How I got started in modeling...

Modeling became an interest of mine when my youngest daughter was two months old. I had modeled a bit when I was younger (before I was able to sign my own model release), but never took it to a professional level. At the age of 23, with a newborn child to consider, modeling was never an intended career path. I went to my local Glamour Shots to purchase a holiday gift for my family, and perhaps boost my self-confidence along the way, when I was approached about my face in thousands of retail stores nationwide. Stunned, I accepted their generous offer, signed a release, and went about my way carrying a gigantic framed image of myself. (On a side note, I still can't figure out where to put that damn thing. It looks like I'm a bit self absorbed to have it hanging above the fireplace...)
I went home that night with thousands of thoughts running rampant inside my brain. Is this something I could do? Curiosity got the best of me, and I started with google the next morning. There are many networking sites for beginner models, some with honest intentions and some not. I posted the images from GS on a few and went about my business. By the time I checked my email a couple of hours later, it was completely full. I got emails from photographers that wanted to help create my book, for the low price of 1500 dollars. Being a single mother of two, those emails went directly to the trash folder. I received emails from local photographers that wanted to “manage” my modeling career. I learned many valuable lessons in those first few months, one of which was to terminate the phone call when a photographer starts discussing the ‘chemistry between a model and photographer, even if it means crossing certain boundaries that aren’t normally accepted in other professions.’ I also received emails from legitimate photographers across the United States that were willing to help me build a portfolio with professional photos. Filtering through the emails, however, was a nightmare. It seems in this industry there are numerous crooks out there to prey upon a new recruit. Whether it’s a promise to get your photos in front of top agencies or a low life scum bag trying to get you alone in a hotel room, my advice is to stay clear of anything that seems to good to be true.
A few of those photographers that helped me gain experience and knowledge of this industry became very close personal friends of mine. I have met a few of their wives, some of their children, and even a couple of mothers along the way. The more comfortable I became in front of the camera, the better the images I received after the shoot. It didn’t take me long to realize that I needed to let loose and have fun, whether it was the first time or the last time I was going to be working with a photographer. I must take a brief moment to mention Michael Weller, the most professional photographer I have ever met. I worked with Michael during his trip to San Antonio for a PPA conference, and despite snow and ice that weekend (yes I said snow and ice in San Antonio!), I worked with him twice before he was back on a plane to California. Michael never pushed me outside of my comfort level; he treated my escort and I like guests in his home. During that particular trip, he also photographed my best friend, who is a bilateral amputee due to a tragic accident, definitely in need of some photographic therapy. My friends, that is another blog post all in itself. ;) After working with Michael that first time, I felt a burst of passion for being on that side of the lens that I had never felt before.
So I suppose the rest is history! Almost four years later, I have the experience and diversity in my portfolio to call myself a professional model. Modeling is my main source of income, despite my degree in accounting. I have had the pleasure of meeting at working with some very talented individuals, models and photographers alike.

Lorelei