What is the first thing that comes into your mind when
you hear the word “Model”?
Well, others have positive reactions when they hear that you are working as a “MODEL”. But most people think lowly of models. Why is that? It is because a lot of
people think female models are just women who use their good looks and body to
earn money. Thinking these women are incapable of doing anything else aside
from posing in front of the camera. Easy money huh? No it isn’t. I am now
writing this because a lot of people requested for me to write things about
models, something that not everyone is aware of. Also, they asked if I could
write about some models I know personally. I want to open the minds of the
people that models are not “BRAINLESS B*TCHES” and should not be thought of
that way. I, myself, work as a freelance
model. Being new in the industry, I do not consider myself as a PROFESSIONAL
freelance model yet. But, in my first year of working as a model, I have made
some discoveries about the industry of modeling and the models themselves.
First, let us
talk about why most models choose to be a freelance model rather that being a
contract model or belonging to a certain agency. It is simply because when you
are a freelancer, you have the freedom to choose which offer to accept or
turn down. You don’t have any manager/handler who usually dictates what you
should and should not do. You manage your own time and schedule, that’s why it
is called “FREE” –lance. Unlike when you
have a contract with an agency, you are not allowed to make any decision
on your own. You’re required to consult everything with your manager/handler
before deciding on anything that is related to work. You handler usually
controls you HAHA! (Well , it actually depends on what your agreement was with
your agency but it’s like that most of the time)
But of course, there is also a downside to being a
freelance model like, you usually have no stable source of income. There is no
sure project for you and you’ll have to look and wait for offers such as photoshoots,
carshows, ramp, go-see etc.
Below are pictures of two professional freelance models I
know personally. Mika Umali (my older sister) and Yassi Benitez. Both are
beautiful, both professionals, both freelancers, both intelligent and both of them have a reputation to take
care of.
MIKA UMALI
YASSI BENITEZ
Mika and Yassi work in the same industry, the modeling industry. But they both have their own styles or “image”. Yassi is known as a very daring woman. The way she projects herself in photos is very seductive. She was also featured in FHM’s April issue. She’s naturally sexy . But does she deserve to be disrespected just because she posts photos of herself in bikinis? NO. She is sticking to what she’s known for, and that’s being daring and sexy. That's her way of expressing herself. But that doesn’t mean that she can’t do anything else aside from posing sexily in front of the camera. The Yassi I know is a strong, independent, street-smart and educated woman. She’s the type of woman who chooses her friends wisely. She is very frank and her frankness only shows that she is brave enough to tell people whether she likes him or not. This woman has a strong personality. She stands up for herself. Hindi niya ugali ang makipag-PLASTIKAN. The people who know her are aware of her being “palaban” which is why they usually get intimidated by her. She may be a sexy babe, but trust me, she’s one sexy babe you won’t want to mess with.
Yassi Benitez
Mika, on the other hand, is far different from Yassi, which
may be the reason why they’re good friends. They compliment each other. They’re
opposites that’s why it is pointless to compare these two. On her modeling career, Mika chooses to be
flexible. She doesn’t want to be known for just a certain genre. She wants to
express herself in different ways. Her photoshoots with different
photographers vary in concept. She may sometimes look like an innocent little
girl in photos, she is fit for a high-fashion concept and sometimes implied
sexy. Many people give her comments like “Is this all you know? Modelling? Aren’t
you capable of doing anything else?”. Here is what I have to say. Mika Umali
became a model because this is what she wants to do. Ever since we were little
girls, she always dreamed of becoming a model. And look where she is now. She
worked hard to get this far and deserves what she has right now. She chose to
be a model not because she is incapable of doing anything else, but because
this is what she wants. And aside from modeling, Mika is also a talented singer
and can dance. I’m telling you, this girl’s got some moves! She is also a
make-up artist and graduated from highschool as a valedictorian. Who told you
beauty and brains can’t go together? Mika is a gentle person and is very
GIRLY. And unlike Yassi, she doesn’t fight back
when someone disrespects her. She just keeps quiet and as much as possible,
tries to avoid getting into an argument. She also hates confrontations, it
stresses her. She just wants everything to always be peaceful.
Mika Umali
These two gorgeous
ladies are very passionate with their jobs as models, they are hard-working and
morally educated. Just like other image models, they do not deserve to be
disrespected.
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Just so you guys know, being a model is not easy. Most
people think “If you want easy money, then be a model.” Nope. It ain’t that
easy. Once you enter modeling, you’ll
have to work harder to protect your reputation, you’ll have haters, critics,
potential stalkers and threats. You’ll have to be prepared to deal with the
consequences once you decide to enter the industry. You will hear people hate
on you and criticize you. It may hurt for a while but instead of letting their
words bring you down, use their words as stepping stones to success. Take them
as constructive criticisms. In photoshoots, you will encounter and work with
different people with different attitudes. Some may be friendly and nice, some
may be rude and some may be perverts. It’s up to you on how you will deal with
those people. But always remember to always be professional in handling any
situation.
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When people are taking photographs of you, be sure to
wear different facial expressions. Be expressive. Photographers love it when
you are able to give them different expressions. Aside from your face, your
body and your hands should also move. Be sure to be comfortable with the poses
you do. Your movements should be graceful. Be conscious of how you’ll look like
in the photo but be sure not to look awkward and stiff. Sometimes you’ll have
to watch out for double-chin, angle your legs to make them look slimmer and
tuck your tummy in to give them that typical model look. But it actually
depends on your photographer, sometimes they suggest poses they think will look
great on you.
In open-photoshoots, a lot of people will be taking photos of you
kaya mahirap dahil kadalasan mauubusan ka ng pose. Mahirap din kapag outdoor
ang photoshoot niyo lalo na kapag mainit. Mabababad ka sa iilalim ng init ng
araw at hindi ka pwede magreklamo dahil trabaho yun. Well some models do
complain, pero asahan mong kakalat na yan sa ibang photographers and models na “Si
ano reklamadora sa shoot. Si ganto may attitude. Si ganyan maarte”. Kaya it's best to just keep quiet or you could just ask the photographers properly if you can rest for a while.
I haven’t tried modeling
for carshows yet but I know some who do. People don’t understand why models get
tired after modeling in carshows. Here’s the thing. Models stand with their
high heels on for hours. It’s their job. They should smile all the time for
several hours and take pictures with anybody who wants to take photos with them
or of them. May mga manyak pa na mag-nininja moves. Most of them do these things
but do not complain because again, it’s their job as models. If you think it’s
so easy being a model, well think again.
(Mai Moldero, Mika Umali, Alyssa Lagahino, Yassi Benitez)
These are just
SOME things I wanted to share with you about some models. This is not everything
yet. I just wanted you to guys to know that models don’t get money easily. They
work hard for it. (Well not all) Also, not all models are proud, conceited,
pathetic and brainless. I know a lot who still keep their feet on the ground
and are educated. If ever you come across with a “DIVA” or model with an “ATTITUDE”,
please do not generalize models as being all the same, because we’re not.
