HAPPY FRIDAY: LET’S REFLECT…

Happy Friday…

It’s always good to reflect upon what you’ve been doing with your time

Here’s what we’ve been getting up to over the past week…

info@ukmodelfolios.co.uk for more info!

50′s Vogue Inspired Shoot With Miss England 2011

We loved the UK February 2012 Vogue so much that we decided to recreate itself using the stunning Miss England 2011 Alize Mounter as our model

Make-up by J’adore Make-Up

Photography and Production by UK Model Folios

UK Model Folios, Miss London and Karen Karmody Collaboration

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Thanks to GaetanoAdinolfi, our fabulous Italian Agent, UK Model Folios are flying high in Italian press.

Check out our images photographed by celebrity photographer and UK Model Folios‘ prize possession, Alan Strutt of Rissikat Bade in stunning Karen Karmody (official designer for Miss England, Miss World’s dresses this year) featured on Zimbio

Read the article here and for more info on booking Alan Strutt please contact us 

EM MAGAZINE

Check out our latest shoots in this months issue of EM magazine. It was an absolute pleasure working with Angie Sinclair and Kayleigh Hewitt – we can definitely see why they’ve done so well in the modelling industry! We just love them both! So, without further ado we give you our latest work in EM magazine…

Don’t forget we’re always helping and working with new and aspiring models. We have excellent contacts in the industry and our aim is to help you not only receive the best service but to enhance your career in the modelling industry. For more information on how to book a shoot with us then please don’t hesitate to email us: info@ukmodelfolios.co.uk

EMMA NICHOLL’S: MY FIRST SHOOT!

Like lots of young women, Emma Nicholl’s was really keen to book a portfolio shoot for herself but didn’t feel quite confident enough nor did she know which portfolio agency to turn too. However, after seeing some updates on our UKMF Twitter and Facebook pages Emma decided to bite the bullet and email us for more information – loving what she heard she decided to go for it and book a shoot with our fabulous photographer Damien Morley. Read her interview with us below to find out all about her first ever professional photoshoot and just what she thought of UK Model Folios…

Name: Emma Louise Nicholls

Profession: Dancer and Qualified NVQ Level2 HairDresser

Birthday: May 28th 1991

Facebook Fanpage: www.facebook.com/EmmaLNichollsx

Twitter: www.twitter.com/EmmaLNichollsx

Hi Emma! How are you today?

I’m very good, thank you

How did you come across UK Model Folios?

I come across UK Model Folios through their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Which photographer did you choose and why?

At first I couldn’t decide which photographer that I wanted to shoot with (they’re all so good!) but after looking at some of their work I felt that Damien Morley had the edge and the kind of creative signature that I wanted to use to create my portfolio.

How easy was it to book a shoot with UK Model Folios?

I found it very easy. Once I filled out the form on their website it all come together really quickly! I found the service very professional and everyone was so friendly and helpful.

Did you find the UK Model Folios team friendly and approachable?

Yes! I found everyone lovely and really felt like the UK Model Folios team wanted to help you out with their professional backgrounds and amazing work.

What were your main reasons for wanting some professional photos taken?

The reason that I approached UK Model Folios and wanted to have some professional photos done was because its something that I have been wanting to do for ages now. I really wanted to have the experience and also put myself out there and maybe try out modelling for myself.

What was your favourite thing about your shoot with Damien Morley and why?

Ohh now this is hard because I found the whole day just an amazing experience but, if I had to choose then I  would definitely say it was the shoot itself as it was such good fun and a real laugh over all. Also it was nice to be the centre of attention for the day and to be treated so nicely. I really hope to have many more opportunities like this in the future.

Why would you recommend UK Model Folios to other aspiring models?

I would recommend UK Model Folios to everyone because the company is so safe and reliable. Also because it’s extremely professional and you know you’ll get exactly what you want out of the experience.

What was included in your package with UKMF?

The package I chose was a shoot with Damien Morley to include a hair and make-up artist and five retouched images.

What attracted you to this specific package?

I think it was worth its money and was an excellent price overall for what I wanted out of the day.

Which was your favourite outfit and why?

