I went down that slide at LEAST seventeen times because the camera might not have been on the right setting or maybe the water was splashing too much in my face, and yes, a photographer will call you out to tell you everything you’re doing wrong (yes, I’ve been called out). Needless to say, my legs were sore for the next three days. I had to go down the slide, smiling and excited, then walk up five flights of stairs to repeat the same thing every ride down. This shoot was promoting a water slide, which happened to be the tallest in the park. I was given my outfit and we started right away. Lights were set up while I got my makeup and hair done. Once we met at the waterpark, they let us in and we got ready immediately. A typical crew includes the photographer, a co-photographer, an equipment guy, the lady who carries snacks and runs to get coffee for people, the makeup/hair/stylist person, the person who is the “boss” and usually some random people standing around but still have a big part in what’s happening. We went to the waterpark before doors were opened to the public and the whole crew was there. I stayed overnight at a hotel and call time was 6 a.m. For one location shoot, I was sent to Wisconsin Dells to work on an ad for the indoor waterpark at Chula Vista Resort. Yet the model life may not be as dreamy as you think. “Skinny Love” by Birdy played when she told me to be dreamy. “Hands to Myself” by Selena Gomez played as she had me in a dark mood. She played specific songs for each type of mood she was looking to capture. The photographer was blasting music and kept telling me to “just feel the music”. Since I am used to performing onstage, I have been trained to step out of the box and into character. Photoshoots are all about going outside your comfort zone you have to be vulnerable and have emotion. So is that it? Do you just show up, look pretty and stand there? Nope. I found an agency that interested me, submitted my pictures and within months I was doing test shoots, helping photographers build their portfolio, even working with jewelers to promote their companies. Three years later, I decided to give it another shot. I was supposed to receive a confirmation email in three to four weeks, but I never heard back. It was a part of me.įreshman year, I took a leap of faith and sent my pictures to a modeling agency. Having been a part of the music program at NNHS since freshman year, the music scene was my comfort. I feared not being good enough and doing something wrong. When I was 14, everyone from my parents to complete strangers told me I should go into modeling.

Teenage model