Survivor: A Short [Hot Mess of a] Film

   
       Before I could even get my makeup on, the photo shoot was over. What would you do if you traveled for hours to get to a photo shoot, and then the camera breaks, and all you have left is a flip recorder the age of a spoiled toddler? Me? I make shit happen. Impressive is what I do best. Fate is a b*tch, but it's her that makes me shine.  We ended up making a short, impromptu film in which I played a gangsta wife --another thing I do best :)

Devil: The Film (Day 3)

 You may or may not know... but I'm doing this film thing with JTGaze Models and Casting. It's actually... a lot of fun. While shooting with Jay, I get to throw myself into fields I've never really been comfortable with and watch myself excel.

 Sometimes, you just need to see what you can do. Granted, I'm not trained in either modeling nor acting --and that might have pushed the "hate now" button some people have tucked behind their ears, but participating gives me life. Last Saturday, I woke up late, thinking we weren't going to shoot. I started my day by dragging my feet around trying to think of something productive to do. Part of the reason I like to do stuff like this is that it just fills up my calendar. Not to mention, I get to have my hair & make-up done & pretend to be a star. It's actually quite fabulous. 

I also get free training. Not that my shoots are supposed to be training sessions, but the best way to learn (in my opinion) is to try. While on shoot, I get to meet models, photographers, make up artists, hair stylists and plenty of folk whose handles have dabbled in a variety of arts. On Saturday's session, I worked with a fellow model who used to do model training. He was totally sweet, but I totally used him as my personal modeling coach. 

The only way to excel is to desire it. I asked for tips and we even got down to my lazy eye and how I can work that in photos. Not to mention I'm 5'2, so I've got to employ "techniques" to make myself look longer in pictures. You know what? Modeling isn't the toughest or most strenuous or mentally demanding field, but it is emotionally taxing. Before I shot, Jay had just finished up with two gorgeous, tall-as-f*ck models. Still, I sat my little self peacefully and continued to get my make-up done.  I started thinking about how different I looked from them, but then I realized that that is what makes me marvelous. I am myself. Instead of seeing our differences as flaws, we should work on understanding that those are the characteristics that set us apart; they make us special. 

Anyhow, this was day 3 of shooting.  Make up by Nicole Jacobs!

Enjoy the photos :)

 

I could complain but... *shrugs*

Devil: Want You 2 Want Me -- A Fashion Film (UNCUT)

Left to Right: J Alberto, ELLA, Pierre, Tierra, Natalia

So I had TONS of fun on this shoot. Better, though, is how much I learned about interacting with people. Modeling is the toughest when it comes to dealing with people's attitudes and emotions. We were doing hair & makeup in a "public" place and ended up getting kicked out before Robby could finish my hair (with heat). He was fabulous, though and finished my look in 49 degree weather while others complained about the weather.  It was freezing. One of the models, Natalia, was wearing a sleeveless dress, but she worked it and her pictures came out AMAZING.The funnest part about this project is that it's a photoshoot and a film. We get to do both in one day. While it certainly is a lot of work, if it's what you like to do, it's amazing. As a rookie, I get to train myself in two different areas #AtTheSameDamnTime. 

I want to be a threat. I want to be able to do everything well. I've really just begun to get comfortable in my own skin, so I throw myself into as much as possible. The more you work on something, the better you get. But, you have to be willing to put up with BS before you get to the big leagues. Fact is, I won't have my private dressing room with white roses and a spritz of Chloé for a while... but when I do get it, I'll derserve it. 

Hope you enjoy the photos & film. I'm not super awesome, but I'm close.  & Yes, the photos below are all of myself because I promote myself. If you want to see everyone (they're amazing, too) please CLICK HERE. 

#LiveYourLife

#RealizeYourDreams

#DoWhatYouWannaDo

Spike Lee 's "Red Hook Summer" - Coming Fall 2012

        Whether you're a fan of Spike Lee, film, documentaries, Brooklyn or dope sh*t in general, you've GOT to check this out in Fall 2012.  I'm always excited for a Spike film. That's why I had to post this for you all now! I can't say I've seen all of his work, but eventually I will. The one's I have had the time to watch I am grateful for. They were all --as is the term usually used for LEe's work and anyone who speaks about real sh*t --"thought-provoking. But shouldn't all art be thought-provoking? I simply like Spike because, he does what he does the way he's supposed to do it --the way he wants to + with very few filters. He's a master at his craft and never forgets to play his part in the struggle.