9/14 Clothing by Jaimee (Atomic Daylight) Photographed by Mike Larremore

I had walked a few times in runway shows wearing Jaimee's (as Atomic Daylight) designs. They always fit perfectly and her store is filled with local designers of all types of wear.

She was revamping her look book (a designers portfolio) and set up a series of shoots with photographer Mike Larremore. Mike had messaged me outlining the shoot, telling me what to prepare for and asked me to find a make-up artist. I put out an ad immediately, and soon after I was blessed with a message from the extremely talented, funny, and professionally awesome Kim Donohue.

We met at Jaimee's boutique and began the hair/make-up extravaganza. The inspiration was the 60's and I sat, hair curling and face covered while Kim did her magic and sent me back forty years.

Jaimee brought out the show-piece and I slipped it on.

BAM. I looked in the mirror and I was not who I was an hour prior. I followed Mike, Jaimee, and Kim outside. We had to walk a block to get to our shoot location, and I ignored the stares as we walked past a hopping local pub.

I know I look ridiculous for this day and age.

No, I did not just wake up like this.

No, I do not do this to myself every day.

No, I won't make eye-contact so you can make me feel even weirder. Oh, yeah, these shoes are mine, thanks!

The area we were shooting in was located directly behind said pub, and we continuously got interrupted by the bus boys emptying the trash and locals leaving through the back door. Made for some interesting conversations and looks. Gotta love shooting in public!

At least no one tried to be sneaky to take my picture this time.

Side note: One time I was shooting with Chris Adams for the wedding dress shoot (not the one on fire), and we were taking pictures by a local Portland theater. There were quite a few tourists taking pictures of the lights (ooooh! pretty!) and we stepped in to get our shot. One of the tourists was hanging her camera around her neck, holding it nonchalantly but trying to be sneaky and take pictures of me. Unfortunately for her, I myself do this trick so I had already been watching her every move. Because she refused to confront me and ask for a picture (to which I would have answered "Yes! I don't mind, I'm modeling anyway!"), I decided she wouldn't get my picture out of playful spite for people being passive-aggressive. I turned around, bent down, moved sideways--whatever it took. It made for a fun game while Chris was seeking out the best spot to shoot.

We stayed in the same area for the whole shoot, moving between buildings to change backgrounds. Jaimee and Kim conversed as Mike and I shot.

There was one point where Mike found a gated entryway--he wanted to shoot with the gate in the foreground and me behind it, so I crawled underneath the small opening and we began shooting. Shortly after, a cop decided he wanted some Starbucks (located directly across from us) and drove by, noticing what we were doing.

Not wanting to get in trouble, I hopped back out and followed Mike back to the original location. Luckily, we got the shot :)

Not only did she do an excellent job, but Kim Donohue stays on-set the entire time the shoot is taking place. I have to mention this because most (if not all) Portland MUA's leave right after they finish before the shoot, leaving the touching-up to someone else on set. Usually it ends up being alright, but having this be Kim's standard puts her at the top of my list to work with, especially for local shoots such as this. Her prices are extremely affordable, her dedication is strong, and her humor and personality really adds to the shoots feel as a whole.

Thanks to everyone involved--we got some awesome images!

8/30 NAHA for Carol DeLange Grandaw

Already in Washington, I left this morning to drive down to the studio of Tom Hanser. Upon arrival, I met Carol, her assistant, and Tom inside and was introduced to the MUA (MakeUp Artist) Teryl Hawk.

Now let me explain NAHA. They are the North American Hairstyling Awards, and in short they turn out some of the most amazing artistic work regarding models, hairstylists, wardrobe stylists, and makeup artists to date.

There are quite a few categories to enter including (but not limited to): haircolor, texture, student hairstylist, salon team, fashion forward, avant garde. Past winners can be found on the website--I greatly encourage you to checkthem out. Anyway, since she owns a salon, made her own wardrobe (out of ties!), and most likely understands that she's incredibly creative and has an incredibly positive mindset, Carol decided to do an entry.

Now, as mentioned in my previous post about Carol, she is multi-talented given any kind of art form. I'm sure she would have taken the pictures and done the makeup herself if she could. But, I assume to further the MUA and photographer's credibility and business (should she win), she hired them to complete the shoot in the most professional manner possible. Oh, did I also mention Carol is a sweetheart?

The studio was quite large--but you had to take a series of twists and turns after entering through an empty gallery door to get there. Rounding the corner, there was a table set up with snacks and coffee/water/tea, another table with hairstyling equipment, and a side room where Teryl was doing the makeup. Another model sat, finishing up her hair and wearing one of Carol's pieces. She started shooting while my face got caked and my hair done did.

Chatting with the team you're working with is always important to me, because I like to get to know who is 1) touching my face, 2) touching my hair, and 3) what their goals are in the industry to see if I can help them out later on, assuming future success. I find out that Teryl works in Eugene (where I was living at the time), and actually attended the same high school I did. Not only that, but she was in choir and the advanced jazz choir (just as I was) and closely knows the choir director (who is like my second dad). She knows his children who I went to school with, and sees them frequently when in the area. And we were in Seattle!

Small world! You'll hear me say that a lot.

Side Note: The smallest of the small. I know a photographer in Eugene through a ballroom dance class I took at UofO. He mentioned to me that a photographer friend of his wanted to use me for her gallery show that was coming up. I'm in LA trying out for ANTM (5'7" under season!) when I get her text and I tell her I'll be back soon. My mom goes to a garage sale down the street and through chit-chatting (as moms do) finds out that the photographer lives just three or so houses down from us. Upon the arrival of the opening of her gallery, a past co-worker from a bakery I worked in for 10 months shows up bearing chocolate truffles. The photographer's husband (who co-owns the gallery and glass blows) knows my co-worker from also working at the bakery, but had gotten the job after I quit. Turns out, I had gotten my best friend hired at the bakery, and she was the one who trained him. Oh, and my old co-worker and I had just gotten hired as the head bakers at a new bakery opening up in town. Yeah, small world.




Aaaannnyyywaaaaay. Makeup on, tie suit tied and pinned, awesome heels worn. We switched between a white seamless and a grey seamless (which were conveniently located right next to each other). I was doing that thing that I do where I look angry in most pictures, so I kept being reminded to relax and just have fun. We changed the hair and wardrobe a couple times, and suddenly the shoot was over.

Leaving the studio and realizing again that this was for NAHA, I was informed that I won't receive the pictures until April. 2010. Ahh, the wonders of competitions.

This wasn't the first time I had to be patient, though. My first NAHA experience was with The Teals, when they cut my long blonde hair and turned it into this:



We had shot in January and had to wait until April, which seemingly wasn't as bad a wait, but it was when I was first starting to model so of course I was impatient :)

Hopped in my car and drove down to Portland to crash before going home the next day.

I left looking a bit like this:

Final pictures will come...in April...

8/28-29 Girl on Fire's The Promise (Calling You Out) Music Video

Without even the opportunity to breathe and recollect from the Ash music video, I get a call from a friend who's best high school friend Christian Saxton happens to be a music video director. He needs an actress for a narrative video for the band Girl on Fire.

We quickly make a test video of me screaming (the video will be a bit violent, he says) and making angry, mean looks. We send it to him, and he casts me. We are completely unaware of what the storyline is and who we will be working with, but hey! Since my friend trusts him, I trust him.

The shoot is in Everett, WA. It happened to coincide perfectly with a photo shoot I had that weekend in Seattle. Ahh, life, you crazy dog.

We road-trip up, arrive, and are immediately put to work. Makeup, hair, meet the band members, put together the set. My co-actor is a guy named Tryg from the band Fall From Grace--I am to directly act with both him and the lead singer from Girl on Fire, Robbie. A whole broken romance storyline, with a twist.

The first scene we shot, Robbie threw a wine glass over my head to smash against the wall. We had four glasses just in case something went wrong. Lo and behold as we were practicing, Robbie had grabbed one glass a bit too hard and it shattered in his bare hands. The glasses were so cheap they turned right back into sand (thanks to my mom for that one, too!).

