GW Burns (OMP Member #18425) and Marina Romanova (OMP Model #273672)
This is the second in a series of interviews with a photographer and model on One Model Place who have worked closely together to develop a series of intriguing images. We spoke with each of them individually to see if they could define what makes their working relationship so unique and fulfilling. If you are a member of OMP and wish to be considered for future installments, email your ID number as well as the number of your "Mentor" or "Muse" to newseditor@onemodelplace.com
THE MENTOR
GW Burns (OMP Model #18425) has almost a decade of experience as a photographer, and it shows in his detailed, nuanced images. He describes his photography as a mixture of "one cup glamour, a half cup artistic, and a dash of romantic fantasy sprinkled in for good measure." His work has been published in German GQ, Australian People, FHM USA, Hong Kong Daily Sun, and England's Ilex Press book "Digitale Erotique." GW will be heading up a series of glamour workshops presented by One Model Place as part of its new Workshop Series, for more information go to http://www.onemodelplace.com/workshops.cfm
OMP: How did you first start working with Marina?
GW Burns: Marina wrote to me a little over a year ago after seeing my work on One Model Place, suggesting that we shoot together. So I owe OMP a lot for that initial connection.
OMP: How many shoots have you done together, and how did the shoots go?
GW Burns: I have shot Marina over 20 times and still never get tired of working with her. She has the ability to transform her look into whatever creative idea that befalls me and is simply wonderful to shoot.
OMP: What do you like most about working with Marina?
GW Burns: Marina is very dedicated to her modeling and is so professional in how hard she prepares. I have seen her grow from being shy and insecure, to a sultry temptress. It has been amazing to see her transformation. I am very proud of her.
OMP: Describe your favorite photo of Marina, and how did it come about?
GW Burns: I was holding a workshop in Costa Rica and we were in a waterfall with all of these incredible rooted trees as a background. Her posing just blended so well with the natural flora that is seemed as if she was one with her surroundings. The image on my portfolio titled "Back to Her Roots" is from that shoot, and it is just gorgeous.
OMP: What has Marina taught you?
GW Burns: She has taught me to be a better person and to be aggressive in pursuing my dreams.
OMP: How has Marina inspired you?
GW Burns: Well I have a shot of her that I titled 'The Muse' so by that very definition she is the essence of inspiration.
OMP: What advice do you have for other models and photographers who regularly want to work together?
GW Burns: The privilege of working with another individual on a collective effort that others can enjoy is one of the most rewarding experiences any of us can imagine. Never be afraid to express your feelings in an image and develop the rapport that is established througha mutual trust. Once that happens, the magic will flow.
THE MUSE
Marina Romanova (OMP Model #273672) starting modeling a little over a year ago. She prides herself on being a professional who shows up on time, already made-up and ready to shoot. She admits she is still learning as she goes, but is making great progress and becoming known in the industry. Her achievements include modeling for GW's Costa Rica Workshop this past August and a photo shoot at the One Model Place studios in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year.
OMP: How did you first start working with GW?
Marina: I wanted to see what it would be like to be a model. After reviewing countless portfolios of Midwest photographers on OMP, I decided to contact GW. He was interested in shooting with me, and so we set the date. That first photo shoot was amazing! It was one of the happiest times in my life! Then I saw the photos and I was ecstatic!
OMP: How many shoots have you and GW done together, and how did the shoots go?
Marina: We have shot together a few dozen times. Each shoot is interesting and fun. We have a good rapport, and we know each other well enough now to predict what the other is going to want to do. So, we spend less time talking things over, and more time actually shooting. We are very productive when we get together.
OMP: What do you like most about working with GW?
Marina: GW is incredibly creative. He can take an idea and turn it into an amazing work of art! I love to check his port and see what he's come up with next.
OMP: Describe your favorite photo taken of you by GW, and how did it come about?
Marina: It's so hard to pick one and say it's my favorite. One of my all-time favorites is my Marie Antoinette shot. The coloring, the detail, and the style are just amazing!
OMP: What has this photographer taught you?
Marina: GW has taught me a lot about modeling in general, but also to trust in myself and take chances with my modeling. He has given me the confidence to go out there and show the world what I'm made of.
OMP: How has he inspired you?
Marina: GW is very dedicated to his craft. I don't know of anyone who works harder than he does. GW's desire to be the best at what he does inspires me to be the best at what I do as well.
OMP: What advice do you have for other models and photographers who regularly work together?
Marina: I'd say take the time to know the person on the other side of the camera. The better you know and understand each other, the more you can push each other to bigger and greater things.