TESTIMONIALS

“Douglas’ talent workshop and photo shoot workshop he did for my two teens, boy and a girl, was amazing. They learned how to project and move naturally with confidence and poise in front of the camera. Being a former model myself in the NY market I understand the lack of direction a new talent receives when starting out. A skill which takes years to learn and perfect.

Their professional presentation images came out great for what is needed in the market and both kids are rolling immediately in the industry with Douglas referring them to agencies in the NYC and Philly markets. This was very worthwhile and I highly recommend him for the talent workshops and to develop. Especially with his experience in the industry!!!” 

 - Pamela Hall/International model

"I had the pleasure of working with Douglas recently here in LA.  As an LA based actor who has been acting professionally since 1983, I have certainly had my ups and downs. The entertainment industry in LA is a very competitive environment, to say the least, so whatever edge an actor can find is a gift from GOD.  Thus, my experience with Douglas.

To start off the shots were absolutely fantastic.  As a fellow actor, Douglas' ability to understand the essence, energy, and spirit of an actor is exceptional.  He meticulously took the time to understand who I am, and how to express that in my images.  The session was fun, creative, fluid and relaxed.  It was very much like a  fulfilling acting role which leaves you with a great sense of satisfaction. It was quite frankly the most enjoyable photo session, of many, I've experienced.  Of course the post photo shoot process was solid.

On the more practical side, his work has allowed me access to production and casting offices that were previously inaccessible to me.  It really is true that an actor's calling card is their photo.  And when such a photo is artistically and technically well done, the actor stands a much better chance of being seen.

I highly recommend Douglas to actors for their acting head shots at any stage of their career." 

 - David Castro/Actor

 “We have worked with Douglas on location and at his 500 Daylight Studios for over 10 years for National and Regional clients for product imagery for magazine print, billboards and promo. Also, for behind the scene images for TV commercials and website promo. With his experience he is prompt, cares, professional and courteous to clients. We highly recommend him and are extremely satisfied with his work ethic and creativity!” 

- Mia Compomizzi / CEO, Television Ad Group 

“As a long-time on-air TV and radio guy I’ve worked with plenty of great videographers. Douglas was my first real experience with his still images. He has the “eye”. He’s easy to work with and I was stunned by the perfection in his work. And he made it all so easy. He doesn’t just take your picture – He captures YOU.”

-John Steigerwald / Pittsburgh TV and radio

“Douglas is a very talented and experienced photographer that I had the pleasure to work with. I needed a powerful and competitive acting head shot coming from a smaller talent market to Los Angeles. Since he is in the LA market part-time for auditions, he also knows what is needed and understands how to bring out the best look and projection in a talent through his successful experience as a model and actor himself.”

-Chad Conley/ actor, Divergent Talent – Los Angeles, CA.

“I needed head shots for an international music competition and I asked Douglas to help me out. I defiantly consider myself to be camera shy and don’t feel comfortable doing photo shoots, but Douglas managed to make me feel relaxed and at ease; I actually ended up enjoying the process. As a result, the photos turned out wonderfully! Thank you Douglas!”

-Laura Motchalov / Pittsburgh Symphony Violinist

“Any time that I have spent with Douglas Tjelmeland has been time well spent. His intuition for seeing things beautifully is tied inherently to his knowledge behind the lens. Over the years we’ve worked together on a number of levels in the music industry. Whether it is live performance shoots or studio portrait promos, he pays particular attention to the subtleties and nuances that make the images reflect top professional and industry grade. He’s an amazing asset to have in your corner!!

-Kirk Salopek / Guitarist, producer, composer, band-leader – SILENCIO

“Douglas did a masterful job under extreme time constraints to bring the vision to fruition for the cover of Inspiring Lives Magazine which featured country music singer Gabby Barrett.”

-Dr. Shellie Hipskey / Editor-in-Chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine

Douglas was the photographer who shot Gladys Magazine’s Spring 2012 Wedding & Couture Issue.  Douglas is incredible to work with, he made the entire team look and feel wonderful during the shoot.  His experience, creative insight and eye for a vantage point go unmatched in this industry.  He went beyond just getting a great shot…He has a ‘designer’s eye’ that I believe allows him to create some of the most stunning images I have ever seen.  When I first received his images from the shoot I knew right away he captured something very special….I’m forever grateful to Douglas!

