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.

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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.

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· 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

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

UKMF MONTHLY: JANUARY NEWSLETTER

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Every Model Magazine

Hi Fay! Tell us, what was it like being asked to go and be a guest judge at the EM Magazine event?

It was great and a real honour. I loved meeting all of the lovely ladies and working on the panel with the other judges, plus it was a brilliant opportunity for me to get UK Model Folios and Celebrity Publicity out there.

Have you been a judge at any other events before?

Yes, I judged Miss Maxim 2007.

As a judge what were you looking for in the girls that had entered the competition?

The winner of Miss Every Model goes through to represent the magazine in the Miss England final with of course potential to be the next Miss England. This year Miss England are looking for a lady with strong model potential so this was one of the key factors I was looking for. After that I judged the ladies a lot on how they came across personality-wise not just vocally, but how sincere they seemed. Miss England is a very important role and as a representative of our country she needs to be likeable and intellgent.

Were you nervous about what to wear?

A little because like all of these events you never know what people are going to wear. Luckily I had a pre-consultation email with the lovely E M magazine editor, Ruth Deane who gave me some ideas!

The UK Model Folios advert on the back of Every Model Magazine is lovely, were you happy when you saw it up close?

So happy! The quality of the magazine is beautiful, which fortunately showed the advert off to its fullest potential. Callum was in the audience and spotted it first and started randomly showing people *laughs* Before we left he left he strategically placed the magazines on to the advert page so people would see it! *Laughs again*

What three things stand out most for you in a model?

Facial beauty, body and hair.

Do you think that entering competitions can help girls further their career?

Dependent upon which competition it is, yes. Some model competitions are a complete rip odd but others such as Miss England I believe are great opportunities and very beneficial for models.

As someone who has worked closely with a lot of successful models what stood out about them?

The obvious is their physical appeal and their ability to move for the camera, but after that it’s how easy they were to work with. Once I meet a model I never tend to focus on how beautiful she was, but more if she was nice. Classic statements are: “I met such and such; what a nightmare!” Or “Oh, she was so lovely and ridiculously beautiful!”

Will you be running any competitions through UK Model Folios?

Yes, we already run several via other big name brands. Currently we’re offering a monthly portfolio prize to the models of Candy Crib, a once in a lifetime calendar trip to Thailand and a portfolio package to the winner of Miss England.

What do you think makes a competition successful and worth entering?

If the prize is beneficial to you. We try to make all of our prizes worthwhile to the person winning them i.e. a model portfolio for a model is a fabulous prize and will help them by saving money and bagging a dream campaign.

What other events have you been to recently?

Recently I’ve been to a WAGS  event to raise money for South Africa and UK Model Folios donated a prize; I had more of a social catch-up with my friends at Fox Media, IGN where they rented a bar to watch England – luckily we won that day and the bar was free; 90 degrees outside – London town = good times. Also, I’ve been getting involved with the St Matthews Academy in South East London, which is a business and enterprise school. I attended an evening there to talk to pupils about furthering your career and improving entrepreneurial skills.

Are you looking forward to shooting the next cover page for EM Magazine?

Definitely. I love to shoot different styles, particularly fashion and commercial because I find it more challenging. Kayleigh, the model is stunning too so it should be a great day!

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