WARNING: Contains "Adult" Content

I'm not sure I would call what this particular post contains, "Adult," as I see it as completely inexperienced, naive, stupid, immature, without self-respect, or without moral compass.

Yesterday, was actually a good day for me, I think posting a depressed ramble late at night of utter confusion helped me wake with some clarity. That, and my alarm clock sprang to life with Adam Corolla saying something to the effect of "Accomplishment is the best form of therapy... Get off your ass." From my bed to Yoga, where my teacher's opening talk was about, figuring out who puts what thoughts into our heads... Who's voice is saying, "you're not worthy..." or "you're not good enough."

From there I created a list, and started on it... Course I tackled the biggest first, and spent the entire day fixing computer problems which have extended into this morning. But none of that has anything to do with this post... Though, I find it funny that my list got bigger, because of stuff I tried to cross off of it.

This post is about a friend of mine who I turned down to shoot head-shots for... This is the deal, I've shot some head-shots for a few friends of mine. People I want to hang out with for a few hours. People I want to help. People I think could help. I charge them a fraction of what "professionals" cost... Anyway, on a few occasions I've shot people I didn't know particularly well, through a trusted a good friend's recommendation... I don't waste time "meeting" with people to sell myself... And if anyone is considering shooting with an other photographer, I recommend that's what they do.

Yesterday a good friend asked me if I'd shoot a "friend" of hers... Someone she's mentoring. She would pay for the cost of the photos just to give this person a leg up. At first I had some interest in knowing more about who I'd be shooting... Then I found out... This young "Adult," (over 18) had gotten shots done on his own... Submitted to agents/managers... Met with someone that said they would represent them... But for that, ended up, bent over a desk... On his knees... And basically getting F'ed over in the end, literally.

While I feel sorry for this person, there is no way I want my name in any way attached them. If this person has such low self-esteem, such little brain power, to "fall" or "bend over," for such bullshit... If they're that needy... Desperate.

Look, I don't do porn, but maybe in that business, that sort of behavior is expected and accepted... But in the business I know, if someone wants to work with you, it'd because of MONEY... They think YOU can make them MONEY... If they just want in your damn pants, that's what it's about...

Here's some advice that's probably way too remedial for any one reading this blog... And it's only my opinion... Keep your pants on, your skirt down, and only use your mouth to smile and speak out of when meeting with Casting Directors, Agents, Managers, Producers or Directors... This biz is hard enough on the mind, body and esteem... You don't have to make it harder by... Enough said.

Now, while there may be examples of people who "slept" their way to stardom... Is that what you want to do...? Is that the legend you want to leave? The story you want to write?

Me? I'd rather be a working actor doing it the "right" way, and keep as much self-respect as I can. Or I'd rather else find something else to do.

Instant fame is extremely rare and often fleeting...

"Every over-night success in show biz is ten years in the making." - I have a few stories on that one, but that's another blog or two.

So my advice...

-- Quiche Your Pants On ~ Tom Kiesche