Matt Bates…THE BEST MODELLING JOB EVER….Fashion, Pool Sharks, Nightclubs, Paul Newman, Alligators and Fire Ants…all in MIAMI BABY!

Posted on December 21, 2011 by admin

So having modelled for nearly 20 years, I often get asked the same question….what’s your best job? Well, read on to find out…

My best job in the modelling world

I’ve toured round India for 2 weeks with Hugh Sitton, spent 15 days in Northern Canada in the mountains for Craghoppers, played golf in Portugal with Darren Paul shooting for Farah, La Santa athletics camp for Reebok?Shot in Egypt, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Germany, France, Ireland, Dubai…the list goes on and on.

So, what was the best? A few years ago i got a call from my agency saying you’ve got a football shoot at La Manga for 2 weeks (used as the england training camp….superb place!). Quality i thought, dream job playing football in the sun for 2 weeks, shooting with Moy Williams (legend by the way!) with a few beers and nice food on the night…all for UMBRO. But, it got better!

While i was there got another call from the agency saying when you get home you are going straight to Miami for 11 days shooting on South Beach…happy days! So, off i toddle to Miami.

Everywhere you looked, it was like being in a Will Smith video on MTV. Working with another great photographer, Mat Wright, we were up early every day but shot in the most beautiful locations, ate in the most stunning restaurants (Tantra, Delano etc), went to a few clubs (when we were supposed to be in bed!) and the stylist was a wannabe pool shark. His “you English boys can never shoot pool” was getting on my t**s a bit so i went for a lesson with him…or so he thought. He claimed he’d never been beaten, he explained the local rules and then i whipped his ass 11-0…..not bad for an English boy. To be fair, whilst shooting the next day on the beach with a Swedish and a German swimwear model we could only think of one thing….yes, more pool !

We hatched up a plan (well he did really) of going to the pool halls late at night and earning ourselves a bit of money…and it worked. The “dumb English kid” routine worked well and we cleared up, made about $600…and got chased down Washington avenue for it….felt like Paul Newman.

So on to the next and final day….shooting by a lake, with a hangover but a smug grin! I can remember vaguely the guide showing us the signs  ”beware of alligators!” but thought nothing of it, my head was way too fuzzy for that. And then, with my back to the lake, the crew downed tools, turned and ran…”thats weird” i thought, so turned round to see a 6ft alligator coming at me!!!

Run zig zig came this memory from somewhere, so i did….and then the pain hit me, i started screaming, it was unbelievable. Arm missing? Leg chewed off? No!!!

Alligator had long gone, i was screaming like a girl as i’d put my foot down a fire ant hole…and of course everyone found this halarious!!!

Thanks to Racing Green menswear for a fantastic time…the next time  i was back in Miami was a few months later and even more bizarre!!!

The Model Training Classes…by The Model Experience

Posted on December 9, 2011 by admin

What does it take to become a model? How to become a model? How tall do i need to be?

These are some of the various questions we get asked all the time…by young potential models, established models, protective parents, nosy friends, and even jealous strangers. Having modelled for nearly 20 years for companies such as Barbour, Adidas, Harrods, Harvey Nicholl’s, NEXT, Armani, Nike to name but a few, we decided to use our knowledge and experience and do one simple thing…help people!

There are a lot of people, agencies, photographers out there that will happily take your money, promise you the world, give you the “spiel”, but do you ever hear from them again…no, do they actually know anything…no, are they happy to take a lot of money from you…definitely YES!

So we set up The Model Training Classes to highlight all the wonderful aspects of the industry we work in… the pitfalls, the glamour, the long days, the freezing mornings and many more. Being a model is very rewarding, not in an egotistical way, but it’s nice knowing a company has entrusted you in representing their brand. How do we get to that stage? Well, despite what people may think it is hard work, but like any job you get out what you put in.

Are there things you can learn? Yes, of course! You can learn how to walk, how to be confident, how to pose, how to smile, how to engage with clients and photographers and how to play “the game”.  That’s why we set up the Model Training Classes, sick of hearing that young people had spent £2000 on some pictures that weren’t worth £2.00, tired of seeing sad faces from broken promises and shattered dreams. Sean and myself have worked for some of the best brands in the world, for some of the best agencies across Europe and it matters to us that people don’t get ripped off…we had help, we had someone show us the opportunities available, what to take on a job, the importance of being polite and on time…the simple things. It’s not fashionable to be late….doesn’t matter where you work.

