So there’s currently a thread on one of the modeling sites where the OP rants about crappy portfolios and real models.  To paraphrase:

I get that there’s all different kinds of modeling, but not everyone can do it!  So why does everyone have a profile here?!  People with myspace pics, and all these amateur “adult” models… there’s so much horrible stuff, and it all really jades me, even though I know there’s a lot of talent here.  I just wish the moderators were more selective with who they allowed here.  I don’t mean to offend anyone, but… damn!  Just my opinion!

Initially, I hadn’t planned on responding to her. I spent some time on that very site as a person who voluntarily approved profiles.  I saw what came through, what was approved, and what was denied.  Believe you me, I got it.  But I also get that not everyone starts with professional pics–something a lot of “jaded” folk don’t think about. But then, she goes on to say that, in her opinion, a model is (again, paraphrasing):

… proportionate, takes care of themselves externally, and represents themselves well.  A model is someone who believes that what they are doing is art, and they are passionate about it–they’re not just doing it for the fame, money, or attention.  A model is someone who has some knowledge about the fashion industry, and is able to note at least 10 top models off the top of their head. A real model makes it their life.

Her list of what makes a real model, on top of her rant opinion about the crap on this particular modeling site that anyone can join, really got to me.  Why? Because not only do I not know much about fashion, but I can’t name 10 supermodels (let alone 10 designers).  Even now.  Fashion just isn’t the genre I’m in, so I don’t spend much time studying it.  But more importantly, I was, at one point, one of those girls who didn’t think she’d amount to anything, yet applied for an account at a modeling site anyway.  At the time, I had no job, and nothing to lose by applying for a free site.  I didn’t know a thing, other than the fact that I was pretty sure I was 6″ too short, too old, and too heavy.  So what did I do?  I took 5 snapshots–2 I took myself, 2 my husband took, and 1 shot where I’d cropped out 4 friends from a bar–and I applied to a modeling site.  And got in.

And then I started researching, learning, and just absorbing everything I possibly could, all while shooting. I worked with good folks, bad folks, and grew both as a model, and as a woman (ZOMG, cheeseballs, I know).  I learned a shitton about  modeling in general, but also about myself.  I’ve studied resources, other models, photographers, MUAs, and all sorts of stuff, while applying my past knowledge of cheerleading, dance, marketing, art, business, and other random stuff (including that sense of “fashion” that everyone’s always thought… odd).  I’ve grown, over the past nearly-4 years, into one hell of a model (this is rare, I hardly ever toot my own horn).  And not only do I know what I’m doing in front of the camera, I’m well-known in my local community, I’ve landed a few awesome gigs for a 5′3″, 118lb hobbyist who works a full-time job, and I’ve met (and worked with) some extremely talented people.

Yet here’s this little nobody telling me, “oh, but I don’t mean you, I mean the wannabes who sign up with cameraphone myspace pics… you’re clearly a real model.” Really?  So I suddenly just woke up one day with this knowledge of how to pose, how to emote, and how the Internet modeling world works?  And this awesome list of contacts and connections, as well as a decent list of accomplishments, just poofed into existence while I was dreaming of unicorns and fucking rainbows?!

NO.  It doesn’t work that way.

Attitudes like this chick’s are the reason I keep my modeling as on the DL as possible.  I don’t want my friends or family thinking that because I model, I’m turning into some elitist know-it-all who preaches “this is the only way to do things because I say so” with every breath.

Attitudes like hers are also the reason that people like me are initially intimidated and afraid to even dip a toe into the ocean that modeling is.  Thankfully, many of us suck it up and ignore people like her… because some of the best people I’ve met are, by her definition, not “real models”.  Yet they’re nice, creative, fun, and wonderful to be around (in fact, I’ve become friends with many of them). In fact, I’d like to see her work next to some of the insanely talented models she looks down upon, simply because they can’t name 10 top models or don’t live and breath fashion.

Fuck that shitty attitude. I’ll do what I want, and as long as I’m finding work and enjoying what I’m doing, I’ll continue to do it, whether or not people like her feel I’m a “real model” or not.

Attitudes like hers only serve to bring the people who have them down. Either because they’re so closed-minded their brain ends up imploding ’cause they can’t handle it when something real contradicts what they believe, or because they try to shove both feet so far into their mouths that they end up giving themselves a painful bowel obstruction. Very rarely are their minds changed. At this point, hers hasn’t been.

A special Holiday Edition of my “My Everyday Style” series!!   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left

Look 11: Happy-Merry Holidays
One of the benefits of being in a mixed-religion marriage is getting to celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas!  The other benefit is not having conflicts on those holidays Haha!  Being that it’s in the midst of Chanukah and Christmas is coming up fast, I figured it’d be fun to share what I’ve worn and will wear for our families’ celebrations. Typically, I can get away with wearing jeans, but this year, I decided to continue my denial that it’s winter dress up a bit more than usual and wear cute skirts with tights.  I also snuck a pair of cozy ankle socks over my tights, hidden under my boots (shhh!), for both holidays–gotta keep those tootsies warm!

