Knowing your model is an important part of your photo-shoot!
Making great images that have that WOW factor can really only be achieved if you have a great rapport with your Model, and an understanding of how he, or she works best. This genre of photography is a collaborative process, and building a relationship with your Model fosters a positive working environment. Collaboration can lead to better ideas, improved creativity, and a more enjoyable experience for both the photographer and the model.
By establishing trust you will build the rapport needed to create a sense of trust and comfort. This is crucial for capturing natural and authentic expressions, as a relaxed and comfortable model is more likely to open up in front of the camera.
At Welshot, we do the hard work for you – We get to know our Models first, before we introduce them to you, the photographer. We make sure the Models we bring to Welshot are going to be the right fit – for them, for us, for you!
This is a new blog series where we introduce you to the Models we will be bringing to our new range of photographic events for those photographers who are wanting to take photos for camera club competitions, serious about their own personal continued professional development and building a photographic portfolio.
Introducing Erica Mulkern
Erica Mulkern MA is a professional dancer, teacher, choreographer and mentor based in West Yorkshire, UK. Erica is currently developing and performing her first solo work ‘Suzy Homemaker‘.
She trained at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance where she received a First Class Hons Degree and the Carolyn Woolridge Prize for highest performance marks. Erica also gained a Distinction in an MA in Contemporary Dance. Prior to this she completed the Foundation Course at NSCD with a Distinction.
We asked Erica:
What came first, dancing or modelling?
Dancing! I started when I was 4 years old.
How did you get started in your modelling career?
When I was in full time dance training at 17 years old, my Dad had been contacted by a PhD student called Alex Moldovan.
He was interested in shooting a dancer on location, and the rest is history!
We were lucky enough to be internationally published from our shoots together which certainly projected the start of my modelling pathway.
Do you consider yourself a dancer first and model second, or do they become one now?
I would say that they are now under the same umbrella!
I have different modes in my work life, but there is a huge crossover between performing and modelling!
What do you think your greatest achievement has been so far?
My biggest professional achievement is being Arts Council funded three times for my own personal production ‘Suzy Homemaker’.
It was my dream that always seemed so distant, I have to pinch myself every day!
If you could say just one thing to a photographer, what would you say?
Just remember to be kind!
If the atmosphere is friendly and calm, the shoot will flow :)
On location (outside) or studio?
Studio!
I am permanently freezing, and even in the blazing hot sun I will still have goose bumps haha!
Favourite snack?
I love veggie straws!
THEY ARE SO GOOD
What would your dream shoot look like?
I would say something very whimsical and fairy-like.
All pastel colours, flowy dresses, flowers everywhere!
Very soft and girly.
If you could give one bit of advice to a dancer/model just starting out what would it be?
Do your research!
Make sure you are safe, don’t go to work anywhere that isn’t well reviewed and if you prefer- bring a chaperone!
A photographer with pure intentions and nothing to hide will never mind a well mannered chaperone!
Sweet or savoury?
Sweet!
Six people you’d love to have around the dinner table (past, present or future) and why?
Audrey Hepburn, Michelle Yeoh, Marie Curie, Zendaya, Lee Evans and my future child/ren!
How fun would it be to meet them before they exist??
Annie Leibovitz or Mario Testino?
Annie Leibovitz
Back of the camera images, Yes or No? (Do you like to be shown them?)
I love seeing them!
Video or Still’s?
I think a balance between the two is perfect.
During her time as a professional dancer Erica has worked with:
- Opera North
- Black Box Dance Company in Denmark
- Jana Bitterová
- Mercurial Dance
- The Hexagon Collective
- Constella OperaBallet
- Tina Tarpgaard
- Jason Mabana
- Marie Brolin-Tani
- Steph Giles
- Dionysia Bouzioti
- Joseph Reay-Reid
- Northern Dance
- Lila Naruse
- Jacob Stage
- Melody Putu
- Alexander Michael
- Balbir Singh Dance Company
- Gerry Turvey
- Other choreographers she has worked with include: Jos Baker, Laila Diallo, Vanessa Grasse, Lila Dance, Gemma Harrison and Gwen Rakotovao.
Links for Erica:
Website: http://ericamulkern.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.mulkern
Twitter: @EricaMulkern
Instagram: ericamulkern
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericamulkern/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfePlUy-h_ZZCAXzMrURxUw
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