Two competitions were also taking place during the event – a Halloween Costume Contest, which brought an array of sinister and seductive participants to the central dance floor, and OMP’s Model of the Year registration, giving models a chance to sign up and photographers a chance to vote for their favorites (similar searches will be held in various cities throughout the country before a winner is named).

The costume parade culminated in a group of semi-finalists being brought up on stage – including white angel Tiana, dark angel Jillian Ann, southern belle Isadora, and NYPD police woman Melissa. In the end, New York’s finest claimed the $500 in cash and prizes, as Melissa captured the enthusiastic crowd’s attention and claimed the victory. Jillian Ann took runner-up honors.

OneModelPlace staff members who helped organize the event were out in full force that night, including founder Stuart Burden, promotions manager Dan Byer, Jennifer Cramer, and Wara C. Sponsors for the event included Hi Touch Imaging Photo Printers, swimweargirls.com, kipswimwear.com, and www.ultamaswimwear.com.

OMP webmaster Brett Cramer was very pleased with the way Modelween turned out. “It took a lot of planning and effort on the parts of everyone at OneModelPlace to put Modelween on, so the fact that evening was so well-received and went so smoothly is a credit to all involved. We had over 1,000 models, photographers, and non-members arrive during the course of the evening, and are hoping to take OMP to other cities in the near future and host events in towns such as Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago.”

Executive administrator Kevyn Ferris (known as the Yoda of OMP) added, “The best part of events like Modelween is that we are able to take OneModelPlace from the virtual community into the real community. We get to meet people who are part of the model and photography community face to face. Hopefully, we will be hosting a slew of these events between now and the end of 2004, which will make for a more tight-knit community. The networking and person-to-person connections we make at these events are very valuable. They really help personalize the whole experience.”

Here are some other glowing comments from the models, photographers, makeup artists, and guests at OMP’s Modelween 2003.

Costume Contest winner Melissa thought Modelween was a great experience. “I think that Modelween gave me new opportunities to work with many photographers that will expand my portfolio and my circle of contacts. I met so many different people and I am still going through all the business cards! Most of the photographers I have worked with were there and told me they were able to meet models that they have been planning on working with as well. Speaking of models, the bodypainted models were definitely memorable; they were troopers promoting OMP in the crowd.” Her advice for anyone planning to attend the next OMP event? “I would say to have fun with it. Be confident and remember that you are representing yourself. Bring your comp cards, business cards, and/or portfolio book, and have a place to put all the cards from others that you will receive.” Melissa herself can’t wait for another chance to mix and mingle with OMP’s members. “Modelween 2003 was much more than I expected it to be. It was exciting to be in the costume contest -- and win! It was a lot of fun. I can’t wait for Modelween 2004 and all that is included in between! Thanks OMP for this experience and all the places you've taken me!”

Model and DJ Aryn dressed as an anime chick and surveyed the party from the DJ booth. “It was a wonderful idea to bring everyone together in such a ‘laid back atmosphere’ rather than a convention/meeting type of setting. It was great to finally put faces together with the names and portfolios I have seen on OMP. I got to network with a lot of people, and have already received work offers from the contacts. If anyone is thinking about attending the next OMP event, I have one piece of advice -- just go! And if I’m DJing again, come say hi!

Photographers and videographers filled the club with constant camera flashes and involving conversation. New York-based photographer Jonathan Swiller dressed as a – surprise – photographer for the evening. He has three words to describe Modelween 2003 – “Loud, fun, loud!” He had a shocking realization upon arriving at the club. “I realized I forgot my book back home, I won’t do that again.” He advises other models and members to remember to bring their books to upcoming OMP bashes. “I want another OMP party soon so I can bring my book and stop feeling like such a frigging moron!” Lensman Jeffrey Alan Cella likewise “plans to jump around from city to city for more OMP events.” Hailing from New Jersey, Brian Mackey thought Modelween was great, and reminds everyone “not too be late for the next one! I made contacts will all of the models and photographers there.” Seems he really got around that night. Photographer and OMP liaison Kevin Reed related that he was “definitely happy with the turnout. I made some connections with models with whom I have only been in touch with online, and now I am going to shoot with them as a result of meeting them at the party.”

