dTk Model of The Year 2012 Update: The Judges......

Brian Robinson - Executive Editor of Openfly Magazine 


 Brian will be featuring many up and coming talent in his new Magazine based in Baltimore City. I thought it was important to have him on board, since the winner will be featured in a interview with him. He has a great eye for talent. Check out Openfly Magazine. I've also shot Brian for dTk photography.


















 DemondMaurice: Model/Writer/Social Networking Star of The Morning Wood Show 


 Demond is the 1st model I shot when I did my dTk photography Debut. He has helped me grow as a photographer,and we've become a great duo when it comes to photographer/model. I know that Demond can deliver in & at any shoot I book him for. He's the "Muse" as he calls himself. LOL.... I trust his opinions when it come to my photo shoots with others as well.

















 Calvin Lineberger - Photographer/Graphic Designer/Fashion Image Consultant 


 Calvin is a great friend, but he also was the 1st person to shoot a professional photo of me. When I saw my photos, some I didn't like, but it wasn't because of his photography. I realized if I wanted to take this modeling thing seriously I had alot of work to do, and I also had to get in shape. His photo shoot with me inspired me to keep up with my looks. Getting in from of a lens will pull out everything lol... I wish I had one of those old photos to show you guys the difference between a photo he shot of me back in 2006 compared to the ones I shoot now!!! LOL I also shot Calvin as well.















 Aaron Brown - DTk Photography's E-mail Receptionist & Assistant/Photographer


 Aaron has shoot with me plenty of times, and was also a contestant in last years dTK Model of the year competition. Since his elimination he has worked very closely with me to take dTk to the next level. He's learned alot and has helped me put together Cycle 2. It's only fair to have him on my judging panel and team. He's also in the works of creating his own photography company called AROtography with photos to debut soon.










AND Then Finally Me!!!! 


The creator and owner of DTK Photography who sometimes Model LOL......... I really don't need to say much other than, I'm the head judge. I ready to see what these guys got, and ready to crown a new winner!!! Let the games begin!!!

Update: dTk photography's 2011 Model Of The Year Competition: The 2nd Challenge/Photo Shoot/Elimination

THE CHALLENGE:
Last Sunday I met up with my #TeamTop4 guys for my 2011 dTk photography Model of the Year Competition for a photo shoot. I wanted the guys to Dress Up in their best Fall/Winter gear, followed by picking a location they think would allow them to display their look as if it came across as a fashion AD in a magazine. I did this because I personally feel you can shoot anywhere, and create a hot photo out of it. When I used to do my blog banners, I would pick a location, and make sure whatever look I'm going for I could deliver it. I want my winner to take risk, and not be afraid to be different. I want to see attitude, style, and dedication.

 Examples some of my locations I've picked & shot at below:

I want the models to remember, the winner will be shooting with me in a photo after they win, and my dTk photography 2011 Model of the year has to be able to hold it down with me in a photo..... so let's break down the judges critiques....

 1st Place - Kevin (challenge winner..... he will win a $100 gift certificate to Express)

The judges feel he's modeling from head to toe, AGAIN!!!! (Kevin has won best photo of the bunch for the second time in this competition). They loved his location, and look. He nailed this, and the light is hitting his face perfectly. Very strong photo. Some of the judges already gave him the title "dTk photography's 2011 Model of The Year" crown!!!!!

I agree with the judges. Of all the models, as the photographer, I enjoy shooting Kevin the most. With him I wasn't focus on the fact he only had 50 frames. I got so excited during the shoot, that I almost went past that amount of frames. I like when a model makes me chase them to capture a great great shot. Excellent shot, and my favorite of the bunch. I want Kevin to believe he can win this. I don't think he really know how good he is. 

2nd Place - Aaron

The judges loved Aaron's look. They like the intimacy of his photo. He has great style, and has great sense of what's in for fashion today. Love the intensity of the eyes, and pull of the sweater. Great image. The judges had only one question, why didn't Aaron have a full length photo?

I agree with the judges here as well. I love Aaron's style. Of all the models, I think his personal style is one of the most unique styles of the bunch. To answer the judges question, I feel Aaron needs to work on positioning his body better to get full body shots. I think he has a beautiful face (and I always tell him that), but I'm not looking for a face Model. I'm looking for a model who can model from head to toe! There is alot more to Aaron than closeups. I see it all the time in his regular photos, so I would like to see more of that on set. Although I loved Aaron's photo, I felt his was my least favorite of the bunch, only because I actually saw what he had on that day, and for his BEST photo to only be a piece of what I saw made me vote that way. But I didn't vote him to be Eliminated, because I know he has the potential to be in the FINALE of this thing!!! I actually believe he will be.....

