Blog Archives
AMY WILLERTON, I’M A CELEBRITY, GET ME OUT OF HERE
As you may or may not be aware, Amy Willerton is more than just a model to us, she’s part of our UK Model Folios family. We are so proud of how she has conducted herself in the jungle thus far, despite being a victim of some clear mistreatment by other camp Members.
We met Amy through sponsoring the Miss London beauty pageant (regional heat for Miss England and Miss World). We spotted from the offset she had that certain something; the ‘X-Factor’ if you will, and we were right.
Travelling to Thailand with Amy after she won a photoshoot with us and Alan Strutt to shoot there was a real highlight. It was on those stunning beaches we shot her debut calendar and spent time really getting to know the real Amy.
Here’s some of our highlights! #TeamAmy x
Behind-the-Scenes At Miss England 2011, Birmingham NEC
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The Miss England 2011 finals are almost here, just one day away. Today sixty stunning finalists gathered at the Birmingham NEC to rehearse for what is the biggest event in the pageant world and UK Model Folios were there to capture it all exclusively to share with you.
This year UK Model Folios have been offered the opportunity to offer their services independently at the Miss England finals capturing those ‘what really goes on behind-the-scenes?’ shots and professional portraits of the ladies in That infamous evening gown. We advance our thanks to our amazing photographers Roy Strutt, Costas Constantinou and Antony Michael for their photography skills and support of UK Model Folios, and of course this event.
Today we wanted to share with you a quick glimpse of what happened at the rehearsals for the Eco Round- the opportunity for finalists to showcase their bespoke creations from recyclable materials. The rehearsals give them an opportunity to learn choreography and strut their stuff on the catwalk to a panel of highly credible judges who tomorrow evening will have the extremely difficult task of choosing the lady who will represent England for the year ahead and at Miss World 2011, which even more exciting for us Brits will be held in London.
Check out just a few of our shots below snapped by the fabulous photographer Roy Strutt and come back tomorrow for the result and first-hand shots of what happened at Miss England 2011!
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Miss England Beach Babe Finalists Hit MAXIM and BabeMag.com
Yes, it’s That shoot again. UK Model Folios teamed up with Miss England two weeks ago to shoot their top ten finalists for the Best Beach Body award sponsored by Sandstorm Boutique. As the finalists await the news of who has the most coveted bikini bod, the men’s mag circuit has gone crazy for the Miss England hopefuls. Check them out here on MAXIM and BabeMag.com.
Have a great weekend!
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…Press Go Mad for UK Model Folios and Miss England Press Call
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To add to yesterday’s madness in one of our London studios, OK! magazine and The Metro, as well as local press from across the country have joined the fandango and even, in OK! magazine’s case started their own online voting poll for who has the best beachwear body out of the Miss England top ten beach wear finalists…
Check out the articles below by clicking the links!
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
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:
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Do you have to pay money to enter the pageant?
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Check out the sponsors of the competition. Recognised sponsors means a recognisable and respected pageant.
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Google the pageant and read forums/ feedback. Guaranteed if people have had bad experiences then you’ll hear about it
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Check out press on the pageant. What sort of exposure has it received?
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What actual benefits has the pageant given to the contestants?
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What are the prizes?
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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
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE GLAMOUR MODEL: Annie Bullah
There are so many factors that influence our individual opinion and arguably the media is one of them. When it comes to models we all have our own thoughts- “I wish I was one”… “Skinny, anorexic and self-0bsessed”… “They marry footballers”… “An easy job for so much money”… “All unhappy”… “Beautiful”, but for us in the industry we know the truth. We have seen them at their lowest. We have seen their true reaction once their lives get splashed across the paper- “model X caught cheating with X footballer”. And honestly, whilst sometimes they live up to the ‘model expectation’, the general consensus is you’d be pleasantly surprised to really see what lies beneath the glamorous hair and make-up, clothes (in some cases) and confident personas.
