Model call

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Oleg Volk

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Nashville, TN
A lot of my old posters lack the resolution for printing. As I update my posters with new, higher-resolution versions, I find that a lot the new photos lack the impact of the old images.

Here's an example:

New
twoways2162.jpg


Old
twoways_s.jpg

The problem is that my favorite models (who are gun-savvy and capable of convincing acting) are not local. I seldom get photo shoots with them. My local friends either lack the acting talent or the familiarity with weapons necessary for convincing posing.

Male model with those qualifications are easier to find: I have three friends whom I cast regularly. However, it is hard to find female models with matching expertise. I amcurrently considering teaching a friend who has acting talent the finer points of gun use, but it would take months to bear results...and I don't have the time or the energy to do that.

Suggestions and leads are welcome. Less concerned about age (the men are 19-55yo), more about acting ability, familiarity with guns and other weapons, and a somewhat photogenic appearance.
 
Pay depends on the uses.

Posters for promotion of RKBA aren't paid (although I could set up a "tip the model on this poster" fund.) I have no budget for that and have to devote time away from my own paid work. I would prefer to pay to cover such expenses as travel and time, but simply cannot do that. I pretty much depend on the interest in promoting RKBA, on the satisfaction of gaining some fame and good images of self.

However, some of the images eventually see commercial uses. Sometimes the shoots are done for specific companies, in which case the models get paid right away. More often, images get bought for editorial or advertising use later, in which case the models would get a % of the licensing fees.
 
That's much as I imagined but I just wanted confirmation before I started speculating further.
I will put the word out amongst my wife's friends.

PS. If you ever need a terrorist looking type then I am your man. For some strange reason photographic documentation of my Mediterranean appearance has morphed post 9/11 into some crass islamic militant caricature.
My TN DL photo is strikingly similar to that of Mohammed Atta. It scares even me.
 
Agreed, I need to thank you for informing me of the Guns and Leather store.

I shoot at the Hobson Pike Range. We could meet up sometime, there or elsewhere.
 
Let me know when you expand to the bulging spandex sort of guy. I've got bulges, in all the wrong places. I guarantee I can make the antis up and take notice!!! :D Did I tell you, I ALMOST blend in, on my deck, in my camo speedos! :)
 
My comments, for what they are worth -

I guess my computer doesn't show the differences much. The ones you label old actually look a little sharper in focus than the new ones.

I can see the new model doesn't appear to have much acting ability, but the images aren't as clear on my monitor, either.

Also, as constructive criticism: I think you carry finger off the trigger to ridiculous lengths. If she is slinging lead, her finger needs to be on to go button.

Also, the point of view of both before and after photos should be same for maximum impact, eyelines should be the same, etc. Runt is looking at the camera in the first picture and apparently somewhere up at some heavenly manifestation in the second. Not convincing in terms of a reaction to a threat, which would be the camera, imho, even though it is a good shot. JMTC, and not meant to offend, bud! In other words, it would be more effective if the model more or less morphed into the second pose, rather than looking like two isolated shots, if you get my drift.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment, Oleg! :)
 
Model call? I've never been called a model - never even had folks wolf-whistle at me . . . :D

Still, if you want to make use of my ugly goateed mug, I'll be up your way from time to time.
 
Please forgive this clumsy attempt with your fine work, but is this maybe a little more of the impact you were looking for? BTW, all copyrighted material has been eliminated from my machine.
 
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Yes, my wife is interested. She has just looked at your work and totally approves.
She's more than slightly photogenic, even if I say so myself.
I will PM my email address in addition to this message.
 
armoredman,

I really like your layout: may I use it?

My wife is the typical American housewife, or did you just want the drop dead gorgeous types?

Look at my site. Drop-dead gorgeous types are a distinct minority among my models. I am trying to have as many different looks, ages, ethnicities and attitudes represented. However, since I will be updating existing posters in addition to making new work, I need people with good acting ability.

secure1790.jpg
Some of my friends can act (and Blake has starred in numerous posters), but Shawna is unused to weapons and so would likely take a long time getting up to speed.
 
Oleg, you may use any ideas I have. I just fool around with a little digital camera.
I told my wife about putting her picture up, and she was thought that was interesting. I still need to get her to do some pictures with her AK.

BTW. that's a nice pic with a nice car - very 40's, even the "pistole"! Isn't that the gent who wore the German uniform is several pics?

I am not nearly as photogenic...
 
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armoredman,

That's so similar to my idea for the image of an out of focus person in a bubble bath, with in focus clothes and holster in the foreground. "Always keep the essentials near" :D
 
real_name wrote:

My TN DL photo is strikingly similar to that of Mohammed Atta. It scares even me.

In another state, years back, I had a DL photo taken. Something went wrong with the Polaroid film they were using (before cheap digital images). My face came through by my head and body were surrounded by a red 'aura' including two horn-like projections from the top of my head!

Maybe I should have insisted they use that photo, but at the time I hadn't seen Nicholson in The Witches of Eastwick - "Just your average, horn- little devil!"
 
Where is local to you?

Close enough that regular shoot were possible...guessing 50-60 miles from Nashville at most. I have friends come from as far away as California and Massachussetts, but they can't do it often.
 
women of courage

Dear Oleg:

Perhaps you could search for the female models amoung police, those with military experience, or even the martial arts trained.

May I also suggest the nurse profession. These women are courageous in what they do, and since so many work evening hours and encounter all types of people in their profession, many have taken to arming themselves and becoming familiar with firearms so that they may go about their life saveing activities with a more confident outlook.

Your other post on image resolution deals with the phenomena of "impressionism" that fine art contains.

Sincerely,
Jim
 
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