Info About Kevin's (dTk photography's Model of The Year) Magazine Cover...

Last year when I 1st decided to come up with ideas for my dTk photography competition, it was for the fun of it (which they still are). But through out this process I've learned alot about people. The one thing that bothers me to no end is when people try to get involved in my stuff, and make promises to my models that don't come through. When people work with me, I like to make them feel safe & I feel the need to protect them from things like this. And it becomes very discouraging to see them upset, when things that were promoted, and promised to them not fall through. It's embarrassing and so not cool. Yes I understand things happen, and people make changes, but there is always a professional way to go about things. This is no love lost to anyone, but I must speak my mind and the truth (just wouldn't be me if I don't). Before my last dTk photography Model of The Year Winner (2011) Kevin won his title, the winner was promised a cover of a online magazine. I was kind of apprehensive of this, until they started Tweeting, and Facebooking all my events, and things of that nature. Putting out all this hype, and so on about my competition. I am truly thankful for it, don't get me wrong, but this pass week, me and Kevin was told he had a deadline to produce a cover shot, and a few photos, and we worked around our crazy busy schedules (after we've been told month after month about different due dates). This particular time we JUST knew it was going to go down, until yesterday when I was informed (at the last minute) it wasn't going to happen due to issues with the magazine. Now this blog entry is in no way form or shape to disrespect the magazine, only because the person who runs it (I found this out way after the competition ended) is actually a cool buddy of mines who I have nothing but love for as person. But I feel the need to explain this because when I had to break the news to my Model (who's been promoting this along with the magazine) he was extremely disappointed. And I feel extremely bad about it! I've decided that for now on I will just do what I've been doing with, and for my models. The next go around I will definitely make sure things go down the way they are supposed to, and go about things a little differently. I'm sorry my Model got their feelings pinched a bit today, but I promise to make it up to him. Plus the other prizes he gained for his win has been extremely COOL, and we've been having fun with shoot after shoot putting his portfolio together. Also this has inspired me to maybe one day create my own magazine featuring Models & things that are important to me. I would like to put out to the world that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and color, and I want to be the man to capture it! I feel some people spend so much time on celebrities, and forget that there are still regular average beautiful people out here who deserves recognition for the positive things they do on a day to day basic. The one thing I was say is this, The dTk photography nation is still building..... get ready because here we come!!!!!!    Much success to the magazine, and I hope things workout for them in the near future. 


I will still be releasing Kevin's photos still!!!!  

Some of Kevin's & Terrence Final Photos for The Model of The Year 2011 Competition

Green With Envy Eye Patch By Jason Christoper Peters w/Terrence Ford

Model: Terrence Ford

Photographer: Deonte` Keller

Location: Largo, MD

Check out all of Jason Christoper Peters accessories here:

 http://www.jasonchristopherpeters.com/

CAN'T HELP BUT LOVE THEM!!!!!! ORDER YOURS TODAY!!!!

Terrence Ford: A Message About HIV Awareness

This photo was taken during my 1st dTk photography Model of The Year Competition! Terrence was challenge winner on one of the last challenges through out the competition & he wanted to use his challenge winning photo to shoot this with me! Love it!!!

"This shoot allowed me to cross two of my loves: My growing passion for modeling, and my already existing and burning hot desire to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic head on by helping one survivor at a time. Knowledge is DEFINITELY power and knowing your status should be just as important as knowing your social security number, p;hone number, or even your name. If you are negative you should take steps to protect yourself. If you are positive you should take steps to protect others by starting treatment and ensuring you can still live an equally long, healthy, and prosperous life. HIV is no longer a death sentence, but the decision has to be yours. Get tested twice a year." - Terrence Ford"

DTk Photography 2011 Model of The Year Winner, Kevin B. Entzminger Jr

A video dedicated to my Model of the Year Winner Kevin!!!! He's been having a ball doing shoot after shoot! More photos coming soon! 

 

dTk photography's 2011 Model of The Year is........

Kevin B. Entzminger Jr

Congrats little man!!!! We got alot to do..... I'm so proud of you... now let's show everyone why you are THE WINNER!!!! 

