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The email correspondence leading to Chelle and Avatar modeling for me.

Name = Chelle
Email = mystery1@someserver.com
MsgType = private
Message = Hello - I am curious about this. Not to sound greedy, but.....is
there pay for this? What do you use your photos for exactly? Thank you,
Chelle p.s. Oh - and where are you located?

------------------

This Message was created by the Wallin Studios Feedback Form.

Hi Chelle,
Yes, of course I pay, I insist upon it, usually around $$$ for 3 hours
work. It is fun but it is work.
During a modeling session I have three different ends in mind as I take the
photographs: 1, source material for paintings. 2, studies for sculpture and
3, the photograph as an end in itself. All of these are then for sale, as
are the images on my web site. I never sell the photos to others for
advertising.
I live and work just outside of Santa Barbara, California.
I hope this answers your questions, if you have more please let me know.

********
Best Regards,
Lawrence Wallin
lawrence@wallinstudios.com

Hello ~ Thank you for responding to my email. So, how do you go about choosing models?
Are you looking for any now? What are the requirements?

Sincerely,

Chelle

Hi Chelle,
How do I choose models? If I know someone I like the looks of and I get
along with and I feel they is a chance they would be interested and not be
offended, I ask them to model. Occasionally I meet someone or a couple I
don't know well but they extra look and I get the right "vibs" from I may
ask to model. Some of my best models have been people who have seen my work
and asked me about modeling. Putting out a request on my web site is new for
me.
I am always looking for models and the requirements are, they must be 18 or
older, they are interested in modeling and I like as people and the way they
look and hold themselves. I know this is vague but the answer, "I know it
when I see it" is both not much help but is accurate.

If you go to <http://www.wallinstudios.com/model-info.html> I have some
information that may help answer your questions.

Are you interested in modeling? Do you live in or near or do you visit Santa
Barbara? How old are you and can you give me an idea of what you look like?
I am looking forward to hearing from you.

*********
Lawrence Wallin
lawrence@wallinstudios.com

Hello again ~

I am (a young-looking) 32, have medium blond hair (both in length and color), hazel/yellowish eyes, fair skin, nice figure, 5'3, and am about 115 lbs. I live in North Hollywood, but I have a friend (who would also be interested if you do m/f couples) - who visits his mother from time to time in Oxnard - who might be willing to give me a ride if the opportunity came about. Are you close to Oxnard? I'm not TOO familiar with that area up there.

Take Care,

Chelle p.s. Pic enclosed...

Hi Chelle,
From what I can see in your photograph and your written description I would like to proceed.
Yes I am interested in having couples model for me, even more than individuals.
If you have them I would like to see photos of both you and your friend; a face, like the one you sent, and a standing full figure. Including, in at least one of the photos, your hands.

I am not too far from Oxnard, about a 30 minute drive.

Why don't we meet in Santa Barbara somewhere along the coast, maybe at Stearns Wharf, to talk and take some photos to see if we are all comfortable working together, then if we all are agreeable go to my studio for a regular modeling session.

A double click on the link below should take you to a web page that has a map and instructions for getting to Stearns Wharf
<http://www.stearnswharf.org/Pages/page03.html>

What are the best day(s) of the week for you to arrange a modeling session?



********************
Best regards
Lawrence Wallin
www.WallinStudios.com

Hello again ~ 

As far as meeting up there, I'm afraid I am at the mercy of my guy friend.  He's the one with the car that would make it, as well as it being HIS mother we would be visiting.  I will definately send him an email today to discuss all this with him.  I will also ask him for a picture of himself (I don't have one of him).  I can describe him, though.  He is also 32, tan, about 5'8 (I think), nice lips and eyes, a little on the thinner side, and very short hair.  I, personally, think he's very handsome.  I think we would photograph well together.  He looks a bit like the actor Emilio Estevez. 

When you say you are 30 min. from Oxnard, does that mean you are North of it, or South?  And as far as days that would be best, it would probably need to be on a weekend.  I'm not sure when he will be going up there again - since we just went last weekend - but I will write to him and see.  I was GOING to enclose two more pictures of myself - one body shot, and one showing my hands, but for some reason the disc they are on is saying that it is not formatted.  Hmmm....strange.  I will try to locate them elsewhere. 

Thanks for the response, and I will get back to you as soon as I hear from him (Avatar).

Sincerely, Chelle

Hi Chelle,
Thanks for your rapid reply.

From your description Avatar sounds as if he would look fine.

