There's been quite a bit of discussion between myself and a few photographers I hold in high esteem, particularly about new models and, more importantly: young models. More and more girls are starting out very, very young and while labour laws are important, even more important are the laws surrounding child pornography. These are particularly relevant to photography and not runway modelling (although I'm sure that issue has or will eventually come up).
There has been some debate because of the difference in the laws. The age of majority in Nova Scotia is technically 19, which means you need to be 19 to sign anything. Before you turn 19, a parent or your legal guardian MUST sign any and all documents for you, particularly release forms at photoshoots. This is very, very important, but can be confusing because after 18, you're technically not a minor. Now, this may seem conflicting to some people but these are the laws. (The age of majority isn't the same across Canada so rest of the list is here.)
So what does that mean? That means that when you turn 18, you are allowed to shoot nudes, but you still need a parent to sign the model release forms. Your parent/guardian cannot also act as the witness, another party must sign as the witness. The witness must also watch you or your guardian sign the document(s) and be able to declare that you are not being forced to sign these papers under duress. This is very important.
Now, as for the laws surrounding child pornography. From what I have found , you cannot take a photograph of a minor that is sexually explicit, sexually motivated, or that features any sexual organs/orifices/parts/bits/contraptions. This means no boxes, no boobs, no buttocks.
This is clearly outlined in our laws (in Canada that is) and is not a subject of much gray area for most, but a few photographers/models/concerned parents have posed the following question: what about implied nudes? What about silhouette shots? What about this and that?
The truth of the matter is this: I have no idea. I'm not a lawyer, my degree is in Fine Arts, Fashion of all things, and I cannot for certain find any official government documents to answer these questions (if you can, please send them to me immediately and I will update this post). As a model, it horrifies me to think that a minor may be participating in implied nudes and anything else that floats around in the "gray" area, as I do not consider it to be gray, but I cannot say for certain what the law dictates. I can say that if I were still 15, I would never, ever even consider letting a photographer take implied nude photographs of me, and all of the reputable photographers that I've worked with refuse to shoot anything suggestive with girls under 18, and even then. Most won't shoot anything suggestive with girls under the age of 19, just in case.
In my honest opinion, I wouldn't shoot anything suggestive if I were under 19. For a majority of reasons, sketchiness being the predominant reason, but also for the following: if you aren't sure of your career path it is unwise to have naked images taken of yourself. The internet is permanent in these days and anything you do will follow you for the rest of your life. Consider what you plan on doing with your life and then proceeding with caution. As I have said, there are no laws restricting you once you are 18, but you career choice is something to consider carefully.
I hope this was helpful, and while a dark subject, it is important to know. Keep this in the back of your mind as you continue modelling and keep your ears open in case you hear something questionable. Report anything suspicious to the police, no matter how small. Better safe than sorry, this industry is full of fun and wonderful people to work with but like all things, there are a few "guys with cameras" that make it dangerous.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to send me a message. I would be happy to answer any and all questions as best as I can. I am currently looking for a lawyer to answer the few questions I have, as well as questions asked by concerned individuals.
A little humour on the subject. And now for a tutorial: Zombie Barbie!
Be SAFE, be SMART, be awesome lovelies.
- Nicola Sasky
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Tim Lingley: The Awesome!
I'm hoping the name of this post translates to something like Oz: The Great and Powerful but who knows with these things.
Anywho... I decided that Fridays should be dedicated to my portfolio and the photographers I've worked with (maybe even a few I want to work with!). To start us off I sent Tim Lingley a couple of questions, spur of the moment. We've worked together on a few projects, mostly with me doing makeup and helping give direction to new models, but we finally put together a shoot. We both wanted to do something "Little Red Riding Hood", especially since I had to perfect cape. So, we set a date!
I decided last night at about 10 that I would feature Tim as my first Friday post and so I asked him if he wouldn't mind answering a couple of questions for me. I was pretty amazed at how quickly he sent back the responses!
When did you start pursuing photography?
I bought my first DSLR in 2006, but it was mostly for snapshots, vacation photos, etc. I really started to develop a passion for photography in late 2011, and began a 365 photo (one per day) project to keep myself moving. I wound up volunteering for the University’s paper, shooting sports, portraits and other newspaper-y stuff. After moving to Halifax about a year ago, I started working with models, and found that I really want to pursue fashion and portraiture work.
What do you love most about it?
I think for me it’s the challenge. I’ve always been an introvert, so the very act of introducing myself to other people pushes me out of my comfort zone. But that’s such a good thing for me because each time I do, I get more comfortable with it. I want to hear people’s stories and take their picture.
What was your craziest shoot?
I think my craziest shoot was a recent set of photos I did with NSCAD Fashion Design student Janelle Brown. Our model, Ellen, was wrapped up in an emergency blanket and saran wrap, while the seamless white backdrop had bits of cotton fluff and clear balloons spread all over the place. The really crazy part was that the studio we were working in had no AC, which was a big deal, since it was 35 degrees outside and incredibly humid. Needless to say we kept well hydrated throughout the shoot.
What was your biggest challenge with regards to photography?
Aside from dealing with people, it’s always been a big challenge to find really interesting locations and set them up for a shoot. Outdoor shoots depend very heavily on the weather, and ensuring that everyone has access to the basics, like washrooms and water. This has been especially challenging for me, having only lived in Halifax for a year, and being the photographer, I’m supposed to know all this stuff, right?
Is there something you haven't done but would like to try?
I would love to be able to coordinate with a designer to do a full editorial shoot, a complete fashion line with several complete outfits. I’m working toward it, step by step.
If you were stranded on a desert island what would be the one thing from civilization that you would wish you had?
All that I have coming to mind is practical stuff, like a good knife, or a radio, or food. I guess I’d go with the knife, since I can use it to get food and fashion a radio out of…uh…coconuts or something.
Our Shoot:
Okay so those are the couple of questions that I sent him and his answers! Now a quick note from me before I show you what we created together. Tim was amazingly fun to work with. We goofed around the whole time which was pretty damn important because it was the middle of winter and my bare ass was sitting on some COLD snow (I lost feeling by the time the shoot was over!).
He sent me the shots almost immediately and man, was I pleased. I had done my hair and makeup myself and was anxious to see how well things would turn out, considering we had never worked together. So, PICTURE TIME!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Both of these were shot and edited by Tim. We shot behind his apartment building in the trees (duh). It was sort of bright, sort of overcast. I would most definitely shoot with him again!
In case you're wondering, that red eyeshadow is Love+ by Sugarpill!
Tim Lingley's Official Portfolio
Tim Lingley's Blog
Be safe, be smart, BE AWESOMESAUCE.
- Nicola Sasky
Anywho... I decided that Fridays should be dedicated to my portfolio and the photographers I've worked with (maybe even a few I want to work with!). To start us off I sent Tim Lingley a couple of questions, spur of the moment. We've worked together on a few projects, mostly with me doing makeup and helping give direction to new models, but we finally put together a shoot. We both wanted to do something "Little Red Riding Hood", especially since I had to perfect cape. So, we set a date!
I decided last night at about 10 that I would feature Tim as my first Friday post and so I asked him if he wouldn't mind answering a couple of questions for me. I was pretty amazed at how quickly he sent back the responses!
When did you start pursuing photography?
I bought my first DSLR in 2006, but it was mostly for snapshots, vacation photos, etc. I really started to develop a passion for photography in late 2011, and began a 365 photo (one per day) project to keep myself moving. I wound up volunteering for the University’s paper, shooting sports, portraits and other newspaper-y stuff. After moving to Halifax about a year ago, I started working with models, and found that I really want to pursue fashion and portraiture work.
What do you love most about it?
I think for me it’s the challenge. I’ve always been an introvert, so the very act of introducing myself to other people pushes me out of my comfort zone. But that’s such a good thing for me because each time I do, I get more comfortable with it. I want to hear people’s stories and take their picture.
What was your craziest shoot?
I think my craziest shoot was a recent set of photos I did with NSCAD Fashion Design student Janelle Brown. Our model, Ellen, was wrapped up in an emergency blanket and saran wrap, while the seamless white backdrop had bits of cotton fluff and clear balloons spread all over the place. The really crazy part was that the studio we were working in had no AC, which was a big deal, since it was 35 degrees outside and incredibly humid. Needless to say we kept well hydrated throughout the shoot.
What was your biggest challenge with regards to photography?
Aside from dealing with people, it’s always been a big challenge to find really interesting locations and set them up for a shoot. Outdoor shoots depend very heavily on the weather, and ensuring that everyone has access to the basics, like washrooms and water. This has been especially challenging for me, having only lived in Halifax for a year, and being the photographer, I’m supposed to know all this stuff, right?
Is there something you haven't done but would like to try?
I would love to be able to coordinate with a designer to do a full editorial shoot, a complete fashion line with several complete outfits. I’m working toward it, step by step.
If you were stranded on a desert island what would be the one thing from civilization that you would wish you had?
All that I have coming to mind is practical stuff, like a good knife, or a radio, or food. I guess I’d go with the knife, since I can use it to get food and fashion a radio out of…uh…coconuts or something.
Our Shoot:
Okay so those are the couple of questions that I sent him and his answers! Now a quick note from me before I show you what we created together. Tim was amazingly fun to work with. We goofed around the whole time which was pretty damn important because it was the middle of winter and my bare ass was sitting on some COLD snow (I lost feeling by the time the shoot was over!).
He sent me the shots almost immediately and man, was I pleased. I had done my hair and makeup myself and was anxious to see how well things would turn out, considering we had never worked together. So, PICTURE TIME!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Both of these were shot and edited by Tim. We shot behind his apartment building in the trees (duh). It was sort of bright, sort of overcast. I would most definitely shoot with him again!
In case you're wondering, that red eyeshadow is Love+ by Sugarpill!
Tim Lingley's Official Portfolio
Tim Lingley's Blog
Be safe, be smart, BE AWESOMESAUCE.
- Nicola Sasky
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Modelling: wtf is that shit?
I should warn you all that I can be vulgar. Just ask anyone that knows me... oh wait, this is the internet... ;x
Okay so what is modelling? There are a few different "types" but let's break it down to the simple stuff.
Shoots versus Shows.
Shoots:
For shoots you tend to be planted in front of a photographer for the most part, be it on set, location, at a studio, in a forest, up in a tree, who knows. But you don't tend to have to do too much movement ie: walking all over the place and strutting your stuff.
Shoots tend to be more relaxed, commercial or otherwise, simply because you have more time, less of a schedule. This isn't always the case as some photographers need to shoot something really quickly, but for the most part you can goof off and have a little fun. You're supposed to feel comfortable, relaxed, etc. The idea behind this is that you will be more comfortable and ready to work with people and give them what they want (I'll discuss this in particular in a later post). You have time to chat with people, be social, make important connections, have a snack, etc. Again: comfort. Yay!
Because you're posing you can ask for a break if you need one. And it's totally okay to need a break. It's also perfectly fine to ask for one since sometimes photographers get a little too into what they're doing and as such, forget to take a break themselves! So if your feet are getting tired or your stomach is rumbling (or you need a jolt of caffeine), be polite and ask if you can take a break. It'll do you better than thinking you have to shoot for 3+ hours straight without a break. That shit is killer.
Shoots don't always but will typically involve a makeup touch up (almost always lips) and the occasional wardrobe change. If you are going to be shooting outdoors, be prepared! Bring a summer dress or something that you can pull pants/a skirt/dress/whatever up underneath of and then take off easily to put whatever top on. If you're not outdoors or in a space with no change room then yay! You get to change in privacy with no one trying to sneak a peak at your bum! (YAY!)
It's also important to hydrate during a shoot so bring a large (1L) bottle of water with you. Avoid drinking pop as it can make you bloat. Be sure to take a water break or keep your bottle just out of frame, where you can reach, so you can drink as needed. If you're on set and it's dangerous/unwise/the photographer would rather you didn't (for whatever reason be it wires or reflection of light) just ask if they/their assistant can bring it to you.
Now, posing. Most aspiring models will watch things like America's Next Top Model and the like. What they don't show you is what posing is really like. You don't just start out crazy, especially not when you're new. You start out slow. Look at magazines (ELLE and Vogue are great for this) and check out the commercial (Prada, YSL, Ralph Lauren) spreads to see that the models are doing. Are they standing or sitting? Usually the photographer will direct you (at least a bit) for the shot, be it making you stand, sit, lay down. Beyond that it's rare that a photographer has an exact idea of what he wants (if he does: GREAT!) so you'll get to play around a bit. Start by moving one arm. Try it in different positions. Try the other in the same or similar positions. Move your legs, try things out. The photographer will usually tell you if something looks great and to hold it or if something looks terrible and to change it up. (There will be a detailed post about posing at a later date, I promise!)