For Chanukah, I opted to toss on my trusty charcoal blazer, because my parents (who hosted) typically keep the house cool.  I kept my accessories minimal because of the patterned shirt and the dynamic of the satin, tiered, pleated skirt.  I went with my basic black knee boots because they’re easy and rather comfortable, and threw grey tights on under them to break up the dark a little bit.  I added the belt at the waist as an accessory, because it needed something.

For Christmas, I went with a basic black short-sleeve turtleneck tucked into a cute blue plaid skirt, that came with a great belt.  Because the skirt’s so bright, I stayed basic on the bottom as well, going with black tights and, again, my black boots.  I added simple CZ studs and a cute, long locket to lighten things up a little bit, and because I know my nieces will love the locket, haha!

The Looks: Chanukah on the Left, Christmas on the Right

Get The Look, Chanukah: Boots: Cutesygirl; Skirt: Forever21 (no longer available online); Shirt: Forever21 (no longer available online); Belt: TJMaxx; Blazer: Forever21; Tights: Hue (in Black)

Get the Look, Christmas: Boots: Cutesygirl; Skirt (with Belt): Forever21; Shirt: Kohls; Necklace: Forever21; Earrings: Claire’s; Tights: Hue (in Steel)

The above linked items were chosen by me with no pay or endorsement requests from the stores.

So it’s been about a week since I posted my “What’s Next? Reader’s Choice” blog.  So far, here are the results:

• Photographers: Preparing for Your First Shoot 40% (4 votes)
• Problems? Maybe it’s You. 20% (2 votes)
• The Do’s and Don’ts of Directing Models 20% (2 votes)
• Why “Trade” Doesn’t Mean “Free” 20% (2 votes)
• Grammar 101: How Bad Grammar Makes You Look Unprofessional 0% (0 votes)
• Why Models Should Help Concept TF* Shoots 0% (0 votes)
• Defining “Professional” as it Relates to Internet Modeling 0% (0 votes)

Clearly, you guys want to get some tips from my POV on prepping for a first shoot, as a photographer.  And then there’s a huge tie for 3 other topics.

I’ve got another “Everyday Style” blog coming up tomorrow (a special edition version!) followed by the holidays, but I’ll get working on stuff.  In the meantime, if you haven’t voted and would still like to, the poll’s still open!

Look 8: Playtime
Busting out a really old shot that’s still one of my favorites.  It always makes me smile!  I call this shot “Keepaway!”, and it was originally shot to submit to a calendar that was supposed to benefit an animal shelter in Georgia.  The project fell through, unfortunately, but we still got some way cute stuff out of it all   The dog in the shot is my beautiful supermutt, Trixie, who I’ve blogged about before.

Shoot Results:

The Look:

Get It:

• Shirt: 80sTees.com
• Shorts: Forever21
• Socks: Sockdreams, Pastel
  
• Rainboots: Target
  
• Scarf (on Dog): MyJewelThief, #14 (White w/Multi Dots)
• Dog Toy: Petsmart

Photo Credit: Carlos Alvarez

Please note that the above listed products were chosen by me without payment or endorsement requests from the sellers.

The tenth post from my “My Everyday Style” series!!   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left

Look 10: Space Cadet
So right now (which is December 9th, not the day this posts… I like to write in advance ) there’s about 5″ of snow on the ground at home, and it’s currently still snowing at work.  Blech!  I wore my shearling boots today, which were a gift from my mom (they’re not Uggs or any name brand, just some random brand, so I pulled a similar, reasonably priced pair off-line and linked for you), paired with a new graphic tee and new blazer, both of which I got over the weekend.  I’m still a little chilly, but at least my feet stayed warm and dry when scraping off the car this morning!  I only wear skinny jeans or leggings with my shearling boots, because I feel like the bulge created by pants that aren’t super fitted on the leg isn’t flattering (ok, fine, I think it looks stupid, there, I said it!).

The Look:

Get The Look: Shirt: Delia’s; Blazer: Forever21; Jeans: Express; Boots: Cutesygirl;

The above linked items were chosen by me with no pay or endorsement requests from the stores.

Alright readers, I’ve got a bit of writer’s block and can’t decide what to blog about next… so it’s your choice!   The topics below are either drafts I’ve started, or things I’ve made note of that I want to blog about.  I’ll write about each one in the order in which you guys choose (interspersed, of course, with my Get the Look and Everyday Style blogs).

So what are you waiting for?  Start voting already!

On a completely unrelated note: Today’s my half-birthday!