The second take was much more successful. We then continued on, walking across Western Washington University's campus to shoot scenes well into the night. Again, I can't talk much about it due to the fact that, well, it will get spoiled before you even see the video. But let me tell you, I am surprised at my screaming capabilities. I'm not really the type, but at least I can somehow dig deep in the depths of my dark and demented psyche and turn out a beautiful, blossoming, breath-taking, blood curdling shriek.

Hehe.

Of course, again, none of the audio would be used but going through the motions always makes the shot as realistic as possible. I just felt bad for anyone living around campus at midnight.

Something I can mention:

I've had a lot of theater and film experience, but I've never had to perform the task of on-stage/screen kissing. Until tonight. And the next day. With two different people.

So that was a good introduction, huh? Just kind of jump right into it.

Aside: Sounds just like my first runway experience. I had my first EVER runway show in Portland in the morning, then had another one in Eugene that night. I really do like just going for things, it seems (tested: true).

Emotionless kissing: something I am not too familiar with.

Verdict: weird.

A statement to relate to: Imagine intensely making-out with your hand, in front of a camera.

It was a good introduction, along with knowledge of how to be professionally awkward on set. That's the best I can describe it. This shoot was a good test of tolerance to a wide range of types and styles of people. There were usually about 15 people around at all times, which helped me get used to being on camera with a lot of people watching. It certainly can't hurt.

View Full Video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZJ9J4T3auk

8/23 Trash the Dress with Chris Adams (Photo-Modern)

I first met Chris Adams at a runway show for Atomic Daylight. He was quick to shoot (stealthy!), quiet, and very nice. I had run into him a couple more times during the runway shows for Dirty, and we began talking about doing a shoot together because he liked my look, attitude, and drive.

He wanted to do his own version of a trash the dress shoot. His style (if you have gone to his website) you'll see is very edgy and darker than other photographers I've worked with. I love this style, so I accepted his request.

We met, changed into outfit, and went around Portland. On a bridge, in a random industrial parking lot, down by the river, and next to a theater.

It was definitely humorous. It's a rare occasion that I get to model in front of the public, so it's always awkward at first. On the bridge, more than 100 bikers passed us and each group just had to say something, including but not limited to: "congratulations!!!" "you look beautiful!" "oooh, good job!" "how pretty!"

I got these images out of it:
[gallery]

After the shoot, he mentioned he had an idea to spend one full day later in the month at the beach, same dress with perhaps a few different girls, but have the dress on fire.

It took Zero Seconds for me to agree. Whether or not I'd actually be on fire, I didn't care. It'd be an awesome shot!

So there I found myself, in the back of his car with his wife and friend/model, driving to Lincoln City. We stopped to eat first, then headed to the beach.

Chris' wife Kelsey did hair and makeup outside the car. It was a bit windy, but overall a really nice day. We wrapped ourselves in our sweatshirts and walked through the parking lot into the sandy dunes.

We walked a few hundred feet and found the ideal location; near the open waves but tucked away from everyone else. We happened to choose the one spot where the wind was fiercest (not realizing of course until after the shoot), but we managed by taking turns holding the lights and weighing the stands down with our bags.



The shoot was relatively simple: stand in one place but create dramatic poses and lines using our limbs. The dress had to stay in one spot so we could later duplicate the placement on a stand, so we could light it safely on fire. It's a composite photo which means in post-production, Chris would take the burning dress image and lay it over an image of one of us, giving the illusion of us being on fire.

I guess it's a little safer than actually lighting us up.




Burning the dress was exciting, but had no real climax due to is polyester nature of purely melting. There was a lot of smoke, though, so it seemed intense!

Fun, long day, with what I'd say is one of my favorite images of me thus far!

Total Time: all day

8/19-20 Ash's True Love 1980 Music Video

If you asked me how I got this gig, I wouldn't be able to tell you. I have no idea what happened, but I found myself auditioning at a production company called Bent, then a couple weeks later I received a call from the casting director congratulating me on booking the lead role. I wouldn't get paid much they said, but it would be an amazing experience. Of course I would take it.

