A Few Honest Minutes with a Model
- eyeswidelove
- Jan 19, 2017
- 5 min read
A couple weeks back I had the pleasure of shooting, for what turned out to be a lovely two and a half hours, with one of our favorite young models, Natalia. While going through the different looks and sets we shot that day, a few images stuck out especially to me; honestly, not for any reason except for the fact that they are completely, naturally, beautiful.
Being freshly 18, Natalia hasn't done a whole lot of nude or implied work; even though she's been modeling for a while with full parental support, she decided to wait until she felt it was the right time. (Partially out of fear of ridicule from peers at school, since she was already receiving a little garbage hate here and there.) We did take a few implied shots over the last two years, and honestly, whatever we had shot and shared only got us a few new followers and a couple of extra invasive creeps.
Now that Natalia has worked on a few more diverse projects, and with a variety of photographers, and has grown up a few years, she's learned a little more about the modeling industry than she probably would have liked to. Unfortunately, this industry isn't all limelight and highlight. It actually requires more work than you probably could imagine; not to mention the mental toughness of a seasoned warrior.
The truth is, most people look at Natalia's work and see a fun and confident girl with a great body just trying to chase her dreams in this chaotic world, like the rest of us. But in a day and age where cowards hide behind the internet, and social media makes it easy to manipulate one another, the modeling industry suffers in an extra special way.
About a week or so back we had one of those twitter-douches make a comment about the implied work Natalia and I were doing. It was rather irrelevant and exceptionally rude, and I would love to blast it here, but I wouldn't dare give him the satisfaction of doing so... Either way, it sparked something in the two of us, and I decided it is important for us to start talking about some of these sensitive issues in the modeling industry. Early on in developing Eyes Wide Love, we thought it would be beneficial to share the testimonies of models and photographers in hopes of saving other aspiring creators from any disasters.
I asked Natalia if we could share some of our recent photos here, and speak a little more on her perspectives so far as a young freelance model in this industry.
Tell us a little bit about yourself;
How long have you been modeling? How did you get into it?
I've been modeling for 5 years, at the age of 13 I began by attending John Casablancas Acting/Modeling school. I knew it would be difficult for a short model like me to get accepted into any modeling agency so, after completing the classes I created my Instagram to embark on freelance modeling.
How is it impacting you as a woman?
Through freelance, I got the opportunity to meet and work with numerous directors, photographers, and models.. Being able to meet these different people has built my social skills and communication skills, not to mention, it has built my confidence tremendously which I am extremely proud of since confidence was not my strongest characteristic when I was younger.
What has your experience with men been like since you started modeling; Has there been a lot of jealously?
Oh my goodness, do not get me started! There has been jealousy, I can definitely say that there has been a lot of jealousy. On a few occasions, there has been photographers that have approached me with other intentions, I was disappointed of course, but it never stopped me, it only made me wiser for future situations involving that.
How do you feel about this industry so far, especially as a woman? Are you proud of how women are portrayed and viewed?
The modeling industry can be extremely difficult work, it's competitive, there's a constant pressure in having to look a certain way, it can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Us women are unappreciated in this industry, we get bashed for having self-confidence and showing off the skin we love to live in. My belief is that us women should be able to show our bodies without having any parts censored, or being judged for doing so.
What are your some of your goals for your modeling career?
My goals are to become an inspiration to young girls and boys; teaching them self confidence, self worth, and, self love. Also, teaching them that anything is possible if you just believe and work hard enough.
What is in the near future for you? Where do you hope to be 10 years down the road?
I'm not sure what my future holds, but I am more than positive I will live my life to its fullest. I hope to go to school, or continue my education in a distinct career path. I hope to travel and meet all kinds of people. In 10 years I hope to be consistently traveling the world, meeting foreign people and familiarizing myself with their culture in hopes of always appreciating all of it.
What would you like to say to aspiring models just getting started, building a portfolio and hoping to make it in this industry?
There will be times where you feel like you are just not good enough and there are no promises that this will be easy.. But, be patient, never give up, never lose hope. Keep yourself motivated and remember to stay humble. Take advantage of working with as many photographers and models as you can, you will gain recognition and good experience, and not to mention, you'll have a lot of great adventures.
We hope to share many great stories through this publication, and help educate aspiring artists in all areas and genres. This blog post is just the beginning of topics we want to discuss here involving this part of the industry.. It is important to create, especially when you have that burning desire in the pit of your being. But, it is equally important to do so in safe and smart way, always.
Ladies and gents, please check your references when meeting a model/photographer for the first time, and when in doubt, bring a buddy! Don't be afraid to say no either, the right of your art, and to your body are yours first, never ever forget that. Always be overly expressive and explicit and go out there and make that money, honey!
Until Next Time
Peace and Love and Light
Photos and Words by Moriah Yex