Tips for new models

I've been a model on and off since I was about 14, done over 50 shoots, worked semi professionally for about 3 years and really enjoy it.

Since I mentor a few younger girls in various things, I sometimes get emails from girls who want to start modelling and so here are a few tips I've picked up along the way. Also I hear a lot of photographers who really dislike specific things about new models.

Decide early what you will and won't do. A lot of new photographers, the kind you will be working with when you first start out will want to do nude or implied nude, as they think it automatically makes them seem more artistic. I will do implied nude, but only on a professional job. If a photographer or company isn't willing to pay for nudity then don't do it. 

When setting up a purpleport or model mayhem account don't lie. I'm 5ft 5, so not normal agency standard, and I still work so there is no need to lie, and photographers will know, it's their job. If you're lucky enough to have agency standard measurements, I highly suggest you go for an agency. I've had a few over the years although I'm currently independent until I move to London. I can recommend premier, elite and storm, but if you're under 5ft 7, don't waste their time, contact petite specific agencies or promo agencies.

When doing TFP be clear about what you want. A good photographer worth using will provide 2 or 3 fully edited images. If you have done a shoot and the photographer has given you 300 images, chances are they weren't very good, in this case, ask the advice of another photographer which images you should use. 

Network. This is so important, in my area there are networking events for models, photographers and MUAs. I personally have a make up artist who I like to use, and it just makes things safer when going for shoots, and also means we can share contacts. 

Take care of yourself. Your face and body are now your job, so develop a skincare routine, workout, and just generally be happy with yourself. I'm not a skinny minnie model, and I have huge boobs, so I get a lot of pro underwear work, however I know if I eat rubbish every single day, it will affect my skin, eyes, hair and body. Eating unhealthily is also terrible for my depression. So just keep an eye on it, and no starvation diets girlies! 

conquering your fears, and a nice date idea

So, like so many other couples, me and Jonny are trying to save money. I also behave like a toddler a lot of the time (its cute, not annoying). 
So me and Jonny went on a date to our local children's play park.The reason we originally went is because I told him that i'd never done the fireman's pole, as I was always terrified of it as a child. It took over an hour, and I was not graceful when I eventually did it. But sometimes you need to cut off your emotions and jump.

My daily Skincare routine

me, without make up

I get a lot of compliments on my skin, and someone at a model's network event asked me to do a post on my daily skincare routine. I hate spots so am very obsessive about following a routine, especially at night; if i'm getting up to brush my teeth I may as well go the whole hog!!

. 

First I wash my face with either Liz Earle cleanse and polish or Neutrogena grapefruit blackhead eliminating cleanser. I prefer the Neutrogena in the morning as it helps wake me up.

I then tone (I know some people say this is a waste of time, but i really do see the difference). I use Liz Earle toner, which smells amazing. 

Finally, I moisturize using Olay 7 in one.

I do occasionally do a facemask (about once a week), which my boyfriend is usually really up for. (as you can see at the top)

 I usually use one of these, which I get from Bodycare, Primark or boots.

fail, and recovery (panic attack)

So today, I had an awful panic attack. I tried to get on a bus, but the driver had shut the doors. My boyfriend tried to push me onto the bus, but grabbed me and held me in the process, making everyone look at us. I just broke down in tears :/ 

However, after an hour of crying, I got myself together and asked my mum to drive me. This was a big deal for me because usually if I have a panic attack it affects me for the whole day. And, I ended up having an amazing day in the sun with my sister in Oxford. So here are a few tips i've learnt from my day. I am absolutely no expert, or over my anxiety. But I thought I could help by sharing my experiance.


If you are panicking:
Get out of public ASAP, people watching will make it 1 million times worse.
Once you stop panicking, put some make up on, to help you feel pretty :)
Have a cold glass of water and a snack
Take a Bach rescue remedy (may just be a placebo, but helps me) 
Don't be embarrassed that you panicked, just be proud it won't ruin your day 

If you are with someone panicking:
Please don't grab or cuddle them (my boyfriend was just acting instinctively and being protective, but it really didn't help. I STILL LOVE YOU!)
Don't get cross, my mum and boyfriend told me off for being silly, just because they didn't understand.
Don't panic yourself. A panic attack is not dangerous to your health and the person will be fine.

Panic attacks are really common, never be embarrassed by what they are caused by, but the quicker you recover, the quicker you can start making memories again!!!