http://groups.yahoo.com/group/modelmix/

Ronnie and Mike’s UGMX Model Mixer is a monthly event held in San Jose for models and photographers to get together to do some networking as well as do some shooting. The studio is a pretty decent place that is normally a music recording studio and there is a pretty good amount of room for shoots. Photographers can bring their own lights and backdrops and setup their own area. Sheila and Robin also set up several stations for everyone to use. There can be up to 7 different stations to shoot at but it all depends on who goes since the event itself doe not provide any stations. The stations are either set up by Sheila and Robin or other photographers who bring their lights and backdrop. The event costs $10 for photographers and $5 for models.

Pros: It is a great event for people who want to get into studio portraits. You can also meet photographers of different levels and interests as well as meet models who you can possibly work with later on. It is also a good way to get pictures of several models in one evening.

Cons: There is usually a lot more photographers than models so the ratio can be around 7 photographers to 1 model. The quality and quantity of models varies month to month but in general, the models are not the most experienced and are usually part time students or girls who want to get into modeling. Since the lights are already setup, you won’t learn as much about lighting and adjusting the positioning of the lights. Sheila and Robin usually have several Pocket Wizards that they let people use, but if other people have stations setup, you will not be able to use thier lighting unless you have your own Pocket Wizard.

Here are some of my shots from the several UGMX Mixers that I have been to. Some were better than others. I think there was a better quality and amount of models in the summer time.