Sourcing Models

by Fire Girl Jess on February 5, 2016

IMG_8027

IMG_8029I’ll let you in on a secret — in the outdoor industry, most of our models are our friends, and most of our “shoots” are really adventures where we bring a camera along for the ride; to get some work in on the side. Friend Jackie at Orvis is always down for an adventure, and when I lived on the East Coast we found ourselves out fishing whenever the chance came along. Brook trout in hillside streams? Bring it. Bass during the dog days of summer? Sure. Stripers off Martha’s Vineyard? Hell yes. These two images, recently published in an early spring Orvis fishing catalog, both feature Jackie.

The first was taken during a cold, wet early spring day on the Battenkill River, somewhat ironically about 15 minutes from Orvis HQ in southern Vermont. We were both eager to get outside after a long winter, and after battling a downpour and wind strong enough to create spray, called it a day and headed into town for a coffee, uncaring that our under-wader sweatpants drew less-than-approving looks from vacations New York City fashionistas.

The second shot, taken on Lake Champlain during the hot days of summer, was Jackie’s first go at poling a skiff. We were hunting gar, and she piloted us around a shoal where we cast at the prehistoric fish. A good, hot, fun day with lots of laughter. I’ve yet to meet a career model who would hop up on a platform and try to push a boat around a windy lake.

While I sometimes find myself working with agency “fashion” models, the kind who know how to pose and look pretty for the camera, somehow it’s always the more authentic shots that come from the “friend” models. And perhaps the more fun days as well.

Tags: Publications

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Feather Chucker February 8, 2016 at 13:27

I need to make more friends with photographers.

Reply

Fire Girl Jess February 9, 2016 at 19:18

It’s a lot of long days, but we have fun.

Reply

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: