Michelle Mason is an Actress who just can't stop Modeling

Who said blondes are stupid? If you ever met our good friend Michelle Mason, you would rethink that statement. When we first met Michelle over a year ago, her looks floored us and her wisdom from that blonde head made us want more. She has modeled for Stella McCartney, Chloe, Anna Molonari, Greg Gorman, Andrew Southam. Michelle is in LA pursuing acting and we caught up with her during a rehearsal for a short film she's acting in...

When did you start Modeling?

When I was sixteen I was ridiculously petite and went to one of those modeling expos where there are a bunch of agents. I got some agents, and it kept going from there. I didn't really get out there to work until I was 18. School was always the priority, I never took time off. I wanted  to make sure to graduate college on time and get that done before getting too distracted by the industry.

Sacramento is your home town, right? Do you miss living up north? 

It is. I'm from Gold River, which is on the river (shockingly) nearer to Folsom than Sacramento. I miss the peace of Northern Cal, how close it is to the snow, the wakeboarding, kayaking, etc. Now when I go home I really appreciate how beautiful and peaceful it is, as well as the abundance outdoor activities.

Tell us something amazing that has happened through modeling and something awful you experienced or never expected about modeling. 

I have been bitten by a horse, attacked by (literally) hundreds of jellyfish, been creeped on by numerous clients, learned that some girls are most definitely prostitutes, and survived it all. I have seen alot of the world and met amazing people. I wouldn't change any of it, except I would have spent a year at NYU instead of a few months so I could have worked more in NY at that time in my life.

Tell us about acting in LA? How are the Fashion Industry and Hollywood different?

Fashion and Hollywood have alot of parallels, but at the end of the day are completely different animals. To me, modeling can be fun, but I look at it as a means to an end. I thought I would be done with it when I finished college, but the work keeps on coming. It's one of the only jobs that's flexible enough to allow me to travel for work and make it to all of my auditions. Fashion is about the clothes and not the person in them (unless it's kate moss or a celebrity endorsement). The entertainment industry is based on who you are and how you come across. I much prefer being valued for my personality and skill than for how well some garments hang off of me. I do admire those who work in fashion, the designers and everyone involved. It's a very difficult business and it takes a certain chutzpah (like acting does), to be able to succeed. I love clothes, love seeing collections early, and have learned alot from people I've worked with on how to style and mix up my own wardrobe. 

Tell us some books you refer too as a guide to what you live by.

The tao te ching, and all of Sylvia Boorstien's books on buddhist philosophy. They really help keep things in the right perspective.

Have you been with LA Models the whole time? Who are your bookers, runway and print?

I've had many agents over the years. In LA I was with LA for a few years, went to Next, then came back and have been back for two years. I am with Pam for print and Crista/Sara/Francis for runway.

SOMW loves Michelle and wish her success in her acting... and more in modeling. :)

No Sugar Coating with the gorgeous AliMarie Stepka

We met AliMarie Stepka last week and fell in love with the edgy girl who seems to know a lot at 19.  She is an international model having walked in Comme Des Gracons in Paris, shot for Elle Italia, and walked for Chanel in Sydney. When we sat down for lunch, we could sense that AliMarie tells it as it is so we thought it would be great opportunity to get some hard truths about the life of an international model. Caution: Some Secrets can be hard to take...

The unforeseeable unglamorous aspects of traveling all the time is that I have to completely rely on myself. All I have is myself and my two suitcases. I have to have such a hard head in this industry. I manage being independent and being away from home for as long as it takes to build my book (portfolio) in each city. I have to tolerate the critiques I receive from all the agencies, to fix my hair, body, etc. It takes a huge toll on me to be judged and under a microscope 24/7, and most of the time, I feel that I have no one to turn to. While I have my family, hearing the trials that I face takes a lot out of them and it is hard for them to understand the pressures I endure to maintain "perfection" in the agency's eyes. 

One hard lesson that I have learned is how tough the world can be. People will befriend you, love you, and leave just as quick as they came. I have found that staying detached from everyone is the only way to stay sane. I have to take care of myself and protect my heart, because no one else will. I don't have friends to turn to when things go wrong. I only have the temporary friends that I have made in my short time spent in each city. While I am an open person, I can't expect them to help me pick up the pieces of my life. I have to do it alone. While it all sounds cynical, it has made me a much stronger and more mature person than most people at my age (19). To experience things at such a young age, that most people won't experience in a life time, it makes all the troubles worth it. I love traveling and I really appreciate the opportunities that have been presented to me. Despite the loneliness, I truly love my job, and I hope to continue it for quite a few more years.