3rd Place - Terrence

The judges think his photo is nice. But feels he's lacking in personality in this shot. They feel his past photo was wonderful, and was hoping to be blown away! But this time they were not. The judges also feel they won't get anymore from Terrence other than what we've seen. They feel luck got him this shot. Some liked his look, other felt it just OK.

I love Terrence. I like that he takes each challenge very serious, but sometimes I feel he takes it, too seriously that he forgets the modeling aspect of the challenges. He wants this soooo bad. I can tell. I feel if he just let go, and let whats in his mind flow freely on set, he could deliver a great shot. He also had the least amount of frames to choose from. Terrence was almost voted out the competition, but what saved him was him having more potential than the eliminated model. I voted Terrence's 1st photo best photo in the guys 1st challenge. This time I voted his photo 2nd place, although I felt this way about his photo. Only because I know he got something!!!!

4th Place - Baraka (Eliminated) 

The judges love this location!!!! But they felt Baraka did not maximize the potential of this outfit or this location. They felt his expression was not interesting, and he did not connect with the camera. Although his photo is not bad, the judges felt they needed more than just a great scenery. Some asked where is the model? 

This one was very tough for me. Only because Baraka is almost like a little brother to me, and he always ask me for advice. On set we had some very emotional moments, because I felt I had to beat this modeling thing out him. He's the only guy out of the 4, who really consider himself as a model, and who wants to be one. He's the only one with a model Mayhem page, and feel he didn't give me his all. See the great thing about shooting these guys, and having them sign up for this competition was, they have already shot with me before. Look at this photo of Baraka  click here to see photo. He gives a very strong pose here. What happen to that model? I had to stop during or shoot, and I had to tell Baraka this. "I feel no energy from you." "No passion." "I don't feel your taking this serious." I felt he was thinking about this way too hard. When your doing something you love to do, don't worry about your competition, and what the judges will think or have said. If your a model, get out there and Model. At least if you don't win, you still tried, and gave it your all. I feel my little man lost that somewhere though out this competition. He focused more on what people said, vs focusing on perfecting his craft. Was I proud of him after this shoot, for the most part yes. Because I love this shot, but it took alot of energy from me as the photographer to get. Even when I got it, as in his last photo, no life in the face.When my Baraka with "I'm the sh*t" attitude returns, I want to shoot him, and I want him to show me he is that undiscovered model!!!! 

Only 3 Models left.....................

Who's dTk photography's 2011 Model of the Year????? There can only be one!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Update: dTk photography's 2011 Model Of The Year Competition: The 1st Challenge/Photo Shoot/Elimination

THE CHALLENGE: 

The models had a one on one session with a photographer. Their challenge was to show up in something that describes their personal styles, and pose in it as if it was the best thing they have ever worn. To me fashion can be what you make it. When it comes to being in front of a camera, I feel if you want to cut a hole in the middle of a colorful rug, as fashion, you can. As long as you can sell it in a photo, and make it look hot I'm fine with that. So the overall challenge for me was not to see who's clothes look the best, but what model showed up in their attire and posed for their lives. What model delivered, and what model made the photographer feel he could 100% trust this model if he sent him on a paid photo shoot to model something completely paid for by me. As Head of this competition, I definitely don't want to waste money on a shoot with someone who I cant trust to deliver a great photo. So who did the photographer feel had that spark, and delivered on set, whether their outfit was the best or not, who made the photographer feel he was worthy of this prize. 

Note: The challenge winner didn't necessarily have to have best photo! 

Photo ranking by the judges votes:

1st place - Kevin

The judges loved loved his connection with the camera. They feel he have a Very demanding presence & great attitude. Pose was great, and modeling from head to toe. The only issue they had was his vest. It should have been pulled in the back to give his body more definition. If he bring his confidence level up a notch, the judges feel he could win this thing. Voted the best photo of the bunch. 

I personally agree with the judges.... Kevin is giving it to us here. if his vest was tighter this would have been a A+ photo to me... (also had a great set of film to choose his best photo from).

2nd Place - Terrence

The judges loved his expression, although some of the judges feel the pose was average, it worked for him. Giving him urban/sex appeal. Some of the judges felt his underwear was a issue (could have been removed, or pulled down)... Looks like he came to win. Can work on face diversity. 

I thought this photo was the best of the bunch. I couldn't find one thing about it I didn't like. I was truly impressed with his photo. But of course I have to respect my judges, and the way the votes fall into place.

3rd Pace - Aaron D.

The judges loved his personal style. They felt alot of thought was put into his look. Very masculine pose/boy next door. Could give stronger poses in the face, but over all nice photo.

I think Aaron's look was my favorite. I can actually see me wearing what he has on. (had the 2nd best set of film to choose from.)

4th Place - Baraka 

The judges had mixed feelings about this photo. Some thought it was great, but most felt like he lucked up on this shoot. Could have done more with his accessories, but left us with a completely flat photo. 

