photography Pure Emotions Photography
model Victoria Yore
hmua Makeup and Hair by Monique
wardrobe House Of Dali
What’s your background in modeling?
I started modeling for department stores when I was about three years old. Dance took over my life, but then I got back into modeling a year and a half ago because who doesn’t like to get their hair and makeup done, wear beautiful clothes and have their pictures taken?
What other modeling projects have you done?
I have done a variety of other modeling projects. Recently, I have been published by Dark Beauty Magazine, Whim Online Magazine and Lucy’s Magazine. I have also walked in Fashion Week Tampa Bay and Christian Fashion Week, two of the largest fashion shows in the Tampa Bay Area.
Do you have any other experience in the fashion industry?
Utilizing my marketing experience, I helped a local designer revamp her website by SEO optimizing the content and updating the descriptions of her designs.
What is fun and rewarding about modeling?
Modeling is fun and rewarding because I have been able to form unexpected bonds with people in the industry, from models and photographers, to event coordinators and designers. When I first started, I would sit backstage at shows and browse my phone. The more shows I did, the more I got to know my fellow models who have since become my friends. Instead of being bored for hours, sitting around backstage has become a time to spend time with my friends. The support we share is very rewarding. Many people think that models would be catty and unsupportive of each other. I have found the exact opposite from the Tampa Bay modeling community.
What do you dislike about modeling?
In a past interview, a fellow model said the worst part about modeling is trying to take out teased and styled hair after a show! I have to concur! But in all seriousness, modeling can be difficult, because although the industry has advanced, it is still stuck, for the most part, on a certain look height, body type, facial structure etc. I feel like limiting humans into these little categories is detrimental to the industry. It just takes a few major agencies and designers to step out of the box for good and provide a good example to the rest of the industry. Thankfully, change is afoot!
How do you prepare for a modeling shoot?
I prepare for a shoot by discussing inspiration and mood board images with the photographer/stylist etc. so that I can envision the direction in my head. On the day of the shoot, I pack a huge model bag with all the necessary things I am going to need for that specific shoot, shoes, accessories etc.
How would you describe working with the photographer?
Working with the photographer was fabulous! Alicia and I have been friends for over three years and have never done a fashion shoot together! We had always talked about it and certainly wanted to, but it just had not worked out until this shoot. This was my first time working with Alicia as a photographer, aside from a low-key couples shoot and it turned out fantastic! It is always difficult to predict the kind of chemistry a model will have with a new photographer, and not surprisingly Alicia and I had great chemistry and worked well together. In the planning stages of the shoot, she was the most visionary photographer I have ever worked with. In less than a week she had an entire concept planned, we had a designer contacted, she secured the VW busses for our shoot and we had nailed down a date. It was certainly a memorable experience.
How would you describe the photographer’s style?
I would describe Alicia’s photography style as bold, bright and beautiful. Although Alicia’s work is very versatile and she is able to shoot a vast array of styles, her ability to draw out bright and bold color from images is what makes her style noteworthy to me.
Who are some of your favorite fashion photographers?
Emily Soto stands out in my mind because I feel like I can connect with her style photography. I love the ethereal, whimsical and almost dark look to many of her shots!
In your opinion, what distinguishes a good model from a bad one?
Attitude distinguishes a good model from a bad one. A model may be NEW but that does not mean she is bad. New models with positive, kind and caring attitudes are better models than experienced models that are haughty, catty and think of themselves as “better” than others.
What distinguishes a good photograph from a bad one?
Lighting, posing, (if a model is involved) and post production editing all distinguish a good photograph from a bad one. I have seen some photographs where models are posed in very unflattering ways (the photographers fault) where the lighting is terrible, or where the photo could have been improved through post production editing. If I can take a better photo of a subject or landscape off my iPhone 6, I classify it as a bad photograph.
What are some things you dislike about the fashion industry?
As I mentioned above, I hate how the fashion industry is so closed minded. Although the industry is getting better, it continues to categorize people in little boxes. Who says shorter women and men can’t be stylish? This is what the fashion industry preaches by continuing to mandate height minimums for runway shows etc. I also dislike how photographers are often unwilling to work with new or different models. I see a few local photographers continue to work with the same three or four models time and time again. While it is nice to work with your friends, I feel like working with different models that may not fit your style will help photographers grow. Models should heed the same advice and diversify their portfolios as well.
How has modeling changed other aspects of your life?
Because of modeling, I am acutely aware of photography techniques even when done with a smartphone! I understand posing, lighting, and subject positioning extremely well because of my experiences in modeling. Now, when I take a smartphone photo of someone, I try to ensure that all of these different aspects align to make them look their best.
What was the premise for the shoot you did with the photographer?
Our shoot was born from Prolific Quarterly’s Spring theme which was whimsical/bohemian/70s. We definitely wanted to pay true homage to the 70's whimsical theme that the submission called for and we couldn't imagine anything more true to that era than good music, a comfortable atmosphere and stylish clothing.
What’s your favorite outfit in this set of photos?
My favorite outfit from this set of photos was the fuchsia psychedelic dress created specifically for this shoot by House of Dali. I feel like this design embodies 70’s high fashion bohemian!
What’s your favorite outfit from your own closet?
Wow! I have way too many clothes in my closet to choose just one favorite outfit! I don’t feel like I have a personal uniform but I love to wear tons of dresses during the warmer months because they allow me to be pretty without putting in much effort!
Describe the atmosphere when you’re on a shoot. Do you play music? Do you talk with the photographer between shots?
The atmosphere for shoots varies from photographer to photographer! I always talk with the photographer between shots, I can’t stay quiet for long, and I love to be silly during lighting tests by doing crazy poses or flashing a cheesy smile. I never play music, but sometimes photographers like to. Music makes it difficult for me to communicate with photographers, especially when they are far away because it is distracting and it makes it hard for me to hear. I try to avoid music, but if someone wants to play it I won’t complain! The atmosphere is very relaxed with most photographers that I work with.
Tell us about yourself: Why do you work as a model?
I love working as a model because I love to challenge myself! Modeling is a challenge to showcase different designs effectively through photographs and runway.
What are your goals as a model?
My goal as a model is to walk in a major fashion week New York Fashion Week!! I see myself progressing in this field by hard work and continuous improvement.
So tell us... How do you communicate with people?
Well, I can say I am able to communicate with people in a patient and friendly manner because of my background in teaching. As a teacher it is essential to be patient when instructing clients in different dances so that they are easily able to grasp the subject. Now as far as client requirements, I am pretty open with all ideas and concepts except ideas that involve full nudity.
What is your nutrition?
I am a vegetarian and have never eaten meat in my life. Recently, my mom brought up the concept of calories in, calories out and I have really taken it to heart. I don’t need to lose weight, but I have lost 10 lbs by focusing on healthier eating. In the past few months, I have started eating a salad with dinner at least six times a week. Instead of eating pasta with bread and one carrot for dinner, I will now have pasta and a salad, with no bread. I feel so much healthier now that I have started eating veggies more often, something I should have done long ago! I never go to the gym. I get my exercise in by walking, biking, swimming or being active. I hate working out but being active is totally different. I would much rather work out my upper body by kayaking than by lifting weights in a gym!
Anything else you’d like to say?
I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank Alicia for putting together this fabulous concept in less than a week. House of Dali for creating a design in half a day, Monique for transitioning my makeup and hair so flawlessly, and the VW Bus owners for taking time out of their busy schedule to be a part of our shoot!
Where can people follow your modeling career?
People can follow my modeling career on Facebook or Instagram [veejaywhy].
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