Model: Pat Photo: LightWeaver
From the $800 loan from his parents back in Junior High, he got his first camera and the chance to create his first shot. "I was passionate about it that my parents agreed, that was a Canon A1 which I got from my classmate's dad who at the time was selling his equipment." Fueled by the same passion, years later, he's still the same guy with a Canon only this time he's backed with an amazing portfolio, inspiring shots and outstanding achievements, truly, he's one of the hottest photographers around! He's an amazing light weaver and He's NEXT. Premiering in the Blogosphere's Most Admired Modeling Blogazine, NEXT Hottest Model, Ready to go NEXT with Jay?
Jay A. Rickard is the Hottest Photographer at NEXT Hottest Model.
Always Exciting. Always NEXT.
Model: Jason Photo: LightWeaver
"Eclectic is really the only word that comes to mind. I have purposefully made it a point to never overdue the same look or style or set or lighting technique. There are a lot of photographers out there that keep creating the same image over and over and over and only the model changes. They may have terrific technical skill but I've never seen the point of repeating the same image."
Model: John Photo: LightWeaver
"Five Survival Guides for New models: 1) Skin care so you don't look 40 when you're 25. This includes exfoliating and moisturizing. Soap is your faces enemy, use proper facial cleansers. 2) Diversify! Don't restrict yourself to just fitness or just fashion or just... any one thing. Do it all and show them you can do anything you're asked to do. 3) Think of modeling as acting without sound. Seriously. Imagine that you get hired to do fashion week. You're given your wardrobe and it's the most ridiculous ensemble you could imagine. Are you going to say "Um... I'm not going to wear that" Of course not. You have to put it on and make it look remarkable. 4) When you're building a portfolio in the beginning make sure to work with the widest variety of photographers as possible. Don't just work with "your photographer". Every photographer is going to capture you differently and this is to your benefit. 5) Modeling is a job. Don't wait for a big break. Except for a very select few, The Big Break is a myth. If you want to make it big you have to make it happen for yourself."
Model: Jacob Photo: LightWeaver
"There are a lot of factors to this. First and foremost was there a connection between the subject and I? If there isn't a repair then it's difficult to get any shot that's truly inspired. Of course there is the technical aspect as well. Anybody can get a lucky shot every now and then but the difference between some guy with a camera and a true photographic artist is knowledge and experience."
Model: Britton Photo: LightWeaver
"I leave the trends to the youngins' but I do have my own style I guess. I like contrasts so you might find me wearing a rockin graphic tee under a zip up cardigan. Of course sometimes I look like I raided the closet of somebodies grandpa in a retirement home. I don't though, or at least I won't admit it on a public forum."
Model: Pat Photo: LightWeaver
"I could lie and say it's all good but why? Man, rejection sucks and there's no other way to say it. For me the key is to remember that with every new day comes new opportunities."
Model: Jeremy Photo: LightWeaver
"I remember doing my first nude shoot when I was about 19 or 20. I shot a girl I worked with and her husband together in their apartment. I was so nervous on my way there that I almost turned around and went back home. I think I've successfully jumped that hurdle since then."
Model: Eddie Photo: LightWeaver
"First and foremost they have to be comfortable. If the model is apprehensive at all then they aren't going to trust me. If there's no trust then the images won't flow the way they should. So I encourage them to bring their own music to play, I like to sit and just chat for awhile before we get started and let them know that we are just two people trying to create something extraordinary."
Model: Jacob Photo: LightWeaver
"A variety of things actually. Some of the themes you'll see run through my work are my struggle to reconcile my faith with my sexuality and my versions of social commentary. Other than that many things can inspire me. Family stories, something I see on t.v., etc. Sometimes I'll be sitting working on something entirely unrelated to art or photography and just get hit with a fully fleshed out image out of the blue. At that point I have no choice but to honor the inspiration and bring it to life. Those are some of my most powerful images."
Model: Key Photo: LightWeaver
"Oops Moments? Almost on a daily basis! The internet is a funny thing. Email contacts can be misread or misconstrued. Like I said previously, I'm very honest and upfront. Combine that with my irreverent sense of humor and many people don't know how to take me."
Model: Matt Photo: LightWeaver
"Modeling is SO much more than just standing and looking pretty. It's about movement and NOT being yourself. For that guy in the mirror, wondering if he's gonna be a model, take a chance, it will probably pay off."
Model: Andy Photo: LightWeaver
"What I think about the NEXT sites? I love them! They are a great resource for those that want to keep up on what's happening and current. You all rock!"
Model: Giby Photo: LightWeaver
"I'm glad you asked. The absolute most important piece of advice there is for new models is to... be humble. Don't forget that for every handsome face and set of six pack abs, there are a thousand other guys right behind you that look just as good. Also... please learn to emote. So many guys just stand there and expect their physical attributes to speak for them. I look through so many portfolios where the guys face holds the exact same, emotionless expression in every frame. There is no shame in smiling, looking sad, actually showing "sexy" in your eyes instead of just your shirtless torso and... God Forbid!!! ... actually trying to connect with the camera."