They sent me a link to the directors website. Daniel Garcia lives in New York but works with Bent when he's on the West Coast. Please, I beg of you, look at his work. I was inspired by him even before I met him.

The band Ash is also located in New York (they're actually an Irish pop band), but it would have cost 10x more to film over there than here, so they flew the director and band and put them up to work on the music video. And thankfully, the locals and myself benefited from this :)

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had to leave the Quavondo photo shoot early to make it to film this. They had originally only required one day of filming, but they realized a space was too small so they extended the dates and needed me a day earlier, along with the full day of filming.

I rushed and raced to the film site where I was immediately fitted for wardrobe and for the second time that day, got make-up done.


(that's myself and chicken purse!)

After that, Daniel came in. Because he was a person of authority, I did not say anything. Speak unless you are spoken to. I am not a fool, and I have to prove it! He would say yes, no, try this, try that, not that, I like the stripes, try that instead, ok that's good.

Costume on, as the film crew was setting up the shot, Daniel led me into his "office" (which were the stairs around the corner) and he laid out the concept and outline of the video. He gave me the overall "feel" of my character, and by then the team had finished setting up and we were ready to shoot.

That entire paragraph sounded incredibly suggestive. I swear I didn't mean to.

Just a couple of takes later, we had gotten the shot and we were free to go. I met my co-actors Drew Aguilera and Ben Farmer. I would get to work directly with them on the full shoot date.

Excited that this was actually happening, and realizing that since they had my face already filmed that they'd have to use me for the rest (I was in complete denial. Nothing is real to me until a physical product comes out of it!), I somehow managed my way through the next day, waiting and waiting until I could shoot the full video.

The day came. I had parked a block away, arriving 20 minutes early so I could have time to breathe and collect myself before walking on set. I had called my good friend Elliott and he successfully calmed me down enough for me to be able to leave my car. I was shaking, but it was also kind of cold out.

Side Note: Just to let you guys know, filming took place beginning at 9pm.

Daniel greeted me on set and we sat and talked for a bit. I took the opportunity to ask about New York, his job, his commitments, etc. I wanted to know more about the industry he was a part of--he probably has so many connections (which I found later was true. Cartoon Network, anyone?). We weren't allowed a lot of time until he was called off on set to figure out what to do.

The entire night was extraordinary. Unfortunately, I still don't think I'm allowed to talk about it in detail, but there were about 20 extras, us three leads, the band, and the production team on set, usually all at once.

We filmed the scenes backwards. At one point I had to yell at my "boyfriend" (Ben), and we did multiple takes where he reacted, didn't react, led the argument, where I led the argument, etc. Shots from my POV, his POV, full scene shot, etc. At one point Daniel came up to me and said "ok, this time I want you to just lay into him. And Ben? Don't verbally react, just kind of take it." Daniel made a mistake by saying that.

Things you don't know about Meredith: a lot. I knew I had to yell at one point or another, so before we shot anything I made sure to give everyone a good enough impression of me before it was completely ruined, if the opportunity should appear. And, well, it definitely appeared.

Side Note: everything was filmed without sound because in the music video, it is obviously unnecessary to have any dialogue--just the movement of words spilling through our mouths.

I'm not going to type out my rant about how he never &#$& listens to me, how he doesn't give a #$@&( about me or us, how it's our one-year anniversary, how I @*(&%$ hate this diner that he took me to, how I do everything for him, how his friends are @$*% and nobody likes him, how his brain is just as small as his ****, and how he only thinks of himself...oh...

Unfortunately it was a lot longer and more full of profanity than I'd like to admit. After a good minute Daniel interrupted, laughing, saying "OK, OK, CUT! Cut!!!" The entire room cracked up. Red. I apologized profusely. Good second first impression, huh?

We filmed until 7am. We were exhausted by the end of the shoot and I had to drive back to Eugene the same day.

Side Note: Don't do that.

The production team was so kind and accommodating, the actors were wonderful, and the entire experience was unbelievable. It went by so fast, and even though we were exhausted I was incredibly sad to go home.
[gallery]

Video is below, enjoy!

