The last few years I've been fortunate enough to live between New York and Los Angeles, to pursue my dream of becoming a successful fashion and beauty photographer. Unfortunately, I've always had to keep a job waiting tables at a bar or restaurant to be able to continue this passion. Just recently, I was approached by Wilhelmina Artists NY to be signed as an emerging photographer on their artists division. When we met to sign the paperwork, I was essentially told I had one year to show them what I can do - you know, no pressure or anything.
Since then I've been struggling to make time between normal jobs to be able to shoot new content and work on my portfolio in the ways they want me to because I'm still having to work as many odd jobs as I can to pay my rent and keep my head above water. To me, this residency would be incredible as I have a secondary audience essentially watching to see what I can do.
I know if given the time and resources, I can take my portfolio to the next level and bring a community of artists and creatives along with me for the journey!
My goal with the residency would be to have the time and resources to improve my portfolio with photo shoots here in New York, as well as across the country and hopefully even internationally! At the same time I want to build a community of like-minded creatives to share with them my experiences, failures, and what I'm learning as I go.
I've seen other artists offer tutorials and advice creatively, but rarely have I seen artists help other creatives with business advice or networking advice. I feel I'll have a unique perspective to offer as I can show other creatives what it's like working with agents, give advice on how to get representation, offer suggestions for freelance opportunities in the industry, offer monthly portfolio reviews, as well as any and all photo related knowledge I have - retouching tutorials, product/gear reviews, step-by-step photo shoot planning and execution, video interviews with models, agents, editors, fellow artists, etc.
I would schedule video tutorials, vlogs, reviews, and content monthly for YouTube and Instagram, as well as upcoming travel notices, and regular live chats to host Q & A 's and portfolio reviews for other artists.
Secondly, I would want to use my position as an Adobe Creative Resident and New York fashion photographer to bring awareness to people with special needs and disabilities through photo projects and partnering with brands and industry professionals, to empower them and to challenge the industry to create more inclusive opportunities for them as a community.