I will discuss a bunch of things in my shoot etiquette post that are relevant to all of this but this is the basic gist of what a shoot is about.
Shows:
These are usually more about moving, showing off, strutting around. This means catwalks, car shows, events, etc. Sometimes (most of the time) there are photographers at these events so you have to be conscious of what you're doing and posing appropriately, while walking (Sounds like drinking a slushie and running at the same time... ).
You're on your feet, moving around, and people are looking at you. You have to smile, be happy and have a light bounce in your step. You are there to sell something, not just act as a glorified hanger. If you are strutting a catwalk: breathe, prepare yourself right before you go on. Relax, smile and have fun! And for some runway shows you'll even be allowed to throw a little something extra in there, be it a heel kick as your leaving the stage, blowing a kiss to the audience or shaking your ass. It's all up to the organizer/designer.
If you're walking through a crowd it's your job to smile, be polite, and sometimes you'll even have to talk about what you're wearing. Familiarize yourself with what you're wearing. Is it a specific type of dress? Is the color special for some reason? What makes it unique? Who is the designer? Is he or she from your area? And by the way, don't you just LOVE what you're wearing? Isn't it the coolest, most comfortable thing you've ever put on? It's not your job to be critical of the design, even if you think it's utter shit you have to learn to talk it up, pull shit out of your ass if you have to, and be pleasant (Sounds harsh, I'm sure, but you signed up for it!).
You also have to think about how you're standing/posing/walking. If there's a photographer, pose at the end of the runway, plan it out first so that it goes off smoothly. Be sure to show off the features of the garment (I'll write about this too!). It's about selling what you're wearing, to the audience, making them want what you're wearing.
Often times you will be in charge of your own shoes. If you are asked to bring your own I suggest packing two pairs (unless you're told otherwise): a nude or white pair AND a plain black pair. Plain black means no stripes, print, nothing. No sparkles, sequins, rhinestones, bedazzling, etc. PLAIN. They can be shiny or matte but cannot be adorned in any other way. These are industry standards and you will eventually need to buy a pair if you're serious about modelling. IF you are given shoes, be sure to give your exact size (I tell people a European 39) and if you're a half-size and they can't get you one you have to decide if you want to round up or down. If you are wearing the shoes for 30 seconds on the runway: down she goes! You will want to squeeze your toes in so they don't fall off while you're walking (and you won't be suffering for long). If you are walking around all night I suggest rounding up. You can put padding, cushions of tissue in the toe of most shoes OR you can use industrial grade double-sided tape to tape your feet into the shoes. This way you won't have crushed toes from walking around for an hour but you won't be tripping and falling on your ass (very, very important ).
You will be asked to arrive at a certain time and you should always aim to be 15 minutes early. ALWAYS. Even though you'll likely end up waiting an hour or more, you need to be there so that they can make sure you're going to show up and that they don't need to make any last minute alterations. While you're waiting for things to start you should be quietly sitting out of the way. I suggest bringing a book, your phone (and charger!) or something else small and easy to tuck away quickly (Game Boys are great for this...). You should also bring a few snacks but nothing that can stain what you're wearing or make a mess (no raspberries or crumbly muffins!) because you'll likely get hungry while you're there. Also bring a large bottle of water as you will need to stay hydrated. Do not rely on these things to be provided for you as they won't always be and if you end up without them well... it'll suck.
I think that just about covers roughly what shows and shoots are like. If you have any questions feel free to message me!
Now, for something a little fun. I find that a lot of models don't know how to do their own basic makeup (or even crazy stuff!) so every once in a while I will post tutorial videos from Youtube that I find to be really helpful!
I love Michelle Phan's videos and so here's one on how to create a lovely smokey eye.
So lovelies, be safe, be smart and be awesome!
-Nicola Sasky
Okay so what is modelling? There are a few different "types" but let's break it down to the simple stuff.
Shoots versus Shows.
Shoots:
For shoots you tend to be planted in front of a photographer for the most part, be it on set, location, at a studio, in a forest, up in a tree, who knows. But you don't tend to have to do too much movement ie: walking all over the place and strutting your stuff.