This is a hard one because I loved all of the outfits! However, if I had to choose one then my favourite outfit would have to be the lingerie sets as I felt really confident in myself, not only that but I felt really laid back and bearing in mind that this was something that I’d never ever done before I was pleasantly surprised! I felt very sexy in myself and felt more confident with less on!

Why do you feel that you got excellent value for money?

I found UK Model Folios excellent value for money as the whole experience is definitely worth your while and you know that you’re not wasting your time or money.

Why will you be coming back to UK Model Folios when you need your portfolio updated?

I will definitely be coming back because it was all I could ask for and more to create my first professional portfolio and the pictures were just amazing, I’m just so pleased with it all.

Lastly, why do you feel it’s important for young women like yourself to have a reliable portfolio agency like UK Model Folios?

I feel its it important to have reliable agency to help young women like myself because the UK Model Folios team listen to you and make sure that you get exactly what you want for your money. Also UK Model Folios are extremely professional and want the best for you unlike other companies who may exploit you for money.

MELISSA REEVES: OUR PAGEANT QUEEN

Pageants are a grey-area of modelling- are they useful or not?

After a debate UKMF say, “yes” although, in our opinion there are some pageants which do extort money from its contestants with no beneficial outcome and as a result give other reputable contests a bad name. On the other hand, pageants do encourage you to integrate with fellow contestants and make friends, which in turn can boost your personal confidence- something crucial if you want to stand out and be a success. Ultimately, if you want to use a pageant to gain exposure in the show biz industry then ensure the pageants you enter show signs of being able to help with this. How? Well, you can always email us direct for our opinion and guidance info@ukmodelfolios.co.uk or take a look at our check list below:

• Do you have to pay money to enter the pageant?

• Check out the sponsors of the competition. Recognised sponsors means a recognisable and respected pageant.

• Google the pageant and read forums/ feedback. Guaranteed if people have had bad experiences then you’ll hear about it

• Check out press on the pageant. What sort of exposure has it received?

• What actual benefits has the pageant given to the contestants?

• What are the prizes?

• Liaise with point of contacts from the pageants and evaluate their response. Are they kind? Helpful?

UKMF do work alongside beauty pageants, the number one being Miss England.

Last year our star photographer, Alan Strutt and Director Fay Bacon judged the final of Miss England and the final heat of Miss Every Model to discover Kayleigh Hewitt. Both have been invited back as judges this year and due to the pageants huge success, Every Model Magazine has launched Mini Every Model (for children) and Mr Every Model, both of which Fay will be on the panel for too. Former winner of Miss Every Model, Lance Corporal Kat Hodge went on to become Miss England 2009, represent the country in the Miss World contest hosted in South Africa and model for huge lingerie brand La Senza- she said in her handing over ceremony of the Miss England crown: “Its hard to put in to words how much being Miss England has meant to me. For the rest of my life, I will always be thankful for this year and the opportunities it has brought to me. I just want to be Miss England forever!”

Aside from the obvious pleasure of working with such a highly respectable brand like Miss England, UKMF love discovering new talent at the pageants. Since working at the finals last year and spreading the UKMF love amongst the beautiful women, a lot of them came to us for photoshoots and advice on furthering their careers not just in modelling but also TV presenting and acting. Our involvement also set us up with Lady Angie Bowness/ Sinclair, former Miss England, and wife of Sir Clive Sinclair. She is a favourite in The Daily Mail and lucky for UKMF she chose us, and the fabulous Alan Strutt to shoot her first calendar. Furthermore, the gorgeous singer/ model from Liverpool, recently crowned Miss Galaxy England, Melissa Reeves worked with us on her 2011 calendar. Since our shoot she has gone from strength to strength across global press and is a huge fan of beauty pageants. To celebrate her win and before she jets off to America to compete in the final of Miss Galaxy International we caught up with Melissa to get her view on pageants, what they’ve done for her career and of course, her views on UKMF.

Happy reading,

Fay xx

For more information on entering Miss England, Miss Every Model, Mr Every Model or Mini Every Model please contact us: info@ukmodelfolios.co.uk.

Melissa_Reeves_Miss_Galaxy_England

Hello Miss Galaxy England, how does it feel?!

Ha, it feels AMAZING!!! I’m thrilled to have won.

What tips do you have for other aspiring Miss Galaxy winners?

