What not to think.

Alternative Modelling

I had planned today to help a friend out and their band by participating in a video shoot for their first video. I've been looking forward to this for weeks but, unfortunately, the flamin' snow has stopped me in my tracks. Again.

You see, I'm a Model. An 'Alternative' Model. To be fair, there are not many 'alternative' females today that aren't. Everyone has dabbled in it here and there. But I've been published (shameless self-promotion there, sorry!)!

I guess I should explain, for those maybe not as in-the-know, what Alternative Modelling actually is. It's pretty much just modelling...but outside of the 'usual' public image of models/modelling. It's a branch of the modelling industry that doesn't conform to the main-stream 'ideals' of beauty. Celebrating diversity in style, colour, size and orientation.

When I was in my later teens I discovered Alternative Models. Mainly via the internet but also as my interests leaned toward the more alternative lifestyle, I was drawn to more alternative magazines. Bizarre magazine is a shining example (I myself have appeared in this magazine on various occasions and in their Body Art 3 Book!). As I saw more, the more I wanted to be part of it. I'd been following a particular Photographers work through Myspace and DeviantArt, PhotosWithAttitude. His photos were colourful, explosive and, well, full of Attitude! The models he worked with were just the same.

I finally got the chance to work with him when I moved down to Buckinghamshire. I answered a MySpace bulletin of his requesting models for a particular project.

The rest, they say, is history! From that shoot I requested and was requested to work with other models and for publications. I've been doing it ever since...

But not all is a happy ending, I'm afraid.

Tell me, what do you think, today, when you read the words Alternative Model?

More and more Alternative Modelling is associated with porn. The majority of Alternative Models and Alternative Photographers are drawn to this side of the industry.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not judging anyone on what they choose to do. Not one little bit.

I myself have in my portfolio Artistic Nude shots (strictly semi nude. Never full). These are all on my terms and I am comfortable with my body, my artistic ability and my photographer. But I would loathe to think that because of these, I am thought to be inclined to want to do Pornography.

More and more I find I am offered jobs that I would never even think of doing. Girl-on-Girl, sets for Alt. Porn sites such as Burning Angel and Dangerous Dolls.

I suppose I only have myself to blame. I associate myself with an industry that not many people know about in depth. Just like normal modelling, there are many different types of Alternative Modelling. Fashion, Glamour, Fetish, Lingerie, Artistic Nude, all the way up to Porn (or should that be Down...?)

It is increasingly difficult to sift through the offers of jobs for something to my specification.

Now, I'm not tarnishing the whole industry of Alternative Modelling. I've met some amazing and life-long friends through modelling, I've had some incredible opportunities(modelling for Vogue UK!) and flourished as a person, my confidence has soared! I'm just disgruntled that everything great always seems to end up ruined in some way or other. I now see in other peoples minds what Alternative Models are...Porn Stars. Red/Blue/Pink/Purple/Black haired, tattooed, pierced sirens only more than willing to get their kit off and give you a right good seeing to (someone else's words...NOT mine!).

I've had people assuming I'm something I'm not. You want an example or two? Okay;

My sister and I used to frequent The World's End pub in Camden, London. Every other Friday we'd go get lunch and then down a few in the grand ol' pub of Camden Town. We'd always have a rip-roaring time. On more than one occasion we would be joined by others in conversation and merriment. One such time I happened to be recognised as being a Model in Bizarre. I was flattered and, when pressed, told of my modelling adventures to all keen ears. As it was my round (for my sister and I...I never buy these people drinks!) I swaggered to the bar only to be joined by a hand up my skirt-

"Hello? What the f-"

I slap his hand away,

"Excuse me, what are you doing?"

It was one of them fella's who'd joined us over yonder at the table.

"What's wrong baybeh?(ugh cheese)?"

A shit-eating grin followed,

"What's wrong is you have your hand on my arse"

Shit-eating grin still in occupation of his stupefied face,

"C'mon, you're an Ultra Vixen! Always up for a bit of slap-n-tickle."

What. A. Douche.

You see what I'm saying? I suppose you could turn it around and say,

"Well if you don't want that label, if you can't hack the stigma then don't get in the game."

Okay, you might be right but you shouldn't be. I shouldn't stop doing something I LOVEbecause of a few...nay, unfortunately, ALOT...of tackle-happy pigs.

I've worked with all sorts of models & photographers, I've been in Fashion Shows, Catwalks, I've been published in magazines, webzines, websites, books and posters.

I'm a Model. Not a whore.

to be continued...