I am moving my life in a positive directions.

 I am speaking positive into my life. believe in what I do not see knowing that in time I will receive  what God has promise me. I trust in the word of GOd and know what he says is true and faithful. I may not get it tomorrow or in two years. but I know it is coming. because no matter how bad is it and it gets I know that  God will see me through it. 

maybe there something else that moves you in this life. but for me it is my God. I once heard a speaking say if you first follow God you can never be 2nd. 

GOd moves us and sometime he uses us are stories to be share to inspire and encourage someone else. 

My testimony story is about faith, hope,letting go, trusting in what i can't see.  working through the experience that God has given me.  getting passed my own demons to have a life with Christ Jesus.  

I meet a 75 year old one that share her story with me. it was very inspirational in the sense that I could see her dreams that she never accomplished I told her. it not to late follow your dreams and let God lead you to where he wants you. if there is someone on your heart  don't just give up find out why seek it out. embrace  it.  I believe  100% in we reap what we sow.  so if am out here sowing seeds God will help me reap the harvest. 

I am calling wealth into my life I don't want to be just a millionaire, or a billionaire  I want to be a trillionaire. I am calling Spiritual  wealth into my life. I am also calling good health into my life. I am calling trusted friends into my life.  I thank God in advance for bring this all into my life. 

five reason it is worth it. 

1. The farther, The son and The holy Spirit

2.  To help people live a better life spiritual  and physical 

3. To say I made it. 

4.  I accomplished my dreams I never let  anything get in my way 

5.  To have  the life I dreamed of with my best friend and love. 

I speak these things into my life and know that when that season comes I will get what I have asked for. in the name of the farther, the son and the holy spirit i say AMEN!!!!! 

You may not understand what this has to do with my photography. it has everything to do with it just watch.   

 bible Verse to meditate on. 

John 8:15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one.

My Interview WIth Jessica L.

One of the things that I love about this model is she is so given or her art as a model. She is married and has two beautiful sons. She doesn't let that stop her from going after what she wants.

1.     Jessica when did you first decide that you wanted to model and after you decide this how long did it take you before you got into it?

I knew I wanted to be a model/actress since I was 6 or 7. After trying some silly modeling thing at a hotel when I was 16 that amounted to nothing, I thought the industry was untouchable for a small town girl like me. After marriage, and two pregnancies  (that just about felt back to back) my body had changed a lot! I never thought I’d ever be able to pursue my modeling/acting dreams.  I finally made the decision to exercise and eat better! After some time I finally lost all of the weight but still wasn’t sure if I had what it takes. After seeing the results from a photo shoot I did in January, I was pleasantly surprised and started believing in myself.  A new friend of mine at the time encouraged me to go to a fashion show casting this past February.  I’m so glad she did. It was then I started networking and introducing myself to every local person in the industry I could. Including you!  I had no idea what I was doing but I decided I just needed to push myself… Now or never, has been my motto!

2.     What are some of the best and hard moments you’ve had as a model?

Well, I’ve been turned away or not accepted for jobs because of my physical stats. I’m not 6” tall, nor do I weigh 110 lbs. But I say, if someone says no, I’m approaching the wrong  person or job. I can’t take it personally because if I do, I’ll be kicked out of the industry faster than I can blink! This is a job… I am a brand… the right people will use me for their promotion and I’m more than happy to promote what I believe in! I’m me, and won’t change that for anything. It took me understanding this industry to understand the turn down. I’m okay with that and it will not stop me from pursuing my dreams!  The best moments I’ve had as a model are with the amazing people I’ve met in this industry. I’ve made so many friends in such a short period of time, it’s shocking! I love to have fun, get the job done, and expand in my growth and knowledge! The first 3 photographers I’ve worked with in this industry have been loyal and supportive friends to me… They’ve expressed belief and taught me what I know! I have you/them to thank for that! I’ve met so many more amazing photographers, designers, stylists, models,makeup artists, hair stylists, boutique owners, etc, that I’ve worked with in the short amount of time I’ve been in this industry… I’m just blessed and grateful! 

