Writer, Photographer and Model, At Your Service…
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler
Wow, I really suck at updating my blog. Hopefully that will not be the case anymore as I am now doing full-time freelance writing, photography, modeling, fashion styling, make up artistry and website consulting! I will make sure to keep at the least minimum monthly updates as I owe it to my readers and perhaps potential clients too.
Since the last post, I purchased a new ride which my father named Optimus Prime that gets great gas mileage and also pretty pimped out for a Kia. It will do the job well and environmentally friendly which is all that matters to me (the iPod jack is nice too and Sirius radio)! The website writing gig with the temp agency ended and honestly, it was just what I needed to get off my butt and chase my dreams. I find it easy to become a complacent corporate robot drone and was getting sucked in quickly and quietly. Fortunately things were a little uncomfortable for me there, which only further motivated me to move on with my life. From the end of last year I wanted to delve head first into photography, still modeling but focusing more on the creative process. It was getting to the point where I would be modeling and thinking of how to best take the picture, design the set and style both hair and make up. The transition was simple as I already purchased the equipment I need to start and worked on making my basement into a studio last winter.
I drew a lot of inspiration from my travels to Paris, Strasbourg and Venice as well as trekking to Florida and Arizona. I find I am most influenced with other cultures and immersing myself into them completely. So along came Marie Antoinette, who was the lovely Jessica Brock. I chose her for her classic Scottish features which would easily transition into any character I could create. She also glowed beauty from the inside which shows in the pictures. See below, she was my muse – all photography, make up, hair, costume styling was by yours truly.
These are just a few of the amazing images that were captured that day. It didn’t hurt that the model was a natural flirt with the camera too! I had an assistant as well to help make the shots just right, her name is Huntz and she is another amazing artist. I find more inspiration in life in general when surrounded by creative types. After this shoot, I worked with a lovely couple – a female model just starting out and her boyfriend. We did some nice Christmas shots for her family and then I got them messy. Below is probably my favorite shot from that shoot.
Some say it’s a little too sexy but if you’re not pushing the boundaries, what’s the point of being an artist? The latest shoot I did was for a couple of sisters, Christina and Grayce, what a lovely pair of sisters! Here they are, smiling like the whole time we shot below.
Now don’t think I only shoot women! Upcoming for the new year we have some more fashionistas waiting to break some molds but also a male model Nick who will make for a stunning addition to my portfolio.
Modeling has taken its usual winter time pause with jobs popping up here and there, but that’s just part of the business. It seems the whole east coast takes a winter hibernation and things flourish again in spring. So far, I did some body paint modeling as well as some art modeling for some local talent and will do some more next week even. I did some promotional modeling for Bourbon Blue www.bourbonblue.com and at the same time did some shots for an upcoming coffee table book. There was the Emily Sky photoshoot in New York City where I helped coordinate models, did photography, modeling and even make up for the upcoming e-commerce website. It was a long 13 hour day and sure felt like it! The website is set to launch next year and I will be in my own section for the jewelry page, called beauty. Modeling for a German magazine will kick off the new year and then I am off to California for a month! It will be a mixed bag of business and pleasure to visit my best friend and her baby as well as scoring some modeling gigs as well. Of course I will be taking lots of pictures as well throughout the trip but want to make sure I spend some quality time with my extended California family because they are the best and I certainly don’t see them enough! I have a wonderful feeling about Calli and always had – who knows what the future might hold!
Writing is still going strong and my column has never gotten more hits! Examiner.com is where it’s at and keep checking back for weekly updates. I did a whole series on real life rape stories so this issue and the people do not have to hide in the dark anymore. I also began writing press releases and doing some editing for Gallery ML, 126 Market Street, Philadelphia. This is an amazing team of talented artists who created the first full body painting art gallery in the USA. I’m not talking about just throwing some paint on a model and calling it art, these artists will spend whole days painting a model from head to toe, just like a large 3-D canvas. I also am doing some market research freelance writing for a local company as well as attempting to start my novel. That’s right, folks. I am finally going to make that dream come true as well – I even have a friend who just got his book published and offered his publisher to me when I finish – now that’s motivation!
I am always looking for more writing, photography and modeling gigs as well because I hate being bored – even for a minute! Another slice of life I am interested in is modeling or doing charity work. Currently I am volunteering at Project Sunshine, a non-profit who help bring sunshine to children in the hospital. Visit them at their website and join too http://www.projectsunshine.org/ they are always looking for people will multiple skills for many different talents – from cooking to massage therapists.
Now it is time to enjoy the holidays with friends and family and reflect on what a great year this has been. I am so thankful that my life is full of uplifting and inspiring people who continue to support and push me to reach for the stars and beyond!
Love you all. Happy holidays! XOXO, Cass
