“I’m From Albany” Photographer Mike Cooke
Photographer
Where were you born?
Albany Georgia, its about 3 hours south of Atlanta
Where do you live?
Currently I live in Atlanta
When did you decide that this is what you want to do?
I decided I wanted to take photography serious my senior year in highschool. I had done a few photoshoots in my art class with my 4 megapixel point and shoot and after graduation I had received alot of checks from friend’s a family. With all of that money I bought my first digital SLR which was a nikon d70s and the rest is soon to be history
Are there any celebrities that you’ve worked with?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the RAWREPORT which is a DVD hip hop magazine based here in Atlanta. Through them I’ve had the chance to work with Gorilla Zoe, Roxy Reynolds, and T.I. to name a few. But I’d like to think most of the people I shoot with though are soon to be celebrities
Which Celebrities fit your style, and that you would want to work with?
I really liked Gorilla Zoe, he was very cool and down to earth. And I liked Roxy Reynolds for obvious reasons, but she had a glorious personality and always wore a smile on set.
Do you enjoy shooting by the water?
Me and water have a great connection and vibe. We’ve really gotten to know each other and some of my best shoots have come out of water. Thanks water
Do you make your own sets or you enjoy going on location?
I love shooting location, when I started out I shot location because thats all I had at my disposal. I still prefer it because there is an extra challenge that comes out of shooting location. EVERYTHING has to be in harmony from the models, to the wardrobe, to the hair, to the location. If even one thing is off it can damage your photo. But taking the time and making sure everything is just right gives you a better sense of satisfaction in my opinion.
What is some advice that you can give to a future male/female model?
Don’t think, the minute you think is the minute you’ll get a bad photo. I’ve told countless models to just be natural. And the poses you should do infront of the camera are the same ones you do in your bathroom mirror. We know what looks good, you’ve got TV and internet that tells you what looks good, and you do a great job at mocking it. Don’t second guess yourself, and don’t think, just do.
If there is one celebrity who you could work with who would it be?
Will Smith, the way this man markets himself and his movies is the reason why he is the ONLY actor in todays media that can still make money on a headline film. Plus people say I have his ears, I think we’d vibe very well.
If there is one model you could shoot, who would it be? male or female…
I’d love to shoot the next season of America’s next top model.
What is one thing that you hate people to do while on set?
Smoke, that is my biggest pet peve on set
When its time for you to do an interview do you enjoy it or get nervous?
I get an enjoyment nervous, I can’t even lie. Im not used to talking about myself and trying to hype up my talents, but when someone actually wants to know detailed info about what I do I run through a million answers a second. I still not quite used to it
Which do you really enjoy working on…Print, editorial, nude, commercial, etc?
I love a combination of editorial and commercial. I’ve seen it done very well and I love photos that can be artistically engaging while still selling a product.
Which shoot to date was the one you most enjoyed shooting, and why?
It would have to be my first shoot with HD The Agency Talent. Dawn Montgomery. It was her and 5 other models, we did a masquerade themed shoot and everything flowed sooo well. Dawn was a breeze to work with and it didn’t even feel like work, it felt like I was shooting one of my friends. All the models leeched off her energy and we got amazing results. I can honestly say that shoot was another turning point for my photography style.
What helps you get creative when when coming up with new shoot concepts?
(music,people,movies)
I’ve gotten inspiration from people simply saying something that caught my ear, I’ve found locations to shoot that matched a certain song I listened to, and movies inspire me everyday to go out and recreate a similar experience in a photographic world. So I’d have to say all three
Do you have a team that you work with that helps you come up with new
concepts and lighting options?
I have a team of people that help me out on all my shoots. Most times these people are my creative concepts. I’ll meet with them before hand explain to them who the shoot is for, what they want, etc etc and most times we’ll come to an agreed upon lighting situation or atleast a theme to push it toward in the model’s posing or post production effects
What type of model would you rather work with? Hi-Fashion, Urban, Male,
Female, Kids,Nature etc…
Hi Fashion
Is it more important to have a great make up artist or a good stylist?
Ooo that is like asking me to pick my favorite son…. I think on this one im going to have to go hairstyling is more important. I may be able to salvage a makeup job if the model has naturally clear skin, and alot of post work. But hair is a little to tedious to be able to fix in photoshop
Weblinks…
My website: www.MDSGstudios.com
HD The Agency: www.myspace.com/hatkahd
My favorite promo agency: http://www.monstarentertainment.com/
Any shout outs?
haha I feel like i should be yelling this part into a microphone. First off my Mom and Dad who continue to show me support, Dawn Montgromery and Jay Glover of HD the Agency who see the determination and drive in me and continue to show me love. All the folks at Broke & Boujee and Visual Vyanl, Hannibal Matthews, and last but not least my group of supporters and everyone who steps foot infront of my camera. Shouts out and thanks to all of you.
XXL Magazine Web Candy PhotoShoot!!!!
