How I Started Modeling

First off, I'm so excited to show you this cover, I just received it in the mail today and I'm still feeling giddy about it!

Well this got me thinking about a question I've received a few times and I figured why not answer it here.

I'm 5'4, and I'm a freelance Model.

It took me a very long time to actually say that aloud and I don't really claim this when people ask me what I do.

To be fair I haven't done it as much since moving and getting married but I still dabble here and there.

So I'm going to start off with, not when I started but when I didn't...

I know that sounds nonsensical but stay with me!

When I was around 6 or 7 a woman at the mall told my mom she should consider putting me in modeling and gave mom a card.

Since I was there and I heard the conversation I was excited and wanted to do it, My mom thought otherwise.

Some people reading this are probably thinking, "That was mean of her to do." but HOLD ON!

I'm forever grateful!

Anytime someone would say I was cute growing up my mom wouldn't say thank you she would immediately say "She's very smart" or "She's very kind".

She wasn't being rude or disagreeing with anyone. 

She wanted me to know that looks don't define a person, their actions do.

Now for the part where I really did start modeling.

It's going to sound silly but photographer friends wanted to practice or had editorial type shoots in mind and asked if I would model.

Since I had never modeled before but I had acting experience I simply acted like I knew what I was doing.

They would give direction and I would follow it, a friend of mine has a vintage clothing store on Etsy, I didn't know her at that point but she asked if I could model some of the pieces.

I started to meet more photographers, makeup artists and stylists who would recommend me for jobs.

Instead of acting like a model I started to be one.

 I worked hard at the photo shoots.

Modeling is rarely as glamorous as it appears in the printed outcome.

I've hiked to locations in insensible shoes, sat on and surrounded by ice in a very thin dress and worn layers upon layers of clothing on blistering summer days.

I offered to help carry equipment and enjoyed getting to know everyone involved.

I wasn't always paid and many of the first photo shoots were creative collaborations for everyone to stretch their muscles.

I've met so many talented people along the way that I can honestly say that is my favorite part of all of it.

Do I think I'm a Supermodel? Absolutely not. 

Does this experience make me an expert? Nope.

Will I ever be represented by an agency? Most likely no.

Am I bragging? I'm not really that sort.

(I think you already knew these things though.)

So now that you know my start came form dumb luck and hard work I'm going to share with you some tips from what I've learned as a freelance model and a photographer!

1. Instagram is a great tool to connect Models and Photographers. 
2. Practice with a phone camera or regular camera to find your best angles.
3. NEVER meet with a photographer by yourself and in a private location if you don't know them. 
4. Reach out to new photographers in your area to collaborate and build mutual portfolios.
5. Don't ask an experienced photographer if they will photograph you in exchange for "exposure".
6. You may have to do your own hair and makeup sometimes so practice.
7. NEVER let someone talk you into doing a photo shoot you are uncomfortable with.
8. Accept the fact that your feelings will most likely get hurt at some point.
9. If you are under 5'6 (more like 5'8) you most likely won't be doing high fashion, that's okay.
10. Stay humble and kind, people will want to work with you more if you remember that.   

All of the modeling I've done has been mostly local and respectively on a small scale.

 I wanted to post this as a disclaimer since I'm sure someone will read this and shout "Imposter!"

xoxo

Piper Arielle

All of the vendors websites will be linked below.

The Magazine is Gulf Coast Bride

Editorial Photography by: Taylor Kaderly

Concept, Hair and Makeup by: Rachel of Dear Bride

Venue: Carillon Beach

Venue Coordinator: Avis Glenister

Rentals: Hemstitch Vintage Rentals

Jewelry: H.M. Willow

Cake: Bonnevie Specialty Foods

Mary Ann

My husband thinks I look like a picnic and I think I look like Mary Ann if the gang from Gilligan's Island had landed off of New England somewhere.

Also I'm pretty sure my handbag and earrings are from a time when the show wasn't a rerun!

I love pairing the old and the new and while my style has multiple personalities I think that is something they can all agree on.

Outfit Info

Top: J.Crew Similar Here

Jeans: Old Navy Similar Here

Sandels: Similar Here

Bag: Vintage

Earrings: Vintage

Gingham And A Basket

A few of my current favorites at the moment!

The blue shirt is from Target and I've worn it so much I'm considering getting another one before it's gone!

The coral gingham shirt is an older J.Crew boy shirt.

The basket purse is vintage and I adore the worn in brass hardware!

And because someone wanted to be the center of attention like always, I took pictures of Anubis being Anubis!

He is pretty cute though! 

xoxo

Piper Arielle

Plant Lady

I have been to the Naples Botanical Garden several times but this time I got to bring my Grandma with me.

She's always loved plants and the challenge of making them thrive.

So I knew this place would be right up her alley.

There is something new and amazing every time I've been.

I can't help but feel closest to my Father in Heaven when I am among his wondrous creations.

I always think of the Hymn "How Great Thou Art".

The 10 year old tomboy in me would hate to admit it but I don't think I can make it through that song without getting emotional.

Sometimes we get caught up in the wants and superficial things in the world, we forget to keep an attitude of gratitude.

Oh Lord my God

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds

Thy hands have made

I see the stars

I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout

The universe displayed

I will leave you with that and now get back to the photos and memories from that day with Grandma.

This is the gorgeous path that Mike and I took a picture at about a month before he proposed and everyone asked if they were engagement photos. 

I told him about it and we laughed, little did I know he had already talked to my Dad and had the ring being made at that point! 

We heard the gong before we saw it.

A class was on a tour of the gardens and they had sounded the gong, we pretended to look at something until they left and then she ran to bang the gong too.

We're basically little kids who can drive.

Admittedly I did the same thing the first time I saw it.

For as long as I can remember my Grandmother has had cacti and succulents in every available corner of her house.

What can I say but she liked them before they were cool.

One of the coolest parts of the garden is how they have separated it into different regions so it's like a trip around the world for a small admissions fee!

Truth time... I almost fell in trying to take this picture.

The last little garden that you walk through is an orchid paradise with the most interesting orchids I've ever seen.

If you can't tell, I'm a little obsessed with this entire place.

It's my #1 suggestion for anyone who finds themselves in the Naples Fl. area with an hour or two to spare.

I think you will like it even if you aren't a Plant Lady.

xoxo

Piper Arielle