If you plan to be an international model, don't let anything slow you down. Don't let relationships get in the way of your dreams, and remember the girls that are traveling are all experiencing the same thing as you, and we're always happy to lend an ear. All we have is each other and our jobs, and if you love it, truly love it, then everything that you endure will be worth it. So keep your chin up, and work what you got, and hopefully it will all pay off in the end.

You can read more of how AliMarie Stepka breaks it down in her own blog with a great title:

Allison in Wonderland

Mother Agency: Rival Management

L.A. Models - Los Angeles

IMG - NY, Milan, Paris, London. 

Q&A with BRIAN HIGBEE, PHOTOGRAPHER

Brian Higbee is a Photographer from Rhode Island, with his cool sexy shots, we thought everyone should meet him. Here is a Q&A with him including a request from the SOMW Facebook Fanpage to get a Photographer's perspective of what to expect from a model. 



When did you move out to LA?
I moved out here in August 08 after putting graphic design aside for a sole career in photography. I put everything in storage back home and drove out here with my camera, laptop and clothes. It was the best decision I've ever made. 


How do you work when photographing and directing models? What do you expect of them?
A good connection between the model and photographer is key. I like to start off with a concept for the model to follow. From there I let everything happen organically and not over direct. Being a good model is knowing your body and what works best with the concept given... and bringin' it!

What agencies do you work with? 
I work mainly with Ford and LA Models at the moment. We have a great working relationship. They're always very helpful and of course have some amazing girls that are motivated to work.

Studio or location?
I tend to choose location over studio. I love mixing sunlight / strobe and I would rather be outside doing my job!


What inspires your imagery?
I'm inspired by everything around me and also draw a lot of ideas from my past. I grew up skateboarding, bmx racing and snowboarding. Most of the music I listened to growing up was NYC and Boston hardcore. That outlet allowed me a lot of creative freedom to do what I wanted. I come from an 11 year career in graphic design along with photography so I'm a very visual person. 

Tell us about any of the photos you're sending me.
Well I like finding cool locations that fit perfectly with the concept of the shoot. I'm a very laid back guy so the behind the scenes are easy going. I like working with a team that you'd hang with outside of work. It makes for a creative and productive shoot.


Check out his site for more work. 
http://www.brianhigbee.com/

PILATES with DINA MOURSI

Laura La Rue (Elite and L.A. Models) came to visit Dina Moursi's Adorable Home to do a private one on one session of pilates. Dina trained under Linda Taylor for both East Coast and West Coast styles of Pilates. This style of Pilates is movements and exercises to achieve idea musculoskeletal structure and balance; thereby alleviating many forms of back, knee, hip, shoulder and neck pain. 


The session takes place in the cutest house in the cutest neighborhood in Toluca Lake. (Don't roll your eyes at the Valley, it's worth the 7 minute drive from Hollywood and Highland.) 1 Hour One on One Pilates Session. Dina has ALL the pilates machines in the private studio in her luxurious house - The Cadillac and Reformer by Balanced Body, The Chair, all the Barrels, EVERYTHING in a full functioning studio. 


We are happy to be working with Dina Moursi and she has made specials for SOMW. 


For all SOMW Readers - $30 a lesson. 


And for all SOMW Members - $25 a lesson. 


Pilates with Dina Moursi
DinaMoursi@hotmail.com
310.409.3147

Tanisha Harper - World Class Appeal

We saw Tanisha Harper in some shots from an earlier post and we had to meet up with her for some coffee. This girl has done it all! Looking confidant and gorgeous, the Tokyo born belle walked in having just come from a casting for a runway show. This had been Tanisha's calling since being scouted out at 15. The biggest names she's  walked for are Oscar De la Renta and Ralph Lauren which doesn't hurt when being selected for Project Runway and the companion show Models of the Runway. She's also graced every other medium including billboards, campaigns, and movies too. InStyle, Vanity Fair, Bloomingdales, Nordstroms, Jaffra, MAC, L'Oreal, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Read this quote about her we found online:

"[Tanisha's] career began to take off after a shoot with famed photographer, Patrick Demarchelier for the Cosmopolitan Cover model search that brought about national media attention for Tanisha, and was heavily profiled by newspapers and news stations through out the country, including, Entertainment Tonight and an interview with Katie Couric on Today for NBC."

