Lentiart

"You guys work magic! It was incredible to experience a side of myself I had long forgotten, and wasn't sure existed anymore. Your work is amazing. It is a true gift to work with you. I look forward to all future endeavors!"  Misty

Began in the early 80's photographing aspiring models in Los Angeles area, helping them with their portfolios.  Became well known for B&W work.  Was diverted from true love for several years as a physician.  Between our paid photo sessions with recording artists, we will be doing limited free test shoots. 

Prefer use of full studio but will consider location work for follow-up shoot.  A wide variety backdrops, props, wigs, costumes, wardrobe items, and jewelry available.  Enjoy going for a variety of looks via make-up and hairstyle changes using a collection of feathers, jewels, ribbons, glitter, paints, etc.

Will be interested in helping you with your special projects, just discuss them with us.  A husband and wife team with wife managing the laptop, holding reflectors, watching for tags, bra straps and so forth while husband uses the various cameras.  We enjoy working with  all models with no limitations based on the lack of experience as long as they demonstrate professional ethics - The ability to keep their word.

For models willing to travel to collaborate as a creative team member, we do offer the chance for extended shoots(2-4 days) which would help maximize the return on images for their investment of time and travel expenses.  We have found that distance is only relative to each individual model depending on the value they place on getting great images.

**  As photographers, we are interested in all genres.  As we allow the model to participate in the planning of the shoot, they have the decision of the genre they want or need for their portfolio, as well as, the decision on the amount of editing/finishing done on their images.   Our portfolio contains more head shots and artistic makeup as this is what the recent models have been requesting.  If you want something different, just let us know!

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** Note**

Policies in regards to models:

* Photo IDs of model and escort will be required and copied as the result of recent theft of personal property by escort.

* Refundable deposit may be required for scheduling of TF shoot. (As greater than 50% of models scheduled for TF shoots are not showing or canceling at the last moment, we have been forced to ask for small deposit per day of shooting.)  The check will be given back to you upon showing up for shoot.

* Model release is required, copy available upon request.  Must be signed prior to shoot and includes all images taken unless discussed prior to day of shoot. 

* Underage models will only be scheduled after photo session has been discussed with parents in detail.  Parent's must initiate contact for planning of photo shoot.  The majority of the time we do decide not to shoot underage models as TF work.

* If escort required to remain on site, must be female.  Significant males may bring you to the location, meet my wife and I and inspect the studio, but would be expected to leave the premises after pre-shoot discussion.  We require that models contact as many references as necessary for them to have the confidence and comfort level in working with us as you have chosen to work with us based on the images in our current portfolio.  These images were obtained with models who have participated in this manner.

We reserve the right to cancel a shoot before even starting if someone brings a male escort who expects to stay inside after the shoot begins.  Escorts remaining at shoot must not be a parent as every one of us seek our parent's approval on at least a subconscious level.  To get the best images, you must be able to focus 100% on the camera, not distracted by someone waiting on you.  The best images are obtained when a model does her due diligence in vetting the photographer and has developed a comfort level and a self confidence in her decision as it shows in the final image.

Please contact our references before discussing this policy with us.

*We do not shoot nudes unless requested by model and model must be over the age of 18 with proper age documentation.

* FREE TESTING (TF)* Shoots mean trade of the model's time and travel expenses.  We do not cover ANY expenses as we assist with makeup, hair, and wardrobe.  In addition, it typically requires 4-5 hours of time per hour of shoot editing and finishing of images.  We do not pay models, as providing a free test shoot is offering a shoot at a significant discount from our regular fees.  The only time models are paid is if one of our clients is paying us to do the shoot and has it in their budget to pay for the models and their expenses.

IN SUMMARY:

1.)  A FREE test shoot (TF) shoot from which you will receive all raw, proof images on DVDs.  LOCATION:  Shelbyville, Tn.

2.)  We provide at least 2 FREE fully edited/finished images per set(outfit) which typically means 8-10 or more fully edited images per day of shoot as we shoot typically 4-5 sets per day of shoot.

3.) These FREE images will be the best images from each set and will be based on your choices.  Additional images may be purchased with the cost depending on the amount of work it takes to fully edit the images.