Months ago, if not longer than that, I had gotten a bunch of hits from this site, www.alphainventions.com.  It’s kinda this automatic blogreel that scrolls thru blogs (and allows users to submit their own blogs).  I’m not quite sure how it works, but for some reason (likely my almost daily updates) I’ve been getting more hits from them lately.  So I just wanted to send a quick thanks to the AlphaInventions folks for doing what they do and sharing my blog with others

More great updates coming this week, including a special holiday edition of my Everyday Style series!

On the first night of Chanukah, I thought it would be fitting to share this holiday story, as well as plead for support for this family from my readers.

Back in October I got a comment on my “Handbras for Boobies” image on one of the modeling sites I’m on.  It was from a woman named Renee Klingler, and she told me that cancer was a cause near and dear to her heart.  When I checked out her portfolio, I found out why.  To keep it short, Renee is in a courageous, yet long-term battle with cancer.  Despite this, she continues to live life to its fullest, modeling as her condition permits, being a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, and organizing other awareness projects.  To top it off, Renee has 5 beautiful daughters, ages 11, 7, and 5-year-old triplets.

Recently, Renee suffered a serious setback, which almost took her life.  With the huge medical bills continuing to pile up, additional child care expenses, and Renee’s being unable to work, things have become extremely difficult for the Klingler family.  And if anyone’s family deserves a happy holiday, it’s Renee’s.

Enter Lori Benoit and Rich of Gonzo Photos.

Lori, a photographer who’s worked with Renee, got with a friend and created the website www.supportreneeskids.org, to help Renee’s daughters get the Christmas they deserve.  Visitors can find out more information, donate through PayPal, and find out how to send a gift direct.

Rich got wind of the situation and decided the website just wasn’t enough.  He wanted to create an event to get people to donate.  Rich got the partners at Studio MLP in Racine, WI to open their doors on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 for a group shoot charity event, benefitting Renee and her family–the “Creating a Christmas Miracle” group shoot.  The event is $50 for photographers, with 100% of that going to Renee and the girls.  It’s free for models, but models are encouraged to bring toys, clothes, or monetary donations to send to the family.  Participants will be there to shoot from 6P to 10P, with doors opening at 5P to set up.  Weather-permitting, I’ll likely be there around 7:30P.

Donate via PayPal to help Renee and her girls out this holiday season.  Click here.

Interested in attending the event in Racine?  Go here for more info.

Please, if you have even just a few pennies to spare, donate a little bit to help Renee’s family out.  Renee has requested that no gifts of money be given to the family, so everything sent will go towards gifts & goodies for the kids.  If you want to donate, but live too far away and/or choose not to use PayPal, you can send checks, giftcards, toys, clothing, or anything else for the girls to the following address:

Renee Klinger
c/o Lori Benoit
482 Timberlake Dr.
Lowell, IN 46356

Renee with her beautiful daughters, in a photo taken by Lori Benoit:

Check out Renee’s modeling portfolio at www.reneeklinglermodelingportfolio.com.

Renee, I wish you many more happy holidays with your beautiful daughters.  May you see them grow into women as courageous, strong and beautiful as you are.  You are in my thoughts :hugs:

Readers, I wish you and your families a happy, healthy holiday season, and thank you for any support you send to Renee and her family.

So Monday and Tuesday I blogged about escorts at photoshoots, and looked at the common arguments that both the pro-escort group and the anti-escort group typically rely on.  In case you missed those entries, they can be found here:

• Bringing an Escort: Pro-Escort
• Bringing an Escort: Anti-Escort

Now, I suppose all of my responses to those arguments are, indeed, my thoughts on each and every one of those arguments.  However, I never really explicitly said which way I waver when it comes to escorts.  So, here you go

My thoughts, on escorts at shoots.

As a model, I don’t need an escort. I’m a big girl, and I check references (amongst other things).  I’d rather work with a MUA than drag someone along who’ll be bored.  I don’t need the distraction… and I don’t bring someone with me to work, to the doctor, grocery shopping, or to the vet.  Why would I need to bring someone with me to a shoot?  Silliness.

I don’t like it when other models (or MUAs or photographers for that matter) I’m working with bring escorts.  I’m there to work, not worry about someone else’s boyfriend getting angry with me, hitting on me, or generally distracting us one way or another (yup, it’s all happened).

I don’t like escorts coming to my M&G or group shoot events.  Unnecessary, for one, and really, and if you’re too scared to show up to a group event at a public place during peak hours without hiring a bodyguard, perhaps you should stay at home with your tinfoil hat on (yes, a model actually brought a hired bodyguard to a M&G once).

I also don’t particularly like working with new photographers who insist I bring someone.  I don’t need another lecture about my safety and how meeting people from online is badnewsbears (note: I met my husband online 10 years ago).  I have parents for that, and even they’ve stopped that BS.

So, I’m pretty much anti-escort.  Sure, I see the need for it in some cases (disabled models or minors, like I mentioned before), and yea, I’ve had a few experiences where the escort was perfectly fine, but frankly, I don’t want to have to worry about it.  Especially when it’s a surprise, and not something I planned on.