NEW TO THE BIZ

By Stephanie Weston

Since I was very young many people told me I should take up modelling. I brushed it off for years and focused on my studies at University. In the summer of 2010 I got curious and started to do some agency shopping and shortly after I signed with ICON Model Management in Toronto. I was assigned to my first shoot through the agency for my comp cards and I have been hooked ever since. I have shot with over 20 different photographers and each photographer has contributed something different to my portfolio.

It has been very exciting setting up shoots and coming up with photo ideas. Some photo ideas develop by looking at other photos and some just come to mind sporadically. One thing I have learned with modelling is that some of the best shots come from no planning. It's just simply the photographer capturing you at the right moment in time. These shots are rare captures, but the results are very rewarding.

There are many new things that happen when you shoot such as:

1. Confidence: Stepping in front of the camera develops confidence. This can be transferable to other aspects of life and although it can take a while to adjust to seeing oneself in a different light, in the end, it's a great experience.

2. People. You meet some great people and develop lasting friendships. Contrary to popular belief, most of the people I have met in this business have been nice. However, it's not unusual to come across a bad seed from time to time. In these situations, it's just best to brush it off and proceed to the next photographer.

3. Heels: I never owned a pair of heels until about 7 months ago. With a bit of practice I became a pro. However, I will admit, I most definitely have a new appreciation for my sneakers.

4. Makeup: My first piece of makeup was purchased when I started modelling. After some tips from makeup artists, observation and practice I am proud to say I have slowly learned to apply my own makeup.

5. Planning: It is important, to an extent, when you shoot, but sometimes things do not go as planned. Poor weather, missing makeup bags, lack of electrical outlets for hair appliances, getting lost on the way to shoots, or forgetting that oh so important piece of jewellery at home that would have made the shot priceless.

Photo by Duncan Thorn Photography

6. Vocabulary: New phrases and terms that you get acquainted with and that become old very quickly:

 - Hot
 - Babe
 - Sexy
 - Just joking, I would shoot you regardless.

Memorable Moments

First Shoot

I was assigned my first shoot through my agency for my comp cards. It was interesting seeing females from all parts of Canada getting their photos done. I was lucky enough that I only had to travel one hour to the studio. After stepping in front of the camera for the first time, I realized I really had no idea how to pose. I was assured afterwords it would come with practice and it has. A couple weeks after the first shoot I met with my agent to look at the shots from my first shoot. As we went through the photos they progressively got better towards the end. I almost didn’t even recognize myself and neither did my own mother.

First Fashion Show

In the Fall of 2010, I had the privilege of doing a fashion show in a Toronto night club. At this point, I had not learned how to walk in heels so I was really worried that I would fall in front of everybody. It was nothing short of a huge relief when we ended up walking across a couch with no shoes on. I met some great models at the event and overall, it was a fun time.

First Workshop

Workshop in Hamilton

I was excited when I was chosen to model for a workshop in Toronto. Full hair and makeup was provided and a stylist was on hand at the event. There were different backdrops set up for two very different photo concepts. There were about 8 different photographers present who got to shoot each model for 3-4 minutes at each venue. Not only did I get some nice shots but it was a great way to network with other photographers and models.

First Music Video

I was lucky enough to get to be in a music video that was shot in a Toronto night club. It was very interesting to see all the factors that are involved in making a video. Lighting, location, models and background settings all played an important role in the final product.

First Magazine Publication

Although I'm still patiently waiting its release, the process of a magazine shoot is fun. Myself, and some other photographers and models all gathered at a studio in Toronto. We got to wear very interesting jewellery and wardrobe and shot a couple different ideas. Good times indeed.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, I enjoy shooting. I plan to continue to shoot as time permits. I also can not wait to work with some of the best of the best to get some amazing photos. I don't plan on getting famous or rich from modelling, I just simply have a fun time shooting. I mean if worse comes to worse, I am grateful that I have shot with some wedding photographers so there is a great possibility I will get my wedding photos at a discount!

Until next time, see you all on the other side of the lens.

Stephanie

ABOUT

Stephanie is a Canadian fashion model based in Toronto. She is signed with ICON Model Management.

Height: 6'0"

Measurements: 34"-27"-34"

Dress: 2

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Website: Stephanie Weston

Agency: ICON Model Management 

______________________________________________________________

If you would like to hear more from Stephanie, please leave a comment below!