Modeling
Hello! My name is Elisa Lazo de Valdez and I live in Portland, Oregon, USA. If you are interested in shooting with me, please read my photography manifesto completely. It gives a clear description of what I am looking for in a model and what you can expect from me as a photographer.
Thank you!
VISIOLUXUS PHOTOGRAPHY MANIFESTO:
The What: My photography is better described as a mixed medium art project. The search for wardrobe and fabrics, the quest and construction of props and backdrops, the improvisation of adornments, body paint and makeup are all personal expressions that come together in the final concept. The model is the element in the piece that personifies my idea. They are illustrations in my mind that are expressed and captured with a camera. I am not seeking to collaborate or shoot someone else’s ideas; I am seeking people who are willing to abandon themselves to my ideas.
The Will: I shoot conceptual, dreamy, spooky, decorative, dramatic and surreal. I love awkward body language and dramatic hands. You may be blurry, unrecognizable, covered up, obscured or transformed. You will most definitely look pale and unearthly.
The Won’t: I do not shoot pin ups, bikinis, commercial work, pay sites, prom dresses, catalog, denim, prima donnas, spoiled brats or models who insist their face is showing in every photo. If you are looking to make a career out of conventional modeling I am probably not the person for you.
The Who: I am looking for creative people between the ages of 19 and 30, slender, small bust, striking faces, great bone structure, flexible, various heights and weights. Conceptually I am looking for ethereal, tribal, dark, awkward, effervescent, emotive, sublime. I’ll know it when I see it.
The How: Models should arrive on time above all else. If you are late and have not contacted me consider the shoot canceled. If you are a no show, I have no interest in rescheduling. At this point in my career I simply don’t have time for flakes.
Be conscientious enough to adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Arrive with clean hair, a clean face and manicured nails or polish free nails. No half painted chipped nail polish on your hands or feet.
2. Bring your favorite brush, hair products and accessories as well as your favorite makeup foundation.
3. Pluck your eyebrows, have a clean upper lip, get rid of that mole hair. Digital cameras see everything, and cleaning up a mustache in post production is no fun.
4. Wear neutral (beige or black) undergarments that will not show through clothing, smooth and simple. Elaborate lace can show through clingy and silky fabrics.
5. The only wardrobe you need to bring is any version of a vintage, couture or timeless dress you may have. I have most of the wardrobe I need but it’s always fun to see what other options there are. No pants, shirts, skirts or lingerie. Please DO NOT bring your prom dress or bridesmaid gown.
IMPORTANT! You must be willing to go without a bra. Some wardrobe is not bra friendly in the cut or fabric and I don’t like being limited to what I can and can’t use. I do not mean topless, I mean bra-less under the clothing.
6. Be honest about your age, weight and hair color. Be sure the images I have seen of you are up to date. I do not understand models who aren’t truthful about these things. I will be meeting you in person and looking at you very intently through a camera lens, you won’t fool me. Concept, props and wardrobe are closely tied to what you look like. DON’T cut and dye your hair the night before the shoot. If you make any changes please let me know before we work together.
7. You will be required to sign a model release, no exception. You can find a copy of the release here: http://visioluxus.com/modelrelease2012.jpg
8. Models will receive digital files of all the final images sized 8x12 at 300dpi, and thumbnail size for easy viewing . I will send these through YouSendIt.com file service unless you request a physical CD.
The Why: I shoot for the creative outlet. It’s a simple as that. I have a degree in design and advertising and have been artistically inclined since I was two years old. As a result of exposure on the internet, I have several agencies that represent my work globally for use on book covers. Sometimes I show my work in exhibitions or competitions, and at least once a year I am asked to be part of a photography anthology. These are all a bonus that enable me to keep shooting creatively on my own schedule.
Thank you for reading through all that!
If you think we would work well together please email me at visioluxus@hotmail.com with a couple of photos attached. If I don’t know what you look like I can’t make an informed decision!
If I think you are suited for one of my projects I will get back to you within three business days, otherwise you won’t hear back from me.
Cheers!