April 23, 2009 by Jami
Filed under Blog, Carinae Corner, Events, Photoshoots
XXL Magazine
Web Candy Search
Thank you to all the ladies that attended the 1st
official casting for the XXL Web Candy Search, that
was held in Atlanta. Thank you to Furious Ent and
Tongue & Groove!!! Congratulations to:
Sherrie Sosa (CherrieSosa)
For being the first girl to get picked on the web tour…
Ladies stay posted, our next stop is Charlotte, NC
Tongue & Groove, XXL Magazine “Web Candy”, Carinae Casting… Thank you to all the ladies who attended!!!!
XXL Web Candy Shoot
Thank you: Tierra Burrell for doing the make up, Hair Stylist:Gena Sullivan, Photographer: Michael Cooke, Editor and Chief: Bonsu Thompson, behind the scenes:www.AtlExposedMag.com, Tongue and Groove and Furious Ent.
Stylist to the Stars…Renaldo Nehemiah!!!
April 23, 2009 by Jami
Filed under Blog, Industry Spotlight, Interview
Renaldo Nehima
Stylist to the Stars…
Where were you born?
Miami Fl
Where do you live?
Atlanta GA
When did you decide that this is what you want to do?
After I got injured during my college athlete days, and working in the music industry with My two god-Fathers John Monoply and Datu Fasion who managed Kanye West with their company call Hustle.
Do you sew as well as style?
Haven’t master that skill of sewing yet but I’m working on it.(smile) but honestly I just style.
Are there any celebrities that you’ve worked with?
Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, Ludacris, Chingy, Tisha Campbell, Tasha Smith, Jagged Edge, Lloyd and others.
Which Celebrities fit your style, and that you would want to work with?
Celebs that fit my style is Pharrell, Kanye, and Andre 300 is one celeb I would like to work with.
Which celebrity could put on anything and look good? (male or female)
Male- my homie Pharrell, and female I would say Victoria Beckham.
Would you rather style something around a pair of boots or open toe pumps?
I would say pumps because they are sexy on a women to me.
Who would you rather see in a fitted mini dress…a size 7 with curves or a size 1 with no curves?
I’ll take the fitted mini dress size 7 with curves, I love a beautiful women with a figure.
Do you have a favorite color or fabric that you like to work with? And why?
Honestly I don’t really it all just depends on the project at the time.
What is some advice for girls out there that want to model?
Honestly, stop doing the music videos because every girl that is cute with a shape thinks she is a model, which then it limits you. Go for being the next Naiomi Campbell and go check the iconic check.
A past video/magazine experience on set…Good and Bad…
Honestly , I’m blessed to have only good experiences so far.
What helps you get creative (music,people,movies)
Everything from music, people, everyday life.
Any projects coming up that we should know about?
First go get Musiq Soulchilds “ONMYRADIO” album, and I just teamed up super celeb photographer Derek Blanks so we are teaming up on different projects.
Any shout outs?
First ,You thank you (Jami) for wanting to interview me, Musiq Soulchild, His management team, Kevin Liles the Atlantic Records family, my business partner Paris Kirk, and my publicist Tahaira Wright(branded Pr) and You again.
Website, myspace, links etc…
Myspace.com/RenaldoNehemiah and RenaldoNehemiah.com is coming soon
XXL Magazine Atlanta Model Search ” Web Candy “
April 14, 2009 by ldarien
Filed under Events, Feature Model, Paid Casting Calls
XXL Magazine is coming back to Atlanta to search for the
“CRAZE MAGAZINE” IS CASTING FOR BEAUTIFUL MODELS TO FEATURE IN UPCOMING ISSUES
“CRAZE MAGAZINE” IS CASTING FOR BEAUTIFUL MODELS TO FEATURE IN UPCOMING ISSUES, “CRAZE MAG” IS THE SISTER MAGAZINE OF “BLACKMEN” MAGAZINE BY WAY OF “JOHN BLASSINGAME” AS OUR CIRCULATION CONSULTANT…
“Craze Magazine” is a PUBLICATION and not an online magazine…. We are in thousands of stores across the country….
We urge models who are looking for that ultimate exposure to come and attend this casting, by being in “CRAZE MAGAZINE” it allows up & coming models the chance to become a HOUSEHOLD name over night….
We’re casting for the cover, and back cover, and full 5-page spreads!!! So if modeling is something you have in your heart to pursue, here’s your chance to show the world what you have to offer… Our team is complete, we have some of the best photographers who will capture great images of you.. Make up & hair will be on set if you are chosen to shoot with us.
