Stuart Martin

Last month I had a fantastic, if not long overdue shoot with the infamous Chris Jepson – A portrait and lifestyle photographer, known for his running around under the cover of darkness to take photos at pretty much every venue in London (all in one night!) London Clubland is one of the most comprehensive websites of editorial photos and reviews of the London gay clubbing scene, which Chris runs completely on his own whilst juggling the HUGE calendar of graphic design,website design and seemingly endless number of photo shoots. In all honesty I don’t know how he does it but I have a huge respect for someone who is as passionate about their work as he is.

Chris used a plain backdrop whilst focusing on lighting and positioning. I on the other hand was in my element rummaging through his costume box…. *grins*

Posted in Studio Shoot

Posted in Studio Shoot

One of the great things about branching out and working with different photographers is that they all have their own unique styles and visions for the finished images. I had a fantastic shoot up in London with Pics By Gaz and we focused on the ‘Natural Stuart’ look. We used simple yet effective backdrops and worked on getting some bold profile and head-shots. They are a fantastic addition to my portfolio and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Definitely looking forward to shooting with him again.

Posted in Studio Shoot

I find that it’s important to know that you have all bases covered, at least a good few days before you have a photo shoot. Pencilling in a conversation or two with the photographer so that expectations are clear for both parties is essential so that you can discuss those little things that can slip your mind, which actually make the world of difference.

A good example of one of these for me is body hair; the bane of my existence.  All photographers have different ideals and this from my perspective is something that I essentially need to ask. I remember turning up to a shoot once after clean shaving my face and chest – I just remember seeing the horror on the photographers face because all of his ideas were based around the idea of me having body hair. In the end we had to improvise and try different concepts on the day, but a simple conversation before I attacked my body hair with the clippers would have saved the embarrassment. For my shoot tomorrow, the photographer has asked for me to keep my chest and facial hair for the ideas he has in mind

I tend to pack my bag of clothes the night before, just so I don’t end up running around like a headless chicken in the morning, searching for something I really wanted to take with me. Always take gel as well if you are as particular about your hair as I am – I can remember countless times where my hair has had to be ‘trashed’ for one reason or another and you never feel as comfortable without that handful of hair product rubbed in, do you? The photographer will normally make suggestions of certain things to bring along so be sure to ask if he doesn’t prompt you.

As for healthy living, we all now and then indulge in eating what we want to eat and having one too many alcoholic beverages. I tend to try and behave myself in the week running up to a shoot by eating sensibly and trying not to touch alcohol whatsoever. I’m pretty proud of myself that I have been heading to the gym regularly in recent weeks and hopefully I can continue this trend and bulk up so I can get into different areas of modelling. My arms and chest are still aching from yesterday’s workout which is a good sign, or so I’ve been told!

I best start packing my bag with all the bits and pieces I have been purchasing like a squirrel. I’m already excited to see the results from tomorrow so keep tuning in and letting me know what you think.

Posted in Studio Shoot

I have the fantastic opportunity of working with two photographers who I have been keen to work with for some time now- both of which are extremely busy and talented guys. Im already looking forward to the ideas that we come up with and seeing the outcome.

Pics By Gaz

Gaz is a London based photographer whose infamous style has found its way into many glossy magazine covers, exhibitions and campaigns both in the UK and internationally. It is almost a certainty that his work will have been on your coffee table at one point or another. I have been a secret fan of Gaz’s work for some time now and have always enjoyed following the distinct images produced. He’s definitely created a brand for himself. We are planning to work together in the next two weeks!

Paul Reiffer

Paul is also a London based photographer with a difference. He has a unique background as an agency represented model and has now found himself behind the lens. From any models perspective, this is an added advantage since he has been in your shoes and knows exactly how a shoot should work. He has a fantastic eye for detail which shows throughout his portfolio with some really beautiful and detailed concepts – A welcomed addition to my portfolio and we are working together at the end of this month!

Posted in Studio Shoot

Happy New year! After a fantastic 5 week break to focus on family, friends and not forgetting Christmas, its time to jump back on the modelling wagon!

Of course, I have not just been hibernating. I have started dialogue with some very exciting photographers that I will be working with in coming weeks and months so keep watching this space for projects I am working on. I have also been planning the building of my new website which should hopefully (touch wood…. no pun intended) go live in the next week or so. Below is a little sneak peak of the flash template that we are working on. Me being me, it had to be all ’singing and dancing’ with flashing lights and pretty colours or it just wouldn’t keep me quiet. Hopefully you will love the results as much as I do.

I have also decided to adapt how I update this blog and the content I put up. Rather than specifically showcasing the photoshoots I have been attending and the tutorials I have provided, I want to make it more about the processes I go through,  the photographers I am speaking to / wanting to work with in the future and most importantly; being transparent about my experiences of modelling; the opinions, the anxieties and the general thoughts and feelings that would normally be self-censored. That is what will make this blog stand out.

Keep tuning in

Posted in Marketing

Social Media is a wonderful thing, especially in today’s modelling industry. There is so much information out there, it can sometimes be a little overwhelming to take it all in or even find the advice you are looking for.

I have decided to make this website more ‘model-centric’ and incorporate some useful information and advice to help other models out there who need that ‘little push’ in the right direction. Hopefully it will be of some use to you.

Look out for tutorials popping up in the near future on topics such as:

• How to build a portfolio
• Finding the Right Photographer
• Photo Shoot Do’s & Dont’s
• The Difference Between TFP & Paid Work
• Model Release Forms – What You Need To Know
• How to Market Yourself & Find Work

Posted in Tutorials

Leigh and I decided to visit the fantastic location we used for our last location shoot again because we are fairly sure the demolition process will soon begin and we may not get another chance. I cannot even begin to describe how big this place is. You could spend an entire day walking around and still not have covered everything.

It will be a real shame to see this place disappear but its great i got the opportunity to mix a bit of modelling with some urban exploring at the same time  We decided to focus on more editorial work, some underwear shots since our last shoot lacked this and also try and do some work outdoors in the fields that have been left abandoned.

I’m extremely happy with the results!

Posted in Location Shoot

I have had not one, but two fantastic opportunities to represent Gaydar as one of their Promo boys at this year’s Manchester Pride and Soho Live. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was the first time i have had the chance to work with my twin brother  Manchester Pride was a great day which i spent handing out lots of Gaydar merchandise such as dog tags, key chains, and fridge magnets.

Soho Live however was a mix of everything. I stencilled 12 muscle boys chests (which wasn’t easy since they were so big!) with help from a friend who made the stencils all night, played Gaydar photographer for the day taking photos of the promo boys with members of the public and handed out the merchandise as before  - with the addition of condoms and free membership to porn websites! *grins*

Posted in Promotion Work

This had to be one of the most memorable shoots and best locations yet! Leigh and I visited an abandoned mental asylum on the outskirts of London which we were going to use as the location for this shoot. The place was AMAZING!

We spent the entire day crawling through broken windows and being careful not to fall down 12 foot drops (which i almost did if it wasnt for Leigh!) We decided to focus more on fashion since i wanted to incorporate some more clothed work within my portfolio *smirks* We definately plan on visiting the location again before its demolished.

As always, let me know what you think

Posted in Location Shoot