Ernest Collins - Test Shoot

Ernest is the reason I went to South Africa to model. He was right! He advised me to go to South Africa because dark-skinned black models can do really well there. I was there for (3) months and I came back with tears-sheets that helped me get signed by FORD Chicago. 

He was also right about not making money! Between the currency difference, living expenses, and marketing costs through my agency, I didn't beak-even! It was very expensive, but worth it!

These were shot in a studio on the rooftop of a loft in Chicago. He made me work for these shots! I must have leaped off that railing 20-times to get that shot....while wearing 5-pairs of jeans! My feet were raw! Awesome!

Ernest, you rock! :)

Markham - Spring 2011 Print Campaign

Markham is the largest men's fashion retailer in Southern Africa. It's a lot like "Express for Men" here in the States. We shot all over Cape Town (downtown, near the beach, at an old schoolyard, and inside a studio). It was quite a rush and a bit nerve-racking when shooting on busy streets. We started early in the morning to beat rush-hour, but by the time the commuters hit the streets it was crazy!. We'd pull up to a location, change outfits in this tiny trailer, then hop out and run to the scene to get the shot quickly. It was very exciting!

I really liked the gray suit I wore but can you believe that the stylist had to cut the pockets out of the trousers because I thighs were so big, haha!

Read the Fine Print & Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid

Agency contracts can include clauses that limit you from working with other agencies or clients anywhere from 1-to-3 years.

When you walk into a casting and there are 50 other models that look just like you, how do you get the job? It’s also more than your personality because if a client has already worked with a particular model whom they had a great experience with, what makes you think you’ll get the job over them? But then again, what if luck rules in your favor and you land the job. You could work tomorrow or next month. Then after you do the job, you will almost never get paid on the spot. Clients have anywhere from 60-to-90 days to pay your agency, so you might be waiting a while for your check. Then of-course, your agency will take their 20% commission which is the standard (some markets take as much as 70%). Some agencies will advance you…BUT, may add interest – so be careful. Plus, if your page (or account) has a balance, your agency may deduct expenses from your earnings beforehand. Expenses can include costs associated with printing your comp cards, mailing photos, printing photos for your book (portfolio), model apartment, etc…..AKA, Marketing Material.

This industry is filled with rejection so you better have thick skin! I spent 3 months in South Africa as model. I went on almost 60 castings and booked 12!!! Only 10% of models are doing exceptionally well, the other 90% are on the grind, pounding the pavement daily to get work. 

Men's Health Magazine - October 2011

These were shot at a posh beach house 1-hour north of Cape Town. The atmosphere was very casual and the shoot only lasted a few hours. It's funny that in the picture it looks like Spring but it was actually 40-degrees and windy. I had a great time though. The models were laid-back and the photographer was very animated. I really enjoyed the experience! Thanks Byron!

South Africa - I

I was advised from a top Chicago Photographer to spend some time in South Africa [SA] because “black [dark-skinned] models can really make it there”. This was after trying for several years to get signed by an agency in the Midwest. I took his advice and 90-days later I returned to the States with enough experience (tear-sheets) to be put on the Men’s Division board at FORD Models - Chicago.

Cape Town (a very developed and international city…think Los Angeles with 80% of the population-black) is quite similar to Chicago with it being very commercial driven. The majority of castings I went to were for TVC’s (television commercials) advertising products from banking, to jewelry, to beer. I had no previous on-camera experience which probably explained why I only booked one non-print job. It was a voice-over job for a TVC pilot; beverage company.

It’s interesting what the perception is of Americans when one travels abroad. The conclusion I came back with was that – Americans, specifically from the US, are arrogant, rich, obnoxious – or all of the above. I was quite a shock to those that had that opinion because I didn’t fit those stereotypes.