This is fantastic Alicia! Thank you so much for posting this!

I was wondering if you could have a look of what little of my portfolio I have on here? I'm 5'10" tall and my measurements are 35.5"-25.5"-35.5" (Haven't measured my legs yet but apparently they're long and thin!) I would really appreciate any feedback (critical or positive) from someone who has as much experience and world-knowledge as you!

Fantastic information; thank you so much!

Courtenay xoxox.

Thanks Courtenay ! I have only just seen this and have mailed you now..

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Shooting in the rain forest advice..

DON'T!

Everything is against you, poisonous plants, poisonous insects, damp in the equipment, treks with sweaty cursing men, body being covered ALL over with deet, perspiration in torrents, your body just food for everything around!

Don't do it - unless the money is really good:)


Alicia
xx

Slightly off topic but is it normal that my measurements have changed to 34.5-25-35 without me changing anything?? I eat healthily normally and exercise because I love it! I'm like an energiser bunny, apparently... I keep going and going and going and...

You get my point :P

Hi Courtenay:)

Just a general reply here for anyone else to see then I will mail back soon on the other questions:)

Well shape and weight can change with people for many reasons apart from diet, such a illness (not in your case!), change of pill, exercise, stress and many many more and also the body itself changes its metabolism and form with time. Professionally it's a good idea to keep tabs on how ones body is changing and there is a comprehensive set of body measurements that can be taken every couple of months or so just to keep an eye on changes. I will mail them to anyone interested.

In your case it may well be exercise that has caused a slight change but hard to tell without knowing more. Exercise is wonderful both mentally and physically but like all things has to be kept in balance. We tend to do some aerobic, some static strength but also lots of flexibility/body control such as Pilates and Yoga.

So to answer the question, is it normal to find your body measurements changing- yes! As for the cause in this case, take the full set of measurements I will mail you later, then change some lifestyle things one at a time and see what effect it has:)

I will mail you the other answers and thoughts!


Alicia
xx

Apologies to those I havent yet replied to on the mail, I have been out of net contact for a while...

To answer a recurring theme of questions about what mental attitudes are required; some of this I have posted earlier but on reflection it probably comes down to these:

Confidence
Reslilience
Confidence
Intelligence
Confidence
Humour
Confidence
At ease with one's body
Confidence
Ability to listen and react appropriately
Confidence
Flexible outlook on life
Confidence
Ability to deal with hang overs
Confidence
Manners
and ..
Confidence :)

Alicia
xx

So wait confidence is no big thing then? :P

Saftey!!!!

the question of safety came up again recently after a heated shoot and is something I feel strongly about. With models being hoisted up, put in tanks, frozen, heated, chemicals put on the skin and hair, and much more and having to travel even more all around cities, some strange and far off, it is so important that every model just takes a step back and thinks. The client has a duty of care for you when you are working with him on his shoot/event. Dont ever take for granted though that he has covered all bases and is looking out for you as his number one priority. If the shoot/event requires anything that can be consisdered hazardous, he should have procedures in place (method statements/inspections etc) to mitigate risk. Ask if you are at all worried. Too many new models wouldnt dare ask or question and this is just plain dangerous. Although the client has a duty of care, it is up to each one of us to be savvy and to have our ears and eyes opn to danger and to question it. Yes initially you might get some sneers or abuse thrown back at you but in the long run it is a sign of a professional to look after her/himself and will earn you not just respect but maybe your ongoing health.

Alicia
xx

Great advice once again, Alicia!

:)

Body confidence...


Just seen over here one of the US Make me a Supermodel episodes and like one of the Brit TV variants and no doubt all of the others, the "contestants", had to strip off and be naked in front of people in their almost first shoot/test.. For anyone thinking of starting fashion modelling and wanting to try with an agency, please don't think that you will have to do this!! They may want to see/test you in a bikini initially but thats all! Remember these are TV shows and ratings count:)

However body confidence is a huge must for modelling and one has to feel really comfortable and at ease with one's body and if you are very shy or hate your body, then don't think about modelling. You should feel fine (although maybe nervous to start with) if the job legitimately requires you to be semi-naked or naked. You should revel in it and enjoy it or it wont work. What the lens sees is not just your body but it picks up if you are comfortable with it and the best models just exude a natural bare confidence that really shows. It is important even if you never do semi-nude shoots (unlikely in this business!), that you do get to be really comfortable with your own raw body, it will help with all aspects of modelling and also life.

A photographer said to me "The way the female body has been presented over the years and genres has made for many ingrained moralistic and nervous approaches to any sight of parts of the body not normally seen in an office but in essence the female form is always the natural wonderful beauty that it is. Those that see it otherwise and those that feel it must be hidden at all times and not celebrated, are living with their eyes closed and their minds warped by conventions that repress the soul" This I may add was a female photographer:)

"Fashion photography" has always had fuzzy boundaries and it will always be so as long as fashion is about visual appeal and human beings.



Alicia
xx

Hi boys & girls, wondered if anyone could give me the heads up on how to best tackle the challenges of persuing a career in modeling as a male. So far I've found there are limited opportunities & local competitions to assist me in gaining the experience. Can anyone suggest any they may know of.