Total time: 10 hours

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaIuL13WfzQ&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1]

8/19 Quavondo Shoot for Sidlab Hair Couture

Quavondo. A name I've seen. A name I've admired.

I suddenly found myself confirming my commitment through e-mail with Eric Nelson of Sidlab Hair Couture for this shoot. Knowing full well of who and what Quavondo has shot, I was a little excited.

...maybe so much so that I arrived a half-hour early only to sit on the front steps, waiting and freaking out.

I hadn't really gotten any information as to what the shoot would be like, but I did receive inspiration photos for the shoot:


I brought my darker dresses and heels with me, seeing these images by Camille Rose Garcia and having Tim Burton in mind.

There were going to be two models shot: myself and a girl named Allegra. She was waiting on the steps when I arrived and we got to know each other until Eric opened the door.

We were escorted through a hallway and into a very old school elevator (one where you have to slide a gate open to get in). A man with a huge camera was waiting inside. It was Quavondo. It's always shocking to see who the eyes belong to the photographs I've drooled over, and it's always intimidating meeting them. I am quiet. It is better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. My mom taught me that :)

We are led into a basement room and the makeup and hair stylist Madeline Roosevelt created the coolest look based on the above inspiration photos. While she was doing that, a local tattoo artist Chris Graham came up with designs and drew them on our knuckles.

Meanwhile, Quavondo was in the next room, constructing the most unique lighting I've seen yet.

It was pitch black when we walked into the room. Suddenly, a flash of light went off and I only caught a glimpse of what we were to shoot with. A chair with holes in the back sat to the right, a branch placed on top of it, and a light immediately behind the chair, flashing the creepiest shadow on the wall. A red and blue light were on the left. Another light to light our hair, and another in front of us to get our face. It was intricate. It was professional, it was so incredibly fun!

I had to leave early due to the music video (read in next blog post!), so I went first while Allegra finished getting ready, then she took pictures while I changed looks, and we continued until we had three to four looks. I was incredibly disappointed that I had to run off from the shoot after a couple hours, but we did end up with the photos we wanted. Quavondo doesn't show his face, so I was unable to get a photo of him. However, here are the rest of the team involved!

[caption id="attachment_109" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Chris, Eric, and Maddi"][/caption]

Final photos:
[gallery]

8/18 MF Magazine SWAG Shoot

It was last minute for Eric, a guy I've worked with already who runs MF Magazine.

When I first met him, I had arrived at Hotel Monaco: an amazing, colorful and perfectly clashing hotel with the best waiting room I have ever seen. I met with seven other models there so we could shoot a cover image with David Koechner. They decided to use another shot when the magazine came out, but here's the image as proof because I know a lot of you don't believe me:

[caption id="attachment_71" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="(yeah that\'s me on his right shoulder!)"][/caption]

That was an entirely different experience that I'm not going to go into. However, about David--he's just as you would expect from watching him in Anchorman and on The Office. I'll let your imaginations run wild ;)

As for this SWAG shoot--the magazine gives it's subscribers the chance to receive free clothes in every issue, and they needed models to show off what they can win. We met at Saturn Style Studios and as we entered the door, we were greeted by a tub of clothes and accessories.

It took awhile to get everyone in a random outfit. Quickly realizing that every item of clothing was extra-large or bigger, we decided that a somewhat "sleepover" theme would be the most believable. With about seven girls and two boys, the theme switched around to fighting over the two boys, all of course while trying to successfully show off the clothing people were to wear.

The photographer was having a blast, cracking up at everything we were doing, shouting out ideas and then placing us here and there. We got to see the images as she switched and emptied memory card after memory card.

This shoot was interesting for me--I had never worked with that many people in one photo before so it was a good challenge trying to match everyone else in feeling and emotion. Though, I do tend to take things more seriously and the shoot was overall just for fun, so I allowed my stoic self to be a little more lenient with emotions ;) Not everything is professional, meredith. Silly girl.



Final picture:

Total time: 3 hours