The freeway signs say Santa Barbara is north of Oxnard however it is actually west of Oxnard, the far side from LA.

Weekends are fine with me however they tend to be busy so we should set a date when we can.

Let me know what Avatar’s response to all this is and then we can set a date and time. You might suggest he check out the work I do by going to my web site. <http://www.wallinstudios.com/> He can also go directly to a show of nudes. It does not yet have many artworks of couples but he can get an idea of what I do.
<http://www.wallinstudios.com/show_nudes-sampler_.html>

I hope your formatting problems are solved soon, I know that sort of problem only too well, so much of this computer stuff is a great mystery to me.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
* * * * * * * *

Sincerely,
Lawrence Wallin
www.WallinStudios.com

Hi - This is a few years old, but Avatar looks the same now - just with shorter hair.

Chelle

Note: forwarded message attached.

'Hope you don't mind the nude - this is also a few years old. We were thinking about meeting with you next Thursday - maybe late morning?

Hi Chelle,
I don't mind the nude at all, I appreciate it. You are right, he is good looking and he does look a bit like Emilio Estevez, (Note: I had never heard of Emilio Estevez so I went on line and found pics of him) although I don't know what E.E. looks like nude.

Thursday, August 22 would work out fine for me. Shall we meet at the dolphin fountain at the base of Stearns Wharf? Tell me what would be the best time for you.


Lawrence
www.WallinStudios.com

Hi ~ Glad you liked the looks of Avatar. :) Meeting there is fine with me, but I'll need to check with Avatar first. I'll talk to him today, or by tomorrow for sure. I'm guessing around 11am (for meeting with you), but again - I'll need to check with Avatar (HIS car, plus we'll need to drop his two dogs off at his mother's first). btw.....I wanted to ask you about payment (if you DO decide to shoot us). You had mentioned in a previous email that it would be about $$$ for 3 or so hours - but that's when it was just going to be me alone. What will/would be the pay for two people? Sorry, I hate asking about money - I always feel like I sound greedy - but right now BOTH of us are unemployed for the moment, and money is very important to us. Thanks, and I'll write back as soon as I've spoken with him.

Sincerely,

Chelle

Hi Chelle,
No need to feel funny asking about money, I am asking a lot from you, it is only appropriate for you to know what I am giving back.
If we decide to go ahead with the shoot I would pay you each $$$ for a three hour modeling session. If for any reason we decide not to proceed I will still pay you something, just for coming up and meeting, maybe $35 and lunch. Does that sound fair to you?

* * * * * * * *
Sincerely,
Lawrence
www.WallinStudios.com

Hi --
Color
I have spoken with Avatar, and he said that everything is fine. So, let's plan to meet at 11am, on Thursday the 22nd, at Stearn's Wharf. You mentioned a dolphin statue? If you are familiar with the area, would you mind sending directions? We will be coming from the Oxnard area - probably 101, if I'm not mistaken. Oh - and let us know where to park - thanks.

Looking forward to it,

Chelle

Hi,
From Oxnard take the 101 north. You will go through Ventura, a long drive by the ocean, past Carpinteria, Summerland and in Montecito. Look for the Cabrillo Blvd. exit. Cabrillo Blvd. is a left lane exit from the freeway.
Exit at Cabrillo Blvd.
At full stop at the bottom of the exit turn left.
Go until you find Stearns Wharf. You cannot miss it. It is at the foot of State Street and the dolphin fountain is right there at the entrance to the wharf.
You can park on the wharf although I never have, I usually park in one of the convenient parking lots or on the street.


As you can see on the enclosed map there are several exits you can take, let me know if you can open it, if not I will send it in another format. I think the nicest and easiest way to get to Stearns Wharf is by the Cabrillo Blvd. exit.

See you on Thursday.

Lawrence

Hi - Thanks for the directions and the map. Seems easy enough to find. I forgot to ask you - is there any type of clothing you would like us to bring? Or anything else we/you might need?