4.)  For models who travel from out of state or from distances prohibiting our having a second shoot, we would consider a 2-4 day extended shoot. 

5.)  We provide makeup, hair, and wardrobe assistance.

6.)  We are unable to help with traveling expenses due to the time spent during editing process and the money spent for accessories, makeup, etc. to help each shoot be distinctive

7.)  We do have a means of converting this to a potential income producing shoot.  This is introduced in our casting call but will be explained in more detail upon request or with our invitation to shoot with us.

* Only edited, finished images with our watermark may be printed or published online.  If we finish a different image for our portfolios, you will also obtain a digital copy of this image or the series created.

NOTE:   As too many models schedule a shoot and after extensive correspondence, never show or cancel, a phone number must be provided and a phone conversation will be expected before scheduling the shoot.  We do expect at least a 24 hour notice if unable to make shoot.  None of this "I will be there in the morning at 10 am" and not show.  This is showing total disrespect and this behavior will result in no additional shoots unless our standard shoot fee is paid. 

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** Note**

Advice To Models As New Members:

NOTE: The following is offered as our opinions only and not to be interpreted as legal advice.  Please check with an attorney in your state or other sources to get actual legal interpretations and advice.

An extremely good site to review that will address most of your questions and concerns is

http://www.newmodels.com/

Don't forget to review the various Model Mayhem forums concerning new models. 

http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=575330


Our experience on MM and the experiences of the models we have photographed would lead us to share with you our opinions.

* Be prepared to be overwhelmed with all sorts of offers!

* Be cautious as there are many scams!!  You can't be too cautious!!! (Beware of someone sending you a bogus check and then asking you to send portions of it to other participants in planned shoot.)  You shouldn't have to pay makeup artist's fees or studio rental fees when you are being offered a paid shoot.  Samples will be provided upon request. They will prey on you as you are new to the site or that you acknowledge you have little experience.

* Remember that any individual can set up any type of an account, thus there is no way to really know with whom you are corresponding without checking references.  A model who contacts you could easily be a photographer, etc.

* Use your common sense!  As there are over 190,000 female model profiles ages 18 or older, why are they contacting you?  Why fly you from east coast to west coast or vice versa?  There are plenty of models in LA or New York areas that would really make it doubtful that a real business opportunity would go for an unknown model unless you have a spectacular portfolio and possess a very unique look. 

BEWARE:

* If there is any time pressure for you to make a decision, preventing you from having the time to check out the parties involved by checking references.

* If it is difficult for you to contact references.  How do you contact references for an independent modeling agent representing a magazine?  How do you contact references if they are famous actresses, models, etc.?   

* If the email isn't professional with poor grammar, sentence structure, multiple errors, etc.

* If the email isn't personalized.

* If they describe themselves as a representative of a magazine or company and provides you a common email address through yahoo, gmail, hotmail, etc. 

* If they send you payment by check and then expect you to wire money through Western Union.

* If they ask you to send additional pictures vis cellphone.

* If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

 
A.) Your Portfolio:

* Choose your avatar wisely as this is responsible for the viewer’s first impression. Use this fact to make the choice of the images used as your favorite may not always leave the best impression.  To place one of your images as your avatar and get rid of the (newb) box, go to 'my stuff" and than manage photos.  You will find a link under your images to choose the image you want to represent your profile.

* Quality and diversity are better than quantity.  It is better to have a few great images rather than a large number of poor images.  Choose the best from the set or series, don't post all of them. 

* Self taken images from cell phones and images with other people cropped off should be removed as soon as you have 4 good images.

* DO NOT expect to get paid jobs with a portfolio containing poor images.  If you say you expect "paid only" jobs, yet don't have the images to support the request, you will not be taken seriously by serious photographers.  Do some free test shoots (TF) to get better images or pay for great images from a great photographer. 

* Beware if you contain nude or implied images in your portfolio expect to be asked to pose nude or implied over and over again no matter how emphatic you are in your profile about not doing nudes.

* Make sure your images of proper size and rotation.  Don't upload images that are too small or vertical images that are horizontal.  Doing so is a sign that you are not serious about your modeling.  Take the time and do it right and you will get the attention of respectable photographers.  Images should be at least 600 pixels in size!!!

