Graphique: 6 Questions With Julie

Sleek lines, graphic shapes, and fluid form permeate Julie's elegant "Graphique" photo session.



Further exploring my interest in bold shapes, lines, and forms, I knew I had to get Julie back in front of the camera. Julie Xiong is a lovely southwest-Missouri-based model who brings a variety of creative pursuits, including drawing and painting, to her modeling style. All of her influences reflect in her very fluid and expressive style of movement -- just perfect for my concept.




Julie brings gorgeous hand movement, a smoldering gaze, and a dancer's instinct to the stage. It made perfect sense, to me, to give her plenty of freedom to express these beautiful traits. Edgy light with hard shadows as well as glowing, angelic illumination provided our painting palette, meant to accentuate her lithe lines.




After an evening of two creative minds doing what they love, I knew I had to dig a little deeper. Please enjoy, "6 questions with Julie."

AB: How long have you been modeling?

Julie: I have been modeling since the summer of 2013.



AB: How did you get started in modeling?

Julie: I started modeling due to events that occurred during that period of my life. Through numerous struggles, I've been convinced to follow my dreams and passions.

AB: What is the best modeling advice you have received?

Julie: All modeling advice I find to be useful. I can't say I have received one piece of advice that is better than another because I believe all advice will advance an individual. 



AB: Where do you find creative inspiration?

Julie: My creative inspiration comes from the successful work of others or the desire to create an image with a message.

AB: What 3 words best describe you?

Julie: As a model, three words that best describes me would be: creative -- when given the opportunity; flexible -- when it comes to building a concept for a photoshoot session; and easy-going -- will listen to and adjust with the photographer's direction.



AB: What is one thing people don't know about you?

Julie: As tall as I am, standing at 5'-6", and besides being taller than all my siblings, I was a premature baby; born the smallest, weighing around three pounds.

Be sure to show your support for every step of Julie's modeling journey by liking her Facebook modeling page.

You may follow along with Julie's artistic journey by liking her Facebook art page.

Many thanks, as always, to Julie for a wonderful experience, an abundance of beautiful images, and for sharing some of her valuable time with me.



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www.allanburch.com

Mystique: 11 Questions With Bebe

Simmering sensuality, smokey looks, and exotic lines beautifully stir the imagination in Bebe's emotionally-charged "Mystique" session.



One of the terrific things about social media is its ability to connect like-minded individuals, across the miles, with the simple click of a button. Bebe found me through Facebook and was nice enough to send me a very kind message. She resides in Virginia, but has family in the midwest, near my location. She proposed the idea of working together during her next trip to the area. I thought that sounded like a fabulous idea.



I had not worked with her, so, I wanted to do a little research. As of this writing, she is brand new to the modeling world, so her portfolio was in its early stages. However, I saw an individual with grace, artistry, and expressiveness -- 3 traits I cannot get enough of.



Fast-forward a few short weeks, and the opportunity became reality. She stepped on the stage and, with maturity that belies her less than 100 days worth of prior experience, she blew me away with her presence and her ability to effortlessly emote, both with her eyes and with her body, oozing confidence with every turn.



Her story is one to follow. After our tremendous session, I had the opportunity to learn more about our star, in "11 Questions With Bebe."

AB: How long have you been modeling?

Bebe: I started modeling about 2 months ago, in January 2014.



AB: How did you get started modeling?

Bebe: In December of 2013, I paid for a boudoir shoot. And, in January 2014, from the few pictures that turned out okay, I decided to create an account on One Model Place and Model Mayhem. The very next day my inbox was full with messages from local and out-of-state photographers wanting to work with me. And, since then, I've had a shoot just about every weekend and now working on my first fashion show, in March!



AB: What is the most rewarding thing about modeling, for you?

Bebe: The most rewarding thing for me is seeing my progress after each shoot. I have a lot more to learn but this is something I am truly passionate about, so it is definitely rewarding to see myself grow.



AB: What is the best modeling advice you have received, so far?

Bebe: The best modeling advice I received, so far, I read somewhere. I don't remember what site it was but it said something like modeling is a business, and, like any business, it takes time, effort, commitment, and patience. And, I believe if you know where you want to be, then you'll get there.



AB: Where do you find creative inspiration?

Bebe: I'm kind of a boring, plain person, believe it or not, lol. So, I kinda get my inspiration from all around me. I try to keep up with the latest trends and then I kind of just add a little bit of me into it.



AB: How would you describe your personal modeling style?

Bebe: I would like to think of it as sexy yet sophisticated.



AB: What are your favorite types of shoots to do?

Bebe: My favorite is lingerie and glamour. I always wanted to be the hot girl on the cover of a magazine, and now I feel like I am almost there. LOL!



AB: You just won a $1,000 shopping spree. Where would we find you?