OMP models were dressed to kill – literally – including Dina and Vrajna, who arrived as ladies of the night with their own personal pimp, NateSaki. Dina relates, “Modelween was great fun! What’s next? I really liked meeting so many people that I recognized from their photos on OMP. It was like a very small celebrity party -- and we were the celebrities! I had a great time dancing and meeting all sorts of mysterious people. Also, Ozzy/AllStar was a great host! The party was a great way to get exposure and speak about new ideas, and if you plan on attending the next event, bring compcards and write on the ones you receive some info about the photographer. I really think we should have more of these events. Now that we’ve had the first, we’ll all be a bit more prepared for the next one. Props to the DJ, the MC, and everyone who put work into this event!” Vrajna thought the party was, in a word, “Bangin’! She really appreciated the free buffet. “The food was delicious! It was insane, eating all that great food in a club setting!” She hopes to get work from the various connections she made, and advises other OMP models and members to check out future events. “Go! You meet a lot of people from our line of work and it’s just a fun experience all around! Special kudos to the DJs who played an awesome mix of everything I like!”

Real-life “wonder woman” Monique dressed the part as her superhero alterego, which proved very popular. “I couldn't walk two steps without a photographer trying to grab me for a photo. I had a great time at the Modelween. I caught up with a lot of photographers I hadn't seen in a while. And I met so many contacts I couldn't name them all. But I will be in touch with the new ones that handed me their card. It was also wonderful catching up with all my model friends with OMP!” Her advice for future OMP party revelers is simply "don't miss it!.. or you'll lose out on a lot of fun and contacts!" And arrive early!

Amazing Alice also dressed as an action hero -- Lara Croft, Tomb Raider. “There were a lot of great costumes. The party was great for people watching and networking. And the painted girls were wild… enough said! I collected a number of business cards from photographers, who, by the way, should try to dress up next time as well, and quit standing off to the side! All in all, I enjoyed the event very much. There were great prizes from the sponsors and a lot of great energy. Thanks OMP!”

Putting an international spin on her attire was Amy, dressed as a daring French Maid. “I thought Modelween 2003 was an exciting experience filled with lots of fun, entertainment, and new friends. I would like to thank all of the employees of OneModelPlace for making it such a success. Everybody had a blast. I think that the wildest part of the night was when the four airbrushed girls first appeared to pass out raffle tickets. As for the people who painted them, congratulations, your art was a hit! I networked with a lot of photographers, and I already have one shoot scheduled. Amy cannot wait to attend the Next OneModelPlace party. “If you go to a future OMP party, remember, the other models and photographers are just as nice as you are. The party itself is fun, exciting, entertaining, and it also benefits your career. So my advice would be to get ready for the next one… Pack your bags, head straight for the location and I will be sure to see you there!”

OMP mainstay Jillian Ann (Model #1874) spread her wings on the dance floor with fellow dark angel -- and Modelween poster girl -- Karen. “I loved dancing with Karen, my twin for the evening. Also, being on stage for the contest semifinals with the spotlight shining down and people cheering for me was fun. It was wonderful to come out and to meet everyone face to face. I was amazed at how many people were there, as well as the amount of OMP photographers. It was so nice to dance, mingle, and talk to so many I had only known digitally -- so to speak -- up until this event. It is so nice to see people building a community, not only online but offline. That is how creation happens -- by connections. I think I made more connections that night then I do in weeks sometimes.” She gives the following suggestions to future OMP partygoers: “Dress amazing, look amazing, bring a pen and paper and a bunch of cards, and get ready to have fun. Just enjoy yourself. Don’t drink too much, and don’t plan a shoot early the next day because you will be out very late!”

For those of you who missed all the fun and excitement of Modelween 2003, keep watching for announcements on OneModelPlace.com of future industry events and parties in your area.

NEXT TIME: Get Into the Act

© 2003 by Elias "All Star" Stimac

NOTE: If you are an OneModelPlace.com model and wish to have your opinions included in "Modeling in Focus," email All Star through his OMP page Member #10270 and write in the subject line "Model Profile".

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