NOTE:  You can download free or shareware software that you will you to make the necessary changes if you don't have image management software on your computer.  You can register at ZDnet.com or CNet.com in order to download the software needed. 

1.) Resizing of images: Super Simple Photo Resizer 2.0 (Windows)

http://downloads.zdnet.com/abstract.asp … id=2849233

2.) Rotation of image: Photo Rotator 1.1.1.4 (Windows)

http://downloads.zdnet.com/abstract.asp … id=1106969

3.) Need to upload more images online: Contact us for more information on how to do this.


B.) Your Profile:

*  In general, one makes up their opinion of another individual with in 10-12 seconds.  Appearance of profile and portfolio is most important.

* For the best impression, your profile should be brief and appear professional without spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.  It should be easy to read, not one large, rambling paragraph.  Limit the information to pertinent facts: reason for joining Model Mayhem, your modeling goals, genres that are your favorite, willing to travel or not, escort policy,  limitations, and a description of your personality such as relaxed, easy going, flexible vs. rigid, very particular, etc.   This is not a dating site, there is no need for information regarding family situation, marital status, special interests not related to your modeling.

* Do not leave blanks on stats as your images will show the truth.  A working model has to provide her height, weight, and measurements, so if you want to be seen as professional, fill in the details correctly.

* Making statements in your profile about wanting only professional photographers or no scammers does not protect you if anything, it may increase the potential of them contacting you. 

* It is better to say that you do have experience as your images should show.  You can always tell the photographer as you are discussing the shoot, the amount of experience you have had.

* Use stage name and closest big city name, not real name and town.

* Do not provide any identifying information in your profile, including contact information.  You can always provide this to a photographer after you have had a chance to review their profile and check their references.  Providing an email address in your profile will result in getting a lot of spam.

* Always check at least 3 references and try to talk to at least one of the models over the phone(ask for her phone number) as models may not put the negatives in writing.  Add to your profile that multiple references are required and will be contacted.  If you don't find any models listed under credits, then ask!!  Be cautious if they haven't worked with models on the site.  If the photographer doesn't credit models is his profile with whom you can contact nor does he credit them with their images, BE CAUTIOUS!  Always look for evidence that the photographer has repeat business, having multiple sessions with the same model.

Questions for references?

1.)  Ask them if they worked with the photographer, the date and how long. 
2.)  Would they work with them again or would they refer a close friend?
3.)  Any inappropriate language, touching, or undue pressure?
4.)  How would the photographer deal with an inexperienced model?
5.)  Were they happy with the images received and were the images delivered as promised?
6.)  How do they deal with escorts?
7.)  Is there any thing else you should know?
8.)  If the two of you were talking over the phone or in person is there any thing else they would tell you? 

* Beware that many paid shoots may involve nudity of some sort and some photographers do expect that they are purchasing more than eye candy.

* If you are very inexperienced with doing nude shoots, don't publish that you do them as this will attract the guys with cameras and result in most of your headaches with this site. You can always tell a photographer after you have developed a comfort level that you would be interested in doing implied or more.

* Add to your profile that you require an escort to attend every shoot with any new photographer.  We have had countless models say this yet when they have checked references, choose not to bring an escort as there is no such thing as a non-intrusive escort.  This is the opinion of the models we have photographed as many of their previous shoots have been effected negatively by bored, restless escorts.  The most critical part of any shoot planning is the contacting of references.  The more you contact, the more comfortable and confident you will be about participating in the shoot.

The best escort is a makeup artist, stylist or 2nd model.  Any other escort will have detrimental effects on the outcome of the shoot.  In a lengthy shoot, familiarity and creativity increases with time as does the quality of images.  Any one waiting on you during the shoot will effect the most crucial part of the shoot.  You will feel guilty in the fact that they are waiting for you, rushing the shoot which typically leads to pre-mature termination of shoot.  Parents and siblings are some of the worst.  Why?  You will be performing for them first and then posing for the camera.  Thus your decision regarding choice of escort will be on of the most critical decisions regarding the outcome of your shoot.)

