A fashion show

I'm scheduled to walk in a local fashion show. This will be the first show I've done since leaving Seattle and the first one I've considered since the pregnancy... which is one reason last month was the first meeting/fitting I've been to.

Accepting the invitation to model for local designers was one thing, but being in my last trimester of carrying a 7 plus pound boy was another all together. (They contacted me from my portfolio on a modeling group's website.) It's five weeks since delivery and I'm back to pre-baby weight. Not quite pre-baby body, but it's getting closer.

I'm anxious to find out what Nashville is all about.

Maternity shoot for Ben Ross photography

Ben Ross contacted me a few months ago about doing a photo shoot during my last few weeks of pregnancy. He was a joy to work with and I absolutely love how the images turned out.

Here's just a teaser:

Meet XPosure Photography

These images are just some that have been created by the photographer known as Juancho who works under the name of XPosure Photography in Houston. Juancho is an expert when it comes to creating beautiful images. From headshots, to fashion, children, and maternity, his keen eye is trained for capturing subjects at their best.

You can see more photos and the official website HERE. Bookings are available by appointment for a fee.

On the Set: High Fashion Shoot with Monet Kittrell

Who doesn't love a fabulous photo shoot? Today I was on location with Monet and the crew to shoot at The Rymer Gallery in Nashville. The photos should be spectacular!

Vintage Shoot

I had to share a snippet from my latest shoot. I've been torn lately over wether to continue or if it's time to give it up.

Professionalism

One of the most important things when establishing yourself in the modeling industry is to be professional. Your reputation and talent mean nothing if you aren't able to hold a level of respect. Remember that this is a COMPETITIVE industry full of pretty faces. Designers have a myriad of girls hoping to get a job and they don't give second chances. Modeling is a business and models must learn to conduct themselves appropriately in the industry.
When marketing yourself as a model, it is important to remember the following tips:
- Always come to castings prepared.
This means dresssing appropriately for the casting, coming EARLY, having a resume and headshot with you, and keeping a contact number on hand and written directions/notes.
- Be a good communicator.
Do your best to show up to shoots early and ready with all your questions answered beforehand. Things do come up however, so it's important to cancel well in advance if you're not able to make an appointment. But do make the call. Be as honest and straightforward as you can. The worst thing you can do is keep a staff of makeup artists, hairdressers, and photographers waiting and wondering where you are. ALWAYS make the call.
- Be honest.
This seems so simple, but I'm putting it in as a reminder. Be honest with your abilities, credentials, and desires. Don't say you're ok with the nature of a shoot just to get a spot, then change the direction once you arrive.
- Take direction/Be flexible
Bring your confidence and humility. When at a fashion show, photo shoot, or casting call, you are hired to work for the client. Photographers and stylists are there working with you for the client, giving you the tools you need. Treat them as equals and you will be rewarded. Be as flexible and adventurous as possible. Take direction and try a new pose, hairstyle, or expression. You might find something that fits perfectly and you can use again in the future. Maybe a trick will impress someone later.
- Say 'Thank You'
Say it to your photographer, your stylists, the man who holds the door open for you on location-- Let them know you're grateful for the opportunities they're giving you.

These are just a few tips for aspiring and current models. It's amazing how simple they sound and how often you find someone making a crucial mistake in their conduct. Aspiring to be a professional is a rewarding challenge for those who can navigate their role in the fashion and advertising industries.

Best of Show 2007

The International Photography Awards of 2007 have been announced! The results are what we should expect from the world's best amateur and professional photographers. My favorite link was 2007 Best of Show.

Hair Show Oct. '07

The hair show went really, really well. The girls on our team were so much fun to hang out with; A long day goes by much faster with fabulous ladies!

I had a black beaded bustier, long satin skirt, and five inch black pumps with a clear heel. I also was given an escourt, a sexy shirtless male wearing a bowtie-- very Chip n' Dales. Just before we went out, he turned to me "What do I do out there?!" Strut your stuff? Look sexy? Smile and enjoy the wild cat calls from adoring women? He figured it out.

The seven stylists each had a unique look, from dark and edgy, to glamour, and modern. One stylist even demonstrated his spraypaint techniques on his model's hair.

Wine, fashion, artistic genious... it was a good night.

How to Walk the Runway

Move Like a Model
Six Steps to Creating Your Walk

We’ve all watched clips of runway shows, seen snapshots of models in motion, and caught episodes of “America’s Next Top Model.” Runway models are admired for the smooth and graceful movements they make, seeming to skate across the floor and down the runway. Professional models know how to move. They’ve perfected the art of showing off clothing, striking a pose, and exuding confidence. It takes time and practice to move with such skill, and although not everyone will step foot on a runway, learning to walk with poise and confidence is a skill we could all learn to master. The following six steps will guide you through the process.

Step #1. To start, make sure you are comfortable. The right shoes should be something you feel comfortable walking in, but with as much height as you can easily manage. If you normally wear flats, start with a thin two-inch heel, preferably one that you have already broken in. In time, move up to something with more lift. If the shoes are new, you might try scratching the soles with scissors so that they will not slip when they touch the floor. Alternatively, you can cover the sole of the shoe with masking tape, if you don't want to scratch your shoes. Models often do this to provide additional grip on slick surfaces.Step #2. Practice holding your shoulders back and learn to stand like a supermodel. Stand in front of a mirror and practice your posture; throw your shoulders back, and push your pelvis slightly forward. It might create the illusion that you're leaning back a little, rather than hunching forward. Find a position that looks natural and provides a “flow” to your movements when you walk.

Step #3. Train yourself to place the ball of the foot down first, and keep all of your weight balanced there rather than on the heel. It may feel strange, but placing the ball of the foot down first gives you more of an elegant stride than a clunky heel-first walk would. It's almost like walking on your tippy-toes, the way ballerinas do.

Step #4. Put one foot in front of the other (literally) with your toes facing forward. Your footprints should form a single line, as if you are walking on a rope or a beam. When done quickly, this gives the body that characteristic swing.Make your stride look long and commanding by lifting your legs almost in the same fashion a horse would. For each stride, you want to lift your foot a good distance off the ground (with a bend in the knee) and then place it down a good distance in front of the supporting leg. Don't make your strides too large as this will make you look awkward and ungraceful, but make sure you take large enough steps, rather than just baby steps.Step #5. Practice a sultry stare. Look straight forward, capturing the essence of the clothes you're wearing with the expression on your face. Focus on an object straight ahead of you (but don't stare or look glazed over). Keep your chin up and your head still as your body moves down the runway. When you make your turn at the end, let your head be the last part of your body to move.Fingers naturally curl under when relaxed, but don't let them! This makes it look like you have NO fingers, especially in pictures. Just let them hang straight down, tense your fingers enough that you can accomplish this.

Step #6. Develop your own signature walk. There's no simple formula for walking the runway, and what will ultimately make you stand out is not only how well you can move your body but also how much of your own personality you can inject into your performance to make it memorable. The best way to create your own unique style is to experiment, practice, and get feedback (even if it means taking some constructive criticism).

Be fabulous, be confident, and be stunning!

New Cut

This is the cut I've been assigned for the hair show next weekend, without bangs though. I don't remember ever having hair above my shoulders-- we'll see what I think!

Honestly, I think I was tired of the mundane and ready to do something drastically different. Getting paid for it is a bonus.