Month: October, 2010
When a Stylist Gets Shot
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Since the weather is changing, I felt this post only appropriate. It’s time to introduce you to some Fall Fashion!
You don’t need to be a former model to be a great creative director. However, stepping in front of the lens allows one to gain perspective on what the photographer is looking for from their subject, and what the person being captured needs to do for an awesome shot. Having this understanding, last Fall, I decided to put together a lifestyle photoshoot with Bentley, model from the Mattison Agency, and her precocious daughter, Savannah.
Bentley’s portfolio consisted of many high-fashion editorials and a few campaigns. I wanted to add some lifestyle shots to her book, so I enlisted the help of Elton Anderson, noted fashion photographer (I always wanted to say that), Nicole Alexis, make-up artist, and my cousin Kelechi Kalu, fellow stylist, to bring this project together. To keep the story consistent, Kelechi and I decided all three of us would wear bowties in our group shots. I was also able to pull a dress in the last look from Delilah Johnson, fashion designer from Miami.
Initially, the lifestyle shoot posed some difficulties for Bentley. One of the hardest things for a fashion model to do is be natural and not pose. A key difference between lifestyle and high-fashion shoots is the emotion the image evokes. One is more natural while the other is about fierce posing. After a couple of clicks and some light direction, Bentley found her rhythm. Soon it was time for me to step in front of the camera. Elton began to direct Kelechi and I on set, and I must say, it’s not as easy as it looks. Nicole, Alexis and Bentley chuckled as we tried to get into the groove of things. If you know Kelechi, he loves the camera. As for myself, I enjoy taking pictures with my point-n-shoot, but I give you one of two looks: an endearing smile *adjusts halo,* or the patented misty eye. YEEAAAHHH BABY! *Austin Powers voice*
My experience in front of the lens taught me so much, from shot composition and directing groups, to movement and even “natural” posing. Looking back at my body of work, I’ve seen the growth in my directing and my clients definitely benefited from my brief stint into “modeling.” I won’t be stepping in front of the camera anytime soon, so no need to hide your kids (#noeddielong) or hide your wives. This stylist has already been shot.
***Photographer, Elton Anderson, Co-Stylist, Kelechi Kalu, MUA, Nicole Alexis
Write a Comment
Young, Struggling and Styling
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
As I cooked breakfast for myself this morning, I decided to check my bank account. *thinks* If I could just add one more zero behind that one, I’d have ten whole dollars. iKID, iKID. But in all honesty, since starting my journey as a full-time fashion stylist and creative director, I’ve had to make numerous sacrifices for my craft. It’s rare I’ll go into a store and shop for myself anymore. The days of purchasing a $250 pair of jeans are over.com/whatwereyouthinkinganyway, and I can no longer financially justify my love of Ferragamos. *deep sigh*
Instead, all my money goes to sustaining my business, which of course includes PORK Bacon and Red Velvet. #NOM! As a stylist, you always need working capital for shoots, especially when styling agency-signed models. It’s the never-ending, buy-and-return process. Purchase merchandise for the shoot, pray to Sweet Baby Jesus, who lies ever-so peacefully in his manger that the model does not damage anything, then steam, re-tag, fold and return the merchandise to the respective stores. *bbm whew face* Talk about risky business!
If you continue to buy and return in the same stores, your face becomes familiar to the staff. Some stores have the right to refuse returns, so you have to be strategic. I look at returns as if I’m going to war. My battleship WILL NOT be sunk. I often purchase at one store’s location and return to another. If that’s not an option, I change the shift of when I return the clothes. I know of some stylists that have been stuck with hundreds of dollars in merchandise because the store refused the return. What’s an up-and-coming stylist to do?!?!
Well, some stores will allow a stylist to pull (borrow) clothing and accessories and pay a 20-30% restocking fee of the total. *bbm talk to the hand face* Did I mention that I’m an up-and-coming stylist??? LOL I need ALL of my dollars returned to me. Another option is pulling from designers and showrooms. Depending on your relationship, the pull could be free, come with a rental fee, or result in signing your life away for $30,000 worth of merchandise on a loan agreement. Not to mention, if the designer is located in a different city or country, the shipping fees you will incur. Essentially, you have to spend money to make money. You don’t want all your looks to be off the rack as you progress in your career.
To sum it all up, being a fashion stylist is not always glamorous, but it’s rewarding if you’re willing to put the work into building your brand. One cannot have tunnel vision when pursuing their creative passion; you have to look at the bigger picture. Most importantly you have to do it because you’re passionate. Sometimes that’s all you have…
Check out my video interview with WA2 for his Young, Fly & Broke series. I go into a little more detail about my life as a stylist. If you would like the recipe for my brown sugar cured bacon, shoot me an email. Enjoy!
27 Comments
-
Raw, Authentic and honest. I like…don’t ever wait this long again to post. Good job my broda!!
-
I know I’ve been slacking the past month or so, but I’ve had some great projects in the works. Hold me accountable broda. I need it.
-
-
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by A. U. Kalu, A. U. Kalu, FAST by Ferracci, Elton [L10] Anderson, M.B.B. and others. M.B.B. said: RT @Apuje: NEW BLOG POST: Young, Struggling & Styling -> http://bit.ly/9IU2Wq I know its been a month, but check me out and comment tweeps! [...]
