MODEL INTERVIEW

My first shoot with Mark Hamill Photography

In Northern Ireland theres is a wealth of models from all ages, sizes and experience levels, with England or Dublin being the predominant direction to follow in a modelling career i've caught up with a local success story Stephanie Carlile.

It obvious that Stephs look had caught the attention of photographers all over Northern Ireland and her unique ink and look has definitely lifted her portfolio to amazing standards for someone so new to modelling! she has expanded her portfolio within as little as one year from her first ever shoot and is undoubtedly on the up.

I've interviewed stephanie recently and asked about her experiences and any direction she can advise on aspiring models looking to start out in the industry in northern ireland.

A shoot with the talented GreyWave Photography

What inspired or encouraged you into modelling within Northern Ireland ?

Having always been told I have a certain/different look or being asked do I model, that it's something I should look up and get myself into. My mum also done some back when she was younger but it was my partner who had seen Mark Hamill's - yourself (New Faces) on Facebook, I gathered the courage and went for it!

What advice you give to any models that are looking to set a career goal inside or outside of Northern Ireland in today's saturated market?

My advice would be if you think or have thought but doubted yourself, just go for it, try! and give yourself a chance and if you like the experience then go for more.
 

Do you have any favourite shoots or themes you like to work in ?

I love being different but with working with different photographers when they have different ways and styles it's good to collaborate and the outcome is always great in seeing each photographers vision and how they create different images and art.

Would you say modelling has had a positive impact on your confidence ?

Yes! in more ways than one. I have never had much confidence but at shoots I always surprise myself which makes me grow more in confidence and enables me to put myself forward for more jobs.
 

What is the best way to ensure your safe and comfortable with various shoots ?

Usually I like to bring a chaperone not just to be safe but it does give me a boost of confidence, in today's digital world models must take personal safely serious, photographers should be researched and if possible a personal recommendation from another model friend always helps, this is both when working with male and female photographers.

Have you any ideas or themes your really looking to expand into or try ?

I just like being spontaneous, get a few ideas off social media speak with the photographers then let it flow in a theme which we both agree upon.
 

What is the best way to gain work and shoots from starting out to becoming confident ?

Social media is fantastic (Facebook - Instagram) networking sites that is purposely for models and photographers, put yourself out there and ask some questions about other sites, Purpleport is fantastic and group pages like Model Magic NI and Model Network NI (Facebook), the competition is tough but if you work on your portfolio on TFP and keep hungry for work then it will go your way.

Do you think TFP time for prints is a good direction to go in ?

Yes to begin with critical and to build up a good portfolio, it's unlikely a photographer will pay you for a shoot if he/she hasn't seen some form of professional images, being able to pose and hold stances comes with experience and the more experience you have the easier it becomes and more natural your shoots feel.

Would modelling be suited to family life ?

Yes as long as you have good support around you and you can travel to various locations, Northern Ireland isn't huge but some shoots have been out of my way.

Anything else you would like to add or advise for any aspiring models ?

My only advice would be is to go for it, believe in yourself, you never know where it will lead to. Don't do anything you aren't comfortable doing at a shoot. trust that confidence will grow and to always relax & have fun, when you've shot a few shoots open up a like page like my Tattooed Model page on Facebook or my PurplePort account and get networking!

Thanks a million Steph i'm sure folks reading this will take something from first hand information, again I would advise all models to do there research and practise or participate in as many shows or TFP shoots out there, some amazing talent in within Northern Ireland and great platforms come about for model on a regular basis.

Keep an eye out for more blogs from my site coming soon!

A previous shoot with the amazing Bob Given

Bob Given shooting cool shots again

A little nervous on my first shoot again with Mark Hamill Photography

Joanne Mackay was excellent to work with!

Another of Bobs

Great experience with Paul Frazer Photography in this shot!