(Images 1 to r:) Bleu , Ashley Bell , Betrice Benbow

Mic Fontaine picked up a camera for the first time two years ago and has been relentlessly learning the craft ever since. Mic Fontaine is part of a team called Ten Photography along with Makeup Artist Leondra Tap and Stylist Lauren Nicole. Not to mention blessed! Why you ask? Mic Fontaine was trained, tutored and mentored by the brilliant Derek Blanks of Derek Blanks Photography teaching Mic everything he knows. The Ten Photography studio is located in Mississippi   "Along the way I had the pleasure to work with some of the most talented and creative people in the industry including Model - Stylist Betrice and Makeup Artist Alicia Brown who broke me into the industry. I have so much love and respect for all of the photographers, models, makeup artists, and stylists on this enhance the art of photography daily and keep us striving to create the impossible"....... Mic Fontaine

(Models l to r ) : Kia Drayton, Candace Bingham, Faradja Beauzile, Harmony of Love Sick

Mic Fontaine Interview

Interview by: Edward 'Pookie' Hall from Urban South

Who are you? My name is Mic Fontaine State your business? I am a Fashion Photographer and President of Ten Marketing Where are you from? You Know I’m from the Sip! Southside Greenville Mississippi. Yeah, I know! Just have to let them know that we're strong in 'SIP'. Any photographer in the game inspire you? Definitely Derek Blanks also a Mississippi Product and Bruce Talbot. There are many more amazing photographer’s but I would say that those two photograph our people the best. What were doing before this?

Model: Bella Model: Latisha Morgan

Wow! Excuse any typos in this interview and that's major. Congrats! How long have you been photography?

Only two years.

I got really serious last May after Derek Blanks and I did a calendar shoot in Miami on south beach. I took a couple of
days of work and drove 16 hours to that Shoot in the middle of the week. When I got back to my office the following
week I knew it was time to take it to the next level. I’ve been rolling ever since then. The sky has no limit!

What type of photography do you shoot?

I want to shoot something that people accustomed to seeing only in magazines. My style is more advertorial. I was first inspired by the type of photos that you see in advertisements, thus that’s where I developed my style. I don’t want to
be considered one dimensional. I can shot anything from high fashion to Atlanta Dymes

Your work is FIRE! Your sytle seems more settled and laid back under the lens. All of your pic's have this warming appeal to them. Explain your vision and thoughts when shooting.?

Honestly I never know what I’m going to do until I actually start shooting. My sets are really laid back. Everyone is just chillin’, sipping wine and the music is always bumpin’. Its like a house party. Everyone is loose and relaxed. I usually like
to see what type of clothing the model will be wearing before I come up with a concept. Then I collaborate with the
makeup artist. One the stylist and makeup artist are done I work my magic.

Oh, I forgot to start asking this... What do you shoot with? Am I asking that right?...lol

I shoot with Canon. I started with Canon equipment and I have been using it ever since.

What are you working on now? Any upcoming projects?

Defintely, I have an online social networking site called Freshmeet, www.getsofresh.com launching in April. I’m shooting
a spread for the launch now. You will see some very recognizable faces. We will feature former models from Black Men, Smooth, and XL magazine. Its going to be on fire!

Name five (5) models you would like to work with.

The sky is the limit. I want to work with everyone from Eva to the girl next door that is undiscovered.

Scam photographers are on the rise. What are some simple steps up & coming models can do to avoid scams.

I would advise all models to check references. Be cautious that everyone that calls himself a photographer isn’t as good
as advertised. All good photographers have work samples that they will show you before you commit to the project.

What was your best moment under the lens?

The first time that I got a series of pictures printed in Jackson a woman followed me out of the store and told me that she
had never seen anyone in Mississippi take pictures like that.

Worst moment?

The first set of pictures that I took with my first camera. I got them developed and took one look at them. I thought to myself, these pictures look like shit! I have a lot of work to do if I want to shoot pictures that look like the ones in the magazines

What advice can you give to up & coming photographers?

Keep on shooting. You can never be the best unless you keep on shooting. Don’t stop because people don’t feel your
shit. Take the criticism constructively and come back and do it again until you get it right.

What's next in 06'? What can we expect from you this year?

Man I think this is going to be a break out year for me and my team. My makeup artist (Leondra Tap), stylist Lauren
Nicole and I have been putting in work around the country trying to build a name for ourselves. I feel really good right now about the progress that we’ve made. We want to collaborate with everyone and blow this thang up.

How do people find out more about you, contact you about bookings & photo shoots? Where do they go to see your work?

You can contact the Ten Photography booking line at (601) 918-4134 You can check out my work on
onemodelplace.com and www.modelmayhem.com. My studio name is Ten Photography or you can search for me under photographer Mic Fontaine.

Simple tip/trick for thr rookies...

Find yourself a good mentor. They are hard to find, but they will help you learn things and expedite your career by
showing you the ropes.

Urban South will there in May. We definitely have to network. Shout out, last words?

I appreciate you Edward for showing me so much love also I would like to shout out my girl Bella the Mississippi Queen representing Greenville to the fullest. Special thanks to my CampusAuthority, Ten Marketing, and FreshMeet families.

Mic Fontaine, you've been officially touched by Urban South "The "HUB" for the South"