To just enjoy the experience of taking part in the contest because it is a pageant you can actually enjoy taking part in. It is very organised and run by good, genuine people, which isn’t always the case.

· Why do you think beauty pageants are a good idea?

They are great for building confidence and self esteem. Even if you don’t win you will gain more experience and become more confident. Also they are good for meeting new friends.

· As a young model why do you feel it’s important to have reputable companies such as Celebrity Publicity and UK Model Folios to support professional models such as yourself through your career?

There are agencies out there that will just rip people off and take advantage of you but Celebrity Publicity and UK Model Folios help guide you in the right direction through your career.

· You recently worked with CP and UKMF in Thailand – tell us a little bit more about your trip away?

The trip to Thailand was fantastic. It was amazing to work with Alan Strutt and UK Model Folios because he is such a well know photographer, and I love UKMF’s services so to work with them on my calendar was perfect! We all became like a little family when we were away and I still keep in touch with all the other girls.

· Were you nervous about being away from home for so long?

I am used to travelling around and not being at home but I was a bit anxious at first travelling all the way to Thailand with people I didn’t know very well and people I had never met before, but everyone was so nice and we all got along really well so it was an amazing experience overall.

· How did Fay and Alan make you feel comfortable during your Thailand trip?

Fay and Alan made everyone feel comfy  by just being nice and were very understandable, like when the sun kept getting in my eyes when I was shooting, they both could of got angry with me and told me to get on with it but they didn’t- instead we would move somewhere else. They became more like friends rather than people I was working with.

· Were you pleased with your final thirteen pictures for your 2011 Calendar?

Yes, I LOVE them all!

· Which is your favourite picture and why?

August is my favorite picture because I love the hair and make-up, angle it’s been taken from, and the way it captures the location.

Melissa_Reeves_August_UKMF_Calendar

· Overall what was the highlight of your Calendar trip?

It’s hard to pick one highlight but I think the most memorable thing was when we went out to party on the island and see some ‘Lady Boys!!’ It was scary to think all these absolutely gorgeous girls were actually men!!

· What was it like working so closely with Celebrity Photographer Alan Strutt and UKMF’s Fay Bacon?

Amazing. They are really down to earth, lovely people. They felt like family by the time we left the island.

· Why would you recommend shooting your calendar abroad to other models and pageant contestants?

Because shooting a calendar abroad is far more exotic so the pictures are going to look MUCH better and also going abroad beats any studio experience. It’s just amazing.

· Do you feel that because of your choice of career often people will judge you before they’ve even met you?

Yes, definitely. People always assume that I am snotty or thick! They also think that you love yourself because you take care of yourself.

· How do you cope with being in the spotlight?

I thrive on it

· Will you be working with UKMF/ CP again this year?

Yes, without a doubt! I am a HUGE fan of them! xxx

Melissa_Reeves_UKMF_Calendar

For more information on booking a calendar/ portfolio shoot like Melissa’s contact us now info@ukmodelfolios.co.uk

Recent Press: LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS

UK Model Folios are bowled over by the press their work has received globally in the last couple of months. Since working with some of the UK’s hottest model talent, the world’s largest website IGN.com and fast-emerging new online men’s site babemag.com have paid close attention and approached us to feature a very cute selection. It seemed they couldn’t avoid us after so many websites have been plugging in to our amazing models and featuring them for their readers again and again.

Happily added to the list are the very prestigious Daily Mail, News of the World and The Sun!!! It seems someone loves us particularly as The Daily Mail even went to such lengths they sent a Photographer to Thailand to capture the first snaps of our seriously hot Lady Angie in her bikini!

So not to blow our own trumpet or anything but it kinda looks like we’re the people to be around?! If no then maybe a proper look at the features will change your mind (see links below)

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Lady_Angelina_Sinclair_Wife_Sir_Clive_Sinclair_2011_Calendar_Hot

Lady_Angie_Sinclair_2011_The_Daily_Mail_UK_Model_Folios

Evie_Evangeline_Miller_2011_Calendar_UK_Model_Folios_Anna_Fowler

Take a closer look here at Sir Clive Sinclair’s wife, Lady Angelina - his inventions aren’t the only things keeping him busy- lad’s mag favourites Sarah B, Kimberley Roberts, Annie Bullah and Evie Miller, our newly discovered bohemian beauty Ilaya Goldy, top ALT chick, Jenny Kim, the one to watch out for, Catherine Wassell and the ultimate DJ Goddess, Kellie Acreman.