Shoots tend to be more relaxed, commercial or otherwise, simply because you have more time, less of a schedule. This isn't always the case as some photographers need to shoot something really quickly, but for the most part you can goof off and have a little fun. You're supposed to feel comfortable, relaxed, etc. The idea behind this is that you will be more comfortable and ready to work with people and give them what they want (I'll discuss this in particular in a later post). You have time to chat with people, be social, make important connections, have a snack, etc. Again: comfort. Yay!
Because you're posing you can ask for a break if you need one. And it's totally okay to need a break. It's also perfectly fine to ask for one since sometimes photographers get a little too into what they're doing and as such, forget to take a break themselves! So if your feet are getting tired or your stomach is rumbling (or you need a jolt of caffeine), be polite and ask if you can take a break. It'll do you better than thinking you have to shoot for 3+ hours straight without a break. That shit is killer.
Shoots don't always but will typically involve a makeup touch up (almost always lips) and the occasional wardrobe change. If you are going to be shooting outdoors, be prepared! Bring a summer dress or something that you can pull pants/a skirt/dress/whatever up underneath of and then take off easily to put whatever top on. If you're not outdoors or in a space with no change room then yay! You get to change in privacy with no one trying to sneak a peak at your bum! (YAY!)
It's also important to hydrate during a shoot so bring a large (1L) bottle of water with you. Avoid drinking pop as it can make you bloat. Be sure to take a water break or keep your bottle just out of frame, where you can reach, so you can drink as needed. If you're on set and it's dangerous/unwise/the photographer would rather you didn't (for whatever reason be it wires or reflection of light) just ask if they/their assistant can bring it to you.
Now, posing. Most aspiring models will watch things like America's Next Top Model and the like. What they don't show you is what posing is really like. You don't just start out crazy, especially not when you're new. You start out slow. Look at magazines (ELLE and Vogue are great for this) and check out the commercial (Prada, YSL, Ralph Lauren) spreads to see that the models are doing. Are they standing or sitting? Usually the photographer will direct you (at least a bit) for the shot, be it making you stand, sit, lay down. Beyond that it's rare that a photographer has an exact idea of what he wants (if he does: GREAT!) so you'll get to play around a bit. Start by moving one arm. Try it in different positions. Try the other in the same or similar positions. Move your legs, try things out. The photographer will usually tell you if something looks great and to hold it or if something looks terrible and to change it up. (There will be a detailed post about posing at a later date, I promise!)
I will discuss a bunch of things in my shoot etiquette post that are relevant to all of this but this is the basic gist of what a shoot is about.
Shows:
These are usually more about moving, showing off, strutting around. This means catwalks, car shows, events, etc. Sometimes (most of the time) there are photographers at these events so you have to be conscious of what you're doing and posing appropriately, while walking (Sounds like drinking a slushie and running at the same time... ).
You're on your feet, moving around, and people are looking at you. You have to smile, be happy and have a light bounce in your step. You are there to sell something, not just act as a glorified hanger. If you are strutting a catwalk: breathe, prepare yourself right before you go on. Relax, smile and have fun! And for some runway shows you'll even be allowed to throw a little something extra in there, be it a heel kick as your leaving the stage, blowing a kiss to the audience or shaking your ass. It's all up to the organizer/designer.
If you're walking through a crowd it's your job to smile, be polite, and sometimes you'll even have to talk about what you're wearing. Familiarize yourself with what you're wearing. Is it a specific type of dress? Is the color special for some reason? What makes it unique? Who is the designer? Is he or she from your area? And by the way, don't you just LOVE what you're wearing? Isn't it the coolest, most comfortable thing you've ever put on? It's not your job to be critical of the design, even if you think it's utter shit you have to learn to talk it up, pull shit out of your ass if you have to, and be pleasant (Sounds harsh, I'm sure, but you signed up for it!).
You also have to think about how you're standing/posing/walking. If there's a photographer, pose at the end of the runway, plan it out first so that it goes off smoothly. Be sure to show off the features of the garment (I'll write about this too!). It's about selling what you're wearing, to the audience, making them want what you're wearing.
