Don Thompson at NHM

Model: Cliff J

His grandmother gave him his first polaroid, from the moment he took that camera, he already knows where destiny will lead him. Whereever he went with his family, he's always the one who had the camera all the time, under his lens he documented those memorable vacations and family moments. After high school, he went to college in Georgia and successfully earned a degree in Sports Medicine with minor in Communications. But deep inside him, his passion for photography is always alive. For the next 8 years he focused his attention on the field of Marketing and Advertising. After going back to school to study Photography, Don started Thompson Image. Finding himself back in Photography, Don knows that he was right when he got his first camera, Photography would be his lifetime passion. Premiering in the Blogosphere's Most Admired Modeling Blogazine, Next Hottest Model, Don Thompson is NEXT.

Always Exciting. Always NHM.

"I think if you have a clear mission of what the elements are that you are trying to capture for the subject it could be possible to capture them in a single shot. I believe in preparing and talking to the model or client and sharing ideas of what they expect and want. Taking the time to let the model get comfortable with the photographer is a very important factor for me. The more comfortable the model is the better they will photograph and will be willing to give what you're looking for. I find that I typically take more pics on some people and less with others. Sometimes things just fall into place and you can in one shot achieve the image that you want. That’s when the magic happens."

"One thing that I learned from working with models is the importance of being able to adapt to them. Some are experienced and some are just starting. Some need more guidance while others needs less. I have learned to adapt very quickly to the situation. I have also learned to listen to the models as well. Sometimes they have some really good ideas and in the process of creating a great image, I like to have many options and ideas at the same time listening to them also makes them feel like they are a part of the process"

Model: Stephanie Heymann

"Not really an oops moment but I had a group of women here who were doing a shoot for their husbands and boyfriends. I had not known that they made a pact that for the first shoot they would all be completely naked to get the awkwardness out of the way. They wanted it all to be out in the open from the get go. So as they came onto the shoot they dropped the robe and each of them stood there in all their glory. It was exhilarating for all of us and that set the tone for the entire shoot. By the end of the 6 hour shoot we had some of the best, artistic, tasteful and amazing photographs for each of the women. It was a great moment to see each of the women become sexy, and proud of who they were"

"I think what makes a photographer a good photographer is being able to capture the inner essence of the person being photographed. To be able to connect with the model, by letting them be comfortable in front of the camera and letting them bring what they have to the image with some guidance and active participation."

Model: Kalyn Roberts

"I find that when photographing models sometimes it is best to let them fall into a position that is comfortable to them and when you see that magic movement happen, snap the picture. I also think one of the most important things for a photographer is their ability to light the subject correctly. It's really all about the light. With different lighting so many effects can take place. I like to try different lighting on the same subject and really achieve the best for that subject. When possible I always try to use natural lighting. I personally think it is the most effective, clean, crisp way to light models.

"My advise for aspiring models is to learn how to tap into their inner emotions for the picture. The process of simply thinking of a happy time in your life can dramatically change the dynamics of a photograph if happiness is the emotion that you are trying to evoke. And as for trade secrets, just stay focused, be true to yourself, and learn from each and every experience that happens. No shoot or situation is the same. Be able to adapt."

Model: Josh Zitting

Five things Don can't live without? his camera, "of course my camera goes wherever I go, my light meter, my dogs, and my family." Sometimes Don encounters clients who are a little bit self-conscious but when that client see the final shot, and was amazed at how good the shot was, these moments gives Don reasons to smile. "After a day's work, when someome says that they love the photograph, that is the best thing that someone could say to me" Know Don more, click Thompson Image, stopped by his my space

Photographer Don Thompson

"Photography is capturing moments in time. Life goes by so quickly and I think that the beauty of photography lies on being able to capture that specific emotion in time."

Always Exciting. Always NHM.