Chelle and Avatar,
Here are a few suggestions on what to wear and additional clothing to bring.
Come wearing clothing that is loose and does not leave deep marks on your
skin. Some socks, brassieres and garments with tight waist bands have a
tendency to leave marks that can last for hours.
Come in what you might wear on a date to stroll along the beach front in a
resort town, nothing extreme.
For Chelle it could be a summer dress with a loose bra or no bra, or pants
and a fashionably short top. Avatar could wear shorts or other summery pants
and a Hawaiian shirt or tank top. These are just suggestions, you might have
better ideas. It is hard to make many suggestions because I do not know what
you have and I don't know what the weather will be like. You had better
bring a coat in case it is cold and foggy.
Although I expect most of the modeling at the studio to be in the nude or
semi nude I would like it if you can bring a few changes of clothing that
shows you off to best advantage. It should be in your own style, be that
very simple, extremely fashionable or totally eccentric. Street clothing as
well as a few garments you might save for private times, items that are
translucent and flowing or skin tight, or whatever you feel is alluring and
sensuous. Bring the jewelry, cosmetics, and underwear you would normally
wear with each outfit.
No chains, whips or leather. I am not interested in any kind of violence,
bondage or S & M.
Bring any tapes or CDs that you like to set the mood or move to. If we do
additional sessions we will choose specific garments ahead of time.
Also, please bring photo IDs of yourselves, such as a drivers license, that
includes your age. I will need to photo or scan it. Something new brought to
us by the U. S. Congress.
Chelle, it would help me make suggestions for clothing if you could send a
picture(s) of yourself in the nude. It would also help me develop ideas for
the modeling session.

Hi ~   Ok, we will do our best with the clothing, etc.  
Chelle

Here's the only nude picture I have of myself - sorry about that! It's not very clear, and it's only of my chest........

Thanks for the picture, it's clear enough for my purposes, more would be better but what does show looks very nice. I expect you will soon have much better photos of yourself.

--

Lawrence

Great, thank you! See you then! :)

We did the first modeling session.

Hi Chelle,
I just got the photos back from the lab and I am pleased to tell you there are a number of terrific photos. There are also a lot of very good, good, OK and not bad photos. There are a few that are under or over exposed photos but some of those work well anyway.
Talk to Avatar and let's arrange a time for you to see them. The evening would be the best because they are slides and I will be projecting them for you to see.

By the way, the name you chose for your photo name, Chelle, is the name of the woman who posed for the book that I showed you, "The Model".

********************
Best regards
Lawrence Wallin
www.WallinStudios.com

Hi Avatar,
I just got the photos back from the lab and I am pleased to tell you there are a number of terrific photos. There are also a lot of very good, good, OK and not bad photos. There are a few that are under or over exposed photos but some of those work well anyway.
Talk with Chelle and let's arrange a time for you to see them. An evening would be the best because they are slides and I will be projecting them for you to see.


********************
Best regards
Lawrence Wallin
www.WallinStudios.com

Hi Lawrence,

I'm glad to hear that at least some of them came out well. I'm not sure how well I look in them - seeing as how my hair was a mess, no lipstick, etc. - lol.

As far as coming again - that will be up to Avatar. I told him that you had the pictures to show us, and he said that he will try to figure out a time to go. It may not be for 2-3 weeks, though. He just started a new job, and will be a little busy for awhile. But we definately want to come - as soon as we can.

That is very interesting about that name (the one I chose). I have never liked the name *******, and Avatar (who doesn't like it either) - told me "why don't you choose another one?" So, I came up with "Chelle" - because my middle name is Michelle, and I just took out the "Mi." Besides, I love the ocean, and I love "shells." I THOUGHT I had made up the name! :)

Keep in touch, and I will write again soon. Thanks again,

Chelle

Hi Chelle,
How we look is always a matter of taste and taste is something there is no accounting for. Just to show you, I like the way you look better without the lipstick. Next time we should discuss makeup, especially considering how you look in close-ups. We can discuss all that latter, when you are here and you have seen how great you look in the photos.

Once things get a little less hectic send me a note and we can arrange a meeting. In the meantime I may do a painting or two based on the photos I got this time.

I don't want to be too pushy about appearance but I prefer this :-) to this :) surprised? :-o with a wink ;-) :<)

By the way I sent a note to Avatar this morning, the same as the one I sent you on Saturday. I remembered that you said you were having some problem with your email.


Best regards
Lawrence Wallin
www.WallinStudios.com

Hi,

Thank you for the compliments about the photos. Always nice to hear. I tend to judge myself pretty harshly when it comes to me in pictures. Always have. But I'm looking forward to seeing them. And maybe a painting or two? How long does it usually take you to finish a painting (depending on size, of course)? btw - I was curious about something you said in your email.....you said that next time we should discuss make-up "especially considering how I look in close-ups." How DO I look in close-ups?