I kind of agree with the judges. But I actually felt this photo should have came in last place. There was no diversity in his film. I feel I will get this same look from him in each photo challenge, based on his film. Every photo looked exactly like this. I can tell he was nervous....I loved his outfit....Hopefully he can prove to the judges & me him continuing on was not a mistake. 

5th Place - Aaron Brown (Eliminated)

  Most of the judges felt he didn't take advantage of his look. Some felt it was trendy, but he was totally disconnected from the photographer. Felt he was a bit lost on set, and the photo is un -inviting.

I can tell Aaron was nervous during his shoot, by looking through his film. I would have liked to see him continue on in the competition. Although this photo was just OK to me, I think he had more potential. But his photo did not save him in this competition.  

Overall, I was proud of my guys for being good sports. They all made me really proud of them, and I can't wait to see what the top 4 will do with their next photo challenge.

Photographer: Dwight Berry for 2DPhotography

Challenge Winner chosen by the photographer was Kevin. 

Kevin will get a all expense paid shopping spree for a professional photo shoot provided by David E. Thomas. Check out some of David's work here: http://davidethomasphotography.com

Who's dTk photography's 2011 Model of the Year?????

Update: dTk photography's 2011 Model Of The Year Competition

Next week my Top 5 will become 4! Info on their current photo shoot challenge coming soon!!!!!! Find out which 4 models will continue on out of the 5. What the judges had to say about their challenge & photos. Who rose to the occasion, and who fell short of the challenge. There can only be one dTk Photography model of the year! Who will it be????????????????????????? 

The Nominees Are In: Meet Your Top 8 dTk Photography Models

Two weeks ago, when 1st decided to put this competition together, I never expected the outcome that came with this. I'm truly touched by the people who support my work, and what it stands for. People always say to me, the people you shoot aren't real models, and I always say, yes they are, they are dTk photography models. My photography has, and will always be for everyone! My photography is to help build people, and their confidence. It gives people a chance to experience a part of their lives they once believed that could not do based on what others has said. It is also used to help others build their portfolios & whatever else they choose dTk photography services for. I used to be the one so afraid to modeling, and getting in front of a camera (because of what I thought I looked like & how I felt about myself), and so forth. Now I have photos of me all across the Internet. I've found that I loved what I did for myself when it came to being a model, and that I wanted to share that with others. So I self taught myself everything I know when it came to photography (and I'm still learning). I wanted to show people they can do anything they put their minds to. I'm a perfect example of that. I'm proud to be able to provide opportunities for individuals who wants to make a little part of their dream, feel a bit like reality. For all those who submitted these nominees, I encourage you to continue to support these guys dreams, and continue to push them to the next level.   Again thanks to anyone who has supported anything dTk photography has done!!!!!

Now that's off my chest (LOL) let the competition begin!!!!!!! Ok this is how things are going to go down!!! Because there were so many ties when it came to the nomination process between the models, that instead of having 4 we now have 8 nominees!!!!!(this competition has gotten bigger than I thought it would be) There are 8 guys here, but only 5 people from this group can continue on to the finals. So people, who should continue on to compete in the 1st dTk photography's Model of the Year contest. Place your votes now!!!! You have until October 19th to vote. The 5 models that will continue on, will work with different designers, & photographers (including me). We will do challenges to see who really has what it takes to win this thing. The winning model will have a gang of prizes & opportunities provided to them, that I wish I could get HELL lol.    Just to name a few:

*Cover the page of my website http://www.wix.com/deontek/dtkphotography as the reigning dTk photography Model 2011 Winner.
*A Full Spread photo shoot by dTk photography.
*Featured in my next blog banner photo with me.
*A interview With Openfly Magazine.
*Multiple promotional photo shoots in select local designers clothing, including different dTk photography adds, as well as other promotional photos for and with other photographers.
Earlier today these guys announced these prizes for my winner as well: (I just totally love them for their support)
*Jaleer: If the winner of DTk Photography (@deontek) is a female they will get two (2) tickets to our Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Debut in NYC in February as well as our 1st pair "Halos" designed especially for them. (None of the females I've shot participated in this, so I guess this is out... wish they really would have.)
*Aestín: If the winner of DTk Photography (@deontek) is a male, they will receive one (1) custom made garment of their choice and will be invited to our fashion show in LA in April.
*Plus plenty more!!!!  (some things I can't name due to request of the vendor or contributor, until some things are worked out).....

I just want everyone to enjoy this..... no one is a loser..... this is in all good fun... let's make the best of this and let the voting beginning!!!!! Peace & Love........

Aaron B's Final Summer 2011 Shoot With Me....

.....and these were some of his best shots!!!! 

Model: Aaron B.