"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

Auditions for the 2012 dTk photography Model of The Year is going on now.... intersted.... email us at dtkphotography31781@gmail.com with "DTK2012" in the subject line....

Kevin & Terrence: My dTk photography 2011 Model of The Year Finalists

Who is dTk photography's 2011 Model of The Year?????? There can only be one!!!!!!!!! Find out January 19th!!!! 

Merry Christmas from #Teamtop2 of The dTk photography Model of The Year Competition

Kevin

Terrence

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!!!!! 

Update: dTk photography's 2011 Model Of The Year Competition: THE FINAL 2 Guys

Congrats to Terrence & Kevin for making it to the final 2 two of my dTk photography's 2011 Model of the year competition. 

The next photo challenge is going to be their most difficult shoot yet! Each model will definitely be pushed to their limit! 

The winner will receive:

*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.

*Will be featured on the cover of Supertarr Magazine's February Cover
*Multiple promotional photo shoots in select local designers clothing, including different dTk photography ads, as well as other promotional photos for and with other photographers.

Plus so much more!!!!!!!

Update: dTk photography's 2011 Model Of The Year Competition: The 3rd Challenge/Photo Shoot/Elimination

THE CHALLENGE:

 "Dark & Sexy" Would like all models to wear dark colored outfits....Blacks, greys and anything in between. You can wear something stripped but only if it's black and white and only of there's something dark worn over it, like a blazer or something. That same rule applies if you wear a white shirt. I want the look to be sexy, edgy.....somewhat formal but certainly not stale. I do want your personality to shine thru though. Take a step out of your comfort zone but be able to perform. I will be shooting full body to please be sure the look is head to toe(socks are important too). Bring any accessories you might have that will work with the outfit...necklaces, hats, shades, rings, scarves, etc. I will try to have someone else on hand with accessories to help style you guys. Each model will have 50-60 frames! Last week the top 3 guys had a photo shoot with photographer/judge Emile Benjamin. I reason I had the guys shoot with Emile: For one, he's a great photographer, but he's also a very stern photographer. Not so much in a harsh way, but he will not bite his tongue about how he feels about your outfits on his shoots, and he will definitely let you know, if your giving him what he needs during your session with him. I should know, I've shot with him. I felt if the guys could get through a shoot with him, they definitely have the skin to make it to the next round in this competition. I went from taking hot photo after photo, then to get in front of him and deliver a mediocre shoot really destroyed my confidence for a quick min, but then, I decided that I was going to get better at my craft, and got back out there continue to model. So with that being said, I wanted to see which 2 out of these guys deserved to be in the finale? I have alot riding on the winner, and alot I'm going to put into whoever wins. So I trusted my judges to help pick the best two guys. 

1st Place - Terrence 

Last week all the judges had already cancelled Terrence out from being in the final two. They felt he had reached his limit with his last photo shoot in this competition, and felt he would not step up to the plate with this challenge. But with this photo Terrence turn this entire competition around! This is a side of him I've never seen before. He took his critiques, and applied them to this challenge. He shocked us all. Terrence really wants this and he showed up to win. The judges have truly had a change of heart after seeing this photo. There could be a chance he could win. He went from the bottom straight to the Top. 

2nd Place - Kevin

Kevin has been winning challenge after challenge. The judges like his poses, but felt this week he slipped really hard in the wardrobe department. Kevin has proven to the judges that he can definitely model, so having a wardrobe issue wasn't enough to have him eliminated. The judges truly expected more from him from this shoot, but they also feel, that Kevin is the best poser in this competition. Let's see who will bring it between him and Terrence. 

3rd - Aaron Eliminated 

Aaron is the only guy that actually got what the wardrobe requirements were. The judges feel that Aaron had one of the best personal styles of the Top 5 guys in this competition. But what hurt Aaron in this competition was throughout the challenges, there was no growth. He always seemed to be lingering in the middle all the time. So when it came down to choosing the Top 2, the guy with the best photo, and the guy who delivered consistently throughout competition was voted into the top 2. I could have easily seen Aaron in my top 2, but this is a competition, and you have to have diversity. Having a great style is one thing, but delivering something different throughout each photo shoot is totally important.  