For more information on how you can attract this sort of press too email us now info@ukmodelfolios.co.uk

IGN.com: World’s Largest Website Lovin’ UKMF Ladies!

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“Just Another Manic Monday”, for Catherine Wassell it certainly will be

Thanks to Catherine’s stunning debut 2011 calendar shot by the number one, Alan Strutt for UK Model Folios, Catherine has landed top spot as IGN’s Babe of the Day and can be viewed here . This will be a momentous piece of press for the Essex born actress/ model as the site, owned by Fox Media generates millions of hits worldwide per day. Also it will be interesting to see how she goes down West Side since she has been labelled the UK’s Megan Fox… Either way Mrs Wassell (formely Pierce) is one to most definitely watch!

Purchase her stunning calendar at Celebrity Calendars now.

For more information on being a much coveted Babe of the Day or booking a calendar shoot with UK Model Folios contact us now info@ukmodelfolios.co.uk!

Leah Evans: Besinful’s Most Popular Model and Front’s Number One Alt Girl

Most people are quick to assume that if you become a model life equals luxury and tonnes of fame- every one wants to be your friend, right? I mean, really what do models have to worry about? They’re beautiful, popular and have the World at their feet, surely life is peachy for them? Wrong. Leah Evans, Front Alt model and currently the most popular girl on the Besinful website lets us in and tells us why being a glamour model isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be…

Hi Leah! How are you today?

Heya, I’m really well, thank you.

What made you decide to become an alternative glamour model?

It was mainly my friends telling me that I should give it a go, I used to laugh it off but one day I thought “I have nothing to loose, I might as well go for it” and that’s how it all started.

Were you nervous about your first shoot?

My first shoot was actually for Front magazine taken by the lovely Zoe McConnell so I was very nervous knowing that they would be going straight into a magazine! However, Zoe made me feel really comfortable and the nerves weren’t around for very long.

How long have you been modelling for?

I’ve only been modelling for about 9 months now, so not long at all!

Have you received any criticism yet?

Yes! The first time was after my feature in Front magazine, I had quite a few “friends” disagree with what I was doing and I also got a few nasty messages on the Myspace account I use for fans.

How did it make you feel?

I’ve always been a little bit insecure, so it was quite hurtful. The messages from strangers didn’t hurt me, it was more the fact that friends had turned on me. I guess that’s how you discover who your real friends are though.

Did it encourage you to carry on with your career and prove everyone wrong?

Yeah it really did, sometimes the “haters” do hurt my feelings a little but then again I’m only human, but I will carry on doing what I love to do, my true friends support me 100% and that’s all that matters.

How did your family and friends react when you told them that you wanted to get into glamour?

My mum has been amazing the whole way through, she has supported me every step of the way. My Dad was a little bit disapproving and so were a few of my friends. The majority of people in my life have been brilliant though.

Do you have any insecurities that you battle with?

I have lots of insecurities, I’m just like any other woman.

Do you feel that glamour models (particularly alternative glamour models) are unfairly judged?

Certainly, there is such a stigma with glamour models. Hopefully this will change in the near future! The thing is with Glamour modelling is that there is such a fine line between the images looking classy/fun or dirty/distasteful. As long as the glamour images are taken tastefully, I don’t see why there should be such a stigma. After all, nudists are not slated for showing their bodies. We all know what bottoms and boobies look like!

Since starting a career as a glamour model do you feel under pressure to look a specific way?

I will not lie; there is definitely a pressure to look a certain way. Maybe not so much in the Alternative Glamour industry as they embrace all different sizes and shapes, but you do feel the need to make sure you look your best as the industry is very large, there’s a lot of other models to compete with!

Do you find that boys and girls act differently around you now that you’re a model?

Both boy’s and girl’s instantly think you are easy, fake, arrogant, have no respect for your body and have your head in the clouds. This is not the case, it can be quite frustrating when people have false judgements, but I guess it’s just the way the industry goes, people will always judge, bitch and hate on girls in the Glamour industry.

