WHO IS JOHN?

John S. Miller is a Denver-based full-time commercial photographer specializing in fashion, apparel, accessories, portraiture and food/beverage. John’s work has appeared in publications including Westword, 303 Magazine, and Mile High Sports Magazine. His clients have included: Wrangler, Smartwool, Pure Barre, FREEBIRD by Steven, Tender Belly, Amelia Rose Earhart, Nifty Genius, ARTA Tequila, Original Hardware, ML Furs, BEAT Outdoor Gear, Kadyluxe, Aspen True, and Icelandic Designs.

Prior to full-time photography, John studied music production and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Engineering from the University of Colorado at Denver and also studied at the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. John grew up as the son of a beauty salon owner and restaurateur mother and a computer engineer father. The influence of both art and science cultivated a visual-arts aesthetic and work ethic that allows John to translate high-level concepts into powerful images. John’s desire is to help you succeed by making you look good and to do so with clarity, intentionality, and precision. He is a well-connected strategic thinker, problem solver, and agile creator.

John’s heart belongs to his beautiful wife, Amanda, and his three incredible children - Hannah, Jaxon and Ava. He digs deep into the passions of his family and thrives on seeing them smile. His “Recently Played” list includes Snow Patrol and Sigur Ros, The ONE Thing Podcast, and New Girl. At some point Whole30 will come up and you’ll probably talk about his hair.

HOW DOES A SHOOT WOrk?

What is a Test? - A test is simply, a shoot. Tests (shoots) can be paid or free, depending on the situation. Paying for a professional test shoot helps ensure that your photos will be agency-approved and market-appropriate.

Do you shoot Free Tests? - Rarely. If a model has agency representation in major markets, a strong book, a large network, and a look specific to a concept we want to shoot, it is possible that we would collaborate at no cost. But, it's rare.

The Basics – Once we've booked the shoot, including the hair/makeup artist and studio, you will arrive and go right into styling on the shoot date. As hair and makeup are being styled, we will look through your wardrobe and create a game plan for the looks we're going to shoot during your session. Once styling is completed, we will begin with the first look and move from look to look until we accomplish what we need for your photos.  Often, there will be minimal hair and makeup changes in between looks.

Who will be at my shoot? – At most shoots there will be a hair and makeup artist, John, and you. Sometimes, an assistant will also be present to help.

Who can come to my shoot? – Ideally, just you. Family or friends may attend if you like but we generally get the best performance when we can focus on our work without additional distractions or input. Mostly, we want you to be comfortable and ready to work hard to create the best possible photos we can.

What if this is my first shoot? – Don't stress too much, that's really common. John works people who are new to shooting on a regular basis. He will give you plenty of direction throughout the shoot. Together, you will work on angles and poses in the pursuit of the best possible photos for your intended purpose.

What happens to my photos after the shoot?

Proofs – After the shoot is completed, we will sort through the photos from the shoot, eliminating any shots that don't best represent you. Those photos will be color and exposure corrected and uploaded to an online low-resolution Proof Gallery.

Selection (Editing) – You will be given a link to the Proof Gallery for you to make your selections. Depending on your agency's preference, the gallery link will also be sent to them for editing (selecting). We will need the file number (located above the enlarged gallery photo) of the photos that are to be retouched in full-resolution.

Retouching – We strive to produce the highest-quality, most-authentic images possible. Retouching eliminates blemishes and tailors the photo to it's best possible presentation with regard to color, mood, and style.

Delivery – All final photos will be uploaded to Pass.us for your use and sent via wetransfer.com to agencies.

Storage – All photos are stored long-term and, in most cases, the proof galleries remain online in perpetuity. If you wish to order an additional retouched photo in the future, they will be available.

What should I bring?

The Basics –
Well-fitting Jeans
Jean Shorts
Other Shorts, Pants, Skirts and Tops
Dress and Casual Shirts (Men)
Casual Graphic Ts
Tank Tops / Undershirts
Swimsuit Separates/Lingerie/Bodysuit
Basic Nude/Black Bras and Underwear
Jackets - Denim, Blazer, etc.
Suit (Men)
Athletic Clothes - Running Shorts/Pants, Jogging Bra, Jacket, Athletic Shoes, etc.

Shoes – Shoes aren't typically a primary concern as most photos will not be full-length. But a simple assortment of shoes is needed - casual, dressy, athletic.

Accessories – Simple jewelry can add a nice touch to your photos. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, etc. are often very useful. Glasses and hats can make for fun options as well.

Unique Concepts – If you have a unique concept for a look, please brings all necessary pieces for that look.

Props – Props can be very useful for styling a shoot, especially for Lifestyle shots. If props are needed or wanted, we can discuss those details prior to the shoot. (Samples: Skateboard, Food/Drink Items, Flowers, Winter Gear/Equipment, etc.)

Should my hair and nails be a specific way for the shoot?

Hair – Each hair stylist has a different preference but, generally, washed and dryed hair is best.

Nails – Manicured without polish is best.

what forms of payment do you accept?

Cash – Of course.

Check – Personal or business checks are acceptable. Fees will applied for any returned checks.

Credit Card – All major credit cards are accepted via Square.

Paypal – Paypal is accepted.

Receipts and Invoices – Receipts and/or Invoices are available by request.

When is payment due? – Full payment for the shoot is due on the date of the shoot or prior to the date.

Additional Photo Fees – If you choose to order more photos than are included in your shoot, you may make a payment for those at the time of the request.

Installments – Payment installments may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

Anything ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

Social Media – Please feel free to post your photos to your Social Media Accounts. When you do, please credit all parties involved.

Client Casting – Often, when clients start casting for their projects, they look to our posts and work for talent options. 

Agency Placement – In rare cases, we can help with agency placement by making recommendations to the agencies we work with.