Bio:

I was born on December 22, in Detroit Michigan. I have called Michigan home for 47 years. I am the 3rd of 5 children My name is James M. Bryant and I am the founder of Michigan Amateur Models, Models of Michigan, Midwest Models Expo, Midwest Fashion Expo, and JMB Promotions.

At the age of 16, I was hit and dragged a quarter of a mile down the road by a car driven by a drunk driver. This changed my life forever. I was told that I would never be able to balance enough to ride a bike, or have the coordination to drive a stick shift car or any other task that required any type coordination due to muscular and nerve damage I sustained during the accident. I have over come those obstacles, by practice and determination, and I am proud to say that I can do both, ride a bike and drive a 'stick' just as easy as I can walk.

In 1994, I started a business called "Bryant's creative woods". I made wooden toys, tables, but my biggest seller was my Adirondack Chairs. Sold lots of those! I sold my items at various farmers' markets all over the metro Detroit area while I was laid off from a job.

In 1999, I started to organize modeling conferences. My first one was, let's say... less than acceptable. I decided that maybe that wasn't the right job for me, I had not done my homework, researched, experienced it first hand. In the year 2000 is when I started to research, which helped me to market my shows and I was surprised how quickly the word spread with the proper assistance and perseverance.

 As the expos started to grow, they have reached a point where I can actually say that people have been impressed with the growth and quality of the shows. They have given the show great reviews and to tell you the truth, I have even impressed myself.

I have been doing business as JMB Webwurks since 1999, which expired in 2005. I recently filed for and obtained a DBA for JMB Promotions and wish to use my newly learned skills in marketing and promotions to good use to serve others.

Within the past three years I have done self-study courses, to better the person known as James. I have studied some business law, marketing strategies, sales and promotional theories. I attribute some of my learning to the State of Michigan's on-line learning courses which have been shut down this year, 2004, because it was a 3 year project which has reached it's life expectancy.

On November 19, 2001, Sharon and I gave up smoking cigarettes in the efforts to help our son, Beau, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. My wife and I though that if we both stopped smoking that he could too. If we had known what was to follow, we wouldn't have tried to help him stop, as it was one of his last pleasures in life. He passed away on June 25, 2002 at the age of 23. Out of our desire to help Beau, he left us with something that we can all live with; we have been smoke free for over 3 years and counting.

Images: Links to my other photography sites and the rest of the story...

Photo from the 2004 Michigan Models Expo

James M. Bryant

Models Of Michigan (MOM)

Michigan Amateur Models (I no longer own this site)

www.webtalent.com

MuseCube

One Model Place

Black Planet

My Space

Midwest Fashion Expo

The Great Lakes Bikini Blast 2

Some of my experiences include: Having done promotional photographs for numerous models and other entities. Selling products or services. My experience also include graphic & web design for a few commercial applications, business form creation and business card typesetting for various companies. I have recently joined Toastmasters, I wish to develop my speaking skills and hope one day to devote sometime to giving inspirational talks and sharing my experiences. Between my partner, Sharon and I, we have a perfect business and personal relationship. I provide photographic and written commentaries for content on web pages; she then uses the content for design, advertising and promotional purposes. Check out my partners company at SKB Dezigns If you are a model and wish to be posted on the Michigan Amateur Models site, please send me a sample photograph and contact information and we will do the TFP deal. Click here to contact me   Introducing the NEW web site, for the professional models and photographers. www.modelsofmichigan.com   My favorite photographic subjects are my dogs. You can see them here ChewyDog.Com I was contracted to photograph bands for a local nightclub to post on their website. Exit 137 Nightclub, which is not in business anymore  due to the hard times after 9-11. ·         Donated time and effort to help support the local Howellstock Music Festival, which helped out the Hospice Foundation, D.A.R.E Program, and Livingston County Red Cross by producing pamphlets and photographing the event. I have operated several Yahoo Groups listed below: Michigan Amateur Models, Michigan Models Mid West Models Expo And also check out my organized and annual conferences for models and photographers. Previous Models Expos   1999-2003 Michigan Amateur Models Conferences 2004 Michigan Models Expo 2005 Michigan Models Expo   2006 Midwest Fashion Expo   IRA Collection   The Great Lakes Bikini Blast 1 August 26, 2006 The Great Lakes Bikini Blast 2 August 18th, 2007