Dan Gawlik is a Cocoa Beach, Florida native and is no newcomer to being around beautiful bikini models. Being a talented graphic artist for nearly 20 years and growing up judging bikini contest at the early age of 16 proves he knows how to pick em. Dan Gawlik is a perfectionist and it shows. Her versatile style and crisp colorful photography gives the perfect balance to achieve striking bikini and lingerie photography that stands out from the rest. Currently located in the center of Florida he is able to quickly get to any location at a moments notice. Dan shoots mainly in Florida but is willing to travel anywhere in Florida to capture the best sunrise or sunset. South Beach Miami is typically his best area to shoot with the combination of perfect models and sexy beaches. Dan is currently the main photographer for Mixed Magazine and he shoots all the Mixed Magazine Covers and Mixed Models. You can reach Dan direct at Dan@mixedmag.com

Related Links:
www.facebook.com/mixedmagazine
www.modelmayhem.com/dangawlik
www.GAWLIKphoto.biz

An interview with Dan:

What three words best describes your photography? Colorful, Crisp, Creative

How long have you been a photographer? 4 years

How many times has someone asked you if you ever sleep with the models? every guy that finds out i shoot bikini models, so far about 200

Canon or Nikon? nikon but canon is great also

Do you shoot RAW or JPG? JPG

Do you see a solid career for the bikini models? yes

Do you find yourself scouting at clubs for new talent? no because i try to separate business from pleasure but if I really see a girl that has what it takes i will go to work

Do models try to play you for gimmees? If so, does it work? always in the beginning but not so much these days

Do you bring hairstylist and Make up artist to your shoots? no for several reason.. 1)  i choose girls that know how to be hot on their own. it comes with the territory. 2) i can never find a stylist that fits my schedule. 3) there never seems to be a budget these days 4) i never get approached from eager stylist 5) worst case scenario.. is the mall does makeup for free

Have you ever fallen head-over-heals for a model? in the beginning always but now i’m desensatized

What is better Myspace or Facebook? Facebook because it’s all about the quickness and myspace not only is slow but models pages freeze my computer notoriously

ModelMayhem.com or Paidmodels.com? modelmayhem used to be good but they discriminate against people and never upgrade their system so both will be replaced soon i’m sure.

Do you think photographers get a bad rap? photographers are forever building their reputation so if they have a bad rap they better stop what they are doing and fix it quick (free advice) plus I’m sure models face the same situations in order to advance in the industry

Who is your favorite photographer? Nick Saglimbeni because he doesn’t let anything slide.. it’s perfection to the fullest extent

What do you think models are really after? i think most of the models today just want to be known as the hottest girl for popularity reason. i don’t think they have their mind on their money and their money on their mind..  the small percentage of the ones that do are sitting pretty

Have you been able to travel alot? yes, i’ve been to Puerto Rico, Cali, New York, The Keys, San Antonio and all over Florida. Big things coming so keep checking back..

What is the worst experience you can remember from a photoshoot? no-shows are always bad but moms showing up and standing in front of the big shot while they try to use the camera phone for the same shot that i would give them on disc is the worst i’d have to say.

Mac or PC? MAC!!! Do pc’s still exist? did they all break yet?

What makes you different from the other photographers? perseverance, not many people want to deal with the countless situations that arise in shooting.. it’s always challenging on every level

Who is the most famous model you have shot with? Jessica Barton

Is there anything you want to express now that people should know about this business? I really do it for everyone which keeps me going. People love to see new stuff constantly so that alone keeps the blood pumping for the next shot. There are many dynamics to this business. The good, the bad and the ugly. So anyone thinking of doing this, you might just want to leave it to the professionals.

Nick Saglimbeni is the leader of the pack when it comes to shooting super hot and sexy models. You may know him for being the main photographer for Show Magazine. His style is simply perfect. His lighting is impeccable, his photoshop work is pioneering and his vision is unparallel. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Nick Saglimbeni moved to Los Angeles to pursue cinematography at the top-ranked USC School of Cinema. After shooting several commercials, music videos, and short films, Nick was recognized by the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) with a Heritage Award.  That same year, after hearing from many actors and models about their frustrations with bad photos and even more awkward photo sessions, Nick opened SlickforceStudio in downtown LA.

Clients quickly responded to the cinematic nature of Nick’s photography, and Slickforce soon became one of the hottest studios in Los Angeles.  True to the studio’s motto, “You. Perfected.™” Nick’s clients enjoy a photographic experience like none other, including state-of-the-art image capture, signature retouching techniques, and a stress-free environment.