Photographer: Deonte` Keller

Location: College Park, MD

"my photography is not just for models, or up & coming models, it's for any & everyone. I've been told "he's/she's not a real model" but I feel anyone can take a nice photo with the right person behind the lens. But I also feel like this, anyone can just sit in front of a camera, and have their photo taken, but it takes commitment behind the effort, and that's what creates a great shot!!!!"  -Deonte`-

http://www.wix.com/deontek/dtkphotography

I love my Aaron, he even made a little video about our photography experience together, and I love it!!!!!! Check it out!!!! 

A Random dTk Photography Shoot With Aaron B.

.....and this was one of his best shots!!!! 

Model: Aaron B.

Photographer: Deonte` Keller

Location: College Park, MD

"my photography is not just for models, or up & coming models, it's for any & everyone. I've been told "he's/she's not a real model" but I feel anyone can take a nice photo with the right person behind the lens. But I also feel like this, anyone can just sit in front of a camera, and have their photo taken, but it takes commitment behind the effort, and that's what creates a great shot!!!!"  -Deonte`-

http://www.wix.com/deontek/dtkphotography

Aaron B.'s dTk photography Photos Made it Into SGL Weekly Magazine

CHECK OUT HIS Q & A interview with them below:

Love & Sex Series with 'JustUs' actor Aaron Brown

In an effort to expand our publication we are launching a new series called 'Love & Sex'. That will go inside the minds of GLBT Entertainment people around the world. First up is an actor from the new series 'JustUs' Aaron Brown.
Love
SGL Weekly: When did you have your first kiss?
My 1st kiss was in Kindergarten at the playground on the slide & I got in big trouble for it by my mother for it.

SGL Weekly: Do you know what love is? 
I feel like I do but my ideas and views on love change all the time, as I grow and change so does my view on things.

SGL Weekly: What is Love to you? 
Love is a feeling I can’t even describe in words. It’s strong and powerful, something you never want to let go when you have it, it’s like that sweet dream you don’t want to wake up from.

SGL Weekly: Have you found that love?
Yes & No, I’ll just leave it at that for now.

SGL Weekly: What do you look for in a guy?
I like someone that has a brain & goals in life. Someone I can be myself with and we can just laugh & be silly or serious and just have fun. I like someone I can see myself making long term plans & memories with.

SGL Weekly: Describe a date with you?
A date with me can be anything, we can chill in the house & enjoy each other’s company, we can go enjoy an afternoon at a museum, see a movie or just go to Rita’s for dessert. I like to do the simple but meaningful things.

SGL Weekly: Describe a relationship with you?
I can be a complex person at times so a relationship with me can be a rollercoaster ride. I have a lot of love inside but it’s just getting it all to show that I have to work on.

Sex
SGL Weekly: Describe a romantic evening with you?
As crazy as it is I actually have never had a romantic evening. I always envisioned that if I did have one it would be something like what Destiny’s Child describes in the song “Cater 2 U”, just something nice, sweet & sexy.

SGL Weekly: What type of music do you play when you are getting you freak on?
Normally I don’t play music when I get my freak on, I like to hear the sensual moaning and that good stuff. I do have playlist on my iPod that will definitely help get you in the mood & I recently heard a new track by Beyoncé called “Dance For You” that I would love to play in the bedroom.

SGL Weekly: What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is having my nipple rings played with and going to see strippers.

SGL Weekly: What has been your wildest sexual fantasy?
I’ll never tell (lol)

SGL Weekly: What has been your biggest sexual fantasy?
I’m a control freak, I love to have some type of control so my fantasy would be able to feel so comfortable that I’m able to give up my control.

Pick up  August issue of SGL Weekly Mag with The Cast of JustUs. With these fine Chocolate young men.

Click links below to purchase & Support SGL Weekly Magazine

http://sglweekly.blogspot.com/

Purchase magazine here: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/220370/follow

A Random dTk Photography Shoot With Aaron B.

.....and this was one of his best shots!!!! 

Model: Aaron B.

Photographer: Deonte` Keller

Location: College Park, MD

"my photography is not just for models, or up & coming models, it's for any & everyone. I've been told "he's/she's not a real model" but I feel anyone can take a nice photo with the right person behind the lens. But I also feel like this, anyone can just sit in front of a camera, and have their photo taken, but it takes commitment behind the effort, and that's what creates a great shot!!!!"  -Deonte`-

http://www.wix.com/deontek/dtkphotography

A Random dTk Photography Shoot With Aaron B.

.....and these were some of his best shots!!!! 

Model: Aaron B.

Photographer: Deonte` Keller

Location: College Park, MD

"my photography is not just for models, or up & coming models, it's for any & everyone. I've been told "he's/she's not a real model" but I feel anyone can take a nice photo with the right person behind the lens. But I also feel like this, anyone can just sit in front of a camera, and have their photo taken, but it takes commitment behind the effort, and that's what creates a great shot!!!!"  -Deonte`-

http://www.wix.com/deontek/dtkphotography