Often times you will be in charge of your own shoes. If you are asked to bring your own I suggest packing two pairs (unless you're told otherwise): a nude or white pair AND a plain black pair. Plain black means no stripes, print, nothing. No sparkles, sequins, rhinestones, bedazzling, etc. PLAIN. They can be shiny or matte but cannot be adorned in any other way. These are industry standards and you will eventually need to buy a pair if you're serious about modelling. IF you are given shoes, be sure to give your exact size (I tell people a European 39) and if you're a half-size and they can't get you one you have to decide if you want to round up or down. If you are wearing the shoes for 30 seconds on the runway: down she goes! You will want to squeeze your toes in so they don't fall off while you're walking (and you won't be suffering for long). If you are walking around all night I suggest rounding up. You can put padding, cushions of tissue in the toe of most shoes OR you can use industrial grade double-sided tape to tape your feet into the shoes. This way you won't have crushed toes from walking around for an hour but you won't be tripping and falling on your ass (very, very important ).
You will be asked to arrive at a certain time and you should always aim to be 15 minutes early. ALWAYS. Even though you'll likely end up waiting an hour or more, you need to be there so that they can make sure you're going to show up and that they don't need to make any last minute alterations. While you're waiting for things to start you should be quietly sitting out of the way. I suggest bringing a book, your phone (and charger!) or something else small and easy to tuck away quickly (Game Boys are great for this...). You should also bring a few snacks but nothing that can stain what you're wearing or make a mess (no raspberries or crumbly muffins!) because you'll likely get hungry while you're there. Also bring a large bottle of water as you will need to stay hydrated. Do not rely on these things to be provided for you as they won't always be and if you end up without them well... it'll suck.
I think that just about covers roughly what shows and shoots are like. If you have any questions feel free to message me!
Now, for something a little fun. I find that a lot of models don't know how to do their own basic makeup (or even crazy stuff!) so every once in a while I will post tutorial videos from Youtube that I find to be really helpful!
I love Michelle Phan's videos and so here's one on how to create a lovely smokey eye.
So lovelies, be safe, be smart and be awesome!
-Nicola Sasky
Monday, July 22, 2013
Me and My Bitches
Me and my bitches, or should I say bitchiness...
Just kidding.
My name is Nicola. I'm a designer, model and basically a jack-of-all-trades and I currently live in Nova Scotia, Canada. I've had blogs before but I'm awful at keeping up with them. I lose interest, people lost interest, it's basically a snore-fest but for the sake of some of the other ladies in our industry, I've decided to start a blog about modelling.
Now, I'm not a professional model that books shoots in Milan and Paris and jets off across the globe. These are my personal opinions and aren't intended to be offensive in any way, nor do I claim to be the All-Knowing-Goddess of Modelling. I'm just putting down some thoughts and my own personal guidelines when it comes to modelling in the hopes that they will help some of you other girls out there!
So a bit about me. I was born just outside of Montreal in 1990. I grew up kind of all over the world (which most people don't know about me). When I was 6, my parents and I moved to Rwanda for a year. We had a convoy to and from anywhere and everywhere, lived in a "huge" house (I thought it was massive but hey, we all think things are HUGE when we're kids) with a bunch of other people. Anyway, then we moved back to Ontario for two years which is where I met my best friend. Then we moved to Whistler for a year (booyeah! No school on Mondays just skiing!) and then my mom and I sort of moved to Australia for two or three months to stay with my Aunt. I'm glad we don't live there anymore, the spiders freak the shit out of me. After Australia we moved to Switzerland/France (means we did everything in the great CH but lived in F because it was about 1/10th of the price) where we lived for four years. I learned to love pesto (I love that shit...) and ate almost enough croissants to satisfy a former gluten addict (I like bread, what can I say?). We spent most of our summers driving around Europe and seeing all that could be seen (including buying a parmesan wedge in Italy that barely made it home!). Then we went on "Mission" which basically means you can go anywhere. We ended up in South Africa, living in Pretoria. This meant that not only was I at a new school but the system changed entirely, from IB to IGCSE. I have to say I prefer the British schooling system, I found it much more challenging. They also have one of the scariest roller coasters I've ever been on in Goldreef City: The Tower of Terror (I just looked it up and it seems they've changed it. It was a rickety wooden coaster when I lived there and all that was strapping you in to your four man cart was a lap bar.). It's called Goldreef City because they mined a ton of gold there and so the Tower of Terror actually drops you into a mine shaft at a 90 degree angle but first it pulls you up, turns around and holds you on that edge, just waiting to drop. We also did a lot of travelling while we lived in Pretoria, including a trip to Zimbabwe where I went gorge jumping (yeah... I'll post a video of that some time.). Three years later our Mission was up and we moved back to Canada. I finished high school (what a bore) and moved to Nova Scotia for University (NSCAD to be precise). I graduated in a little over three years with a BFA, Majoring in Fashion and Textiles.
