Model PortfoliosEditorial Portraits Showcasing Character, Personality and Aesthetics. Hello!
I'm Michael Donovan!!
I've spent almost 20 years photographing musicians, artists, models and interesting people, primarily in New York and Los Angeles.
I actually started out photographing models, shooting paid tests with talent from agencies including Wilhelmina, Ford, Elite, and others.
My career eventually expanded into musicians, artists and brands, but I still love doing tests with and for models.
Why? It's fun. I'm good at it. I like the people. And it's a chance to really work with good people without the big teams and production that come with commercial shoots.
I bring everything I've learned into creating images that are actually useful. My approach is to work with each person's personality, character and expressions rather than put everyone through the same formula. I want to make images that both the agency and the models love - and images that work well for their agency portfolio as well as their own social media.
My goal is simple:
Create a strong collection of photographs that works for both agencies and models.
-MD
Since What Can a Session Look Like?
I work across different looks, expressions and settings to show different sides of each person.
Some images are more straightforward and useful for agency portfolios and casting. Others are more expressive, editorial or personal, giving models photographs they'll love sharing on social, where clients are also discovering talent.
The goal is range while showing what makes you great to work with. I want a new face to look and feel like he has been shooting for years, and I want someone returning from a break to show the energy and enthusiasm of someone who is just starting.
I want everyone to have images that look and feel like they could be published somewhere. And I want everyone to have images that work well across outlets.
Who is this for?NEW FACES
Hello new friend! Welcome to the industry!
My focus is getting the images your agency wants while helping you get comfortable being yourself in front of the camera. This may be one of your first shoots, but I want the images to work so you get booked, and people assume you’ve been doing this for some time.
The images are the easy part on my end. I'm here to listen, help you find your confidence with the camera, and make sure you leave with photographs that show what you're capable of.
WORKING MODELS
It's been slow? Your hair has a new color or cut? You want to try something new, expand your client pool, or you're just tired of looking at the same photographs?
I got you.
These shoots are great for rebuilding or expanding your book. You'll get images for your agency, but you'll also have a chance to reinvent yourself a little. And you get to help decide where we go.
Let's gooooo!
RETURNING FROM EXTENDED BREAKS
Maybe it's been a few months. Maybe it's been a year. We all get there eventually! I've certainly been there (a few times!)!!
Life happens, and sometimes we need a break from this world.
Coming back can feel strange. New people, new trends, new clients, and an industry that seems to have changed while you were gone.
These shoots are fun and more relaxed than traditional tests. You already know how to do your job, and I know how to do mine. We get the images we need, but we also get to talk, experiment, and discover what works for you now.
What's IncludedModel Testing: $700 per person
(when referred through agencies)
3–4 looks
20+ finished photographs with light retouching showcasing a range of emotions, aesthetics, and styles.
A range of portraits suitable for agency portfolios and social media
Models bring their own wardrobe and generally work with natural hair and makeup. I'm happy to provide guidance before the shoot
A collaborative shoot built around the models look, personality and goals
A 50% deposit confirms the bookings.
BookingContact Ellis to schedule a shoot.
Ellis@TheMichaelDonovan.com
Agencies are welcome to coordinate interested models, or models can arrange their sessions directly with Ellis.