I finally got the change to shoot with my girl Nahja (@sunkissedmelanin) who i haven't actually gotten to hang out with since high school! Her birthday outfit inspired an entire shoot the magic we created was amazing but Nadja like some of the other people I've worked with has never actually modeled before. Now I know its hard to work with someone who is new to modeling but I have some tips that help!

1. Comfortability is key! If you're model isn't comfortable its definitely going to show in your shots. I find that some of the best ways of making someone comfortable is reminding them that its just you guys having fun and not to think too much.

2. Music! I find that music is always helpful especially if I am shooting in the studio. Ask your model about the type of music they like when they want to relax or have fun and dance! I find that once the music gets going it helps the model get out of his or her head and just have fun.

3. Converse! Always treat your model like they are your best friend! I know that sounds funny but it works! I find that getting to know them and vice versa instantly melts the awkwardness away and makes the model much more comfortable working with you! This tidbit is especially helpful when shooting something a little more risque!

4. Take some time to look at your shots with your model! Now I'm not saying show them each and every one especially if thats something you're not comfortable with, but if you get an awesome shot show them. Hype them up and tell them how amazing they're doing. Let them know that they have nothing to worry about and that they look great. That boost in confidence with show in your shots as well as make your model more excited about what your creating!

I hope these tips are helpful! Stay blessed!

-Jpeg Zen

So recently I got the opportunity to work with RISE, the sister branch of Pass the Rock (www.passtherockteam.com). If you're wondering what exactly RISE is, it's "a space where girls and women would come to shed the lies that have been spoken over them and pick up instead their true identity in Christ Jesus." Besides covering part of the final meeting, I got to be a fly on the wall for the whole thing. It was beautiful thing to be able to watch these strong, beautiful, amazing, women come together and lean on each other without being fake or casting judgement. They were able to be 100 percent who they are -battle scars, wounds, and all- with each other comfortably. That to me alone was amazing to me. It isn't too often you see someone genuinely be themselves without fear like I saw with these women. It was heartwarming to watch Maxine Roca (Momma/Ms. Roca to me :P) create such a comfortable and warm space for them. It even gave me a bit of high school nostalgia but hey, she's always been amazing soul! I could feel the love between them as well as the love they rained on me. 

If you want to be apart of RISE or find out more check out www.bravelyrise.com also make sure you follow there Instagram @bravelyrise to stay updated.

Stay blessed,

Jpeg Zen

Shooting with Ashley Stuart is always a pleasure for me because of how well we connect and work together. She's a great model and a great friend with a such a bright spirit. Shooting this shoot in particular was amazing to me. It wasn't planned in advanced and mulled over for days like my usual shoots but when Ash texted I couldn't say no and it was nice to just go out and see what we could create with what was around us. We got a chance to catch up and just talk about life, love, even deeper topics like mental health and stepping out of comfort zones. I tried to challenge Ashley to step out of her comfort zone and do somethings differently that she wouldn't always do while shooting. 

We actually met a wonderful woman who Ashley felt she just had to stop and I immediately knew why when the woman looked at us and told us "Remember you always learn something new. Everyday is a lesson." and she was right. Recently life has thrown me curve balls but it was all a lesson so that I could be stronger and makes the steps to get to where I want to be in the future. 

 She asked us both to write down an important lesson we had learned over time. I wrote down "Be blessed then become a blessing to others." because i realize now that every lesson, every day, every experience is a blessing a learning experience and theres nothing better, for me at-least, than turning my blessings into someone else's and it doesn't have to be huge it could be as simple as a blog post or a conversation.

Many Blessings,

JpegZen

p.s make sure you check out her Instagram @ashley.stuart ✨