Model: Matt Photo: LightWeaver
So what's the best lesson that Jay learned from his models? "To have fun! Even though I've always tried to create a comfortable environment during a shoot it took me awhile to truly relax and have fun myself." When asked about Five things that defines him, Jay shares, "Honesty. Whether it's the popular opinion or not. Artistry. I have no choice but to participate in the arts or there would be no point in continuing anything. Spirituality. This doesn't mean Sunday morning church. I've released that myth and looked beyond what I was spoon fed as a child. Human Rights. I'm not as involved as I should be but I feel passionately that all humans should be treated alike no matter the race, gender, age or sexuality. Satisfaction. I believe that no matter what we do or accomplish in this life, at the end we should be satisfied with who and what we were." Truly under his lens we can see the real model and the photographer's passion that fuels the scene. Jay's favorite shot is the one he did with Jet Kanashi, "The End of Innocence" It's one of those images that popped into my head fully formed in its entirety. I was gearing up for a shoot with Joel Tye (Jet Kanashi at the time). He was flying in from Phoenix that weekend and this image of him came to mind standing naked (symbolizing adulthood and vulnerability) with a sad face painted on him and childhood toys at his feet. It is very much a depiction of my emotional state at the time and every time I look at the print I'm reminded of how I made it through that period."
Discover Jay. Step inside his world, click LightWeaver
Model: Giby Photo: LightWeaver
"Photography is my medium for expressing my artistic self. Even if I'm creating a portfolio for another person I infuse it with as much artistry as possible while still keeping his or her needs in mind."
Always Exciting. Always NEXT.
Model: Jeremy Photo: LightWeaver
"I remember doing my first nude shoot when I was about 19 or 20. I shot a girl I worked with and her husband together in their apartment. I was so nervous on my way there that I almost turned around and went back home. I think I've successfully jumped that hurdle since then."
Model: Eddie Photo: LightWeaver
"First and foremost they have to be comfortable. If the model is apprehensive at all then they aren't going to trust me. If there's no trust then the images won't flow the way they should. So I encourage them to bring their own music to play, I like to sit and just chat for awhile before we get started and let them know that we are just two people trying to create something extraordinary."
Model: Jacob Photo: LightWeaver
"A variety of things actually. Some of the themes you'll see run through my work are my struggle to reconcile my faith with my sexuality and my versions of social commentary. Other than that many things can inspire me. Family stories, something I see on t.v., etc. Sometimes I'll be sitting working on something entirely unrelated to art or photography and just get hit with a fully fleshed out image out of the blue. At that point I have no choice but to honor the inspiration and bring it to life. Those are some of my most powerful images."
Model: Key Photo: LightWeaver
"Oops Moments? Almost on a daily basis! The internet is a funny thing. Email contacts can be misread or misconstrued. Like I said previously, I'm very honest and upfront. Combine that with my irreverent sense of humor and many people don't know how to take me."
Model: Matt Photo: LightWeaver
"Modeling is SO much more than just standing and looking pretty. It's about movement and NOT being yourself. For that guy in the mirror, wondering if he's gonna be a model, take a chance, it will probably pay off."
Model: Andy Photo: LightWeaver
"What I think about the NEXT sites? I love them! They are a great resource for those that want to keep up on what's happening and current. You all rock!"
Model: Giby Photo: LightWeaver
"I'm glad you asked. The absolute most important piece of advice there is for new models is to... be humble. Don't forget that for every handsome face and set of six pack abs, there are a thousand other guys right behind you that look just as good. Also... please learn to emote. So many guys just stand there and expect their physical attributes to speak for them. I look through so many portfolios where the guys face holds the exact same, emotionless expression in every frame. There is no shame in smiling, looking sad, actually showing "sexy" in your eyes instead of just your shirtless torso and... God Forbid!!! ... actually trying to connect with the camera."
Model: Matt Photo: LightWeaver
So what's the best lesson that Jay learned from his models? "To have fun! Even though I've always tried to create a comfortable environment during a shoot it took me awhile to truly relax and have fun myself." When asked about Five things that defines him, Jay shares, "Honesty. Whether it's the popular opinion or not. Artistry. I have no choice but to participate in the arts or there would be no point in continuing anything. Spirituality. This doesn't mean Sunday morning church. I've released that myth and looked beyond what I was spoon fed as a child. Human Rights. I'm not as involved as I should be but I feel passionately that all humans should be treated alike no matter the race, gender, age or sexuality. Satisfaction. I believe that no matter what we do or accomplish in this life, at the end we should be satisfied with who and what we were." Truly under his lens we can see the real model and the photographer's passion that fuels the scene. Jay's favorite shot is the one he did with Jet Kanashi, "The End of Innocence" It's one of those images that popped into my head fully formed in its entirety. I was gearing up for a shoot with Joel Tye (Jet Kanashi at the time). He was flying in from Phoenix that weekend and this image of him came to mind standing naked (symbolizing adulthood and vulnerability) with a sad face painted on him and childhood toys at his feet. It is very much a depiction of my emotional state at the time and every time I look at the print I'm reminded of how I made it through that period."
Discover Jay. Step inside his world, click LightWeaver
Model: Giby Photo: LightWeaver
"Photography is my medium for expressing my artistic self. Even if I'm creating a portfolio for another person I infuse it with as much artistry as possible while still keeping his or her needs in mind."
Always Exciting. Always NEXT.