Only 2 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: This Weekend, The Top 3 Will Become 2

 Aaron                             Kevin                       Terrence 

My top 3 guys had a studio photo shoot with photographer Emile Benjamin Sunday.... only 2 of these guys will be in the Finale of my competition next week.... as a added bonus for making it to the Top 3, these guys got a chance to participate in a separate shoot from the challenge photo shoot, called "THE Madness Album" Check out their photos below:

 KEVIN

 AARON 

TERRENCE

Even I did one with Emile back in January 

 Find out which 2 models will continue on out of the 3. 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????????????????????????? 

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: This Weekend, The Top 4 Will Become 3

My top 4 guys had a photo shoot with me this pass week. It was a fashion ad shoot, based on a Fall/Winter look. The guys had to pick there own location, and give the pose of their lives.... 

 Find out which 3 models will continue on out of the 4. 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????????????????????????? 

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: THE JUDGES

When I began this competition, I thought to myself I know I can't do this alone! LOL.... I said to myself who can I invite to come on board to help me with all these crazy decisions I have to make. And I thought to myself hmmmm, why not get the people involved who has helped me develop into the individual I am today. For the most part each of these Judges has helped me out in my photography career, one way or another. Some even made me a better model, and has truly taught me alot of things, and challenge me to be a better me when it comes to developing my business. So I think these guys can help out my "Top 5" and provide the same skills, critiques, and development I received from them.  So here are my Judges! Through out this competition these Guys will help me figure out who will be dTk Photography's 2011 Model of the Year!

Dwight Berry - Up & Coming Photographer of 2D Photography

Dwight was the 1st person to teach me a few things when it came to photography. We actually was learning together. He was the leader & I was the follower lol.... We called our self 2DPhotography because of our names beginning with D's. He gave me my 1st camera once I decided to go out and create my own images & that's when I created dTk photography. To this date he still uses 2Dphotography as his logo name, and that's special to me, because it reminds me (every time I see it) of where I started.  Also when I started out "TRYING" model lol... he also shot photos of me, and some of my 2009 blog banners for deontek.blogspot.com. 

Some of his work:

Some photos he's shot of me when I was out there trying to model lol:

The 1st time I held a camera like this in my hands. Didn't know what I was doing. LOL... dTk photography wasn't even a thought yet.

Some of Dwight's work:

The winner of my competition will get a alter ego shoot with Dwight!

Emile Benjamin - Photographer

Emile, to me, has to be one of the best Photographers in the DMV area. His images WOW me. I totally love his work. Studio & outdoors. He has shot me before as well, and I must admit, I was the most disappointed in myself I've ever been. Hell I went from having hot photo after hot photo (with the same photographer), then I get in from of this wonderful photographer, and delivered nothing. I took alot away from that shoot, and learned so much about what I needed to do to make sure that I never do what I did in front of his lens again. LOL  

A photo he took of me:

 Some of his work:

Check out more here: http://www.modelmayhem.com/1794621

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 below in 2011. LOL

I've shot Calvin for dTk photography.

Photos Calvin shot of me:

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. Website will be coming soon for Openfly Magazine.  I've also shot Brian for dTk photography.

Follow Openfly Magazine here:  https://twitter.com/#!/OPENFLYMAG

Alfonce Reese: Photographer

Alfonce started doing photography when I took him under my wing, and trained him how to shoot. I wanted to create blog banners for my blog page, and each month we went out and shot photo after photo. As this continued, I got better as a model, and he got better as a photographer. It's safe for me to say, his eye for photography is identical to mines. Our model/photographer relationship is HOT!

I've also shot Alfonce for dTk photography.

Some of the images he has caught of me:

DemondMaurice: Model/Writer/Social Networking Star of The BouvierShow

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. 

Some of his best dTK photography work: 

And... Finally Me: Deonte` T. Keller - Photographer/Model (sometimes LOL)/Blogger

I really don't need to say much other than, I'm the head judge. I know all 5 of my guys personally, and I know they have what it takes. They have all shot with me before & I expect them to give this thing their all. It's time for me to see who is dTK photography's Top Model of 2011. All I know is, it can only be one.... who's going to bring their A game, and who's going to let the prizes be snatch right from under their feet, along with the title. 

Let the games begin!!!!!!