What is a Modelling Portfolio - A Model's Resume!

What is a modelling portfolio? Seems obvious... It is the best representation of a model's work and as a model you always want to look your best. But do the images in your portfolio represent you in the best way?

Tina Yong's facial features are highlighted well here. This kind of shot is a definite inclusion in a good modelling portfolio.

These images are needed to ensure you get the right jobs. Agencies and photographers need to see specific images of you to understand that you are the right one for their job. Do you have the right shots in your portfolio? You should have headshots, full length shots, body shots, all the specific shots to ensure you get these jobs. Make sure you have a direction in your portfolio and that your images show you in the best possible way.

Viviane is a professional promotional model. Car shots and bikini contests are her forte and this shot makes it a strong inclusion to her modelling portfolio.

It is very important to choose a photographer who understands your needs as a model. There are a lot of talented photographers available. I head Nishimachi Photography and I make time to understand your requirements as a client, not only as a model. I enjoy getting to know my clients and take the time to understand their goals and what they want out of the shoot. I employ a professional team. Depending on what is required I will have a full cast on the scene to ensure the photo shoot provides you with the best possible shots.

I am Michael Finger and I want to create some winning shots with you. Contact me via enquiry@nishimachi.com.au or phone 0419 006 252.

A Photographer Who Can Write? A Photojournalist!

Photojournalism has evolved greatly in recent years with an increase in bloggers. Are bloggers the same as photojournalists? Is it wise to engage the services of a photographer who can write? A full package of not only communicating the visual appeal through photography but overall engaging content is what your money should buy.

An everyday blogger may suit your needs. Perhaps the common down to earth rambles of a blogger suits your communication? Though, maybe a writer who places themselves well in business communications be a surety? A well rounded photographer who is a good writer should have this covered.

For years now I have been creating communications that resonate with my client's/employer's audience. These include industry and consumer product releases,  event press releases, event guides and magazine articles. 

Performance Auto and Sound Magazine, September 2013

 I enjoy creating these communication pieces and a good part of that enjoyment comes from knowing I have met, in some cases surpassed, the expectations of the editor/client. Seeing the final communication on screen or in print is an obvious sign of success (because it will not be published if the client does not believe it adds value to their brand).

Nishimachi offers complete photojournalism that includes; photography, press/media releases, magazine articles, website production, mailing list maintenance, social media and online community development. I have demonstrated experience in all of these facets of media and therefore confident in offering highly valuable solutions to any prospective and existing client.

For a discussion on how I can meet your needs, drop by my website www.nishimachi.com.au and contact me by phone or email.

Choosing the right photographer

How do you know the photographer you have hired is not only right for the job but will be a delight to work with? Sure, your key requirement is great images though value for your money is most important in fitting your budget.

During the search for a photographer you would have at least been asking yourself; Do they look presentable? How well do they communicate before, during and after the event? How soon do they complete the post production required? Are they really worth it?

1. Presentation is important if the photographer will be placed among your customers and/or guests. If you have briefed the the photographer they will understand how they should present themselves without you even asking.
2.  During the search for your photographer your initial communication with them should be a fine indicator of how they normally conduct themselves. Being 'customer centric' is what I call it. Always making sure that my customer's/client's wants and needs are first. If they take long to respond to your initial enquiry and they don't have good reason, its likely they're usually relaxed in this way. The way they communicate over the phone and any email messaging will also indicate their level of professionalism.
3. Do they keep good communication right till the end of providing their services? If all requirements from each party are recognised there should be no surprises. The photographer should advise you of a realistic time frame to complete the project. Do they follow up their clients after the project is finished? I'm always interested to understand my client's level of satisfaction. Following them up after the project is finalised, invoiced and settled means they are most likely to give me an honest recollection of my services and the value they received.

These key areas of good business practice are sometimes skipped when working with creative people. There are some very talented people in our world; some are terribly unfocussed on business because they choose to be, some don't know where they go wrong, the business focused creative people combine the best and don't compromise in the value they represent for their clientele.

I drive Nishimachi Photography to be a valuable combination of creativity and business focus. My creativity comes naturally and my skills have been built since high school. Being a photography geek who would develop a film during recess then lock myself in the dark room during lunch time paid off. My skills have stemmed from there over the last 20 years.

My business focus comes from my varied experience in different industries and more recently working for a global car brand. I communicate with people from all levels of business right up to the board of this three letter German brand. This gives me the confidence of delivering endless value as a customer centric professional photographer.

Michael Finger; Photography is a strong passion of mine and equally, being customer centric. This means I am focused on delivering the result my client desires.

Introducing Susan Dong

Susan is a qualified accountant who works at a global car company. She has a sweet nature and is a real cutie. She loves her cute little MINI and has it decorated with Sylvanian Family characters and Hello Kitty.

More images of Susan

Susan normally models in a cute style similar to her personality though as we developed the concept for this shoot she quickly admitted she wanted a sexy and glamourous look different to what she normally models.

More images of Susan

Make-Up and Hair Artist Mandy did an outstanding job on creating Susan's look which took her away from the usual bridal style she does professionally. Susan has a good set of poses and will be working on building more into her repertoire. The photo set below is the start of a new relationship between herself and Nishimachi Photography.