We are an URBAN magazine looking for models to be as SEXY as possible!! There’s nothing trashy about “CRAZE MAGAZINE” our goal is to continue to put out classic tasteful sexiness…
MODELS MUST BE 18 OR OLDER (with ID), COMP CARDS /OR HIGH QUALITY RECENT PHOTOS OF YOURSELF YOU SHOULD HAVE ON ARRIVAL FOR THIS CASTING/// THE CASTING WILL BE HELD IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA APRIL 4th 2009, FROM 5PM-9PM.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DIRECT THEM TO THE LISTED EMAIL ADDRESS: crazemagrep [at] gmail [dot] com
Celebrity Photographer D. Blanks Interview
March 30, 2009 by tierra
Filed under All, Features, Industry Spotlight, Interview, Photoshoots, Tierra's Corner
Tierra:Where were you born?
D Blanks:Jackson, Mississippi
Tierra:Where do you live?
D. Blanks:Atlanta, Georgia
Tierra:When did you decide that this is what you want to do?
D. Blanks:In the 3rd Grade. I was introduced to photographer at a fairly young age during my tenure in Creative Arts School. I became attached to it because of the instant gratification. I have a background in Illustraion and with this, portraits take 20-30 hrs where as a photo is instant.
Tierra: Are there any celebrities that you’ve worked with?
D.Blanks: Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, Beyonce, Akon, Estelle, Eva Pigford, Rockmond Dunbar, Angela Bassett, Faith Evans and more, just to name a few LOL
Tierra:Which Celebrities fit your style, and that you would want to work with?
D. Blanks: Any Celebrity who is fashion forward and is driven by creativity.
Tierra:Which celebrity could put on anything and look good? (male or female)
D. Blanks: Eva Pigford hands down! Eva is a traditional model. Any great model can put on anything and make it look good, as she does so effortlessly.
Tierra:What’s the best thing about working with a new model?
D.Blanks: The new model is a blank canvas in a sense and takes good direction while allowing room for personal growth and development.
Tierra: What’s the worst thing about shooting a new model?
D. Blanks: Lack of experience, knowledge and posing in front of the camera, but not in all cases.
Tierra: Do you work better with gels, lights or natural light?
D. Blanks: I’m confident enough in my craft to say that I feel as though I work well with all. It is in my experience that any good photographer can work well with all lighting scenarios and environments.
Tierra: Do you enjoy shooting by the water?
D. Blanks: Yes…
Tierra: Do you make your own sets or you enjoy going on location?
D. Blanks: Depending upon the project, yes. It keeps the concept fresh and creative. I enjoy locations as well because they sometimes present challenges and provide refreshing, new environments.
Tierra: What is some advice that you can give to a future male/female model?
D. Blanks: Study your craft, own it, profect it and continued to be a work in progress.
Tierra: If there is one celebrity who you could shoot who would it be?
D. Blanks: Angelina Jolie
Tierra: If there was one magazine that you could shoot for who would that be?
D. Blanks: Vogue
Tierra: What do you hate most when it comes to a photoshoot?
D.Blanks: The delay. Sometimes all of the componets (hair, make-up, wardrobe) can prove to be extremely intollerable as far as the time length because I shoot rather quickly.
Tierra: What type of atmosphere do you like to work in? (a lot of people on set,
music, drinks, etc.)
D. Blanks: I like being around creative and positve people (my team), lots of music and great clients with positive attitudes who are willing to take direction and be creative.
Tierra: Any projects coming up that we should know about?
D Blanks: My Alter-Ego Pictorial book. Also, I’m working on something BIG that everyone will just have to stay tuned for.
Please Check out www.dblanks.com
Celebrity Stylist: Betrice Benbow
March 16, 2009 by Jami
Filed under Blog, Industry Spotlight, Interview
Celebrity Stylist: Betrice Benbow
Where were you born? Memphis Tenn.
Where do you live? ATL
When did you decide that this is what you want to do? I have worked as model in the industry for 13 years and I’ve always had a strong eye for fashion, I officially started wardrobe styling in 2005
Do you sew as well as style? yes if I have to…I really like sewing swimsuits(risky ones)
Are there any celebrities that you’ve worked with? yes, Chilli, The Game, Elise Neal, Jeff Johnson.. to name a few
Which Celebrities fit your style, and that you would want to work with? Beyonce of course! Posh the fashion diva
Which celebrity could put on anything and look good? (male or female) Nicole from the pussycat dolls…she’s HOTT!
Would you rather style something around a pair of boots or open toe pumps? I’m all about the highest, most sickest heel…boot or pump
Who would you rather see in a fitted mini dress… size 7 with curves or a size 1 with no curves? hmmm… that depends on who can work that camera the best, and what project I am working on at that time. If I just had to choose, I would go for the size 1…I love my high fashion girls!!!
Do you have a favorite color or fabric that you like to work with? And why? I love bold metallic’s, sequence and gold! I’m sooo extra!
What is some advice for girls out there that want to model? its all about investing in yourself and getting good pictures. Clients see your pics before they see you.
A past video/magazine experience on set…Good and Bad… Its been all good…I can work through a storm
What helps you get creative (music,people,movies)? Makeup and hair does it for me.
Website, myspace, links etc…google me Betrice Benbow
