Edward presents a "double interview" with his buddies Alex and Scott, the creative guys from AJR Imaging & Consulting. Come to their world folks!

Alex: Thank you Edward. I was born and raised in Venezuela. I was 18 years old when I was first offered an opportunity to model in Lisbon, Portugal, where I was briefly stationed as a flight attendant for Venezuelan International Airlines. I never thought of myself as a model—and had no idea what it was about, to be honest; what I thought was a joke turned out to be a 17 year long on -and-off career that allowed me to explore different aspects of the entertainment industry. Since
my first experience in front of a camera, photography was love at first sight. I was mesmerized, simply in love. Over the years, I tried to learn as much as I could, driven by the dream that one day I would too be able to create amazing images.

I am not sure I could define “my style” but I can try to describe it as emotional, vibrant, provocative yet tasteful; sometimes coming close to the dangerous line but keeping it within current standards. I enjoy bringing the model’s inner strength to the plate; not simply looks, but a message that somehow connects the subject with the viewer. I want emotions and body language to be part of my images.This may sound strange but my biggest influences come mainly from painters like Paul Cezanne, Dominique Ingres, Millet and Flandrin. I spent a great part of my youth traveling around Europe, painting portraits and figures; and admiring the Master’s works in museums like the Louvre and Orsay. The sense of connection I felt with some of these masterpieces always inspired me and fascinated me. As a photographer, my quest is to find that connection with my subjects and create images that deliver inner content and not only a physique’s display.

Scott : I'm Scott Riley, Talent Director for AJR. I am Alex's partner and we have created AJR together. I am originally from Fredericktown, Ohio; a small town about 45 miles north of Columbus. I always had the desire to work in the talent industry in some form and after meeting Alex, we realized we were able to create this amazing company and offer our best to the photography, modeling and talent industry.

The digital era, according them had a positive impact on photographers

Alex: Absolutely. It also made it more accessible to many; less intimidating. It has the effect the Internet brought to the entertainment industry, opening new venues for many to explore and display their creativity. I am a product of the Digital era. As a self-taught photographer, the digital media gave me an opportunity to learn, improvise, improve and build upon my ideas easier than I would have done it on the film era.

Scott: The digital era has been a tremendous asset to the industry. It has allowed photographers to have so many more options when creating an image. Details are clear and images become what the artist has in mind simply because of current technology.

Worldwide economic crisis affected the fashion industry?

Alex: I am a die-hard optimist; a man of great Faith. Recessions are part of History as much as Wars and natural disasters. The World will go on; the harder the road the more we must prepare for the journey. Business may slow down but it won’t stop; and sooner or later the waters will come back to their level. My philosophy is “be prepared,” take “advantage” of the slow time to learn more and fine tune your product; get ready now.

Scott: Actually, I believe this has begun to turn around and move in a new direction. The industry will bounce back as will everything else. This "crisis" has actually opened many new doors for new talent and photographers. With budgets being tightened, agencies and directors have given more opportunities to fresh talent. They have opted to pass on the supermodels asking for large salaries and this is giving others the chance to shine and grow. These new stars will be already be working and networked as things balance out in the world.

Working with the models: “If you want it, you will work for it, this is not a microwave goal"

Alex: When I became a photographer, I promised to myself I would honor the memory of those who mentored me and helped me become the man I am today by helping others manifest their own goals. I am not easy to train with; I expect and demand the best as far as what I know. “If you want it, you will work for it” this is not a microwave goal, it is a slow cooking career that requires extraordinary people in order to succeed. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my kids, as I call
them-our talent, reach their goals and take off to Success Heaven.

Funny/unusual backstages moments

Alex: Last January Scott, my sister and a few friends were hanging out at a Salsa Bar in South Beach (during the day, yeah South beach hard life); and at one point I saw them having a conversation with a great looking guy in the bar. Later that day a colleague and I were running a test-casting around the pool in a hotel nearby. I saw the guy walk in a bit nervous and I tried to ease his nerves introducing him to all models and the crew, I asked the MUA to get him shirtless,
oil him up, trim his facial hair and put on some make up; a few minutes later he was posing in front of the camera, light sets and dozens of bystanders. The 6’3” man was frozen, literally. I was trying to give him directions and he would not respond. I came closer and noticed him shivering and panicking… it dawned on me: “you are not here for the casting, are you?” I asked. “No, he said. “I just came to hang out with Scott and your sister at the Bar.”

Top 5 cool places for a shooting

1. Our studio has become our most comfortable and creative place for shooting. Almost any image can be made into a reality in that area.

2. Downtown Orlando is a great place for shooting as well. There are so many buildings, backgrounds and varieties of cultures there that the ideas are endless.

3. Miami and South Beach are a mecca for models and beautiful images. There are so many places and things to use for backgrounds that the possibilities are endless.

4. West Palm Beach is a brilliant place to shoot as well. We have friends who allow us to use their amazing homes and the entire city is one perfect location for shooting.

5. Empty office buildings or warehouses. Anytime we can use a large open space with interesting walls, tools, equipment and decor is a perfect place to put together a shoot.

Capturing a perfect picture

Alex: Bliss. The extraordinary (to me personally) vision in my mind suddenly clicks with the shot I just took; and boom! It happens. I am a goof so I usually jump and kiss/hug my model and thank him/her or them, for helping me manifest my vision.

Models, current and upcoming projects

Alex: From underwear campaigns to pre-wed shoots, to training new models and building their portfolios alongside some of my peers; what I like about new models is their willingness to learn, to excel and step out of the boundaries of fear. New talent is often misinformed and they don’t know how much work there is to be able to make a difference within a competitive industry like modeling. We are moving our home and studio to South Florida; this is a big step for Scott and me in our personal lives and as a company. A special moment: The first time I bought an EOS Digital camera. I had a powerful feeling… an inner joy I cannot describe… when Scott and I started AJR we had very little and a lot of dreams. The day we own our first professional camara, I felt free, limitless; my dream became a goal; and now my life.

Scott: We really have worked with some amazing models this season and are very excited to see the success they are experiencing. For instance, Chandler Workman, Ryan Delair and Justin Taylor are currently shooting with other great photographers, finalizing their portfolios and preparing to be signed with agencies. We work with energetic, aspiring talent who really put their heart and soul into their careers. We develop and grow them as they embark on some amazing journeys and build a solid career in modeling.

Alex and Scott and their expectations for the following months

Continue Success, first for our talent, they are the pillar of our company. We are open to greater Success and new horizons. I pray God, the Universe, whatever is out there, blesses AJR with new opportunities. We will continue our journey armed with unfailing optimism and perseverance.

Main motto: “Extraordinary people, live extraordinary lives!”

IMAGE worth a THOUSAND WORDS?

Worth a priceless moment in time

Contact info

AJR imaging&Consulting, llc
Orlando, FL
For Information, please contact Scott at: scott@ajrimaging.com