The world of internet modeling can throw quite a bit at you, and the messages you're given span an impressive range. You're told (and shown!) about every physical imperfection on your body, and you're praised as though you're supernaturally beautiful. New models can expect to be hit with a slew of mixed messages about what genres they can, or can't, expect to have success in. At this point, I feel that I've established a pretty grounded and realistic view of myself, and of what genres I can shoot well.
I'm quite satisfied with my physical appearance, and the work that I do. I'm open and honest about the fact that I do not have the look of most models, and that I will never be a commercial or fashion model. So far as I can tell, I'm one of the very very few women in American society who doesn't have any major points of insecurity in regards to appearance. I certainly haven't always been so self-assured, but at this point, I am.
What I find fascinating is how people respond when I get an honest assessment of myself. When I say something like, "I really don't have the body type for glam work" (I mean, pit hair and A cups? C'mon.) or "I couldn't get signed by an agency if I tried" (I'm 5'2" and all the clear skin in the world won't change that), many act as though I'm criticizing myself. Neither of those are statements of insecurity. They are statements of fact. And they're facts that I'm okay with!
Again, I'm quite satisfied with my appearance. I also know that it is not an appearance with universal appeal. That's fine! I would much rather have an honest assessment of myself, know what I'm good at, and rock out at that, than spend an eternity pining for something different. And hey- on the rare occasion that a photographer does hire me to shoot fashion (or fashion nudes, as is more often the case), I'm happy to rock that out, too. But I have no illusions that any of those gigs will lead to the cover of Vogue. And that's just fine by me.
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On the other hand all those high end glam models will never have what you have. Must be a million of those "perfect" women out there but hard to find someone who has something a little different to offer. From the limited number of images I have seen of you, well you bring a certain magic to them that most don't. Keep doing what you do because you do it exceptionally well.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I surely do intend to continue.
ReplyDeleteBy the way- I think we should be able to work out the modeling time that I owe you sometime in May. I'll shoot you an e-mail soon.
You are quite beautiful and have a great portfolio. I might have to start painting the human body someday!
ReplyDeletePeace,
Todd
www.toddpurnick.com
Hey, Kari. Good for you, knowing your niche in the world of modeling, and being fine with it. It makes life a lot easier. From what I've seen, most models have unrealistic expectations.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if photographers give career advice to models. Even though I've been tempted to add a bit of "this is the way it is," to some of those lost models, I never have. I feel I would be over stepping my boundaries.
See ya.
Rob