What have I been doing since then? Twiddling my thumbs mostly. I've been getting behind the camera, telling others what to do behind the camera (such a bossy boots, huh?) and I sent my clothes to Paris with a good friend who shot them and had one garment published on the cover of a local Magazine: http://www.linemagazine.ca/ (I think it's pretty damn cool). All in all it hasn't been an awful couple of months, a bit bumpy for sure but life would be boring if it were easy, right?
Here's a quick link to my portfolio if any of you are interested in what I shoot, as well as a link to my Facebook Page! Yay!
So, I aim to pass along my experiences and knowledge to you lovely models out there in the hopes that it will help you. Feel free to message me if you have a particular question or if you just need advice.
Be safe, be smart and above all: be awesome.
-Nicola Sasky
Just kidding.
My name is Nicola. I'm a designer, model and basically a jack-of-all-trades and I currently live in Nova Scotia, Canada. I've had blogs before but I'm awful at keeping up with them. I lose interest, people lost interest, it's basically a snore-fest but for the sake of some of the other ladies in our industry, I've decided to start a blog about modelling.
Now, I'm not a professional model that books shoots in Milan and Paris and jets off across the globe. These are my personal opinions and aren't intended to be offensive in any way, nor do I claim to be the All-Knowing-Goddess of Modelling. I'm just putting down some thoughts and my own personal guidelines when it comes to modelling in the hopes that they will help some of you other girls out there!
So a bit about me. I was born just outside of Montreal in 1990. I grew up kind of all over the world (which most people don't know about me). When I was 6, my parents and I moved to Rwanda for a year. We had a convoy to and from anywhere and everywhere, lived in a "huge" house (I thought it was massive but hey, we all think things are HUGE when we're kids) with a bunch of other people. Anyway, then we moved back to Ontario for two years which is where I met my best friend. Then we moved to Whistler for a year (booyeah! No school on Mondays just skiing!) and then my mom and I sort of moved to Australia for two or three months to stay with my Aunt. I'm glad we don't live there anymore, the spiders freak the shit out of me. After Australia we moved to Switzerland/France (means we did everything in the great CH but lived in F because it was about 1/10th of the price) where we lived for four years. I learned to love pesto (I love that shit...) and ate almost enough croissants to satisfy a former gluten addict (I like bread, what can I say?). We spent most of our summers driving around Europe and seeing all that could be seen (including buying a parmesan wedge in Italy that barely made it home!). Then we went on "Mission" which basically means you can go anywhere. We ended up in South Africa, living in Pretoria. This meant that not only was I at a new school but the system changed entirely, from IB to IGCSE. I have to say I prefer the British schooling system, I found it much more challenging. They also have one of the scariest roller coasters I've ever been on in Goldreef City: The Tower of Terror (I just looked it up and it seems they've changed it. It was a rickety wooden coaster when I lived there and all that was strapping you in to your four man cart was a lap bar.). It's called Goldreef City because they mined a ton of gold there and so the Tower of Terror actually drops you into a mine shaft at a 90 degree angle but first it pulls you up, turns around and holds you on that edge, just waiting to drop. We also did a lot of travelling while we lived in Pretoria, including a trip to Zimbabwe where I went gorge jumping (yeah... I'll post a video of that some time.). Three years later our Mission was up and we moved back to Canada. I finished high school (what a bore) and moved to Nova Scotia for University (NSCAD to be precise). I graduated in a little over three years with a BFA, Majoring in Fashion and Textiles.
What have I been doing since then? Twiddling my thumbs mostly. I've been getting behind the camera, telling others what to do behind the camera (such a bossy boots, huh?) and I sent my clothes to Paris with a good friend who shot them and had one garment published on the cover of a local Magazine: http://www.linemagazine.ca/ (I think it's pretty damn cool). All in all it hasn't been an awful couple of months, a bit bumpy for sure but life would be boring if it were easy, right?
Here's a quick link to my portfolio if any of you are interested in what I shoot, as well as a link to my Facebook Page! Yay!
So, I aim to pass along my experiences and knowledge to you lovely models out there in the hopes that it will help you. Feel free to message me if you have a particular question or if you just need advice.
Be safe, be smart and above all: be awesome.
-Nicola Sasky
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