Excerpt:

Models say it all that time.  Many photographers do too.  ”Practice in front of a mirror.”  But what, exactly, is a model supposed to practice in front of a mirror?

Practice moving in general and expressions.  Study your body and watch how it moves, both nude (or in a bra and panties) and clothed, so you can see what happens to your skin as you move, and to the clothes as you move.  Watch what your body does as you move, and as you stop moving.  Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s far better than not knowing your body and its movements at all.

Read more here: http://racheljay.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/what-do-you-practice-in-front-of-a-mirror/

WORKSHOP CANCELLED :(

This great workshop (best for beginner photographers) is coming up June 27 at Studio 2 in Lake Zurich, IL!  We still have space available!  Only $65 for a 4 hour workshop and 2 additional hours of TF* time with 4 incredible models! 

Sign up now: http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoBurbsMayhem/calendar/13699769/

After a string of cancellations, and much thought on the subject, I’ve decided that I’m going to start doing two things I’ve never done before as a model.  I am now going to require a deposit to re-book after a cancellation, and am also going to be instituting a cancellation fee.  For all shoots, even trade.  Even with those I’ve worked with before.

Bottom line is, I’m tired of setting aside a full day for someone and getting canceled on, and during summer, setting aside a full day for a shoot in IL means skipping a weekend with my family up in MI as well.  And that’s not to mention all the time I typically spend planning (finding pose, wardrobe, and hair/makeup ideas at the very least) for a shoot, and (in some cases) the money spent on new items for a shoot.

It’s just not fair to those who’ve be reliable, and I’m sorry, but a handful of folks have tipped the boat far enough where it’s just too frustrating now, and I’m done.

Here’s how it’s going to work.

• If a shoot is canceled within 3 days, my re-booking deposit will be $25, payable via Paypal only.  Refundable the day of the shoot, or put towards MUA fees, photographer’s choice.
• If a shoot is canceled within 24 hours, my cancellation fee will be $50, payable via Paypal only.  Non-refundable, and will not be applied to a re-booking deposit.

I’m also going to start being even more selective when it comes to those I book with.  Between upcoming workshops, a fashion show I’m in, and just my life in general, the free time I have is becoming less and less free, and, frankly, I’d rather concentrate on workshops and that stuff than shoot just to shoot.  Paid jobs, tear sheets, and the like will continue to take priority.

Finally got a chance to sit and write about my shoot at the frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock in Utica, IL!  Check out my blog, as well as some pics here: http://racheljay.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/shoot-results-ice-falls/