When people think of modelling, some may think it's for glamorous young ladies, who are perhaps underweight, on diets, are rich and overly confident. In today's society, whether we like it or not, looks are a big part of society. A 'perfect' self-image is constantly displayed through the media via television, magazines, social media sites, billboards, on well-known brands, the list goes on. Self-image is a big part of my life. I was never popular or a typical pretty girl in high school, but when I left I felt like my life had just begun. I focused on my grades and I didn't bother much on my appearance. As I grew into the woman I am today, a part of me changed, Facebook became a massive network and I found myself interested in fashion, celebrities and the media.
My best friend who I met in first school had taken Photography as one of her A-Levels, so when she started taking photographs and was involved in projects she came to me. Maybe one day I will post the first ever photos she took of me in a dress she made out of newspapers, wearing plastic beads, on a public park bench and a sleazy bus stop with natural lighting and a second-hand camera. But right now let's just leave that awful image to the imagination. I'd never regret doing this, in fact I'd thank her because this gave me practice. Although we both didn't know about how to model, we searched model poses or ones we had seen in magazines and would see how these poses would look on camera. My confidence grew after that and I got compliments because of the photos. I wanted to get into modelling because for once in my life I wanted to be noticed, I wanted to go somewhere in life and prove so many people wrong. I told my mum I wanted to get into modelling, and being the mum she was she didn't keep that quiet and went out of her way to try and pursue my impossible dream.
One day, she came into my room and told me she had started talking to an old friend in a pub, and of course she had spoken about how beautiful her daughters were and how I wanted to model, when her friend suggested a local agency, Sandra Reynolds. I googled the agency and contacted them with unprofessional pictures of myself and my statistics. As a way to choose who they sign, they invite a group of people to their office for a 5-look photoshoot, see how well they do and decide after this whether they want you. As a local agency, they asked for a fee to cover the costs of the photoshoot, you'd get a digital copy of the photos whether you got signed or not. A common scam in the industry is to never pay anything to an agency, so bare that in mind, but SR was not a scam.
I have always had trouble with shyness, nerves and anxiety, and I was very close to not turning up to my appointment. I got there, they were very welcoming and friendly and all the other young females were in the same position as me, they were very nervous too but this made me feel a little better. None of them had any experience, I said I hadn't either but I'd practice poses with my best friend. When we started shooting, I felt unexpectedly comfortable in front of the camera and followed direction well. I felt like I did well so this boost my confidence more.
In the end, they decided to sign me, and I have made the fee back I had paid plus more. However, it is not a big agency so I get a paid job once in a blue moon. I still love modelling, but as a hobby and part-time. There are a list of successful agencies in London who I have went with my portfolio but I have been unsuccessful. London is much stricter and you have to be a minimum of 5"8 (I'm 5"7), and they are always looking for different and unique looks. It is a VERY competitive industry, but never give up on your dream.
Here are a list of reputable agencies based in London. You don't need to have a portfolio or professional pictures just a plain background, no make up and simple, clear shots that show your features.
Models 1
Storm
Premier
Elite
Nevs
FM
My own portfolio: http://www.sandrareynolds.co.uk/models/alicia-watts
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