Model Me...

(Actually wrote on 17th November 2010 - Computer Malfunction!! Damn It...)

So I don't know If I've mentioned before but I live In a little town called Runcorn. Here Is one of many, lovely little descriptions of Runcorn, courtesy of the infamous Urban Dictionary, just to update anyone who didn't know this place existed (not many people do!)

"A town located in the north west of England, well known for it's large number of "chavs" and petty violence and crimes." -

Adam Gahan
(Surprisingly I don't know this person - v.small Town)

To be fair, even though 'urban dictionary' isn't the most reliable "dictionary" in the world, it is the most humorous and has most of the descriptions down to a T. Now I know this is my hometown and most people would be quick to defend a statement of such calibre but, that right there is probably the only way to describe this place from an outsiders point of view! I don't want to offend anybody but seriously, I actually agree with it to some extent - Put it this way, I couldn't live in a worse area for stimulating a creative mind - It's probably the most non-visual place on earth. Don't get me wrong it has it's 'interesting' places but nothing special in my eyes and certainly nothing which screams 'FASHION STUDENTS COME HERE FOR SOME INSPIRATION'.

Anyway, let me cut to the chase! When something big (or little - small town = gossip galore) happens, it is broad casted and everyone will know about it! Which is kind of good/bad for me as I like to do the unexpected of the stereotypical 'Runcornian' (Speaking of which I have actually met a fair few people doing really well for themselves lately) but I must say I am speaking on a stereotypical level at the minute because I don't really have enough reason not to for my liking, the majority of people here just seem to be settling for what they have rather than wanting to better themselves - I hate to see this, I know that there is under-lying talent here!

For example, my sister had a friend in school called Natalie - the same school I also attended - which actually wasn't in Runcorn but she has still lived here all her life. Growing up she was always just my sisters pretty friend to me, and like most girls, they kind of lost touch after college - Natalie went on to University (LJMU - Same as me) and my sister (now 27) went on to buy a house with her long-term partner and got a full time job, I'm sure she wont mind me saying this but I believe that it was such a waste of talent as she is a very bright young lady, but it's never to late and she is looking into this, so I let her off!

To my suprise Natalie actually studied fashion at degree level too, and now owns her own business 'Love Focks' which consists of made-to-measure dresses and also showcases a collection every season, with an array of fantastic designs made and designed by herself and all shows put-together by her own initiative - Seems to me that I was walking around with my head in the clouds before knowing this, somewhat thinking I was better than everyone else for making the 'unusual' decision of going off to Uni to study fashion because In my mind, that type of stuff only happened on TV or in London - and I wanted a piece of that 'stand-out status' for doing something I love right here, apparently I had been beaten to it, and honestly I am really happy for her! She has really flown the flag and maybe drawn a faint line through that stereotypical mind-set I had of most Runcorn Girls. But I still talent like this being shown. 



The 'Love Frocks' Logo - Simple but effective :)

 In my second year of Uni I actually done some work-experience at one of her Fashion Shows, but I was PR'ing for the make-up artist she used - I re-acquainted with Natalie at this show and located her on 'Facebook' to find that she had also been doing a bit of modelling aswel as running a successful business - 'My Sisters Pretty School Friend' all of a sudden became everything I've ever wanted to be. I didn't know this type of success came out of Runcorn to be frank, before I knew all this I was obviously being very ignorant to the fact that, success can come from anyone, no matter where they come from - now I never look at myself as the 'small town girl with a big dream' I just go at those dreams with a complete open mind.

I briefly mentioned before that bad/good news travels fast around here and Natalie gets a lot of media coverage from out local newspapers. This is great for her business as she is actually one of the only people around here, at the minute ;) doing so well in a fashion based career - She is almost like mini-celeb (already pictured on Vogue Online and had soap stars wearing her unique designs) so it is widely broad casted when she does a show, attends an event etc - I think it is fabulous to have the press behind you for so many reasons but me being me and for someone dreaming of being a big success I really am too modest, I'm almost quite shy when it comes to people knowing my business - I feel like a 'bragger' if I do something good and people get an ear full of it, strange - I know but In the last year i have gradually come to terms with the fact that I need this in my life if I ever want to be known - also if I want Runcorn to be known for something other than "chavs" and petty violence and crimes."