3.     As a mother, do you find it easy to be in the industry?

It definitely has its challenges but so far so good. I laugh sometimes after I get off the phone with someone in the industry and I think, if they could see me now! For instance, one day I was on the phone with a stylist/jewelry designer and  was being asked to be interviewed for her blog, as well as being told about some upcoming opportunities. As I’m on the phone, thankful and excited, my kids open the front door, my dog runs outside and down two blocks. I’m barefoot with my 2 year old on my hip, my 4 year old crying that his dog is running away, and a fresh baked blueberry muffin in my hand trying to bribe my big 90 lb black lab back home. It wasn’t until we were half way back home, when I’ve got the dog by the collar, phone between my ear and shoulder, and kid still on the hip, that the phone call ended… Successfully though!  Another time was also on the phone, coordinating details for an amazing photo shoot in Canada! In my robe, after breakfast, I had one child clinging to the front of me, and one on my back…. I’m walking from room to room carrying on a perfect conversation and juggling (literally) my kids who were pretending they were baby monkeys! I got off the phone and just laughed! Those were two rare cases and neither of the people on the opposite end of the phone had any clue what was going on! I usually schedule phone calls and meetings during naptime, but still…. it’s my reality! I have an amazing husband, in laws, sister, and niece, who are a great support, and help with the kiddos when I’m away on gigs. I’m blessed to have them! J

4.     For a young girl or any woman who is also a mother, who maybe wants to model, but thinks they can't, what would you tell them?

Do it. If it is your dream, do it. BE CONFIDENT! I didn’t think I had it in me… my body changed, I fought hard to get it back. I had a few people that helped encourage me enough to believe in myself. I was in a dark place with my self esteem at one point. If I can do it, so can you! If you’re a mommy, push yourself to live out your dreams and balance your babies at the same time. Your children will be glad and proud of you some day that you didn’t throw your dreams away, just because you had them…. But that you wanted to prove that in life, you never give up. If you get nothing more than the most amazing experience (outside of being a mother) from this industry, you will be so proud of yourself, and so will the people that are genuinely supportive, encouraging and loving.

5.     Do you have anything else you want to share with everyone?

~Not everyone will support you! Some people you think will, won’t.  People will come out of the woodwork to support you… people you never thought payed attention. That will be enough to get your mind off the people that you thought would support you, but don’t... or don’t genuinely. Don’t get discouraged, be strong and prove anyone negative wrong by living your dreams the best you know how!  One of my favorite quotes is by Colin Powell . “Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don’t increase you, will eventually decrease you.”  So be thankful for the people that are genuine and stay focused on your goals!  

~One more thing… remember to be loyal to everyone you work with. Don’t be backstabbing, don’t be dishonest, and be genuine, loyal, and grateful for every opportunity and positive person!

~Best wishes to you! Please like my facebook model pagewww.facebook.com/jessicalahr.model  and find me on Model Mayhem #2681515!

“Those who say it can’t be done will be interrupted by someone else doing it.” Harry Emerson Fosdick.  SO DO IT! J

My Interview with Shannon Lee

1. How did you get started in modeling? Hey Cynthia ! I got started in modeling mostly because people always walked up to me and said I should consider it because I'm so tall and thin, so I did and I fell in love with it. 
2. What has this industry taught you? and how many years have you been working at this career choose? The industry has taught me never to give up no matter how many times you get kicked down... just get back up and keep going. I have been modeling since I was 17. I took a little break here and there so about a total of 8 years. 
3. where would you like to see yourself in 5 years in this career? Well I can honestly say most of my modeling dreams have come true. I've made it to be a known model, nyc fashion week, magazines, etc. But I would still love to walk in a Victorias secret fashion show someday and maybe have my own modeling agency to help young aspiring models break into the industry. 
4. Your a Mother of a beautiful Daughter if she wanted to Model what guide line would you give her? Thank you very much ! Well she loves taking pictures as you may know from previous shoots. She loves it. I would let her follow her dream but I would demand she keep it classy. I would not let her get caught up in the scams seeing I know more about the industry now than I ever have. 
5. How is your support system? I honestly have the most amazing fans and support system. Between family, friends, and emails from other aspiring models, its amazing. 
6. what do you like and dislike about the industry? I like being infront of the camera, walking the runway, the hair and makeup, the clothes of course, and being in the spotlight. I dislike the scam artists out there and the people that try to take advantage of people. 
7. share with the world anything you would like? Well like any other girl, I want my fairytale. I want to get married someday and have a big family and nice home. I want to be more successful in legal work also. I have always had such an interest in that. 
Thank you for taken the time to do this for me, You have shown me strength not many people after have a child or even your accident would of been doing what you do. I am glad we have had the opportunity to shoot together. 
Thank you Cynthia, your kind words mean so much. As always, its a pleasure working with you 