Take Care,

Chelle

How long does it take to make a painting?
It does depend on the size, complexity and the amount of finish I want. I have done commissioned paintings of landscapes, 40" x 60" in two weeks. This was after the design was approved by the client. A smaller painting, 16" x 20"of a figure or two, once I decide exactly what I am doing, in 6 to 8 hours, spread over several days. I once did a painting for Wells Fargo that was 9 1/2 ' x 5' in 13 days. Working 12 to 16 hours a day.

How do you look in close-ups?
What I noticed when we were talking face to face was how good and young you look. When I look at the photographs showing all of you I think you look young but in the close-ups, of which we did very few, I notice the make-up on your eye lashes too much, it obscures your beautiful eyes more than bring them out.
Again, it is a matter of taste. For me, at least when photographing someone, I have found I prefer a minimal amount of make-up. Enough to accentuate the best of a face but not enough to show as make-up. The problem is that a photograph freezes the images so the animation naturally there is gone and without movement the smallest imperfections, that one would never notice in person, become obvious. When I make a painting I bring out the animated look by, among other methods, easing lines and ignoring minor blemishes that are, after all, transitory. The expression and animation are much more important in reflecting the inner qualities of the person.
I can always darken eye lashes in a painting but it is harder to make up eyes and sort of looses the point of having someone with beautiful eyes model in the first place.
I hope that answers your question and is not too much rambling verbiage.
See the attached images.

********************
Best regards
Lawrence

Hi,

Thanks for the pictures.  Yes, I see what you mean by the black make-up.  I just felt that I looked better with it.  Maybe not.  I hope the hot tub picture that you sent is not in the "terrific" category ....... I hope there are some that I look better in!  lol  Avatar said he wrote to you - did you receive an email from him?  And I was wondering.....when we come up to view the slides - were we coming up just for that, or did you want to do another shoot at that time?  I just wasn't sure.

Chelle

 

Hi Avatar,
I hope your new job goes well and profitably for you.
Give me a call or email when you can arrange the time to come up for a show. No rush I am starting on a painting or two from the photos I took last time. I may have more to show you than the photos when you come up to see the photos.

********************
Best regards
Lawrence Wallin
http://www.wallinstudios.com/index.html

Hi Chelle, I've responded to your message in Blue.

Hi, Thanks for the pictures. Yes, I see what you mean by the black make-up.
I just felt that I looked better with it. Maybe not. You may look better
in person with heavy eye make-up but the camera has a way of accenting
things that the eye does not. I think of make-up the same way as costume. I
think of all clothing as costume. For the next photo session I would like to
work out the costuming with you both.

I hope the hot tub picture that you sent is not in the "terrific" category
....... No the picture I sent was just one of the OK ones. I hope there are
some that I look better in! Yes there are, yes you do.

Avatar said he wrote to you - did you receive an email from him? I did get
Avatar's email and I did finally write him back.

And I was wondering.....when we come up to view
the slides - were we coming up just for that, or did you want to do another
shoot at that time? I just wasn't sure. I know it is a long drive for you
but I was only planning at this time to show you the pics and let you choose some and plan the next
session. However the more I think about it the more ideas spring to
mind. Let's decide when we get nearer the time you come up here.

Lawrence

Hi..... I sent Avatar the picture of me in the hot tub, and he really liked it. Different people, different tastes I guess :-).

Ok about just coming up to view and choose - I just wasn't sure. I hope it can be within the next couple of weeks. Do YOU have any time that you won't be available - just so we know?

Chelle

Here I have eliminated a whole bunch of emails trying to set a date

Hi Avatar,
Here are the pics you wanted emailed.
Let me know if you want any of them sent at a higher resolution or larger size. I will be getting the prints ordered today if I can, otherwise on Monday so they should be at Chelle's before the end of next week, I hope.

********************
Best regards
Lawrence Wallin
http://www.wallinstudios.com/index.html

Hi Chelle,
Here is the picture you wanted emailed.
Let me know if you want it sent at a higher resolution or larger size. I will be getting the prints ordered today if I can, otherwise on Monday, so they should be at your place before the end of next week, I hope.

********************
Best regards
Lawrence Wallin
http://www.wallinstudios.com/index.html

Thank you so much Lawrence. We really enjoyed the experience of modeling for
you. Hope we can do it again.

Avatar

Hi ~ Thank you very much for the picture, for the pictures that you are sending, and for giving us the "slide show." We really appreciated it! We are looking forward to working with you again.

Thanks Again,

Chelle

Photographs of Avatar and Chelle

Paintings of Avatar and Chelle

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