So yes, the only way of conquering my modesty was to get myself in the local newspapers for various events this year ;)




Publicity - Miss Runcorn Galaxy 2010 -
Beauty Pageant - Feb 28th '10

 On the 12th Nov I worked at a 'Love Frocks' Fashion Show for the second year now. Only this time I was one of the Models :) Like Natalie I too have always dabbled in the world of modelling - More so since being at Uni and working at Shows - It has made me more eager to get on stage - rather than be hiding out backstage. The way I see It is that, it is experience all around! It is just something that has always interested me from a young age. I have been with many talent agencies but they all seem to be very disheartening at times and always seem to give me a bit of a knock in confidence as they do not bring the amount of work in which I hope for, although I have managed to gain a lot of TV extra work through my current agency which I really enjoy - even though I didn't tell many people when I was going to be on TV for the first time (my modesty still gets the best of me sometimes) I enjoyed people asking me "Did I really see you on TV last night" It can sometimes give a really good buzz to keep things to yourself.  

I really enjoyed modelling at the 'Love Frocks' show last week - my favourite part of modelling - besides the actual show, has to be getting my hair and make-up done! I am a real girls girl when It comes to being pampered so I see it as a real enjoyment, which is nice for the Make-Up artist I think too. Eyes are a big thing for me at the minute, I am obsessed with Twiggy-Esq lashes with bold colour and liner so I was in my elements. The hair also went down a treat with me...BIG BOUFFANTS :) and lots of curls!!



*Me* 

Pre-Lashes & Hair



Lomography

My Cali - Using IPhone 4 - Hipstamatic Camera AP

Advertised in Harpers Bazaar Oct '10 - The Best Spent £1.19

Impressed with the detail picked up on the close up.

At the minute I am sourcing a new camera which I can use for one of my photo shoots for my Uni project. The shoot is based around Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll - 1960's style. Sort of like, documentary style images of a Rock 'n' Roll musician but not by using models, It's all about location, detail and being very metaphorical, well that is the outcome I am hoping for :) - Watch This Space!

I have found a really good site through my many hours of browsing the web: Click Me, Which stocks lots of retro, old school cameras(not originals) which require film. I have found some sites which sell original 1950s-1980s cameras, which I would love to purchase but at the moment i can't afford the hit-or-miss experimenting, I want something I know is going to work. I am quite excited over this as I would like to experiment with a bit of film processing myself, not like when I was younger an would just hand my snap and go over to the nice, Max Spielmanns lady in a skirt-suit, go back the next day and VIOLA...a little deck of flicks for me to browse at (mainly of fingers covering the lense! - Mum + holiday camera = very unique photo album)

So anyway I have never tried processing my own film, I have seen it on TV and always thought it looks fun but living In a digital era that is 2010, I tend to let computers, memory cards and printers do all the hard work for me, and don't get me wrong I love the fact things can be as quick and easy as 1, 2, 3 but being in my last year of Uni now, it would be so good to know how to develop my own film roll before I leave, or at least have a go at it :\ 

If I do have a go at this, and all goes a little unexpected, I can always use technology In the aftermath - Scanning the images into photoshop and having a dabble with them could  potentially create something really original. Hopefully I won't have to though as I am going to buy some different types of films which will hopefully give me the right effect I am going for - I'm seeing, black and white, sepia tones, grungy grain lines...Excited,  much! can you tell!? 

Now back to the camera situation, as this is a main priority if I even want to attempt my little project! I have a few favourites from the Lomography website, but have also found a few I like on the Urban Outfitter website - amazing place! I know these cameras arn't exactly the best quality out there, but that is what I am looking for, something with a bit of an edge and not to perfect. So here is my Pick of the bunch which I wanna have more of a look into, and get some feedback off people who already have them hopefully...