If you need help knowing what you need to do, who you need to contact, who you can trust, how to walk and how to pose then get in touch. We pride ourselves that there are several good working models on the scene right now that started with us…. i went past a billboard earlier in Leeds to see an ex model experiencee plastered all over the walls…..it made us both very proud.

So what happens at The Model Training Classes? Well, we start with introductions, breaking down the myths of what most people think,  then help with agencies, catwalk training, tips on posing, on health and lifestyle, diet and training, a load of pictures (which you get to keep) and most importantly lots of fun. We pride ourselves in ensuring that  people who come on the class, asking how to become a model, leave with the best possible information, training and knowledge which is vital to enter the modelling world! This isn’t some catty and belittling experience, this is The Model Experience….let us help you be a model, have a fun experience, a confidence boost or just a good old fashioned model class.

If Carlsberg did Model Training Classes….!

The Model Experience photography workshop…get the best out of your model

Posted on December 8, 2011 by admin

Paul Dishman perfecting how to make a portfolio.

Saturday 3rd December was the latest “Model Experience” model photography workshop, teaching budding photographers how to make a perfect portfolio.

We had  a group of photographers with a wide range of ability, experience, confidence and kit….but all of them got stuck in and made it a thoroughly enjoyable day. The focus in the workshop, which we stressed on numerous occasions, is the importance of engaging with your model to create a wonderful shot. So how do we do that…

1, Talk to the model

2, Make them feel comfortable

3, Tell them your ideas

4, Talk to the model

5, Encourage the model….learn those 2 small words “that’s great”….and keep saying it!

6, Direct the model in a friendly yet assertive way

7, Talk to the model

8, Encourage the model

…..is there a pattern emerging here?

We cannot stress enough how engaging with the model will make your shoot so much easier, free-flowing and ultimately produce better results. I’ve modelled for some of the most famous photographers in the world, all over the world, and bar the odd one, they were great to work with, made you feel wanted, appreciated and liked! The one that didn’t made it the longest day of my life….just awful.

The day started with our stunning 6 models been taken by the groups down to a graffiti area near our base, and we told them to not move unless they are directed by their photographer….in other words, if they didn’t talk to the models, they were going to get only 1 shot! This took the group a while to get used to but slowly they grasped it, and the standard of shots started soaring….as did the smile on the faces of the photographers.

We went through posing tips, lighting tips, communication tips and hey presto, saw some great shots. So back inside to assess what we’d got…and get warm for a few minutes. The models did a quick change then back outside for suggested black and white shooting tips, moodier shots and stronger poses. The groups were really grasping and using our knowledge well by this point, and it was great to stand back and see them all improve so quickly. If you can break the barrier of communicating and directing the model, then you are half way there!

Quick mug of coffee followed then downstairs to shoot in the white room with the whole focus being on stretching the limit of their cameras, their ideas and also how with just 1 light, you can have your own little studio. It was lovely to see the ever growing satisfaction and smiles when each person flicked through their images…”wow, did i just take that?’ was heard on several occasions!

Upstairs to the middle floor and top floor for shooting on backgrounds, chairs, radiators, windows, the floor… you name it, we shot there and the photographers kept producing more ideas and better results! It really was a great day again.

This was only phase 1…

phase 2 (the white studio shoot) mid Feb

phase 3 (the underwear shoot) mid March

phase 4 (the stately home shoot) end of March

phase 5 (the beach shoot) mid May

Do you want “the model experience”?

Take a look at the new facebook page set up especially for the workshops, previewing the photographer’s work…

CLICK HERE

Matt

Pupils get model behaviour lessons from the catwalk…BBC website interviews The Model Experience’s Sean Hopwood

Posted on September 30, 2011 by admin

When the BBC wanted an expert insight into how to give a boost to the confidence and self-esteem of pupils, they turned to The Model Education.

We were invited by BBC News Online – one of the UK’s top five websites – to share our unique expertise in equipping schoolchildren with new life skills. Our story gave a unique perspective on newly-announced plans to introduce ‘confidence classes’ to the curriculum – something that we both welcome as a natural extension of the approach we have pioneered.

The website wanted to give its readers a first-hand insight into how children benefit from the work we carry out in partnership with a growing number of schools and colleges – as well as new partnerships we have forged with the likes of the world-renowned Carnegie Weight Management Programme in Leeds.

To read our story on a website that attracts up to one billion hits a year, click here…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15128659

http://digg.com/news/world_news/pupils_get_lessons_from_catwalk_models

http://themodeleducation.co.uk

Perfect make up for your big wedding day…

Posted on September 27, 2011 by admin

This is the first in what is going to be many blogs on everything fashion….today is make up for your wedding.

