Talking ChicMy First Photo ShootI'm not sure exactly what turned me on to a day of outdoor modeling. Maybe I was tired of hiding behind the computer. Maybe it was to prove my sister right—that I really am the "cool auntie" my niece would grow to love. Maybe it was to explore a new art concentration. Or maybe, as an avid "America's Next Top Model" viewer, I just wanted to see what all the hype was about... was it really that difficult ? One word: YES. Truth is, out of about 80 photos, only 20 were to my liking. Whether I got my money's worth, whether I didn't, whether I ever actually use the shots for anything worthwhile, or whether I hold onto them for my trips-down-memory-lane at 90-years-old, I learned more than I can really say. To sum it up though, my experience in exploring this thing that we all know as modeling is something no lady of fashion can ever truly understand, or judge for that matter, unless she throws herself into the shoes of a model, especially if you think you can look even more fierce than winner Caridee in a single shot. (Yeah, good luck with that!) So just do it—let go of all your inhibitions, choose a photographer you are comfortable acting a fool in front of, and realize that you are also choosing to do more than just model. Because modeling involves much more than just "posing" for the camera, here are a few tips to amateurs who are yet to afford the luxury of hiring your own help or have yet to reach the status to be hired on yourself:
... And so many more lessons learned from this experience. As a writer who understands the loneliness behind a creative profession, I actually got a taste of the solitude a model probably lives through in order to play dress up and fully transform into that character, allowing herself to become vulnerable and weak in front of the camera. All this while trying to create a masterpiece of raw emotion—whatever that emotion may be. Overall, it was an indescribable feeling, seeing myself in my favorite pieces (Fortunately, I DIDN'T have a stylist for my first photo shoot). Because when it comes down to it, all that is really left is the photo...or the article. It is merely a point in time when you realize that you accomplished something you truly believe in, and a point in time when you know that the real accomplishment is simply having the guts to put yourself out there. Written by Elana Pruitt |
