Fourth Shoot

My fourth shoot took place in a studio located in Detroit, MI by the photographer named Oliver Cole, owner of Fantasy on Film & Co. The travel was fine, aside from I had no idea where I was going, and I was going to downtown Detroit, all by myself. I should have brought someone, but its not always doable. The shoot was taken in an apartment like studio, also fully equip with lighting, cameras, and tripods. I had multiple outfits I brought with me. The theme was supposed to be 1950's pin up, however finding a gridle on short notice was a challenge, so the photographer Oliver Cole was willing to work with what I had. I told him it was more like 1920's flapper with the gloves, and red lace coreset. He was completely fine with that, and is currently in the process of ordering a girdle for our next shoot. This photographer was mostly focusing on trying to get me to smile, and showing my teeth. Which was strange, but to each his own. I was trying to stay away from something that you might see at a Sears Family photo display.

Oliver was a great photographer to work with. He also did before and after photos, and got me in my natural smile, and poses. He also used great strategy, in order to get me warmed up in front of the camera. I had a photographer tell me once, that the last photo of the day is always the best picture, and maybe that's a photographer's trade secret, but Oliver told me to save the best outfit for last, and he was right. He also took me around and showed me off to another photographer who later gave me his card named: Scotty Rais from Madien Detroit, and hopefully this networking will lead to further shoots and work.

Photos By: Oliver Cole - Fantasy On Film & Co.

Third Shoot

My third shoot, was with the same photographer who I did the Somewhere In Time Shoot with. Dennis asked me if I wanted to do the nude shoot, I said; "Sure, you already pretty much saw me nude anyways. But if we are going to do this, we are going to do this my way." And that's just what we did. It was my idea to go down the bondage/ edgy route, because I was channeling my alter ego, and decided I will be more confident if I am in charge vs. the vulnerability I felt with the previous shoot. We used a private studio in Royal Oak, that was fully equip, with lighting, and back drops. I loved a lot of the photos he took, however I also edited some myself, consider this photographer really doesn't use photo shop. I tinted colors to enhance the dramatic photo with the gun. I made some black and white, and added contrast. I cropped a couple photos, to keep it some at a PG rating, however I kept the black and white self portrait profile, un-croped. Although it shows nudity, I felt it resembled me the best. Completely restrained by my own boundaries that I set. This shoot allowed me to let lose, and feel like a real model; ready for my next shoot. It was this shoot that I felt prepared me the most for what to expect when it comes to modeling.

Photographs Taken By: Dennis Camerawork & Co.

Second Shoot

My second shoot was taken on private property (with special permission). The theme was Somewhere In Time. The photographer told me he had all the clothes he needed, so I didn't have to bring anything. I meet Dennis through Modelmayhem.com, and he suggested that meeting first, isn't always a great idea, because it could take off some of the edge.

The shoot turned out to be more reveling than I had anticipated. My nerves were shot. I have never felt vulnerably. However, after each wardrobe change I began to loosen up, and got more comfortable.
The setting was amazing. The gazebo we shot in was a two storey's, and something straight out of a fairy tale. The only downer was the bugs in the wooded area, however I knew that was a small price to pay, so I refrained from complaining. I have seen those top model shows where they have to be willing to work will all sort of elements. Cold water, extreme weather conditions, and confront some fears; whether its heights, bugs, or morbid themed shoots. I was to afraid to disappoint the photographer, so I maintained a positive attitude, and asked him if I could use him as a reference. He told me that if anyone where to call him for a reference, he would explain "That I am just as lovely on film, as I am in person." I was really flattered, and I remain humble until today, and that's why I tell people I am far from a diva.

Photographs Taken By: Dennis, Cameraworks & co.

First Shoot

The first shoot I had was an outdoor shoot. I was nervous to say the least. I met a photographer off of a site called Onemodelplace.com. I had never met anyone off line before, and I was a little skeptical, due to the stories constantly being broadcasted on the news. "Young girl found dead after meeting someone off the internet."

I met Jason G. first hand at a local Tim Horton's, and then set up a date for an out door shoot at a state park. I brought my best friend, and her girlfriend with us for safety purposes. You never can play it too safe now a days.

I had zero experience, and had no clue what I was doing, what to wear, or how to pose, and my nerves were starting to get the best of me. After a while, I loosened up, and these two shoots were the best from the shoot. I still keep in contact with the photographer, who still gives me safety, and networking tips. I was lucky to be working for trade to help build both of our portfolios. Jason also was the one to advise me to create a Model Mayhem account, to offer further exposure.

Photos By: Jason G.

★ Nina Starr

BIO:

I didn't always want to be a model. However; I have always loved art, and playing dress up ever since I was little, but I felt that models had to be tall, thin, blond, and busty. In today's world there are so may different options of what beauty is. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." And each photographer has their own definition of what beauty means to them. What one photographer thinks is a beautiful model, another may find too skinny, and find the natural curves of a woman to be beautiful. And I just learned all this recently, thus starting out my modeling career at a later age, and I have been proving this to myself ever since.

I'm 24 years old, but appear much younger. I'm far from a diva, what I am is a liberated free spirit, with a positive attitude; seeking photographers, that are open to new ideas, the ability to direct, advise & accentuate my stronger features. I'm an amateur model w/an open mind, with the desire to explore new avenues & push the limits in controversy. I'm also interested in looking to model in a surreal, fantasy, artistic, abstract manner. The more creative the better! I want to pull away from the ordinary; mundane world & be apart of a creation that make peoples eyes pop & do a double take. My passion isn't rooted from modeling, its from the appreciation I have for art. I love the idea of being apart of a piece art work that a photographer has created & seeing the photos come to life.

HOW I GOT STARTED:

I was working at an event for a friend, at Hustler's Gentleman's Club in Detroit, MI. Where the photographer from the Real Detroit Magazine sought me out, and was really interested in doing a photo shoot with me. Came back to look for me a second time to get my name and contact information, and gave me his card. He had this vision that I loved, and explained how he wanted me to be apart of a black and white shoot, with my body wrapped up in nothing but caution tape. He told me he loved my look, my bangs, my composure, etc. But having never done a shoot, I had no idea what to expect. He wanted to meet me at a hotel, far away, wanted to buy me drinks, and when I told him I was going to bring someone, he cancelled on me, and I never heard from him since. At that point I was a little disappointed, because if the shoot went well, I kept thinking the possibilities to land in the Real Detroit would have been amazing. So I decided I was going to start putting my name out there, and for the photographer that saw what that photographer from the Real Detroit saw, could contact me.

GOALS:

I would like to further my career as model by pursuing artistic prints, participating in various promotional events, and paid opportunities. I'm currently taking break from nude shoots until further notice; implied nudes okay. With that in mind please feel free to contact me if you're a creative photographer that is up for new and exciting challenges.

MISC.
I don't mind trade, but I will not pay photographers for work, as this is for side work/ hobby. Depending on assignments, and distance/travel I may charge.

My wardrobe contains formal, casual, swim, lingerie, and renaissance/ garb. I'm also looking to work with hair stylists, and make up artists. I'm willing to change alter my appearance for shoots.