Interview with Raven B.

• Raven is such a beautiful women inside and out. I am so glad that I meet her I hope for nothing but the best for her and all she does with her life. She is such an inspire to me. 
  
  
  1. when did you start modeling and how did it happen?
  I started modeling after I was dumped by someone who was very special to me. I had recently cut all of my hair off, was nearly bald, and was searching for my inner (and outer) beauty. I decided to get into modeling because it was something that I was always encouraged to do, and I felt that it would make me feel more confident with my appearance and boost my self esteem after all that I was going through. It did help me embrace my image and today I do not look at modeling as therapy anymore, but more like an artform and a hobby through which I can express myself. 
  2. What are your goals for yourself?
  Right now I am in school studying to get my Science Education degree. My main goal is to finish my education and lead a life in the light of God.
  3. So your going into serving the community can you tell me about that and how you got involved?
  I am currently serving in AmeriCorps, which is a national service program. I love helping people and through the AmeriCorps program I can be sure that my help will go a long way. I highly recommend joining a national service government organization or even an international service organization like the PeaceCorps. Information on these groups can be found on the websitewww.americorps.gov. I have met some amazing and driven people who deeply inspire me to continue my path to success.
  4. what advice would you give to a person interested in the industry? what are some pet peeves you have with the industry?
  I would say to never underestimate your capabilities. There are so many people who do not believe that they can achieve their dreams, but every journey begins with one step. The journey will never begin until you take that step, and it doesn't continue if you are not motivated and don't make more steps and go further towards your goal.
  5. How do you think the industry reflects a women of color?
  There are so few prestigious women of color in the modeling industry, I can name the main ones, Tyra Banks, Iman, Jessica White, Beverly Johnson... but they are aging out of the industry and soon to be replaced. I think that we are due for a new generation of models of color. Hopefully they will be as graceful and respectful as the ones previously mentioned.
  
  6. As a model what is something you wish other people in the industry understood?
  Respect, and how to treat others like human beings.
  
  7. Please share with us anything you would like and dont forget links so people can check you out.
  Well I do not have any links to share, but I enjoyed answering these questions and I wish Cynthia all the best in her endeavours!
  Thank you!
• 
  

  AmeriCorps

  www.americorps.gov
  

  Since 1993, more than 540,000 Americans have served in AmeriCorps. Most AmeriCorps members are selected by and serve with local and national organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. Others serve in AmeriCorps VISTA (Volu...
  
  
  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

My Interview with the talented Makeup Artist Shoranda (Painting faces)

I meet her and her cousin at a charity fashion show near rochester , Ny called Pamper me Pink. I have been so honored to have work with them.  I feel we can learn something from everyone we have encounter.  it the circle of life. I hope that you learn something from the people who have taken the time out to  answer some of my questions. This is a new Year for me and I am grateful  for the experience I have had. the people I have meet. 

1. I was working on a Batik painting after school one day.  My art teacher said that I should try doing makeup because it was the same concept as painting. At first I didn't believe her, but she started to explain the layers involved. I bought books and went to school to make it official. She told me that instead of painting on canvas I would be painting faces. This is  how I got the name painting faces.