At the moment you’re the most popular girl on www.Besinful.com has this encouraged you to ignore any nasty comments that you hear about yourself?

To be perfectly honest, I really do not know how I managed to become the most popular girl on “Besinful”. All of the other girl’s on the site are absolutely stunning. It has really helped my self esteem and confidence though and I’m so thankful to everyone that has sinned/supported me.

Have you ever felt pressurised by the media to look a certain way?

Hasn’t every girl? I think it’s awful though. I talk to as many fans as possible and I can safely say that nearly every fan I have had the chance to speak to has said that curves are the most attractive thing on a women- embrace them girls!

Do you think that there is the same amount of pressure on glamour models as there are on fashion and commercial models?

I think no matter what type of modelling you do, there will always be pressure. I just hope that more girls embrace what they have and only change if it will make them happier. Don’t change for anyone but yourself.

Has being an alternative model made it harder for you to be accepted into the glamour industry?

My tattoos have stopped me getting into various different agencies and jobs. I would advise any girl to carefully consider what type of modelling they want to pursue before getting visible tattoos. That said, I love all of my tattoos and don’t regret a single one, they are part of who I am and I have a few more planned.

What advice do you have for any alternative models?

You can never ask too many questions. I would be happy to answer any questions any girls may have if they are thinking of entering into alternative modelling. Just make sure you do your research and NEVER go to a shoot alone!

Do feel under-pressure to eat healthily and exercise?

Not from the alternative industry. I would never loose weight unless it was what I wanted to do personally. I love food way too much to be able to diet!

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?

I don’t think so. I would rather just grow old gracefully and be “real” but we will see how I feel about this in 40 years when the wrinkles set in!

Do you feel that the Media put un-necessary pressure on girls and women to look a specific way?

I think the way the media edit images is a little excessive. However, kudos to Britney Spears for releasing the pre-airbrushed images from her latest Candie’s photo shoot. It’s nice to see a woman proud of her imperfections.

Because you have a fan base, do you think that you represent an image for girls to follow? If so how does it make you feel to know that that there are girls out there who look up to you?

I have had quite a few messages from girls saying they look up to me and I’m absolutely flattered! I hope that girls will start to look at real girls as role models more than the celebrities you see in glossy magazines that have been airbrushed.

Since becoming an alt model have there been any moments where you’ve felt really unconfident about yourself?

Definitely. Us girls always have our “fat” or “bad hair” days, but we just have to troop through them and dive into that tub of Ben and Jerry’s at the end of the day to make ourselves feel better.

Freya Mary Holmes: The Truth About Modelling

At just 18 years-old Freya Mary Holmes has already been scouted by numerous model agencies and is the face for clothes brand ‘Babycakes’. But, what most girls would describe as a dream come true, Freya admits can sometimes have its bad points too…

Hi Freya! How are you today?

Hi! I’m good thanks, I had loads of sleep last night so I’m feeling perky!

How did you become a model?

Well, I first got asked to model by a scout in Topshop, although it wasn’t that exciting; she was looking for hair models for a Trevor Sorbie hair show, but I was so excited. From then I just had the idea in my head that it could possibly be something I could do, and it just went from there. It has just come in my stride so far.

How old were you when you had your first modelling job?

I had just turned 16. I think that’s when all my independence started as my Mum let me go up to London on my own and sort the whole thing myself, I thank her for that now.

Do you enjoy being one of the faces of Babycakes?

I love it, I really do. I used to see Babycakes clothing online and always thought I’d quite fancy one of their tee-shirts so when I got asked to model for them it was so weird! I’ve also met some really great people that I probably wouldn’t of been given the opportunity or confidence to meet before Babycakes.

How did you get the job with Babycakes?

Paul found me and asked, which was really surreal as I know so many people who ‘idolise him’. It was all so casual at first that I didn’t believe it would ever happen. I’m definitely glad it did though!

Are you conscious of your appearance?

Definitely, I always have been though. I have one friend who, whenever I see her, we constantly talk about hair and make-up, not in a pathetic girly way, but just because it’s so interesting. I think I’ll always be conscious of the way I look. I’d hate to get to a stage where I just didn’t care about how I look anymore. I think self-pride is really important.

