Shana Martin

Like so many of my models, Shana Martin was introduced to me through KjLyn.   Shana was my first “official” fitness model, and the one who got me started on this path that has become such a significant part of what I do.

Shana is one of those people who can make you feel insignificant while also making you feel special.   Your first impression is that she’s a powerful, dedicated, determined, woman who sets her goals high and meets them.  She’s a national champion fitness model, an international champion logroller, an vocal and active spokeswoman for Hunting’s Disease research, and… she’s even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro!  That’s enough to make anyone feel like a flabby slacker in comparison.

However, you will never hear her brag about any of those things–or the scores of other great accomplishments she’s achieved.   Behind the work, the awards, the championships, and the exceptional achievements is the sweetest young woman you’d ever care to meet.

While modeling is a only a  small part of all that she does, Shana brings her all to a shoot and makes it both productive and fun.

She’s a beautiful woman, an exceptional role model and teacher, and an inspiration for young women (and flabby old men) everywhere.

ShanaMartin.com

"South Side" (KjLyn)

The only bad thing I can say about Kj is that she hasn’t given me a million dollars yet.

However, considering that she doesn’t have a million dollars to spare, I guess I’ll forgive her.

I first met Kj in the summer of 2007.  I was doing a shoot for a marine dealership and she was looking for someone to take photos of her in her new bikini.   It was a fair trade.  Since then, I have worked with Kj on several occasions and in several settings.  In every case, I have come away with more than I had expected–and I’m learning to expect a lot from her.  I have never been disappointed, and I am always pleasantly surprised.  She’s one of those models people who isn’t afraid to jump in and do what needs to be done.

I think one of the greatest compliments I can give her is that it’s not uncommon for me to look at her work and not recognize her.  She adapts so amazingly well to the requirements of a shoot that she becomes a different person in the images.

There’s more to her than just a pretty face, however.  Kj is (exhaustingly) active behind the scenes, as well.  She’s a modeling and runway coach, a “gatekeeper” on Model Mayhem, an organizer for Madison Mayhem Meet-ups, a model co-ordinator and liaison for Wisconsin Fashion Week (and Fashion Fridays), and a fashion show producer.   And just to make it even more impressive… this is all in addition to working a real job and having a social life.

Kj is perhaps the most flexible, professional, active, involved, giving, fun, conscientious, adventurous, dedicated, talented, and surprising models I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with.

And…  I’m very honored to be able to call her a friend.

If you ever have the chance to work with or learn from Kj, take it!

KjLyn.com

KjLyn on Model Mayhem

As I build this site, I have to acknowledge the models who have helped me to build the portfolio that has allowed me to show off so many wonderful images.  From time to time, I’ll be writing about some of the models with whom I have worked and by whom I have been impressed.

Whether I’m shooting for a paying client or for fun, the model is a vital part of the project.    Where some photographers treat models as part of the scenery, I prefer to actively collaborate with the model.  While this may mean that I need to shoot a lot more images in order to get the one that’s just right, it also allows for the opportunity to capture amazing images that I never would have thought up on my own.

I like to take what opportunities I can to point out those models (and other collaborators) who deserve the praise and recognition for the work they do–both in front of the camera and elsewhere.