Tanisha has a Bachelors in Media Arts which is so important when branching out from just Photo Stills. It may be hard to book her, but you can find the bombshell with Steve at FORD LA for print and with L.A. Models for runway. 

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING MODELS:

"Always stay true to yourself and be professional. Don't worry about what other models are doing. Just stay focused on yourself and the goals you wish to achieve within your modeling career. You must have a thick skin for this industry and love yourself for who you are naturally. If you don't feel comfortable doing something. Don't do it. Never let anyone pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. Stay focused!"

Photographer - George Favios

Hair Artist - Sunnie Brook

Makeup Stylist - Bebe Booth

The Sassy Ways of SUWANA

If you are ever so lucky to meet this stunning model, be prepared for your cheeks to hurt. Suwana Perry is a firecracker with tons to say. But it's not fluff, she tells it how it is. Like when sleazy guys try to convince her that she needs to trust them and that they are good for her. Sorry sleaze balls, Suwana knows what she's doing, she's got this. But don't get it wrong, her heart is compassionate and true. Suwana's sweet sweet nature and sultry looks makes her a super strong model bringing freshness to every photo shoot. Just ask Tommy Hilfiger, SOMW Family Member Custo Barcelona, Essence, Honda, Colures Magazine, Glamour, Target, and the covers of 944 Magazine and Elle Girl! 

Suwana actually wanted to mention LA based designers Michael Costello, Johnny Sakalis (Project Runway S.6), Nick Verreos with Nikolaki (Project Runway S.7), and Ghia Fam. Suwana  says,

"They have been very amazing and great people to know throughout my career. What I love about them is as their careers have grown they are very loyal to the people that have been with them since the beginning of their careers. Their success makes my heart happy. Honestly, when I see anyone I know succeed it makes me so excited and happy because I know their struggles." 

That's how we feel and we want you to keep succeeding all over the place. 

Suwana with CLICK L.A. for Print and L.A. Models for Runway. 

*SOMW CHARITY WATCH*

Suwana volunteers for Hope 4 Children which helps Orphans with AIDS in Ethiopia. 

She is also talking with Reel Beauty, an organization based in Chicago that provides self-esteem workshops and counseling for young woman growing up. They are working to bring it out to LA. Best of luck!

http://www.hopeforchildrenus.org

http://www.reelbeautyinc.com/

LA Models' Sarah Tyer on Nutrition, Modeling, and SOMW.

If you follow the blog in our other cities, you would see that Sarah Tyer is very loved here at SOMW. She just moved from NYC and found her home with L.A. Models and is killing it here. (Today she is walking in a Nordstrom Show). Having shot with Bruce Weber for both Hollister and Abercrombie and Fitch is no surprise as she glows with her natural beauty in her photos. Other designers and jobs include Target, Rag and Bone, Lanvin, Monique Lulliher, Hayden Harnette, Elyse Overland, Chado Ralph Rucci, and Eli Tahari. Sarah is now officially part of the SOMW family and will be bringing us posts about nutrition and health which is a huge part of model's lives, especially in L.A.. Here's what she had to say about starting out modeling, nutrition, and her future...

"I never really considered modeling when I was growing up. I was very involved in sports and various activities, but never gave modeling a thought. It was suggestions by many family friends that "I should be a model" that made me look into it one day. After sending polaroids to agencies in New York with a positive response, I decided it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that everyone hasn't the chance to take advantage of. I have put college on hold for now to persue this career, but plan to continue my education as it is very important to me.

Healthy eating has never been something I have forced myslelf to practice. I remember one day in 7th grade when I decided I wanted to start bringing salads for lunch. I had changed and the rest was history! Since adopting my healthy eating habits, a whole healthy lifestyle has become a passion of mine. This is why I am so excited to learn new information and share it with others!"

Q&A with Laura La Rue

SOMW: So tell us about yourself. What is your name and where are you from?

LAURA: I am Laura La Rue. A lot of people ask if that is really my name, and yes, it is. I promise! I was born and raised in Thousand Oaks, California. Now, I live in Hollywood. I’ve been with Elite Model Management for print and LA Models for runway for about four years now. I love them both so much!

SOMW: What made you start modeling? 

LAURA: I never even thought about modeling until this one day when I was thirteen years old. I just woke up and decided to search “modeling” in Google. I stumbled across this website that scouts for models and started talking to the lady who ran it, Vanessa Helmer. She told me I had potential and set up a test shoot. Once we got the pictures back, she had me meet with a bunch of different agencies, here in LA, and right away, Elite signed me. It was one of the best days of my life! 

