How I Started Modeling

First let me state that growing up, I was a huUUGGEEee tomboy (when I was young I literally thought I was going to grow a penis...lord) and said I was never going to model or be a model because models were dumb and girly and blah blah blah. I didn't start modeling or even consider modeling until I had graduated high school and was on my first semester of college. I was living downtown Detroit on campus and a photographer reached out to me to possibly shoot. When I said I'm not a model they asked me if I wanted to just come out to watch the shoot they were doing and see if I would be interested. I went, (ended up meeting my current boyfriend lol) came back and did a shoot that turned out... well it was my first shoot so I'm sure you can imagine LOL. But it was a start.

My first time at a photoshoot, you can laugh at me (didn't expect to be in one, was really awkward and this is actually the first time i met my boyfriend lol)

About 2 years after the first picture was taken, by Jeff Rawk. Better posing, more relaxed and comfortable (helps we had been together about 2 years too lol)

To be a good model takes time and lots and lots of practice!!

After that first shoot I took those professional pics and made a ModelMayhem. (You need some sort of professional pictures, not necessarily good just "professional". If you make one you'll understand). Using that website I found many local photographers (research, research, RESEARCH!) to do TFP shoots (a trade shoot, trading your time as a model for "prints" aka the pictures you'll get) and for a good year I did pretty much solely trade shoots, all the time. I was doing about a shoot a week. I would look at the pictures, at my poses, my facial expressions, outfits; and look at what I could improve.

"Okay if I move my face a little down the light won't hit my face so funny"

"So if I stick my face out just a little farther my chin looks more defined"

"I look dead inside in all of these"

"Anddd theres a hair tie on my wrist..." But most importantly i always had fun at my shoots. If I worked with someone less than enjoyable, I just wouldn't work with them again. As far as wardrobe, be as adventurous, or modest, as you're comfortable with. There is nothing worse than taking pictures you're not comfortable with and having regrets then having to worry about what the photographer will do with those pictures. After a year of learning, failing, still learning and being consistent (Yes, in life consistency is always key) i started feeling more confident in my poses and angels. Allowing myself to be more creative and pushing my boundaries. Started to get a lot more offers and paid opportunities. All while growing my instagram as well, which helped a tremendous amount in networking and finding opportunities/opportunities coming to me. Not everyone takes the same path, some prefer to go the agency way, some start out independently like me.

As far as my makeup, hair, and outfits; for the most part I did them all myself. Every now and again, usually per request of the photographer or if someone else (MUA or stylist) wanted to collaborate, I would have someone else do my makeup or hair or have clothing already for me (brand shoots or photographers that had their own wardrobes). As with my modeling, my makeup and styling got better with practice and inspiration. I'm definitely not the best at any, but I'm not to shabby either! ;) My next few blogs I will explain one of the easiest ways to get started modeling and how to start using your social media to network and get more attention on your modeling work like I did. <3

One of my first every shoots with YourUniversity (Awkward pose and look, you can tell I'm not really confident and not sure what to do)

Recent shoot with Bagley Photo L.L.C. (Better posing, more relaxed facial expression, a lot more confident in what I'm doing.)