A model we have chosen to write about is our good friend, Annie Bullah. Renowned for being a ‘TV Babe’ Annie has been in the industry since she was eighteen, always with the goal of being the next Jordan, and just like her idol, you either love or hate her. For me, I get her. I see the vulnerable, naturally beautiful little lady underneath the make-up, extensions and false eyelashes and honestly, I love her.
Annie Bullah is a UK Model Folios blog choice because she so epitomises the glamour stereotype and the misconceptions. I want to share my Annie experience with you because not only will it hopefully broaden your view of models, but moreover prove the trustworthy relationship you can build with us here at UKMF. Relationships which can expand your success in the industry and the confidence you have for knowing you are being promoted in the way you want to be and on top of that, gaining the financial credit too.
This interview is as always honest and gives an insight in to the world of not just Miss Bullah, but the model industry as a whole. We hope you enjoy it.
“Happy girls are the prettiest”
Audrey Hepburn
INTERVIEW WITH FAY BACON AND ANNIE BULLAH
By Coco Minnie x
Tell us a little bit about The Annie Bullah 2011 Calendar
Annie’s calendar is what I would describe as a typical beach-style-glamour shoot. It’s very simple and captures the beauty of Thailand. It is inspired by Jordan, Jemma Jameson and Pamela Anderson.
Annie: I LOVE my calendar. I loved Thailand. It’s the best thing I’ve done work-wise.
How did you both decide the theme for the Calendar?
I know the type of model Annie is and what she wants to be perceived as. She LOVES Jordan so we looked through previous shoots she had done. Obviously as her shoot was with Alan Strutt and he has shot Jordan many times, including her first calendar he had a great idea of what to do and so the Official Annie Bullah 2011 Calendar was born!
Annie: I have really specific ideas when it comes to modelling and I know what works for me. Fay and I work really well together as she understands my ideas and picked out all the best references for me. We worked on every detail selecting outfits, hair and make-up, everything. I couldn’t have asked for a better service.
Which was your favourite month in the calendar and why?
May or November. I know Annie loves May, particularly as a landscape.
Annie: Yes, that’s my best picture ever! 8 o’clock in the morning in Thailand. Victoria Secret’s bikini. Amazing!
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Had you worked with eachother before going to Thailand?
Yes, we’d worked together on building Annie’s website, plus I also promote Babemag.com and we had worked together on a shoot for them.
Annie: I wanted to shoot with UK Model Folios and Alan because they’re the best. Alan is my favourite photographer to work with and Fay is so good at shoot production, direction etc. She knows exactly what I want and I love working with her.
Fay, before you met Annie did you have any preconceptions of what she’d be like?
Erm… Honestly, I expected her to be stand-offish because I’d seen her once or twice shooting but never spoke to her, however the minute we chatted I was pleasantly surprised. Annie needs to feel comfortable around people, I think she’s quite protective of herself and has been hurt a lot in the past by women, and maybe people generally. I think she trusts me and so we get along really well and I almost ‘Mummy’ her when we work together. She’s a truly lovely person.
Annie: I can give off that impression sometimes but I don’t mean it, I am a really open person when you get to know me and I’m very loving. I like to keep myself quite private work-wise and only work with people I trust and think will help me. I was introduced to Fay by Alan Strutt so knew she would be good for me if he had recommended her. We clicked instantly and now I love her!
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How difficult do you think it is for models like Annie to escape being stereotyped for their image?
It’s very difficult if she wanted to be taken seriously in a professional career for example a lawyer, but Annie wants to be a glamour model. She loves Jordan and just like Jordan plays to the press; Annie plays the whole glamour stereotype perfectly. She wears low-cut tops to show her amazing boobies, and little jean shorts to show her bum. She loves the attention and admits it. She doesn’t try to be what she isn’t.
Annie: The bitchy comments I get are outweighed by the good. I am very lucky as I have great fans, family and friends who keep me confident. Of course there are people who want to see me fail or bring me down but I have to ignore them. To survive in this industry you have to be thick skinned.
Do you find that people tend to judge glamour models on their choice of job and appearance?