Nick shattered all expectations when his 100th magazine cover hit the newsstand. In 2009, Nick won the Blackberry Small Business Award for his work with SlickforceStudio. The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) has awarded Nick with a staggering three Grand Prize Awards.

Nick currently shoots for a wide array of venues, including album covers, national and international ad campaigns, and many major magazines.  Nick also continues to shoot for TV and film, most recently on the History Channel’s “Cities of the Underworld.
Accolades:

• Winner, 2009 Blackberrya/AT&T Small Business Award – SlickforceStudio
• Grand Prize, Excellence in Photography- 2008 Photoshop World/NAPP Awards
• Grand Prize, Excellence in Retouching – 2008 Photoshop World/NAPP Awards
• Grand Prize, Excellence in Photo Compositing – 2008 Photoshop World/NAPP Awards
• Heritage Award – 2002 American Society of Cinematographers Awards

An interview with Nick:

What is your ultimate goal as a photographer?
When I first got into photography, my goal was to level the playing field for non-white models. I felt it unfair that mostly-white models in mainstream mags like Maxim had access to quality hair, make-up, retouching, and photography, while urban models had to worry about whether a photographer could capture their complexion properly, whether a make-up artist knew how to make up dark-skinned models, or whether weave tracks and stretchmarks were going to end up in the magazine. SlickforceStudio’s tagline “You. Perfected.”™ was created because we were the first studio to evenly target models of all ethnicities, with the belief that anyone should have the right to an amazing photoshoot. It just so happened that black and middle-eastern models needed me more at the time, and that’s how I fell into the urban scene.

Now, I think the industry has been radically transformed. Mainstream mags like Stuff and FHM are failing, as are equally-polarized urban titles like KING. On the other hand, magazines like SHOW and ALT, which are not classifiable as “white” or “black” titles because of their diversity of models, have become the new mainstream.

What is my goal now? Well, I’m not sure there’s that much more I can do in glamour. I think we’ve created the new glamour standard, and we’ve set the bar pretty high for what models expect. Photographers now realize that they can’t just be a dirty perv with a camera anymore, and it’s good for the whole industry—because models can now focus on shooting, and photographers are actually pushing themselves to make art. I’d like to do the same thing in the fashion and commercial worlds. I’ve got a few ideas that would make ad executives pee themselves. I like a good challenge.

Are budgets tight for you as much as it seems to be for everybody else?
Not so much anymore. And trust me, I’m not oblivious to the recession or the declining print industry. I’ve been very fortunate in my career, and hopefully it’s the result of carefully choosing the people in my network, as well as which battles I fight. I’ll usually do one shoot for a mag with a crap budget, and if they can’t see the value in my work after that, I’ll just move on. I had one mag tell me that my Jessica Burciaga cover was their most profitable issue of all time and they still wouldn’t bump my rate! Does that make any financial sense?!

At some point, I realized the energy I spend arguing with cheap publishers was taking away from the time and energy I could be putting into my work. I’m very lucky to be shooting mostly only what I want to shoot. But there are definitely a few projects I’ve taken mostly for the money, because it’s hard to finance your visions without cash. I often taken money from a shit project and use it to finance something awesome in my head.

Also, I think it’s pretty clear in my behind-the-scenes pics that I LOVE big productions. And a lot of photographers have told me that they’re inspired by the scale of the shoots! That’s so cool to me, because I used to look at Michael Bay and James Cameron movies and think “I wanna do big sh*t like THAT!” I mean, what guy doesn’t like playing with expensive toys? But somebody has to pay for all those toys…

Did you ever struggle as a photographer or has it been smooth sailing for the most part?

My battles are mostly with myself. I could have been a photographer who shoots out of his apartment using natural light, but instead I chose to grow Slickforce as a brand and build a team that actually produces the magazines you read. That’s never happened in any men’s magazine, as far as I know. Cover to cover, there’s not a page that wasn’t conceived, shot, retouched, and print-optimized in this studio. In fact, we’ve completely outgrown the “photograph-for-hire” model altogether. But with an amazing team of artists comes an even more amazing payroll! So my struggles have more to do with deciding just how big I want this beast to get. Sometimes smaller is easier.

What has been your favorite travel location to shoot?
Kenya is my favorite place I’ve ever been—I got to go live in an actual Maasai village with a tribe! Does it really get any cooler than that?