* The models we have photographed all report that their biggest pet peeve about photographers is the constant pressure from many to take their clothes off.  When models say they do implied or nudity vs. having some pictures showing that they have done it, the pressure will increase many fold.  You can always tell a photographer once you have developed a comfort level with them that you would be interested in implied or fine art nudes, but telling everyone may be a mistake. 

* In business negotiations, it is always better to have what is known as a €˜higher power.  This is someone you must check with before you make a decision.  In this case, it would be your manager.  You don'€™t have one, no problem!  Just say you have to clear any shoot offers with your manager as this gives you time to think about it and discuss it with a friend.  It is always easier to say my manager does not approve.

* Ask the photographer to email you a copy of the model release that you will be signing.  Make sure that it does give you permission for you to use their images as this will be required for you to print out any images which have been watermarked. 

* Beware not all agencies or managers are legit.  You should never have to pay an agency to represent you as they derive their income from the jobs they obtain for you.  We recently became aware of a model manager who took photos of his models, placed their face on nude bodies and then published them.  CHECK REFERENCES!!!!

* Beware of freelance agents or photographers who ask for more images via cell phone or auditions via webcam.  Once you send out an image, you have no control over it as no contract has been signed.

* Beware a simple swimsuit shoot with the wrong photographer can cost you future modeling jobs.  You must know with whom you are working.  No escort will protect you from a photographer or manager from taking your face and placing it on a nude body.  No escort will protect you from a simple swimsuit shoot in which the photographer publishing your images on a celebrity porn site.  From that point on a simple Google search will result in your images be found on multiple porn links. 

* You must understand the various types of shoots!  The following are the various general scenarios and are described in a format to make you think before you act. 

NOTE:  The photographer always owns the images unless he signs over rights to the model.  Even if the model pays for the shoot, they will most likely require a specific license from the photographer to use any of their images for commercial reasons.  No matter what type of shoot you participate in, you need to sign a release or contract and understand fully what it means.  This release dictates how the images can legally be used.  Therefore, know the difference between a full release vs. a restricted or limited release.  Learn how to restrict and limit use of images.  Photo labs should ask for a written document which gives them permission to print copyrighted images. 

1.) Model is paid.  When a model is paid, the photographer has purchased the rights to the images and has full control over their use unless limitations are placed on their use.  The photographer owns the images and has all right to them including not only publishing them but any future use.  The model can't use the images without written permission by the photographer or it could be copyright infringement.  It is important that you understand contracts or the types of release to be signed and the concept of 'use limitations.'

The model gets her money and no images, unless the photographer would decide to provide her with some.  Therefore, paid shoots rarely help build diverse portfolios as the models may not get the best images.  It is often much better to do to a free test shoot(TF) with an accomplished photographer or even pay a photographer to get some great images as these quality images will allow you to get more paid jobs and demand a higher fee.

In the case described earlier when the swimsuit image was submitted to porn site, the model would have no control or say so if she was paid for the shoot without any specific contract prohibiting such use. 

2.) Photographer is paid.  Photographer receives the money and your ability to use the images is controlled by the release or contract signed.  Photographer still owns the copyright and model must obtain proper paperwork which allows her the use of the images. 

3.) Free Test (TF) shoots, neither paid. Image rights are shared between model and photographer, meaning both model and photographer can use them for self promotional purposes only and each still have control over future use.  Neither photographer or model can benefit from them financially without written agreement.  (This is based on the fact that a limited release has been signed.  If one is not signed, then the situation would be different.)

TF - Trade For.  TFCD - trade time posing for digital images on CD.  TFP - Prior to digital media, meant trade for prints.

* Beware, models who say they shoot nudes only for pay are giving all rights to the their images to the photographer and have no control of the images use now or in the future unless proper paperwork is completed.

Thus, it is critical that you understand the shoot, the contract, and all potential risks inherent to what you choose to do.



These are our opinions based on true experiences.  To get legal advice, contact your attorney.

..........May 10, 2010 - Stacey Leigh - "Mother & Newborn"..........



NOTE:  All images on this mayhem page are direct COPYRIGHT of Lentiart, LLC.  None of the photographs contained are within public domain nor are they royalty free photographs.  None of the photographs may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, altered, or projected in any way alone, or with other images, by use of computer or other electronic means, without a prior written agreement or permission.