Brother Seven

Who's brother7?

I'm brother7.

Are you a modeling agency?

No, I'm not an agency and I'm not a company. I'm one person and I'm primarily a photographer. However, similar to an agency, I sometimes help my models by referring them to opportunities and paid jobs I learn about.

How'd you come up with the name 'brother7'?

I'm the 7th of seven boys in my family. In the early days of the internet, I was trying to decide on an email address that wasn't my real name. My first choice was '7thson' but back then, email names couldn't begin with a number. After a little thought, I settled on 'brother7'.

What's your photography experience?

I took up photography in Fall, 2004. I started as a photographer's assistant to fashion/glamour photographer and author Steve Dantzig. Assisting Steve was a valuable learning and networking experience. I met Heatherlyn of the IslandHunnies and became an IslandHunnie event photographer. I've also been an event photographer for AsianGroove, a show photographer for ModelSearchTV and have had images published in the Honolulu Weekly.

What professional organizations do you belong to?

My professional affiliations include membership in Professional Photographers of Hawaii (PPH) and National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP).

What kind of equipment do you use?

I shoot with Nikon. I have two Nikon D70 bodies and various lenses including 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8. When shooting in the studio, I use Alien Bees strobes, PocketWizard wireless remote triggers and a Sekonic L-358 light meter. I've spent over $10,000 on photography equipment since I started.

How would you describe your photography?

I'm primarily a glamour photographer. I'm still developing my style but I strive to emulate SI Swimsuit Edition, Maxim, Victoria's Secret and Playboy. My ultimate goal is to get some of my models published in Playboy.

Do you shoot guys?

As a glamour photographer, I shoot almost entirely females. However, I'm considering adding images of couples to my portfolio, aiming for an Abercrombie/Hollister style.

Do you shoot nudes?

Yes, I do. All of my nude models are 18+. Besides glamour nudes, I also have an interest in fine-art, artistic nudes.

Do you shoot teens?

Yes, I shoot teens. I even shoot preteens, with my youngest model being 7 years old.

Where can I see your portfolio?

Click on the ModelMayhem banner on this page.

I want to be a model. Can you help me?

The first step for any aspiring model is to start building a portfolio, which means working with a photographer. Since I'm a photographer, yes, I can help you build a portfolio. The images in your portfolio should show you at your best, showcasing your beauty, style and versatility.

I've been approached by several photographers. How do I choose?

First, look at the photographer's portfolio. If you don't like his/her images, eliminate that photographer from consideration. Next, and this is as important as the quality of images, research your photographer. Talk to people and models who have worked with the photographer. Doing a background check on your photographer is very important! Even if the photographer has an outstanding portfolio, if you do your research and find out he's sketchy, don't shoot with him. Don't compromise your safety... it's not worth it.

What's a common mistake that beginning models make?

Honestly, many girls I know have joined Tradewinds Success' Tropical Angels, thinking it would help launch a modeling career. Later, when being a Tropical Angel fails to live up to her expectations, the model realizes how difficult a "manager" can make things. The poor model is stuck in a group that she wants no part of but is unable to leave. I urge all potential Tropical Angels, please, please, please do your research. Talk to former Tropical Angels and people who've dealt with them. What you learn can save you from making a poor decision that you'll regret later.

Can you share a few of your model success stories?

For being a photographer and not an agent, I feel I've been pretty successful in getting my models jobs.

• I mentioned that my youngest model was 7 years old. I also shot her 9 year old sister. Using images from our shoot, each girl was booked for 2 paying jobs with the Oahu Visitors Bureau and the Hawaii Superferry.
• For the Oahu Visitors Bureau job, in addition to the 2 sisters, I also referred 5 adult models who were used in this paying gig.
• One of my 17-yr old Mililani HS models and my own sister (yes, I submitted my sister for this job) were booked for a Shiseido hair commercial.
• I've referred several girls to gogo auditions that have turned into regular gogo gigs for them.
• I've even been successful at booking myself :) I've been an extra for the TV series "Lost", the Universal Pictures "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and a Hawaii Superferry commercial.

I like your images and want to schedule a photoshoot with you. What should I do?

Send me a message and tell me about yourself... age, height, weight, measurements, ethnicity, any modeling experience. Also tell me how you learned about me and if you know any of my models. If you're a teen model (under 18), tell me if your parent is supportive of your modeling. When working with any model, my preference is to get a signed model release which allows me to use the images from our shoots.
Finally, be sure your profile isn't private so that I can see your photos. Sometimes, I have problems replying to messages from non-friends or teens so if you want to make sure I can respond, send me a Friend Request. I'll be sure to get back to you.