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manny212 · May 5, 2016

Alex is a 14 year old model with Ford here in Miami . Was instructed to capture sexy but juniorish ??? HAHA ! Oh well off we went , this is so far one of my favorites as well as agencies so far .

Alex by manny herreria, on Flickr

Yep , I am aware the horses head is cutoff , as well as her left shoe , although I'm glad I got the converse sticker in there . HAHA

I must admit I've never shot on a carousel , quite fun but can be constricting due to backgrounds and all the people around . UGH PEOPLE !! HAHAHA !!

Oh yea mom was on set .

manaheim · May 5, 2016

Well, my honest reaction was, "Hm, fairly hot girl... wait.. she looks young... omg, she's 14?! I'm no longer comfortable with my reaction to this picture."

So...... sexy but juniorish I think you may have hit, though I wonder if it's 2 points further into sexy than it should be. And, honestly, I think for me its related to her suit. That is a seriously plunging neckline on that bathing suit and it got my attention.

Also... on another note, something about her being completely perpendicular to the camera doesn't feel quite right to me. I think it's because it squares her off and we're not seeing some of the curves. A slight tilt outward (knees more towards the camera, or possibly even sitting side-saddle with the knees facing generally forward) might be a more complimentary shot.

HOWEVER... all of the above is with very limited experience shooting people.

Whatever the case, it's a nice shot (also accepting some of the limitations you already cited... as you noticed, shooting people on carousels is really really challenging, and I think you did a very nice job in general of it)

mmaria · May 5, 2016

sexy but juniorish!!!?
Oh God!

manny212 · May 5, 2016

manaheim said:
Well, my honest reaction was, "Hm, fairly hot girl... wait.. she looks young... omg, she's 14?! I'm no longer comfortable with my reaction to this picture."

So...... sexy but juniorish I think you may have hit, though I wonder if it's 2 points further into sexy than it should be. And, honestly, I think for me its related to her suit. That is a seriously plunging neckline on that bathing suit and it got my attention.

Also... on another note, something about her being completely perpendicular to the camera doesn't feel quite right to me. I think it's because it squares her off and we're not seeing some of the curves. A slight tilt outward (knees more towards the camera, or possibly even sitting side-saddle with the knees facing generally forward) might be a more complimentary shot.

HOWEVER... all of the above is with very limited experience shooting people.

Whatever the case, it's a nice shot (also accepting some of the limitations you already cited... as you noticed, shooting people on carousels is really really challenging, and I think you did a very nice job in general of it)

I agree fully with your feeling . These bigger fashion agencies are looking for this . I know it may sound strange and look strange to the laymen , but in my ( Jaded ) world this is absolutely normal ( crazy I know )!!!

Frontal on this suit is a no go . If this was a bit much , the frontal is out of the question , trust me .

Now a word , as I mentioned the mom was on set , you would all be surprised at how encouraging these moms are about this . They are no doubt great moms but they are all for it . This girls mom is also a model so she gets it . I ALWAYS ASK THE MOTHER , when i feel something might be questionable . BTW this is their wardrobe etc ..

Oh and the older girls I shoot 21, 22, etc. Have no problem disrobing anywhere , anytime . The nature of this beast . Kinda F---ed up.

mmaria said:
sexy but juniorish!!!?

Oh God!

Direct quote from agency . FORD . not some mom and pop agency on the street corner . And they loved !!!! Go figure !

Here are a couple more mundane ? ones .

tirediron · May 5, 2016

14 did NOT look like that when I was 14!! I think you did well, but better you than me.

manny212 · May 5, 2016

tirediron said:
14 did NOT look like that when I was 14!! I think you did well, but better you than me.

John no doubt. It's strange because people in the industry love this type of stuff.

I should probably keep these off forums, only because peoples reactions... I get it.

BTW any of those big editorials, fashion I mean, they are just kids, both men and women, for the most part.

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tirediron · May 5, 2016

I understand, and I'm not offended by your work; more wondering about the mental state of the person who coined the phrase "junior but sexy" and thought it appropriate.

manny212 · May 5, 2016

tirediron said:
I understand, and I'm not offended by your work; more wondering about the mental state of the person who coined the phrase "junior but sexy" and thought it appropriate.

Yea john, bad play on words and maybe I should have clarafied. This young young will be able to play both markets ( a positive) . There will be some junior fun stuff she'll be able to do, and with the right styling and makeup etc, do older stuff as well.

My bad for not explainig.

