It was close to two years ago I first introduced FH readers to model Brandon Connelly. (Memorable: By T-W-D photos) There was something about Brandon I really liked, and it went beyond the body and my love of redheads. In communicating with Brandon on follow-ups, there was a innate decency and earnestness about him that came through in both his words, and his work. There was never ego involved. In his responses to my questions, his focus was always the process, the work. Brandon demonstrates great professionalism. and there is seriousness and dedication that not everyone demonstrates these days. Brandon is always honest, and realistic about the obstacles within the modeling industry but still insists on doing the best can with the opportunities that come his way.
Brandon has created a really impressive body of work. Fashion, print, glamour and fitness. Incredibly hot shots, Gothic, wedding and themed shoots. (see some in my previous posts HERE:) I have to say, this shoot from photographer Kate Gansneder is one of my favorites. Tasteful, soulful and sexy as hell! Kate as eye for the sensual being a boudoir and lifestages photographer. Based just outside of Seattle, Kate has been shooting for over 13 years including school portraits to high volume studio work. Over the last two years, Kate has been photographing as a personal brand and owns Into the Dark Boudoir and GSquared Photographics, specializing in boudoir, families, children (and HS seniors) and maternity photography.
'Brandon is always amazing to work with. His fluidity and intuitiveness in front of the camera makes the sessions flow effortlessly. He comes to the table with a vision, and is wonderful to collaborate with on creating a combined concept. He's very professional, focused, and driven, which means that you will always get an effective shot from him. I look forward to each and every time I shoot with him - and can't wait to see where his career takes him.'
Kate Gansneder
Brandon Connelly
Interview -Part 1-
How did you get started in the business?
'Over the years I have been told I should try to get into modeling but I never believed I had what it took to be a model. One of the reasons I didn’t think I had what it took is because I was never able to take a good picture or have someone take a good picture of me. I finally decided to try my hand at modeling about a year ago after posting a picture on Craigslist and a local artist John Sisko wanted me to model for one of his drawing projects.'
What keeps you grounded?
'Really it’s the life lessons and all the mistakes I’ve made in my past. How I’ve learned from them and other people’s mistakes and told myself that I need to be a better person and strive for more. In my life right now I can’t be all fun and games all the time I mean yes, I have fun but I take my work very seriously, I treat people with respect and hope to get the same. I do on to others as I would want them to do on to me.'
Was was the first thing you did to get started?
'More like who! I was approached by a photographer that shoots for Amazon, his name is Andrew Giammarco. He told me that I have a good look and that there’s not many red head models out there and he would like to help me start a portfolio. Honestly without him I don’t know where I would be with modeling and everything else right now. I owe all my success in modeling to him and I can never be more thankful.'
Take me through what your first shoot was like?
'It was weird. I had no idea what I was doing but I was told that I posed, and took direction well. In my head, I was kind of picturing what look I thought would look good in each picture. I was amazed how the pictures turned out! I didn’t want it to end and at one point the photographer started handing me clothes and I thought to myself this is going to look horrible. After a few shots, he showed me on the camera and I was amazed at how well everything looked. After that shoot ended I was hooked I wanted more and more, I wanted to meet more photographers and make more amazing pictures.'
It seems some people either really love or really don’t love redheads, has your hair color ever been an issue within your modeling?
'It’s funny that you say that. Some friends and family of mine decided that there is no in between when it comes to red heads. There are either really hot ones or really ugly ones... haha. I don’t say that in a cocky way and that I am all gorgeous and what not. I am saying that because that’s what everyone seems to think. My hair has never been an issue when it comes to modeling. People always love that there’s a redheaded model. I guess being a part of 4% of the world population you don’t see many good looking redheads very often.'
Any funny stories being on ModelMayhem?
'The first week I was on MM, all I received were requests about doing porn. Shortly after I put a note on my profile that asked to not contact me about porn. I am not interested and after than I didn’t receive anymore requests for that sort of thing.'
-Look for Part 2 coming up later this week!-
Kate Gansneder: Into the Dark Boudoir & GSquared Photographics
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