Bridal Beauty

Everyone wants to look good on their big day whether you choose to do your make-up yourself or employ a make-up artist to do it for you. Even if think you can do your own make-up it is worth considering a pro to do it for you if your budget will allow. If applied properly it will last all day, you can have a trial to see what works, you won’t get in a flap if it goes wrong and everyone deserves to feel pampered on their wedding day!
Look after your skin in the run up to the big day, good skincare is important as your skin is your canvas. If you decide to have a facial make sure it is about 2 weeks before the day and not nearer. Facials are designed to bring the impurities out of your skin so in some cases this can cause your skin to break out as the impurities come to the surface. Also exfoliate your skin twice a week and this will get rid of any dead skin cells as well as make your skin feel wonderfully smooth, and drink lots of water! If you do find you have a blemish on the day don’t panic! It does happen to a lot of brides mainly because of the stress of organising a wedding, a blemish can be easily covered up though avoid trying to squeeze it!
Collect pictures of make-up styles you like, it easier for a make-up artist to visualize what you are after this way rather than you trying to explain. Most brides (with the odd exception) tend to want to look like a better version of themselves, healthy, glowing and radiant. You want to look like you have made an effort but not overly made-up, the last thing a bride wants is to look back at her wedding pictures in 10 years time and for the make-up to look dated.

Some things to think about are do you want a strong lip or strong eyes and do you prefer a dewy finish to your skin or the matte look? Do you want false lashes? (if so, if you don’t wear them normally it is probably best to go for individual ones on the outer corners of your eyes as they are more subtle and you are less likely to feel them).
Take note at your trial which lipstick your make-up artist uses and then you can buy it for touch ups through out the day. It may be worth taking a pressed powder with you as well just in case you get a shiny T-zone by the time it comes to your photographs.
Some of my favourite products I regularly use on my bridal clients are:

  • Bobbi Brown Gel Eyliner (waterproof and long lasting!)
  • MAC Lipstick – Blankety
  • Bobbi Brown Creamy Lipcolour – Rose Petal
  • Bobbi Brown Lipcolour – Sandwash Pink, Pale Pink, Brown, or Roseberry
  • Laura Mercier- Mineral Illuninating Powder
  • Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick
  • MAC Eye primer
  • Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge- Calypso Coral, Powder Pink, Pale Pink & Blushed Rose
  • MAC Bronzer – Golden
  • Yves Saint Laurent Mascara
  • Guerlain Mascara – Go waterproof with your mascara if if you don’t cry its worth it as its less likely to smudge.

PLUSH STAFF TEAM BUILDING DAYS

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

Mandy Melka, managing director of Plush, recognised that a team building activity would really help her workforce.With the recession hitting many companies quite hard, employees have really started to feel the strain with pay cuts and job insecurity. Mandy Melka, the managing director of Plush, could see her workforce were in need of a real boost in morale. Mandy decided to book 3 workshops with The Model Experience.

The Model Experience has a specially designed team building activity “The Model Project” which has  a focus of developing team cohesion, boosting morale and developing communication skills. With a proven track record in building confidence and leaving a long lasting positive effect on your workforce, “The Model Project” is the perfect way to reward your staff.

Mandy was absolutely delighted with what “The Model Project” achieved for her team.

“The three workshops I booked acheieved everything i hoped for & more. My team have gone away more united, individuals within the teams have grown in confidence. Would strongly recommend The Model Project to any organisation or group to help team morale and team workings”

It was an absolute pleasure working with Mandy and her team, we enjoyed it so much and are glad to see her team all motivated and working well together.

Brighton Model Experience Hen Party

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

Our first hen party in Brighton took place at the fantastic Rock ‘n’ Roller bar which was a great venue.  Following a very long car journey down from Leeds, we met the 2 wonderful make up artists who did a fantastic job making all the girls look even more beautiful than they already were.

Hen parties are always great fun but groups like this just make our job even easier, even more fun and even more rewarding….if in some way we add to the whole wedding celebration that we have done our “job”!

The drinks were flowing, the atmosphere fantastic and so on to the photography….

Mikki looked stunning and had a personality to match. We started with a few group shots, then moved into everyone with the gorgeous bride-to-be….the shots looked amazing, a really nice momento of the day for every member and for Mikki. Then the individual shots….we shoot as though the girls are in their own fashion magazine rather than being safe like most party photographers and portrait studios.

I’m sure everyone will agree that they look superb….take a look…

CLICK HERE

Cheers