But if you mean for paid magazine shoots, I would say the Laura Doré SHOW issue that we shot in Italy along the Amalfi Coast would be pretty hard to top. You can see the production pics here, it’s unreal! http://nicksaglimbeni.com/?p=396

Who is the one model that just undeniably stands out in your mind?
Ha! I’m far too diplomatic to answer that question, but I will say that the first model that really left her mark on me was Lanisha Cole. She was in Pharrell’s Frontin’ video with Lauren London, and I had a ridiculous crush on her. I couldn’t take a bad shot of her, no matter how nervous I was, and I was like, “This girl is good.”

I’m probably too desensitized to pick a favorite now. I like girls that don’t bring drama into my studio. I don’t care about the NBA player that broke your heart again—you should know better. I mean, he’s plays in the freaking NBA! What about this surprises you? Some of these girls crack me up.

Do you think you will every marry one of these super beauties or will it be the girl that doesn’t know anything about the modeling industry?
LOL next question.

What percentage of Urban work do you do compared to celebrity, fashion, etc..?
It varies depending on the market. Recessions do funny things to people. When I first started my career, it was all Maxim, Stuff, and Loaded (UK). Around 2006, that shifted and the majority of my clients became urban mags like Black Men, Today’s Black Women, and SHOW (which was actually more urban in it’s early days.) That opened the door to urban music, which led to clients like Universal/Cash Money and Interscope/Geffen. We did some really cool work for artists like The Game, Nas, TI, Wayne, Birdman, and Nicki Minaj. In 2009, the client-base again shifted, this time to celebs with their own TV shows, like the Kardashian family, LisaRaye, and Brandy. I pretty much roll with the punches, but I know exactly where I’m trying to go.

Do you feel that your passion is so extreme that it will always keep you on the forefront?
God willing. I couldn’t possibly love what I do more than I already do. This job is THE BEST, no joke. It’s a lot of hard work, and lately I’ve been focusing on backing away from Slickforce so I can get back into really cutting-edge photography. In the battle between CEO and artist that rages in my head, CEO almost always wins, and that’s about to change. I have something up there that I hope will push photography forward a full generation.

Any advice for new photographers?
Master your craft. Push yourself to be the best. There are a lot of people who want the same job you do, and they’ll do it for cheaper—TRUST ME. Your only protection is your talent.

Contact Info:

Nick Saglimbeni
SlickforceStudio – You. Perfected.®

155 West Washington Blvd., Suite 650
Los Angeles, CA 90015
213-489-9309 ext. 1
213-745-5858 fax

www.nicksaglimbeni.com
www.slickforce.com

http://nicksaglimbeni.com/

Biography:

Ever since I was young have been a performer, either break dancing on the street, on video sets and on stage with major recording artist. Never once thought about photography or even less becoming a photographer. Then i was introduced to era in my life that I wouldn’t wish to anyone, even it they deserved it. Betrayed and deceived by the world around me. Left with nothing to my name, devastated. I wanted Closure. Soon the opportunity to own a camera was presented to me so I took it. The camera sat in my house for about 5 month in its box. eventually I decided to open in and check it out. I remember it had allot of buttons and functions and I hated reading instructions. So I took it and started taking pictures of everything. I don’t know what happend but I just understood it, I got it over night. testing out lighting and studying thousands photos from the pros. Trying to understand how they were done, teaching myself. I didn’t realize what I was sitting on until it came for me to come up with a name for my photography. Self tought with a hidden talent it gave me a chance to get back at the world that stabbed me in the back in the most creative way possible, SUCCESS! Ive grown fast already been published globally and noticed by some of the greats. Humbled and honored to be recognized. I will always give respect to those before me because just like break dancing we couldn’t do it now if it was for the breakers from the past didn’t do it first. Even though im recognized im here for another reason. I AM VENGE!!

Email: joel@vengemedia.com

Website: www.vengemedia.com

Contact PH: 7862875437

What three words best describes your photography? BOLD INNOVATIVE POWERFUL

How long have you been a photographer? A little over a year.

Canon or Nikon? doesnt matter, but I have a Canon

Do you see a solid career for the bikini models? As long as we have bikinis, YES

Do models try to play you for gimmees? If so, does it work? I got a few, but they helped me get started so I help\’em out if I benefit too

Do you bring Hairstylist and Make up artist to your shoots? yup, I got my team ready to go when needed. Angie Pasoz from Sobe Beautiful for make up and Derick de Costa for hair. They understand whats in my head..

Have you ever fallen head-over-heals for a model? yea, my girlfreind!

What is better Myspace or Facebook? They both cause about the same amount of drama, but MYSPACE allows you to customize you page with your style, facebook isn’t as visual.

ModelMayhem.com or Paidmodels.com? Modelmayhem!!

