s nothing wrong with it. If a photographer insists upon no escort, that’s a red flag…don’t shoot with them. If they are worried about their own safety then they can bring their own escort.

GlamModelz Magazine: What would you like to see change in the industry from a model standpoint? Jackie: I would like to see magazines stop being so cheap and pay models decent money for magazine photos. We’ve got to pay the bills like everyone else. As long as people keep posing for free, I suppose that wont be changing anytime soon. I’d also like to see the industry be more open to models of various sizes. That is changing already but I’d like to see it change further. Beautiful is not just one body type, there are many beauty ideals and all should be recognized and represented.

GlamModelz Magazine: What gets you motivated everyday to stay in shape and look your best at all times? Jackie: Looking at my competition, without a doubt. It reminds me how many other beautiful models are out there and that I’ve got to do everything I can to look my very best. I’ll look at other model’s photos on model mayhem and myspace, particularly people who have a better figure and I use that to fuel my motivation to push myself harder. I’m very competitive, it’s a part of who I am…I always want to be the best.

GlamModelz Magazine: How do you handle the inappropriate offers and sometimes rude individuals when they contact you for a session together? Jackie: I will usually ignore them, I don’t have time to get back to people who are rude…not worth my time!

GlamModelz Magazine: Your thoughts on TFP or TFCD sessions in general? Jackie: I think you should take TFP and TFCD until you establish a really nice portfolio, after that you should transition to paid only. Keep a few photographers who you have a good relationship with and do TFP with them to keep your port up to date.

GlamModelz Magazine: Any suggestions to models about wardrobe? What to have and where to find deals? Jackie: You should have a good variety of shoes, casual clothes, lingerie, bikinis, dresses, club outfits, and accessories. Try to keep all of your modeling clothes together just in case a last minute shoot comes up, you’ll be prepared and less stressed out. As far as where to get good deals I suggest Marshall’s, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, and TJ Max. Often times they will have name brand clothes for less, you have to dig for the good stuff and it’s sometimes hit or miss but the price is definitely right! Since you need so many clothes as a model it’s really important to look for good deals.

GlamModelz Magazine: What excited you the most when you first started modeling? Jackie: That my dream was actually coming true! I was so happy that at only 5’3″ I could be a model, I had always thought you had to be really tall to do any kind of modeling. It felt so good to be doing something that I had always wanted to do but never thought would actually happen for me, it made me so passionate about modeling.

GlamModelz Magazine: Facial expressions are a big part of a photo session, how and where did you learn this? Jackie: A photographer friend of mine gave me a great tip, he told me to pretend like I was saying my vowels. A, E, I, O, U…believe it or not it gives you a range of facial expressions. That was a good start, then I just started thinking about portraying emotions like an actor would. I do my best to fill myself with an emotion and it comes through on my face.

GlamModelz Magazine: Do you feel that flexibility and diversity are important to a model’s portfolio? Jackie: Most definitely! The more looks you have in your portfolio the more likely you will be what someone is looking for. Everyone is looking for that certain look so it’s important that you show as wide a range as possible. Include various poses, facial expressions, and styles in your portfolio.

GlamModelz Magazine: How do you handle rejection from photographers, agencies and your peers? Jackie: It’s funny you ask that because just last week a company I often work with left me out of their biggest fashion show yet! I did every show before that and I was supposed to be in this last one but my friend and business acquaintance gave me the cold shoulder and never even told me straight up she didn’t want me in the show, she avoided me instead. I’m not going to lie it really hurt, and the funny thing is I would have rather her told me why she didn’t want me in the show no matter what the reason was then to leave me wondering why I wasn’t good enough to be a part of it. In the end I realized there are plenty of opportunities out there and rejection is just part of the modeling world. You have to bounce back, move on, and start looking for other modeling jobs. You have to be tough or this biz will eat you up inside!

GlamModelz Magazine: How do you handle imperfections and how important do you feel professional make up is to a model? Jackie: Well first of all I realize that no one is perfect, perfection is an illusion. Everyone has imperfections, you have to find out what yours are and improve them the best you can. Improve your weaknesses and play to your strengths! It’s also important that you are always confident no matter what imperfections you have. Confidence is always sexy, if you are confident in your beauty then others will see it too. I feel that professional make up is important but not essential. If you can’t get a make up artist to do TFP and you can afford to pay them, just do the make up yourself. Practice at home and look in magazines to see how the pros do it.

GlamModelz Magazine: If you had one thing to tell a model just entering the industry what would that be? Jackie: Don’t give up! Work hard and good things will come your way. Always work on improving your look…eat right, work out, and take good care of your skin. If you believe in yourself, you can make it!!

Statistical Details:
Height: 5′ 3″
Weight: 130 lbs
Measurements: 36-26-36
Shoe size: 8
Hair color: Brown
Hair length: Long
Eye color: Brown
Skin color: Olive
Experience: Professional

JM Jaguar’s Wallpaper & Gallery

The images of JM Jaguar appearing in this interview were photographed by; Tampa Bay Glamour. To learn more about Glam Model JM Jajuar, please visit her website: ModelMayhem.com/JacquelineMarie

Glam InFocus covers the technical aspects faced everyday by the professional photographer and those interested in the advance tips and tricks we use, both in the field and in the studio to create Magic. Our first article on Fill Flash comes from John Valerio of Nor Cal-Images.

Fill Flash, what is it? And Why is it so important.
by John Valerio
For the most part I love to shoot my subjects in a natural setting using natural light. However some times there is a need for fill flash.Whether you are dealing with the harsh mid day sun and/or there is no available shade or natural blocks to work with. The intent of fill flash to create a transparent source of light that is not obvious to the viewer. Eliminate shadows and pull otherwise lost details out in your compositions.
In the image below you can see even light across the models face and body with stable. Skin tones and excellent details retained during this capture. In the image below the slightly under saturated skin tones are dominant however you can see the back lighting and the blown highlights in an around the models head. These details may or may not be desired in your composition. For me I like the details so I decided to stick with this location and use fill flash to bring me the desired results.

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Below you will see where no flash was needed but the inverse of the above image no available light direct sunlight behind the model but abundance in front of the model.

Practical use of fill flash will create the saturation and exposure desired to Capture all the details needed to wow your viewers.Whether you need side fill or front fill or in some instances bounced fill flash will be determined once on location. As many of you know light and how you use it is what separates a decent photographer and great photographers.
Be creative with flash, using filters and modifiers. Understanding how it affects your images and the ability to adjust on the fly will no doubt yield the results you’ve been wanting in your imagery.
Practice using either your camera mounted flash or a hot shoe mounted flash. Study the light. Cause and effect in short. Using both the cameras EV steps either adding a bit or taking away some exposure with help you fine tune your exposures. Bracketing is another way to quickly understand stop values relative to light….Again cause and effect.

Understanding what you want your image to look like before you hit the shutter button will no doubt save time in post processing. While you ready yourself for your next location shoot consider your compositions, the shadows and what you imagine the image should look like. More often then not, you will find your self reaching for the flash unit/units to make your vision come to fruition.