Sometimes the treasure is in your own backyard!

I live in a really small town, kinda far away from any city. Not many models around here. I usually shoot models from Orlando or Jacksonville. One or both of us has to drive a fair distance, it's hard to get things set up. Big ordeal if you get the picture, especially if I am not getting paid. I end up not shooting as much as I would like, and I have always believed that you play like you practice, and sometimes I need to practice. I am a good photographer, I can't shoot anybody but experienced models, I can't waste time on someone that doesn't know how to pose. BULLCRAP! This is Kaley. I have been knowing her since she was four years old. She grew up with my kids. She was a cute kid and she has grown up into a beautiful young lady. We had talked about doing some pics a couple of times, but she had never modeled. I needed to shoot, so we set it up. She could just stand there right? Boy was I in for a pleasant surprise! She was a natural. I have never had a first time model do so well. She was better than a lot of experienced models that I have shot. Soooo, I guess what I am trying to say is don't overlook the people that you know when you need to work on your craft. Most of them can't model, but every now and then, you will find the treasure.