Testing: a way of Networking

One of the most important lessons I have learned in these years spent in London is that the ability to network with other people is a key if you want to push yourself forward. I heard a quote, long time ago: "It does not matter who you are, it matters who you know". It is not entirely true, but very much so.

In our photographic experience, Fabiana and I have tested a lot and are still testing. If, from one perspective, we want to improve our technical abilities, our photography and our model management style, from another one we want to expand the circle of the people we know, the number of person that live and breath in the photographic industry. Many times the people you meet will not leave a mark in your life, or will not be important for your direct network, but from time to time you meet truly remarkable gems. If you do not work to expand your network, if you think you know enough people, that is the moment you will start losing touch with innovation, with new people who can bring in your career something more, something unexpected.

At the end of December we decided to put together a team for a test shoot, bringing in some known faces and some new ones: mixing team members you know with others you do not works generally well. Amongst the people we already worked with there was Katharina, one of the first models we ever used, and for the new faces a great choice was Luke, a fabulous hair stylist.
The Team Photographers: Carlo and Fabiana Nicora Make Up Artist: Miranda Tilley Hair Stylist: Luke Reynolds Models: Katharina Bober, Astride Costa, Naomi Day

One of the things we look for when testing, is people with "that" sparkle in the eyes when they prepare a model or when they pose in front of the camera. Those people brings life into a session, they are able to make their work shine, and as their work is the base of the photographers' one... you do the math.
Our models will receive, in time, a post each, so I would like to talk briefly about the rest of the team who helped us during this editorial test.
MakeUp We met Miranda quite few months ago, and we had the possibility to work with her more than once before this session. She had a great hand for makeup since the first time we worked together, but the time, practice and her professional approach shone in December, with some truly remarkable preparation on the models. Kudos on her, that worked even if she was not in perfect shape. A collaborator who does not let you down even in the worst case scenario is the collaborator you want to have at your side!
Hair Style Luke was a surprise, one of those great surprise that can make everyone's day. He knows his stuff and he knows how to communicate, and these are two extremely important point when I rate a professional. Moreover he came prepared to the session, with some ideas and mockups ready for every model, eager to listen and to explain; I am no hair specialist, but he walked me through his ideas and the reasons behind them clearly, selling them and realising them perfectly. I am looking forward to working with him again, as I truly liked his approach!