The Write Stuff: Grid Article: "The Beautiful People"

Richmond-area models, photographers, makeup artists, and hairstylists have the opportunity to showcase their talent and network with professionals at Model Mondays.

Funn with Funn Foto model Leanne Nicole.

The event is held every Monday night this summer through August 17, 7:30pm to 12:00am at Xscape nightclub at 814 West Grace Street. Originally started by Richmond photographer Randall Holmes at Rendezvous Café and Lounge and currently organized and hosted by Carlos Funn of Funn Fotos, the event allows anyone with an interest in modeling and photography to actually participate in real photo shoots with the goal of making connections with others in their field.

At the event, models bring several outfits to the event where hair stylists and make- up artists prepare them for photo shoots. After speaking with photographers, models participate in a one-on-one photo shoot to build their portfolios, as well as those of the photographer.

“It is a way for people to break the ice and do test shots to see about working with each other on future dates or events,” explains Funn. “We do let people know that the models are here to work on their portfolios, yet is an open artistic night for creating cool shoots and art.”

Model Mondays is the first event of its kind to occur in Richmond. Never before has a networking event been so cool as to make connections and beautiful art in the same setting. The event has drawn interested professionals from Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and North Carolina.

Mosheh Israel, President and CEO of Black Nobility Magazine [shown on photo right with photographer Carlton Brightly] a lifestyle and culture magazine based in Raleigh, North Carolina, recently attended Model Mondays to recruit new models for the model section for future issues. And Founder and CEO of Catwalk Productions Angela Moore, also from Raleigh, scouted the event to recruit models to her agency. Their presence at this event shows how popular Model Mondays has become and how successful it has been in attracting professionals interested in building their networks.

“Many have had a chance to pick up clients [and] set up gigs,” says Funn. “For me, it has helped with branding Funn Foto and getting connected with others in the community to let them know what kind of work I do and to let them know that we are here to not only help with pictures [but] with artistic development.”

Funn plans to continue Model Mondays as a regular event all over Richmond throughout the year.

“We are looking to make a moving venue,” he says. “We have some things planned, maybe a ‘hit the runway’ type of thing. We are searching for sponsors and vendors to help put on the night, and if they do have an interest they can contact me at funnfoto@gmail.com.”