Bebe: This has to be the hardest question, so far. I hate shopping because sometimes you go looking for something and never find anything good. But, if I had the money to pay for shipping and handling, you would most likely find me at home splurging online at Bebe and Lulus.com.



AB: What is your favorite non-modeling hobby?

Bebe: If I had time for another hobby it would be sports. I use to play volleyball and tennis in middle school and high school and I would love to play again.



AB: What three words best describe you?

Bebe: To describe myself in 3 words, it would be shy, easy-going, and strong-willed.

AB: What is one thing people don't know about you?

Bebe: Those who don't know me, personally, would not know or believe that I am a mother to 3 boys. Yes, 3 boys! They are 7, 6 and 1 years old.

Her passion shows in her work and in her drive to excel. Be sure to show your support and follow every step of Bebe's modeling journey by liking her Facebook modeling page.

Thank you, Bebe, for the wonderful experience and the opportunity to span the miles and create something beautiful, together.



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www.allanburch.com

Radiance: 9 Questions With Shelby

Sunlit tones, glowing glamour, and classic beauty shine, brightly, with Shelby, in our "Radiance" photo shoot.



Shelby is a lovely southwest-Missouri-based model and student at Ozarks Technical Community College, studying to become a hearing specialist. I wanted to explore soft, glowing looks as well as darker, emotional moods, and a few edgy creations with Shelby. She brings a nice versatility to the stage that transitions, smoothly, from dark edge to engaging elegance, so, I knew she would shine.

But, arguably, what really sets her apart is her one-of-a-kind smile.

Shelby has the kind of smile that makes others have to smile. Even when I see it on my monitor, I can't help but grin. Having worked with her, I can attest it is a reflection of her remarkably kind, enthusiastic, and generous spirit. What a wonderful gift to share with the world. If you are having a tough day, just check back and get your Shelby fix.



After an afternoon of fun, beauty, and personality, I knew her fans would be pining for more. It is my pleasure to share with you, "9 questions with Shelby."

AB: How long have you been modeling?

Shelby: I am fairly new to modeling, going on almost 1 year.



AB: How did you get started modeling?

Shelby: I started doing promotional modeling, working for some amazing companies. I eventually started moving up with some of them which opened up incredible doors and opportunities. I have just recently started print modeling, within the last few months, and absolutely LOVE it!

AB: What excites you about a photo shoot?

Shelby: Every little girl loves playing dress up and now I get to do it as an adult, too.



AB: What advice do you have for young girls who aspire to model?

Shelby: If you want to pursue modeling, look at someone who is successful and see what they did and went through to make them so successful. Talk to as many people in the industry as you can. It is a learning experience. You will find out what works and what doesn’t. One thing that everyone I have talked to in the business has said is to always be yourself! Don’t be afraid to try new things or share an idea you have. You are creating something beautiful. There is no limit. I am still learning as I go but becoming more comfortable and confident with myself, which makes me a stronger model.



AB: Where do you find creative inspiration?

Shelby: I find my creative inspiration everywhere, from people, in general, to the internet. Pinterest is addicting along with Google. I am always looking for the next idea. Once I have an idea or a photographer shares an idea with me, my brain just will not stop until it is done.



AB: What is your favorite non-modeling hobby?

Shelby: That would have to be traveling! I LOVE to travel and plan to do a lot more! The world is so amazing with so many beautiful places to see and wonderful things to do. I try to live life to the fullest and plan to not just sit back and watch it go by. The gym is another one of my favorite hobbies. I love pushing myself and making myself a better person. The more I am able to do at the gym and achieve the results I work so hard for, the more confident and better I feel.

AB: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Shelby: This is a tie. It would have to be shopping and having a bum day. I love to shop whether it is for clothes, shoes, or craft stuff. I just love it! I love buying people gifts, just because! I also love just being able to have a day where I have absolutely NOTHING planned (which is rare). I am bad about always wanting to have a list of things I need or want to get done. So, about once a week or every two weeks we try to have a day where we just go with the flow and enjoy whatever. It really does help recharge and can be very relaxing. I recommend everyone make days for themselves! Sometimes you get caught up in life and forget to enjoy it.



AB: What three words best describe you?

Shelby: Compassionate, giving, and ambitious.

AB: What is one thing people don't know about you?

Shelby: One thing people don’t know about me…hmm. I am a sucker for animals! If I were able, I would take in every stray I could. Growing up, I swore I was going to work at Sea World or with some sort of animal research organization. Animals are so fascinating to me and all so beautiful in some way.

You can follow Shelby's modeling journey at her Model Mayhem page.

My thanks to Shelby for a creating some beautiful images with me and for sharing her warmth with us.



www.facebook.com/abartistry
www.allanburch.com