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Designer · May 5, 2016

tirediron said:
I understand, and I'm not offended by your work; more wondering about the mental state of the person who coined the phrase "junior but sexy" and thought it appropriate.

These people are in advertising, so they know what "sells". If "sexy but juniorish" is troublesome, then you're probably on the right track for morals, but advertising is something else, not entirely directed by morals.

Designer · May 5, 2016

manny212 said:
I should probably keep these off forums, only because peoples reactions... I get it.

No, Manny, I disagree with that. If the moderators censor something, then so what? Meanwhile, you are able to show us a side of modeling that few of us will ever know in person. I say your photography is very welcome here!

DanOstergren · May 5, 2016

She's gorgeous, and I can definitely see why an agency like Ford Models would pick her up. She has a face that will get her very far in the fashion and advertising industry. I love the expression you captured in the first one; did you have an assistant or did she have a friend who was out of frame conversing with her and helping you get natural expressions?

I'm not surprised at all that she is 14, especially considering she is signed with Ford Models. Portraying young models this age and even as young as 12 as adults has been the norm for a very long time, and in the past the models were not always treated with any dignity at all ("pose nude or a more eager model will get your job"). There have been many positive changes in the industry over recent years regarding the safety and integrity of these young girls though. She definitely doesn't look her age, but at least it's reassuring to know that a lot has been done to make sure these girls aren't taken advantage of like they were in the past.

chuasam · May 5, 2016

Great Image! but I can see how her age conflicts with the North American so called sensibilities about sexuality.

DanOstergren · May 5, 2016

chuasam said:
Great Image! but I can see how her age conflicts with the North American so called sensibilities about sexuality.

Ironic isn't it?

manny212 · May 5, 2016

DanOstergren said:
She's gorgeous, and I can definitely see why an agency like Ford Models would pick her up. She has a face that will get her very far in the fashion and advertising industry. I love the expression you captured in the first one; did you have an assistant or did she have a friend who was out of frame conversing with her and helping you get natural expressions?

I'm not surprised at all that she is 14, especially considering she is signed with Ford Models. Portraying young models this age and even as young as 12 as adults has been the norm for a very long time, and in the past the models were not always treated with any dignity at all ("pose nude or a more eager model will get your job"). There have been many positive changes in the industry over recent years regarding the safety and integrity of these young girls though. She definitely doesn't look her age, but at least it's reassuring to know that a lot has been done to make sure these girls aren't taken advantage of like they were in the past.

Thank you Dan to answer your first question, no I did not have an assistant on this job, we had a great rapport all day. I told her have fun dint pose, smile laugh be happy down you worry I'll get it. And bam she went off, she's a natural so not too difficult.

The second part yes, it's always been that way. And you are correct the girls were back in the day mistreated. Ironically enough I've seen a huge shift, it seems the young boys are the ones I'm a litte trouble. I hate to say exploited but it's what they are. That worries me tons more than the young girls. My two cents after 30 years in this Gane.

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DanOstergren · May 5, 2016

manny212 said:
DanOstergren said:

She's gorgeous, and I can definitely see why an agency like Ford Models would pick her up. She has a face that will get her very far in the fashion and advertising industry. I love the expression you captured in the first one; did you have an assistant or did she have a friend who was out of frame conversing with her and helping you get natural expressions?

I'm not surprised at all that she is 14, especially considering she is signed with Ford Models. Portraying young models this age and even as young as 12 as adults has been the norm for a very long time, and in the past the models were not always treated with any dignity at all ("pose nude or a more eager model will get your job"). There have been many positive changes in the industry over recent years regarding the safety and integrity of these young girls though. She definitely doesn't look her age, but at least it's reassuring to know that a lot has been done to make sure these girls aren't taken advantage of like they were in the past.

Click to expand...

Thank you Dan to answer your first question, no I did not have an assistant on this job, we had a great rapport all day. I told her have fun dint pose, smile laugh be happy down you worry I'll get it. And bam she went off, she's a natural so not too difficult.

The second part yes, it's always been that way. And you are correct the girls were back in the day mistreated. Ironically enough I've seen a huge shift, it seems the young boys are the ones I'm a litte trouble. I hate to say exploited but it's what they are. That worries me tons more than the young girls. My two cents after 30 years in this Gane.

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That makes me worry for some of my friends who are climbing the ranks in the industry. The best we can do is hope they are smart, and for us to perpetuate good behaviour as the photographers. Lead by example.