Do you think photographers get a bad rap? Photography is the study of light with unlimited artistic possibilities, but we got those guys that think cuz they have a pro camera and photo shop that they have a chance. Leave it to the Pros…

Who is your favorite photographer? I admire all the greats before me. with out them we aren’t shit but too many to list.

Have you been able to travel alot? I’ve traveled more now as a photographer than i have in a while.

Where do you think most models live? They are everywhere, but i live in Miami i don’t have to look else where, but before you think its to good to be true, the Miami models are probably the most difficult. There mentality is IM BEAUTIFUL, PAY ME but shes 4′11” only interested in high fashion…lol

What is the worst experience you can remember from a photoshoot? Never really had a real bad experience but i was in shock when a model showed up to a bikini and lingerie shoot with just sneakers, running shorts and a sports bra.

Mac or PC? I like MAC’s but I have a PC

What makes you different from the other photographers? I don’t hold back from what I want. You need balls to be bold. Oh and I picked it up overnight.

Who is the most famous model you have shot with? Not really sure

Is there anything you want to express now that people should know about this business? ladies, just cuz you are pretty doesn’t mean your a model. Modeling is a skill and its takes practice.

Links to  sites: www.vengemedia.com | www.modelmayhem.com/vengephotography

Andy’s Biography:

“Andy Silvers grew up in Roanoke, Virginia. Since his early teenage years, Andy has expressed a passion for photography. He was always taking pictures, but never had the money for developing the film. He earned his Bachelor of Arts at Virginia Tech, majoring in Art with a concentration in graphic design. For 17 years he has worked as a professional designer, which has allowed him to perfect his retouching and composite skills. His background in art has helped him develop a keen eye for imagery. ”I’ve always been image-oriented,” Andy admits. When he was in the market for a new digital camera about eight years ago, he was pleased to discover that there were finally more affordable DSLR options. After purchasing a D100, Andy became fascinated with the opportunities digital photography offered him. The instant gratification of digital pictures and the decreased film and development expenses allowed him to hone his art and really discover his passion. For several years, he focused on landscape and infrared shots, but people have always been the most interesting subjects for him. As he worked on design projects to pay the bills, Andy’s position as art director helped motivate him to invest in some lighting and start photographing people. The experience of being on set, both acting as art director and observing, gave him a point of reference for setting and placing lighting. His first experience was positive, and so he built from that. He has put a lot of time into lighting experimentation and modification. Currently Andy is employed by a marketing company in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was hired as a designer, but soon took over table-top and corporate photo responsibilities. One year ago, Andy transitioned from designer to company photographer – a position they created especially for him. His art, design and advertising backgrounds, combined with a healthy dose of creative drive, have been the key elements in the development of his style. Andy shoots a diverse range of subjects and concepts, in a variety of situations – from corporate events to studio shoots. It is his editing aesthetic that ultimately ties his work together. “I want people to see what I do and, regardless of the subject matter, the look will be easily recognizable,” says Andy of his work.”

Email: silversgrfx@mac.com

Website: www.silversfoto.com

What three words best describes your photography? Diverse, creative, crisp.

How long have you been a photographer? Technically since about 14. Seriously about 8 years.

Canon or Nikon? Nikon.

Do you see a solid career for the bikini models? Depends. But only a few will really make a living out of it.

Do models try to play you for gimmees? If so, does it work? Yes. Not really.

Do you bring Hairstylist and Make up artist to your shoots? As much as I can. Christine Geiger. She can do it all. Wish I could clone her.

Have you ever fallen head-over-heals for a model? No, but there are favorites.

What is better Myspace or Facebook? I personally spend more time networking MM, but will go with facebook for now.

ModelMayhem.com or Paidmodels.com? Model Mayhem

Do you think photographers get a bad rap? Only the ones that earned it.

Who is your favorite photographer? Dave Hill

Have you been able to travel alot? A fair amount. Seems to be increasing and more models traveling to me.

Where do you think most models live? Is this a trick question??

What is the worst experience you can remember from a photoshoot? I split my jeans in the seat and had to borrow some sweats from the boyfriend to finish shooting.

Mac or PC? There is something other than a Mac???

What makes you different from the other photographers? I don’t know. From a stand point on feedback I get from models compared to other photographers is I have a quick turn around of edited images.

Who is the most famous model you have shot with? It’s a toss up between Christine Renee whom has been in many magazines and Francesca Frigo that appears to have quite a fan following so I expect big things from her in the future.

Is there anything you want to express now that people should know about this business? Expect the unexpected.

Links to all of your contact sites:
http://www.modelmayhem.com/747101
www.silversfoto.com
http://www.facebook.com/andy.silvers?ref=profile