Models, Models, Models…

Yesterday there were models…lots of models… Makeup Artist Danelle French, Hair stylist Anthony Perez and I help an open casting call for our upcoming (secret) series that we will be working on in the forthcoming months. Similar to our precious exhibition in the fact that there will be 12 fully converted avant grade style fashion editorials. This time however we opened the casting to include men, Yes guys, we like you too! The response to our call was awesome and the waiting room of Domu Salon where the casting was held, was filled. Loved seeing the new and familiar faces that came out to hopefully be a part of our next work. It was great seeing some of our favorite L Modelz models there as well as from other agencies and independent models as well! The choices are definitely going to be hard moving forward as there is a lot of talent in Indianapolis.

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The Big WISH Shoot

Wednesday was a long great day. I woke up bright and early at 6 a.m. to get ready for the WISH-TV photo shoot. Photographer Ed Stewart was along as my assistant for the day. Luckily for both of us I had the sense to set up equipment the night before to make the early call time go a little better. The day consisted of working with 14 of the news stations anchors and reporters. This was the second campaign I have worked on with WISH-TV and there were definitely some big shoes to fill, the previous work had been used in an ad campaign that was presented over Indianapolis in the form of banners, billboards and television spots. What made it even more exciting is this campaign went on to win some top advertising and marketing awards! The talent both in front of and behind the scenes was both talented and truly as nice as possible. Meeting these television personalities that grace the screen might have been a little intimidating but that quickly faded as all of them were completely hospitable and made it easy to work with all of them. After the last shot was taken we packed up and now the waiting game begins. Can’t wait to see what the amazingly talented designer comes up with. After seeing the initial mood boards, we are in for another great campaign!

J3 Streetwear Lookbook shoot

This past week I was able to work with a talented group of people for a Lookbook shoot for J3 Streetwear. This was the second time working with designer Julian Jones and his urban street inspired clothing. If you know me you know one of my favorite color combinations are red, black and white-the color story of Julian’s new designs. His work has a strong graphic element to them and the color palette makes the work pop! Also along for this colorful ride were returning models from our previous shoot together, Troy and Dayquan. Both of these male models are talented and know how to move on set. Movement is an important asset during a photo shoot and even more important on a plain white back ground where it’s basically just a model and photographer! There’s no where to hide! Both were amazing as always and made the shoot a joy. Looking forward seeing where all of these talents go from here.

Design of the times…

The studio is beginning to look like design central with all the creations for the upcoming shoot with Brianna Perkins! Love creating the magic and can’t wait to see how everything comes together!

Great things.

Another photo shoot today! This finishes up about two weeks of continuous concept shoots (and continuous editing) Very lucky and privileged to have the opportunities to do the kind of shoots that I love with soooo many talented people.  More photos soon to my website and my facebook page!

Knock.Knock

Some opportunities come up in my life that I pass over and then I constantly over analyze the situation. Did I make the wrong decision?  I may never know. I try to take the “everything happens for a reason” style, but sometimes the thoughts just creep back in.  There will constantly be ups and downs in life, it’s a given. It’s how we deal with the good and the bad that I need to remember. When an unbelievable opportunity presents itself in front of me, I will know how to act.

The More the Merrier…

During the process of redesigning the website, I went over many of the photos that I have taken in the past, it made me happy, one because I have improved since my first photography classes (thankfully) and happy and grateful that I have been blessed by so many people that have trusted me to take their image and for the people that have helped make these transformations possible. Here’s to them! I am as good as the team I work with and value each and every collaboration!

Website Revival

So, after too numerous hours, I believe my revitalized website, http://www.willyumphotography.com is now officially done.  For the most part, at least, I still have a couple of things to fix that are acting up a bit.  This truly took a lot of work to get everything done, I surprised myself with how much I could do, but big thank you to my brotha, Portley for all of his advice and wisdom.  I believe my website teacher would be proud of his student. Thank you Obi Wan!

Sad day

Yesterday, I found out that a great woman had passed away. Her name was Sue File and I had only met her once a few months ago, but she did make an impact on me.  She was accompanying her daughter Hannah on our photo shoot. She was a very vibrant and energetic person who was very helpful with everything that day, from bringing props, helping with lights and being my “assistant” for the day.  Her birthday is today as well and I wish to her a Happy Birthday and sorry that will not be able cross paths again.  God Bless her and her family and thank you for blessing me with your spirit!

 

 

Up way too late…yet again

So, it is now 6:17 in the morning, and I have yet to go to bed. Caesar, my rambunctious little dachshund has been asleep for a couple of hours allowing me to do some much needed work on my website. It is coming along, but at this hours the lines of code and info are all becoming a bit blurred.