Did you become more aware of your appearance when you started modelling?

I’d say so. Obviously I was flattered and quite proud, but it also made me wonder if I should be doing more to care for myself. You read all about models having perfect skin and hair, that bothered me a bit and I started to wonder if I should start some military style regime, but I never have.

Do you ever receive horrible remarks from any girls or boys?

All the time, and it’s really hard to accept. A lot of girls think I’m stuck up and so many people do not take the time to get to know me because they’ve heard other negative things like that. In the scheme of things though it’s not a big issue, as you can’t let one person’s opinion get you down.

How does it make you feel when people are mean to you, just because of your modelling?

Most people are really supportive, but there are always a few who have a problem with what I do, for whatever reason. It is disheartening, but as cliché as it may sound anyone who isn’t prepared to let you do what makes you happy, isn’t worth your time.

Do you feel that the Media puts added pressure on models?

In some circumstances, yes. When I read about models who have starved themselves to death just to fit in with the industries requirements it makes me so angry. This media driven obsession with weight could quite easily break any girl who is trying to succeed in a modelling career. I think because I don’t do anything too high fashion I’ve avoided most of this pressure so far, and I’m not very easily manipulated so I’ve managed to stay grounded.

Do you feel that commercial models such as yourself are under the same amount of pressure as glamour models?

I wouldn’t say so; I’ve always felt comfortable in my work and in the industry in general. Being able to take things at my own pace and not being made to feel like someone being pushed into becoming something I’m not is really important to me, and so far that’s all I’ve experienced.

Glamour modelling does seem a lot more competitive, perhaps because there is a more restricted audience and clientele for their work so it would be fair to assume there may be other pressures on glamour models.

What advice do you have for any girls who want to model for clothes companies?

My main advice would be to keep your head up and stand your ground. It’s so easy to be pushed into work that either undervalues you, or doesn’t suit you and if you’re interested in starting a career in modelling you may feel inclined to take it in case it’s your only chance. I’ve always found that if something feels right, you just know and that your chance will definitely come at some point if it’s meant to.

Do your family and friends support your chosen career?

My family is really supportive of everything I do, as long as it’s within reason! Id say 90% of my friends have had my back all the way, but I think some of them can’t handle it. I don’t know why that is, because I haven’t changed but Ive definitely drifted apart from people since I’ve started modelling.

Do you find it harder to trust people?

I think you maybe just triggered a small realisation for me *aha*! Perhaps that’s why I’ve drifted apart from people. I’ve grown in independence and realised not everyone is how they seem at first. I think I’ve always had trust issues, but so far with my agency and Babycakes too everyone’s been so genuine that I’m completely comfortable.

Who else would you like to model for?

My dreams would be to model for American Apparel or Superdry. I think they take incredible photos in a style that I’d love to experiment with, plus the clothes are right up my street.

You said that your Mum encouraged you to go up to London by yourself to your castings etc. Do you think that brought you two closer?

My mum and I have always been close, shes a very successful business woman and I think the more involvement I had with ‘the business World’ the more understanding I gained about what she does for me, even though she works in a completely different industry. It definitely did bring us closer as it made me realise just what hard work is, which is something she’s always done, for me.

Would you ever consider becoming a glamour model?

I’ve appeared in FRONT Magazine before, which some would consider to be glamour modelling however, the feature I did wasn’t of that style. However, I’d do something classy for them, if I got to keep my dignity – I hate the thought of having children whose friends can point at naked pictures of their mother!

Is there a specific  moment in your life that you felt really insecure with your appearance?

Definitely.  When I was younger I went through a stage of not knowing really who I was or where I fitted with everyone else. I got messed around by a few friends and started to wonder if I was with the right people. However, with time that’s definitely changed and I think if you pursue something you enjoy, you’re bound to feel more secure about yourself in every way.

Do you still eat whatever you want to or do you feel more inclined to eat a healthier, balanced diet?

I eat so much  and I’m  literally not even saying that! I eat a lot of rubbish, I don’t think I’d ever be able to ‘diet’ and I dont think I need to. I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, just because I like them. I think even if I didn’t I would feel more inclined to eat them anyway though – also I love salad.

Written by Coco Minnie x