I should really call this post, “Just me over here practicing my catwalk on the streets of Chicago.”
I didn’t set out to be a runway model slash street style influencer, but life takes a turn sometimes.
Call it luck. Call destiny. Or just call it what it really is…
My marketing team made me do it.
I’m more comfortable behind the camera, but months of protesting the idea of a proper shoot fell on deaf ears. These women didn’t give AF that I wanted to hide or throw up, they needed media, assets, content, and something I can work with to position you as a personal brand, not that backlit crazy-eyes pic that Frank took of you, Edwards. We can’t use that.
Message received.
Preparing for a Men’s Style Photoshoot
Fast forward - they found a photographer and now it’s photoshoot day, the most stunning fall Saturday in Bucktown you’ve ever seen.
9:00 AM: Getting My Chicago Home Studio Ready
Marketer #1 (I’ll call her M1) shows up and tears my place apart so it’s camera ready. I’m quite OK with this and tell her to move any furniture she wants. Make it work.
I’m not the type to hire professionals to do a job and then get in their way.
She wants to see my outfits for the day. We haggle a bit and decide on two looks that make me look decent.
9:20 AM: Testing Light and Style Poses
My front room is a shambles but Marketer #1 keeps exclaiming things like ohhhh myyyyy the light in here is amazing! This is the spot you’ll use when you book a client for a Color Analysis, right? Nice…nice…good. I take these murmurs as a good sign.
The space…
9:45 AM: Test Photos for Men’s Personal Branding
Test photos begin. I still feel like barfing but less so.
M1 has a slightly worried look on her face as she sneakily texts Marketer #2, the graphics & visuals expert based in Texas. I can tell they’re discussing the initial shots and I hold my breath. This goes on for a while and M1’s brows are furrowed. Finally, M1 gives a nod, smiles slightly, and it’s game on! Approval from M2 is important.
10:00 AM: Photographer Arrival for My Chicago Shoot
The real photographer arrives and she’s fabulous! Kind, sweet, and I feel better already. This is not her first rodeo. M1 and Photog whisper in the corner about locations and a shot list. This might be fun after all.
Our camera shy photographer, Vanessa Buholzer
Men’s Style in Action: Chicago Streets Photoshoot
10:30 AM: Hitting the Streets of Chicago
We hit the streets in search of some graffiti as a background. My outfit is on point. My smile is stiff but genuine. The city is alive.
It’s uncomfortable to be the focus, but I’m trying and my team helps with encouraging tips, like try not to blink. ;)
10:45 AM: Confidence Building in My Lifestyle Photography Session
We keep shooting. M1 is a goofy person and these two are making me laugh. I think the photos might suck though, because I’m quite uncomfortable.
People on the street are stopping and looking. A little kid pointed at me and I’m not sure if she’s mocking me or perhaps she knows a runway star when she sees one. 😉 Puppies are getting interested in my catwalk now. That’s a positive thing, right?
It feels weird to be the center of attention but I’m trusting that M1 and Photog will somehow get the footage (the assets!) they want and this can all be over soon so I can eat a donut and have a glass of champagne.
Walking in the crosswalk for the 14th time, I’m getting the hang of it. Go slower, Edwards! smile, look over here, look over there, look at the camera not at M1, pretend you're meeting a friend and you’re excited! Just ignore us and act like there’s no camera here! As if.
11:00 AM: Second Outfit, Second Chicago Street Shoot
A quick stop at my home studio for outfit #2 and we hit the streets again.
I sneak peek a few of the initial shots and dayuuummmm, they look pretty good!
11:10 AM: Practicing a Men’s Style Catwalk
Another city street, another crosswalk but this time M1 tells me to practice a catwalk. There are not nearly as many people around and no one is staring so I do it.
And it is fabulous. I’m having fun.
They show me their catwalk. We’re goofing off and now I’m starting to understand why people enjoy photoshoots!
11:20 AM: Now I’m Having Fun with the Photoshoot
I’m getting into it now and really hamming it up. As I re-invent my menswear business, the marketers are now positioning me as the go-to guy for style & travel and I’m stepping into my new role! Let the kids point and the puppies go wild, my runway walk is on point.
I’m in the flow – the stunning autumn sun, the smell and vibe of the Chicago streets (god I love this town). I’m wearing my favorite belt. I love being an entrepreneur!
Chicago Color Analysis in Action
11:40 AM: Mini Photoshoot for Color Analysis
Back to my home studio for a mini-shoot showing how a Color Analysis session really works. My willing test subject today is Frank. He assumes the position, dons the white base color, and happily lets me drape colors on him.
He’s actually loving the process and I’m reminded what I LOVE about doing people’s colors. Their eyes light up when the right shade is on them and they feel good. Like, deeply GOOD inside their soul. More confident, more accepting of themselves. It’s happening with Frank and I swear he’s sitting up straighter and more excitedly as we go through the process.
Wrapping Up My Lifestyle Shoot
12:00 PM: That’s a Wrap on the Lifestyle Photoshoot
The team says I crushed it and should consider signing with an agency as a side job. Ha! I’ll stick with helping others look great, but I do appreciate my new catwalk skills.
12:05 PM: Donut and Celebration Time
Time to put my home studio back together and search out a donut.
Stay tuned for more on my men's color analysis appointments - coming soon!
xo -Edwards
About the Author:
Edwards is all about style and travel. You can shop menswear here, and book a Color Analysis Session here.