I recently had the opportunity to do some modeling work....
Early last summer I was contacted by a company called "Affordable Fantasies and Illusions". They were interested in hiring me as a model for their next online and print catalogues. This company designs and sells clothing for girls like myself. They also market wigs, shoes and other accessories. They needed a new face and felt that I might fit the bill. Well I deliberated for all of about 30 seconds and then jumped at the opportunity. This was every girl's dream come true! The job was originally scheduled for sometime in August. Well, as often happens things were delayed.... and delayed... and delayed. It seemed like an eternity passed. Christmas came and went, and still we were delayed. Finally, I received the news I'd been waiting for. We were on for early March!
I was absolutely electric with excitement! I was going to have the chance to model dozens of outfits, different wigs, and shoes, while working with a professional photographer. I asked my good friend Sarah to come along with me. She is a dear friend and a budding photographer herself, so this was an opportunity for her to watch a shoot and gain some insights. We arrived at the preliminary location at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. I was to be transformed there by Laine Alexander. After the makeover we would drive to the location of the shoot. The makeover was an incredible experience. Laine has tons of experience working with t-girls and she did an incredible job. I don't think I've ever looked better! I sat in her studio for about 3 hours while she transformed me. I wasn't allowed to look throughout the entire process. When she was done and I had dressed in a cute little black & white sweater & black pants, I was finally allowed to see the results. I was absolutely stunned! I didn't even recognize myself. All the while, Sarah had been smiling and taking what notes she could, this was an incredible learning experience for both of us.
We finished loading things into our car and the SUV that they would use to transport all the outfits I would be changing into for the shoot and started off. We drove about 20 minutes and arrived at the location. The shoot was going to take place in the basement of a retail store. Our little entourage walked through the store and down to the basement. All of this time I was in a sort of dream state. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. We met the photographer there and he and the client discussed what kind of shots and looks they wanted to get from me. The photographer just encouraged me to have fun with it. He said that we'd be working to feature the clothes more so than my facial features so there was going to be a lot of posing directions given to me. I've worked with professional photographers a couple of times before and I'm a natural ham so I figured what could be the big deal. We started out working the first outfit in 5" heels... let me tell you girls, 5" heels on an uneven basement floor while trying to hold an uncomfortable pose.. it just wasn't working.. and it showed. I asked if we could switch to 4" heels which I'm much more comfortable with. The client agreed and we started again.
I'm used to working hard girls. I'm no wimp. I must tell you though this experience gave me a new respect for a model's stamina. We shot outfit after outfit for nearly 5 hours! It was both the thrill of a lifetime and one of the most exhausting things I've ever done. The photographer and the client talked me through it, encouraging me and guiding me through what were good and not so good looks. They both seemed very pleased with the results. I know that I am! We ended the shoot at about 2 o'clock in the morning. We were all exhausted, but very happy to have had a successful venture. The online catalogue currently features some of the shots from my session. I hope to see some of them in print soon too. If you'd like to see more shots from the shoot, just follow the link below link below.
Would I do it again? In a New York second baby! With any luck.. I just might get the opportunity.