-
Thank you for a new post (finally)! If you’re passionate and continue to work hard, you’ll definitely reap the benefits of your hard work. We all see nothing but success in your future!
I want to also share that b/c of you, I am now reading the Alchemist (I saw your recommendation to Bianca on twitter). I’m on that journey to find and truly understand my Personal Legend! There are some great lessons in that book.
If/When you have some free time, check out new posts on the blog
-
The Alchemist is thebomb.com. Let me know your thoughts when you’re done.
-
-
Arminta
You continue to inspire me and crack me up
I love what you’re doing! -
This hit close to home for me. I’m a young, developing photographer & money doesn’t grow on trees where I’m from either. I get paid for shoots, just to turn around & put that money into getting quality equipment. I also have to buy clothes for models from time to time. It’s a nasty game of give & take, but passion… that makes it aaaaaallll worth it.
-
You can say that again…money does NOT grow on trees. It seems like you have the right idea Jai and you’re on the right path. Surround yourself with the right people and things will continue to progress!
-
-
Chandia
Great post bro! I LOVE and respect your honesty. Its a reminder that the current sacrifice that I’m making for my dreams is the right thing to do. I wish you blessings and success. I’m cheering from the sidelines!
-
Nice post…minus the bacon s/o.
D Anywho, you’re heading in the right direction. You had a passion, you went for it and I believe pretty soon, you’ll be rewarded back in dividends. Keep your head up. I think your broke days will soon be over.
Question: The shoot in Nigeria, was that your first time there? I haven’t been in 2…going on 3 years. *weeps* I’m feening for another visit.-
Gotta give Bacon a S/O! Speak it into existence…my broke days will be over! It was my 1st trip to Nigeria, but it won’t be last. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back next year. This Christmas would ideal.
-
-
Mike
Great post. It was an interesting behind-the-behind of the scenes to styling. So do you stock up before shoots, or just get things as you see them, in hopes of using them later?
-
I have a kit full of Men’s and Women’s accessories that I bring to every shoot. They always come handy. I stock up during clearance sales on re-usable pieces.
-
-
Damon
great post! really shines a spotlight on your commitment to you craft. you can borrow a dollar or two anytime.
-
Dr. Kathy Kane
Big Bro! I LOVE that you’ve decided to follow your passion, despite the hardships. This post should’ve come with a PayPal donation link…..and less pork bacon pics…. -_-
Anyways, you know that you have my support 100,000%! Wish I could match it with $…lol -
Kris Watson
Very enlightening and beneficial to someone whose been out of the circuit for a long time.
- Kris
-
I am really proud of you. I’m happy to be your friend and in the company of someone so awesome. See you at the top my friend, even if we have to carry each other.
-
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
-
When I saw this website having remarkable quality YouTube videos, I decided to watch out these all video clips.
-
Good write-up, I am regular visitor of one’s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
-
Totally pent written content material , Actually enjoyed reading by means of .
-
I’ve recently started a web site, the information you offer on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.
-
hi!,I like your writing so much! share we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL? I require a specialist on this space to solve my problem. May be that is you! Looking ahead to peer you.
-
Thanks alot : ) for your post. I’d prefer to write my opinion that the expense of car insurance varies greatly from one plan to another, mainly because there are so many different issues which play a role in the overall cost. One example is, the model and make of the car will have a significant bearing on the charge. A reliable aged family auto will have a lower priced premium than a flashy fancy car.
-
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I have really loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing in your rss feed and I’m hoping you write again soon!
-
Can I just say what a aid to search out somebody who really is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know the right way to bring a problem to gentle and make it important. More individuals have to read this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre no more widespread because you positively have the gift.
-
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
15 Comments
Dope. So dope. This shoot is crazy. Great work Elton and Apuje and all those involved.
This is hot Apuje! Love the bowtie on the model! Love your shots too!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by A. U. Kalu and Kels A. Kalu™, Kels A. Kalu™. Kels A. Kalu™ said: RT @Apuje: NEW BLOG POST: When a Stylist Gets Shot -> http://bit.ly/duk8On feat @ohsobentley @Nicole_Alexis @kelskalu! [...]
dope post club. I am digging quite a few shots here.
loving it
As a woman I was always scared to rock a bow tie. This blog post has given me the inspiration I needed. Thanks Apuje. Great job team!
#Talmbout is this a 2k10 I aint in Tally no moh Epicurean! photo shoot? LOL #Realtalk these are some great looks bruh bruh. You know I am always in HUGE support of your craft and the C.O.L.O.U.R.S in this shoot are Fiyah.
I love all the looks – I bought two bow ties this summer and this gives me the kick i need to wear them and Ioved how you styled the turtleneck dress wit the blazer and riding boots – this winter I’m all about layers.
I looooove the authenticity of your posts. I just started following your work and I can’t wait to see more. Not only are you a good stylist, but a good teacher.
I feel like I said it before this post actually got posted. Great work. Can’t wait to see what else you’ve been working on.
I love the photos they are awesome and I must admit Apuje, you have perfected those looks since my black and white photos I shot of you on the hill!
Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.
Thank you for publishing regarding that . There’s a bunch of useful information on the world-wide-web. You’ve got a lot of which info here on your web site. I’m amazed – I try to retain a bride and groom weblogs somewhat ongoing, but it can be difficult at times. You’ve done a big job with it one. I could have to check out your blog again very soon
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?
Howdy! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!