~Ansel Adams
Bear with me for a moment as I take a quick trip down memory lane to when I was ahem "younger" and looking through magazines to see the latest fashions. While I was always mesmerized by the clothing and amazed by the talent that the designers displayed, I couldn't help but notice that it was also the model(s) who helped bring life to the clothes. With every design that I sketch, I'm always imagining how I would want the layout to be in a magazine. I'm always thinking of the story I want to tell that not only highlilghts why someone should purchase my clothing, but that they are able to appreciate the details. Part of that story involves making sure that the model can convey in pictures what cannot be conveyed in words.
On Sunday, March 14th, I had the chance to help designers tell their story when I stepped into the role as model with Diallo Ferguson serving as the photographer. Although I had been told before that I should model or was often assumed to be one when I was at a fashion event, modeling was something that I just avoided and admired from afar. But since I've been on the path of trying new things and not letting my own fears stop me, I figured it was time to give it a try.
Despite a few setbacks such as the high wind, constant rain, change in location the day of the shoot and the task of trying to make everyone happy, my first photoshoot was fun. Out of all the models that were there, I was a newbie. Keeping that in mind, I took time to talk to the other models and hear about things they've done and any tips they had to offer. We all had a chance to bond given that we were all housed in a public bathroom changing, doing each other's hair and makeup and sharing beauty products back and forth. It was like getting ready for the prom, with a little more lifting, tucking and modesty thrown out the window.
While in our makeshift dressing room, jewelry designer Kendall V. Bretto, CEO of Chandler Jewelry, came in to handpick models that would be wearing her custom made one of a kind jewelry. I've seen her work in some recent runway shows and was honored when she chose me to model some of her pieces. As a special thank you for modeling her jewelry, she presented me with a custom ring that she made on the day of the shoot. I will post that when I'm done sketching the dress that it inspired.
For my next look, stylist Janeen Williams of Contrast is Key, assembled a fashion forward outfit with clothing and accessories provided by MOD Boston. This shot required me to loosen up a bit and really play it up for the camera. Luckily music was playing in the background and with a little help from the song "Stanky Leg', I was able to let loose and make it work.
As the day went on, I was able to find my groove and feel more comfortable creating my own poses for the camera while also taking direction from Diallo and Janeen. Whether I was draped across a couch trying to make sure that I highlighted the jewelry and shoes that I was wearing, or sitting on a piano bench, the poses started to feel more natural and I was always happy to hear when Janeen thought a shot was hot.
One of the best shots of the day came from something so unexpected that it at first had me questioning Diallo. I was getting ready to leave and had put back on my rain gear which consisted of thermals, a pink sweatsuit and boots. I had neatly tucked my hair into my hooded sweatshirt and buttoned myself up hoping to keep out as much rain as possible. After a quick hug and high-five for doing a great job, I was turning to leave when Diallo and another model thought that taking a picture of me from the neck up would look like a high fashion pose. I thought they were kidding and was grabbing my umbrella when they insisted that I let him take the shot. After a few different poses, Diallo let me see the pictures and I must say that I was impressed. Who knew that something so simple could be turned into something that makes you say "wow". Lesson learned...that's why he's the photographer :-).
Overall, my first photoshoot was great. Yes, there were moments where tensions got a little high and people had to walk away while biting their tongue. That's bound to happen when you have creative people trying to work together to complete a vision. With that said, I met a lot of new people that are now Facebook friends as well as people I hadn't seen in a long time and was able to reconnect with.
With each new venture I get involved with, I learn how important it is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. It's easy to live in the world of "someday" and "now isn't the time". But living in those worlds keeps you stagnant while the worlds of "why not today" and "right now" continue to not only revolve around you, but without you. I have a lot of new projects coming up and although it will require me to learn the art of balancing family and work more than I ever had to do, I welcome the challenge since I always welcome the reward.
Sincerely,
Ebony
"Conquering the world, one stylish step at a time"
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