-Andrea Patrick Forte, Editor of Gladys Magazine

“I’ve known Douglas for over 22 years…He is always professional, hardworking, committed, loyal,
and a very talented model and person….Douglas brings to his experience a very clear understanding
of the talent industry.  His pictures are beautiful and he will work hard for you.  His success in this business speaks for itself.”

– Francis Grill, President, CLICK Model and Talent Mgt., N.Y. N.Y.

“I have had a successful modeling career for over 23 years working in the states and internationally      and have shot with some of the world’s best photographers…As with Douglas, he is easy to work with, knowledgeable about  the industry, and his pictures are beautiful.  I, as well as my agents, used them on both the comp cards and in my portfolio with excellent results.”

-Mark Moynahan/ model, actor, FORD Models, New York, N.Y.

“Douglas is a master in his field.  I have worked with him in the New York fashion industry (Ralph  Lauren, J. Crew, Old Navy) and currently in my own business as a recognized designer.  Douglas has the eye that it takes to capture the best moment in any situation.”

-Todd Snyder (Top 20 world designers to watch according to NY Times Fashion Magazine)  N.Y. N.Y.

“Thank you very much for all you professional efforts in shooting my pics.  Your expertise in setting the shot, selecting the wardrobe, lighting and creative mood to direction made for a great production…you did it all!  Your years of experience both in front of the camera and being it make you an invaluable asset for anyone.”

– Bob Tagert/ model, actor, Real People Agency,  Atlanta, GA.

“Douglas brings out the best in the talent he shoots.  He has great vision of what will make his subject look the best, and he is one of the easiest people I’ve ever worked with in this business.  His advice and pics helped me make the move to become a full-time model nationally and work with clients such as Nike, Rich’s, Kohl’s and others.”

– Jeff Kunard/ model, actor-Temptation Island, Los Angeles, CA.

“Working with Douglas was an absolute pleasure!  His unique experience as a model turned   photographer gives him a special connection to the models he photographs.  He pushes each model to reach for their true potential.  The imagery he creates is captivating and provocative with a true sense of artistry.”

– Ashleigh Kuhn/ Executive Director, Pittsburgh Fashion Magazine

“I have worked with Douglas for several years and have always been very happy with his work.  He is extremely professional, well organized, and has a great turn-around time.  He is especially good at directing new aspiring talent in helping them with movement, projection and coordinating wardrobe.  His style is clean and fresh and has worked very well for our market.”

– Mark Cook, Creative agent, Mad Men Creative Agency, Atlanta, GA

“I immediately felt at ease with Douglas.  He is personable and extremely knowledgeable about the industry.  This is due to the fact that he has had a great deal of success in the business.  I wanted something other than the norm for my acting head shot and portfolio.  Douglas accomplished this by unique locations, lighting and his direction to me with ease and felt as though I were working with a friend that I had known sometime.  I would not hesitate to recommend Douglas to any of my colleagues.”

-John Imro/ model, actor, Pittsburgh, PA.

“The shots were great!  Everyone at the agency was impressed and they will definitely strengthen my book and acting head shots,”

– Julian Miller/ actor, model, FORD Models, N.Y. N.Y.

“Since knowing Douglas Tjelmeland and representing him professionally as talent for my agency, he has not only understood the industry as a model and actor but has helped many others pursue it through his pictures to help place them with not only my agency, but with other nationally and internationally.”

– Deb Docherty, Docherty Agency, Pittsburgh, PA./Cleveland, OH.

“Douglas’ Professionalism showed throughout the entire production and creative process….most importantly was the finished result.  His experience in front of and behind the camera was clearly evident.  I’d recommend Douglas for a creative production with great results…he’s top notch.”

– John F. Lamberson III, Associate Vice President, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

“Douglas was extremely professional and courteous and captured many beautiful photos for me to choose from for my opera CD album cover.  He had a creative insight into getting the right image choosing the perfect setting and masterfully shot me in natural and unpretentious poses.  I received many complements on the CD cover and the unique and organic quality of the photograph.  Douglas has a sensitive and insightful eye and can capture the true essence of his subjects.”

– Anne Tormela, Lyric Coloratura, World wide performance, NY, NY