2. The thing that I disliked the most about the industry is starting to change. Models in the past were all put in this category were they had to have certain measurements.
3. My favorite type of shoot is the extreme photoshoot. This is where I can show my  creative side and completely step out of the norm.

4. Hair and makeup sets the mood for the shoot. Every part of the shoot is like puzzle pieces that need to be brought together.

5. I would tell models to be realistic. Learn to take rejection without letting it pull you down. You have to be tougher than most and persistent.

6. In 2 to 5 years I want to be a mentor to  makeup artist coming on the scene. I want to focus on my natural health and beauty products.

7. Go out and experiment and find what you are good at and have a passion for. Then you will never get tired of what you do.

Interview with the beautiful and talented Rachel

.Thanks the first time I meet Rachel all I can't think is this girl is my type of girl just honest and upfront. I love her personality and her style. Because of her a dream of mine come true and I will always be grateful to her for that. I have been planting seeds for sometime and to see them manifest means so much to be. it give me hope in what I am doing as a photographer. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have. 




 when did you start modeling? and how did it happen for you? 

Well when I was 19 my friend was doing a project for his college class and needed girls to shoot for this, and he had said that he thought I looked perfect for this. I agreed to what he had wanted to do and the pictures turned out amazingly and actually ended up leading to more shoots!
2. what are some likes and dislike you have with this industry ? 

I really love the fact that I get to play different characters and get to be 23 and play dress up still. What I dislike is the fact that some of the poses I have to hold hurts my back! Must be getting old haha
2. what do you think of the Western Ny market in this business? do you think it is a growing thing? 

I really do think that this is a growing industry in buffalo because more and more I am seeing girls getting into it, which I think is great because there are so many beautiful girls and so many talented models that need that chance to make it big someday.

4. You Don't look like the average model you see on a glamour or vogue magazine. so for the young person who want to model but are not familiar with the other magazines out there what do you tell them? 
There are SO many different types of modeling that you can get into, and so many different types of magazines that look for so many types of girls, and don’t ever be discouraged that you can’t make it big if you really want to chase your dreams, there will be something out there for you. I specialize in pin up and alt modeling and have been published without even having the intention of shooting for those magazines! So believe me it happens ladies!!
5. What is your favorite type of modeling? 
I love doing pin up modeling, I love the whole 1940’s look and the clothing I get to wear as well as the hair styles, but I also love alt modeling, I love the dark edgy stuff and being able to play the bad ass chick and getting the dark make up done.
6. if someone asked you should I market myself or just an agency what would you tell them? 
I would tell them both are good routes to go, but I would say promoting yourself is probably the best way to go. You go a lot further and you also can control the shoots you do to best fit your comfort level as well as you don’t have to split any costs with anyone.
7. Anything else you would like to share please do. 
You were the first female photographer I have ever worked with and you have literally made my pictures look absolutely stunning, working with you I have had some of my best sides brought out and have been nothing less than 110% satisfied and I know you’re going to g far, and will help a lot of people go far in this industry!

Ways to Connect with Rachel 
www.facebook.com/u8atqgnr
www.modelmayhem.com/2431766

Reflecting over the years. my Interviews with model.

I have meet a great deal of models. Mua, hairstylist and so on.  I get to share with them a moment in there lifes. I feel like i am getting a piece of there stories. so I decided that I would share with you my journey   which included the people  you will come across on this blog.   These People have made me believe in myself working with them has allowed me to let my light shine.( ur deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates other.)  written by Marianne Williamson is so true and every morning  for a year I wake up to the poem.when I am shooting it really is about the emotion.  I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to work with such talent. I am not the same person I was   years ago I have grow and a lot of this growth came from the stories i got to be apart of or heard. I don't know if it makes since but working with models help me feel good about my self. not just as a photographer or a business person  but as an over weight female  who sometime don't feel beautiful. I see beauty in all shapes and sizes. when you start working with people you realize the hard work a person puts into what they are doing. You gain respect for them that you may not had at first.  Each Week Until I leave I will try to  sharing with you  an interview. I hope you are lifted by the stories and maybe  it will help you on your journey.  xoxox Cynthia