SOMW: (ok we get juicy now) What major choices have you had to juggle for your career? 

LAURA: I’m lucky I have such a supportive family because I wouldn’t have been able to do most of the stuff I’ve done without them. The first major choice that I had to make was when I was fifteen and my agents wanted me to go work in Asia. At this time, a lot was going on: my mom was in the middle of an ugly divorce, our dog had just died, and we had moved from a big house into a little apartment. My mom and I were both ready for this adventure and decided to take it. So, I worked in Osaka, Japan and Singapore for three months. It was a life changing experience that I will never forget and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

SOMW: So what has been the most memorable job you've had? 

LAURA: My first time working for David LaChapelle, without a doubt. I remember going on the casting for this job. I had shown my book to some girl, she took a few polaroids of me, and that was it. But, then as I was walking out, this man stops, looks at me and says, “You’re fucking beautiful.” I was very flattered and said, “Thank you! My name is Laura,” and he said back, “Hi, I’m David.” I nearly died. I played it cool though. I told him it was nice meeting him and walked out. Sure enough, my booker calls me that night and tells me I got the job. I was so excited!!! The job itself was absolutely incredible and I’ve never seen anything like it. I was working from 8 in the morning till 4:30 the next morning. The preparation for this was insane. Every thing had to be perfect. We didn’t start shooting till midnight! This was one of the most memorable, long, tiring, amazing days of my life. 

SOMW: Do you have any influences in the modeling world? What goes on in your head when you model? 

LAURA: The first model that I ever looked up to was Gemma Ward. I would study all of her photos and learn poses, faces, style, etc. I just thought she was the epitome of beauty and class. Now that I’ve been doing this for a little while, I don’t have to think much when I’m working. Before I start a shoot, I ask the photographer what they want, and then I’m good to go. In front of the lens, I become the person that they want. It’s like acting without speaking! 

SOMW: What are some misconceptions about your world that people outside the industry have?

LAURA: That the people IN the industry are mean! I mean, of course there are some that aren’t the sweetest, but it’s like that in every industry! Out of my four years of doing this, I’ve probably met ten mean people, at the most. Every body else has been super sweet, fun, and funny. Another thing that I love about these people is that they are all extremely hard workers and perfectionists. There’s nothing better than working with people who truly care about their job and the result of their work. 

SOMW: What are some of your dream brands you would want to work for? 

LAURA: There are so many companies that I want to work for! Urban Outfitters, Prada and Victorias Secret are the first three that come to mind. I always love flipping through Urban Outfitters catalogs. I think the photography is great. Prada is always extremely edgy and original, and those are my favorite kinds of shoots. Victorias Secret would just be a lot of fun, I think. Rolling around in the warm sand of a tropical island while wearing the hottest bikinis? Doesn’t get much better than that. 

SOMW: If an aspiring model without any friends was dropped in the middle of L.A, what advice would you give them? 

LAURA: I would make sure that they knew that there would be lots of rejection, but to not let it get them down. If you’re going to be a model, you MUST have self-esteem and confidence. There are tons of castings that you’ll go on and the clients won’t even want to look at you or they’ll see you for two seconds and immediately say, “Thank you. Bye now.” It’s extremely important to not take it personally and realize that it’s not the end of the world. Don’t let it take over your life. For me, modeling is one of the “roles” that I play in this world. I play it the best that I can without taking it too seriously, and make sure that I balance it out with every thing else in my life.

You can read more about Laura and details about her shoots with David Lachapelle at lauralarue.wordpress.com or follow her Twitter @Laura_La_Rue.

Josue Peña. - L.A. Photographer

If you are a new model needing shots to submit for agencies or developing at the agencies, do not pass up your chance to shoot with Josue Peña in his downtown LA studio. We stumbled across Josue's website a few years back and always admired his ability to photograph women looking their very best. He just finished doing a big shoot for an installation in a museum in San Francisco, but his work mostly consists of shooting test shoots for developing models at agencies like FORD, NEXT, L.A. MODELS, VISION, COPELAND TALENT and PINKERTON. He's also a stylist so his creativity is an endless well of different looks. Right now he loves shooting models Emily O Rata, Olivia Sylvan, and Emma Dumont from FORD and Erica Fletcher from NEXT. He says with a good model he's usually done getting the shot of one particular look between 10-20 exposures! We'll be back to check in on Josue and his fantastic work.