I am thankful in so many ways that Phoenix has continued to stay busy for me particularly in these slower economic times.
I had the privilege to shoot with fourteen folks on this most recent trip. Many of them were return clients which is always fun, and I also shot a few new faces as well. I think we made some strong images together and I know I made a few new friends along the way which is always a bonus.
My first victim was Emily Baker. Such a sweet girl, currently appearing in Les Miserables at Phoenix Theatre...anybody that works at Phoenix Theatre is a friend of mine...so we hit it off. She was very easy to work with, one of those clients that makes my job way too easy.
I finished up with Katie Dunlap on my first day of shooting. I shot Katie's sister Kellie (an actress with the Ford Robert Black Agency) in January and her mom was brave enough to send her youngest daughter to me for a senior photo session. Her session was fun because we didn't have to worry about staying within the confines of a headshot session...you know I could have a random brown truck driving through her background.
Day two of shooting started off with one of my all time favorite clients (I know I probably shouldn't say things like that but I can't help myself). Jenny Hintze has been a loyal client since the beginning...in fact I think I have taken pictures of almost all of the Hintze family at this point. Jenny is a great girl and I always look forward to an opportunity to work with her. She is signed with the Leighton Agency in Phoenix.
After Jenny I got to meet Hayley Smith who is ten years old (and to quote her) "going on twenty." Hayley just signed with the SIM Agency in Phoenix and is a passionate fan of the movie "Twilight." Anytime I needed a smile all I had to say was "Edward."
Anita Malik was next along with her friend J. Miller. Anita is a return client, just one of those people that I clicked with the first time I met her (I don't know if the feeling was mutual). Anita is signed with the SIM Agency and also the creator and brains behind East West Magazine.
Her friend J. Miller was okay, you know if you like that talented good looking type...I would say more about J. but he knows why I can't...
I finished off day two with another return client the lovely Kate Haas. Kate is an actor with Dani's Agency in Phoenix. She does a mix of theatre and commercial work in Phoenix and has some of the coolest eyes around. They are somewhere in between green and blue and Kate is one of those folks that understands how to use her eyes on camera.
Day three began with yet another return Alexandria Ballesteros. I have shot with Alex (as I like to call her) three times now and she is awesome. You can find her on Ford Robert Black's roster and she is also the creator of the Great Talents.com website. If you are in the creative industry click over and check it out...sign up for a free profile, tell em Ryno sent you!
Day three finished up with Aaron Ginn-Forsberg and Amy Hartman. Aaron shot with me a couple years back and gets the award for the greatest change between the first session and second session. He recently cut his rather lengthy hair for a movie role, I barely recognized him when he walked in the door.
Amy is Aaron's girlfriend, she is just getting started in the industry but I wouldn't be surprised if she signs with an agency and starts working very quickly. She has a great look and couldn't be a better person, if karma has anything to do with it she is going to kick some serious tail.
The final day of shooting started with Mr. Evan Tyler Wilson. Evan is also currently appearing in Les Miserables at Phoenix Theatre even though he is just a freshman at ASU. Evan was a little nervous for his first headshot session but after a few minutes of my monotone voice we had him at ease. I would also like to point out that I steamed a couple shirts for Evan and I don't do that for just anybody.
Margaux Fox was up next....Margaux was yet another return client. I shot her about four years ago when she was just 14 years old. She is now graduating from high school and on the verge of college life. Margaux is as sweet as they come and her mom Kathy is a great as well. They always make me feel like I am much more talented that I really am....good people as we like to say in the Midwest.
My afternoon started with Miguel Alsonso, or the Spanish Alec Baldwin as I joked. Miguel is primarily a voice over talent. One of those guys that just works, works, works....although he is a voice talent he also has the chops for some on camera work as well. I know the folks at Dani's Agency will be very happy to have some headshots to market him with.
The last victim of the trip was Rachele Nichols, also a return client (you would think people would have learned). Rachele and I have shot together four times and each time it is an entertaining adventure. Rachele has personality, like major personality, if she is in the room you know it. She is a great lady and I am so appreciative of her continued support of my business not only has she shot with me multiple times she has also given me many referrals over the years.
Okay...I think I just broke my own personal record for longest blog post...thanks again to all my Phoenix peeps!! Will see you guys in May.