Yes, completely. I am honest enough to say I judged them too before I started working with them. There’s so many different views that people take, but the main ones are it’s derogatory to women; glamour models are cheapening themselves and have no brains. Oh, and that they all want a footballer. That’s classic.
Annie: I’d never date a footballer. I don’t believe glamour degrades women, I actually think it celebrates our sexuality and feminine curves. I love looking glamorous and making the best of myself. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but I’m also very homely and like staying home with my man and chilling out.
How does working with companies such as Celebrity Publicity and UKMF benefit successful models such as Annie?
We can put her in the direction she wants to be in i.e. magazines. We can expose her in the best way to the right market with the best content. We will ensure contracts are in place too so she benefits from all of this because there is a huge tendency for models like Annie to be taken advantage of by those who recognise her willingness to get in to magazines and the public eye. These sorts of models end up on the front pages of magazines sure, but sometimes they’re mags they didn’t want to be on, and moreover not earning any money from the picture sales. We don’t allow this and are very transparent with everything we do.
Annie: I am very selective who I work with and since working with Fay, UK Model Folios and Celebrity Publicity I run everything by her now because she gives the best advice and makes sure I’m getting the best deal in my work.
Before you started working in the industry were you ever nervous or hesitant to work with glamour models?
No, although I used to find myself feeling uncomfortable when I told people I worked with them because there’s always that same reaction of, “phwoar, can you get me a job?” from the men, and “Oh, do you? “ *snob accent* from the women. I’m very proud of what I do though so…
Annie: I was nervous as I didn’t know whether they would be bitchy or friendly towards me. You hear a lot that models are nasty to eachother so I was worried about that.
Why would you recommend UKMF and Celebrity Publicity to other models that tend to get judged due to their appearance / their choice of career?
We treat everyone with respect but are honest with them too. Take Annie for example, she loves the whole OTT hair and make-up, but I am always telling her to tone it down because she is genuinely naturally beautiful and looks better, in my opinion, when she’s naturally made-up. Of course she doesn’t always listen to me ha, but we can only advise.
Annie: I am very fussy when it comes to my hair and make-up, but in saying that I did tone it down for the calendar and actually really liked it.
Fay, after working with clients do you often feel protective over them?
Yes, definitely. I aim to get a real rapport with my clients and strike a bond. I am close with all of my Thailand girls now for example because I lived with them for seven days and they’re such lovely women. On the other hand I’m honest too. Nobodies perfect and everyone has their negative points but I’ll give the model the negative feedback if I feel it can benefit them career-wise to work on it.
Fay, the first time you met Annie, what stood out about her?
She’s got an amazing figure. I also love her tattoos and how lovely she is. Annie is the typical example of why you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. She’s actually really down-to-earth, caring and a homely girl. I love her.
For you, what makes a woman stand out?
I could lie and say personality, but initially it’s looks and then ultimately the two combined. I’m not going to feel bad saying that either, I mean walking down the street you’re not going to look and think, “she looks like a lovely person”… It’s the, “wow, she’s hot… I want her bag… and shoes… and hair colour…” Whilst we’re on the subject, Adriana Lima is my ideal woman. I would consider being a lesbian for her. I feel this should be public knowledge! (Both girls giggle)
Annie: I love natural beauty and a woman who takes care of herself. I love glamour and pretty, girly things. I also love girls that are approachable and nice to one another.
What was it like working with Annie Bullah in Thailand?
It was great fun. She’s so sweet and looks upon me sometimes for a bit of guidance, which I find really endearing. Sometimes I have to rein her in a little bit and encourage her cultural side because otherwise she would’ be eating McDonalds every day! Like in Thailand my goal was to get her to order Thai food and enjoy it, and she did. (Annie laughs!)
Annie: The Thailand calendar trip is amazing. Models have to go, even if it’s just for the experience. The girls who went on the trip were great fun and I have built a good friendship with, Melissa Reeves. We got up to much girly mischief!
