JustB.BBreezy.Com | Just B...Understanding

I'm the spokesmodel and photographer for The Studio Concept in Atlanta, GA. I am also a makeup artist. The modeling and fashion industry is my passion! I would love to be the face of a clothing line or cosmetics company. I'm available for print, commercial, glamour, video and acting.

B. Breezy

Spokesmodel and Photographer

The Studio Concept

Atlanta, GA USA

I meet all kinds of people everyday and I must admit...that's one of the perks of my job. Models, entertainers, makeup artists, music producers, graphic artists, school teachers, waitresses, bus drivers, bar tenders, etc. Each person from a different walk of life and totally unique experiences. My mama always told me and my sister, "Never judge someone by appearances. You never know what that person has experienced or what they have to go home to." I didn't have a full understanding of that as a child but now that I'm older, I comprehend exactly. (Thank you mama for that life lesson.)

What's the point I'm getting to? Well, every now and then I am graced with the presence of "divas" and "divos". Let me paint the picture for you. Ok, let's say I have a 2PM appointment on a Saturday afternoon. Normally, I'm hyped about doing makeup and shooting a new person. It's refreshing meeting new people and hearing about what's going on with them. It takes my attention off everything in my life and allows me to get into someone else. Honestly, sometimes my experiences aren't always so pleasant. For the sake of this story, let's call this particular client, "Sally". "Sally" comes to The Studio Concept for a photo shoot. First of all, she arrives late. I'm talking 2:30 late. You know, the kind of late when you don't know if the person is coming or not because they didn't call. Strike 1. That is a NEGATIVE. Not just at The Studio Concept but anywhere you go. (Side note: If you make any kind of business appointment and all parties involved have agreed to meet at a certain time, it is understood that not only will everyone be on time but that the said time was convenient for everyone. Sooooo....why are YOU late if there was no emergency besides the fact that you got stuck in traffic? If you live in a large metropolis, you should've already factored in traffic. Am I right? Don't shout me down 'cuz I'm preaching good!)

"Sally" is late for her photo session. Ok, I can get over that because I do understand that "life" happens. I remember that "Sally" booked a 1 look photo session but she brought her entire closet, every pair of shoes she owns and a nasty attitude. The clothes and shoes are expected. I know as a female we want to make sure we are prepared, right ladies? What I can't understand is the attitude. For the Love of Ray J....WHY??? This is suppose to be a fun experience! So, after I wait for "Sally" to finish her phone conversation (oh, I forgot to tell you she came thru the door on her cell phone), I notice that she is carrying a McDonald's bag in one hand. OH JOY! So, not only is she late and rude but she is also hungry. That means she didn't get a chance to eat so now she expects me to do her makeup while she wolfs down her Big Mac combo. Strike 2.

"Sally" finally ends the call with her boyfriend (who else did you think she was talking to?), looks at me and asks, "Do you know how long this is gonna take because I have somewhere to be when I leave here. Just wanna make sure I have enough time but I don't wanna rush my shoot." (I see a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!) Strike 3.

I smile and reply, "Hi, Sally! My name is B. Breezy. I will be your makeup artist as well as your photographer. Just let me know what time you need to leave and I will make sure we optimize your time while you're here." (*Pause* For those of you who might be confused by my response, let me explain something. "Sally" has already set the tone for her photo session. I can do one of two things: (1) be totally unprofessional and unleash "the beast" OR (2) take control of the situation and give her the "studio" experience she expected at the time she booked her session. I opted for the latter. Why? Well, as a business woman I can't underestimate "Sally". She might be the "mouthpiece" that brings in more business, feel me? I don't know who she knows or who she might tell about her experience at The Studio Concept. If I can help it, I will protect and save the reputation of my business.)

So she tells me she needs to leave by 5PM. Cool. That's feasible. We can do that. I politely ask her to give me an idea of what she wants to wear and what she had in mind for today's photo session. Immediately, her face lights up as she digs thru her suitcases, shoe boxes and bags of accessories. The tone changes. NOW, she and I are concentrated on her wardrobe. She explains how she wants to wear "something like Beyonce did in her video". Let's do it!

Ok, we have wardrobe decided. Now, for makeup. "Sally" takes a seat and looks nervously at the makeup spread out on the table beside her. She says, "You can do whatever you want on my face but I don't want any greens or purples on my eyes. It makes me look old." (Oh, how I love when clients come in and tell me how to do my job! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside!!!) I want "Sally" to have a nice experience. No green or purple eyeshadow. Besides, there are plenty of other colors to choose from. And the magic happens. As I start on her makeup, I casually ask her about what she does and if modeling is something she's interested in. The heavens open up and "Sally" begins to sing like a bird. She tells me that she is 22 and in school for nursing. It's really hard for her because she's a single mom with no family here in Atlanta. She has a 2 year old that decided shortly before her photo session that he didn't want mommy to leave. This explains the conversation with the boyfriend. He was calling her for advice on how to make the little boy stop crying. I also learned that her mother is against her decision to pursue modeling so "Sally" is dealing with the stress of disappointing her mother. Her mother thinks modeling is a waste of time and that "Sally" should do something "real" with her life.

Makeup is finished! Time to get in front of the camera. "Sally" looks in the mirror and gushes about her makeup. (That is always a good feeling!) I notice that she is taking her time getting dressed almost like she's apprehensive about something. She's fussing with her clothes even though she looks fine. Finally, she approaches the set and asks me, "How do I look?" With a big smile and a dramatic nod of approval I say, "You look YUMMY! You ready, beautiful?" She giggles and walks nervously to the spot I point out to her. I take a couple of test shots to make sure my lighting is perfect. Once I'm satisfied, I give her a couple of tips to keep in mind while she is posing and she nods in agreement as she takes in my every word. Lights, camera, ACTION! She starts posing and I can tell she is nervous. I'm not surprised. In fact, I expected it. I pause and give her some words of encouragement and affirmation. She starts posing again...this time with more confidence. With each pose I see the progression and transformation from "Sally" to "the inner supermodel". Now, we are getting somewhere.

The shoot goes great and I'm actually excited about retouching her photos. By this time, her face is flushed with excitement and she can't stop talking about how much fun she had. I feel a sense of accomplishment! As she's packing, I explain to her the The Studio Concept's process on how she will get her pictures. (This is also the part where I take care of any balances due. I love my job but-er-ummm...gotta get my money!) She is on a natural high! She calls her boyfriend to check on her son and to her relief, she learns that he is no longer crying but is now fast asleep. She's grinning from ear to ear as she tells her boyfriend about her shoot. I can't really hear what he is saying but it seems like he is happy for her and wants to see the pictures. She hugs me and thanks me again before she leaves.

Later that night, I send her the proofs from her session. This is the reply email she sends me:

OMG!!! I love the pictures!!! Thank you so much!!! That was my first photo shoot. I didn't think I did good at all because I was so nervous. Thank you for helping me. You were right, I was over-thinking my poses instead of just doing them. I'm having a hard time choosing the ones I want retouched. How much does it cost for extra retouches? I'm sorry for going on and on. Lol! Thank you so much Breezy! I can't wait til you finish them!!!

Her boyfriend calls me the next day. Guess what? He wants to schedule a shoot because he needs pictures for his next music project. My phone rings an hour later. It's "Sally's" aunt. She has a modeling agency and she's been looking for a photographer. Guess who she wants to work with?

Now THAT was worth me keeping "the beast" caged and just keeping it Breezy. Remember this next time you have a similar experience...you never know what people are going thru or what they have to go home to. You might be the "breath of fresh air" they need that day. Let'em breathe deeply.

Much love,