Recently there’s been a lot of press in the media about people being stereotyped (more recently Channel 4 have been showing a documentary called Beauty and The Beast: The Ugly Face of Prejudice), do you think that there is more pressure on young girls and boys to look ‘perfect’?
Yes, definitely, our culture is obsessed with looking good. There’s the pressure to have the best clothes, the best car, the best make-up, hair-do; the list is endless. It’s is silly that we strive for this celebrity life, literally trying to afford the same pair of Louboutins as Cheryl Cole despite the fact she earns millions of pounds more than us, but it’s life. However, as much as looks are important in modern society, they’re not the be-all-and-end-all, but in the modelling industry they are. The physical is at the forefront of everything and in the end the model with the best physical assets is at a distinct advantage. Naturally personality is key and the two compliment eachother in ultimately giving you an even better career, but realistically if the next Kate Moss turns up on a photographer’s doorstep s/he’s not going to turn her away for lacking intelligence and being a diva.
Annie: Haha that’s true. Even as a model we want to become models because we look up to other models, or see them looking great in magazines and on telly and think, “I want that.” It is a pressure to then be that pretty though which is why a lot of models become insecure. It is a very competitive industry and one where it’s difficult to find true friends.
Do you think that something needs to change in the industry about how certain girls are judged because of their choice of career and if so, why?
It’s naïve to think opinion can be changed now because even without the media, people think what they think and as much as I can help by defending a model and saying she’s brainy or a lovely girl, the preconception is there. I think it’s just important for us in the industry and the model to overlook that preconception and make our own minds up.
Annie: I agree. All I can do as a model is be me and hopefully people will like me but if they don’t then there’s not much I can do.
Fay, you’re known in the industry for working with a variety of models including fashion, lingerie and topless. Do you find that ‘outsiders’ tend to judge all of these women on their looks and choice of career?
Yes, definitely. If you’re a fashion model, you’re anorexic. If you’re a lingerie model… don’t actually know what the theory is there, but if you’re topless, you’re degrading yourself. Some think if you’re a model it’s because you failed at everything else. I do not agree with any of these things. It’s the media that makes us feel that way. Of course there’s some truth in the whole ‘size zero’ thing and no matter what type of model you are, models are affected by wanting to keep skinny and toned, but I guess when so much attention is focused on how you look, you are going to become affected and ultimately they do have to have good bodies.
For more information on booking a calendar shoot or for general model advice you can contact Fay direct info@ukmodelfolios.co.uk
To purchase Annie Bullah’s Official 2011 Calendar, including signed versions visit Celebrity Calendars now
KAYLEIGH HEWITT: THE NEXT BIG THING
Yesterday UK Model Folios were extremely excited to be shooting the gorgeous Miss Every Model, Kayleigh Hewitt for the second time. With legs to die for and a body to make even us women weak at the knees it’s no surprise that Kayleigh is promised to be the next big thing.
Check out our behind-the-scenes shots for a sneak view of severe hotness
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Arriving at the studio without a scrap of make-up Kayleigh looked every bit the beautiful model that us girls envy and men want to marry. At just twenty (we couldn’t believe it either) Kayleigh is an inspiration to young women of her age showing you can have it all, and guess what, you don’t have to be a diva either! She is such a lovely lady you just want to give her a big cuddle!
Since Every Model Magazine Editor, Ruth Deane discovered Kayleigh last year she has thrust her in to the limelight and here we are now shooting her for top editorials FHM and MAXIM. She gets the complete thumbs up and backing from UK Model Folios. Watch out Kate Moss- Miss Hewitt’s on her way.
“I’m actually in love with her. She’s everything I love about women.”
Fay L. Bacon, UK Model Folios
To see some of the pictures from Kayleigh’s amazing shoot with us please read the next issue of E M Magazine!
If you want to join Kayleigh and come in for your very own FHM style shoot then don’t hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to hearing from you soon! x
UKMF MONTHLY: JANUARY NEWSLETTER
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SUBSCRIBE NOW BY SENDING US YOUR EMAIL TO 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!
