How to rebuild your reputation

Fay good luck, I'm sure you will successful as great look and all that experience will win through.

From the other perspective I've spent the last two years shooting almost 100% fashion with some lingerie, but not much.  Only recently a model asked me to do some nudes of her for her own use.

I think my work improved as I was working more to show the model, not what she was 'showing'.  I am a huge fan of mono art nude but unless its on a cool beach or the desert I think I'm going to stick with fashion.

I'm really happy to just shoot fashion so if you ever venture to Devon give me and MidgePhoto a wave :)

KKFaerber Yeah I had some photographers still try push my levels unfortunately or tell me on the shoot they want to shoot me nude, it was frustrating because I wanted people to take me seriously as a fashion model not just because of the lack of clothes I wear. I feel I have some strong images in many different genres that ain’t art nude, even when I was still shooting nude I created some strong fashion images. I felt they weren’t getting the chance to shine.

Fay Pearson said

KKFaerber Yeah I had some photographers still try push my levels unfortunately or tell me on the shoot they want to shoot me nude, it was frustrating because I wanted people to take me seriously as a fashion model not just because of the lack of clothes I wear. I feel I have some strong images in many different genres that ain’t art nude, even when I was still shooting nude I created some strong fashion images. I felt they weren’t getting the chance to shine.

Ok, well people that push levels are beyond fixing I think. So I can't do too much to offer help there, sadly. 

My honest and completely worthless opinion is that you have a strong look but not the most cohesive or striking portfolio. With a few selective shoots for your portfolio, you could very easily find your piece of the market. 

All the best

JonC said

I’ve only shot with you the once, fashion/portrait (strictly SFW) and you were great! I’d tag you on those images but all the ones on my port are FPIs so unfortunately can’t. You are a versatile model with great camera presence and I’m sure you will do well.

Always a good excuse for uploading a second copy ;)

KKFaerber what images would you say are letting my portfolio down? It’s difficult because I’m using old images but will gradually rebuild, I also need to find my niche again.

Fay Pearson said

KKFaerber what images would you say are letting my portfolio down? It’s difficult because I’m using old images but will gradually rebuild, I also need to find my niche again.

I made the mistake a few years ago of discussing the particulars of a portfolio review in the forums and don't want to do the same again. What I will say is that it doesn't hurt to have a set of clean digitals to give people an idea of the current look you're working with. Some of your images are rather small in general size and resolution so that can be a negative. I am sure there are some really talented photographers in your local area that could get you some up to date images that show your abilities and look. 

Speaking from my own perspective, I follow a lot of photographers that produce the kind of work I would love to end up creating. Having a healthy diet of inspiration from things like your instagram feed will help a lot in narrowing your focus on the direction you want to take. Purpleport photographers often seem to want a model to have almost a brand image that they then rent for their portfolio (didn't mean for it to sound that grim), whereas agency models tend to have varied, almost sporadic portfolios with a solid spine of clean commercial looks. It never hurts for people to know the raw materials of a models looks. some nice clean headshots/simple studio fashion shots akin to the style of someone like Michael Woloszynowicz 's commercial work. 

Again though, this is just my opinion and it's worth less than the average persons. 

All the best. 

I would say get your jobs , make a new reputation and carry on. Don't dwell on what came before.

You want people to follow the new you and make bookings, try not to bring back the past you so much.

I only say that because than people may ask have you actually moved on? Is it necessary?

I know it may not be easy to make talking points on a forum when you need advice because that's what it's there for but will the points brought up help place you where you want to be.

Edited by Lenswonder

I have to admit I have been a huge fan of yours for a long time and I think you have one of the most authentically vintage faces out there. There is literally no one who can pull off 1920's - 1950's like you can and it's unique.

Personally I am puzzled that you've struggled to transition from art nude to fashion because I would actually say the strongest shots I've seen of you are the vintage / SFW ones bar Huws extraordinary one of you running nude which is a classically stunning shot.

I can't really think where the problem could be tbh.

It does feel to me that overall there is less work out there for models than there was so maybe it's just a downturn in available business but because you're coming back after a time out, you're thinking that it's you when it's actually not.

It all seems generally much more quiet to me on social media than it was. People just aren't shooting it seems beyond the one or two who are shooting religiously.

I guess the only other thing it could be is that personally I was concerned when you changed levels, that you'd had a bad experience and I know that other people were also concerned and any hint of a bad shoot can put some fickle people off.

All I can say to that is that if anyone doesn't want to shoot with you due to you having a bad transition through levels then they are not someone you want to shoot with so there is no loss there.

But honestly, I think its just a general downturn in model photography in general. Everything is so expensive now, it's not even funny and even the richer people on here are struggling somewhat with price increases in everything.

I would probably just expect and accept less business as a fashion model and be happy with what you do do.

I for one am very glad to see you back modelling. You have such stunning and unique looks that I think you stopping modelling was bordering on a tragedy as looks don't last forever (trust me 😬). Make the most of what you have and your incredible beauty whilst you are still young.

Last thing, your looks really are absolutely set up for vintage. Just look at those shots that Faye took of you. Incredible.

I think you should work that as your niche because not everyone can pull off vintage, even the most popular models on here, some of them just can't pull off vintage, it's the facial / bone structure and you either have it or you dont (I don't) so I would really push that aspect because you're good at it and make yourself "THE" model to come to for vintage.

It might give you a unique selling point that makes you stand out.

Edited by Margo Jost

I must admit, I saw you had changed and come back under a new name and gave it a couple of seconds thought and then realised, none of my business, fair play to you for making the job work for you…I just think it has become a lot harder to get work in general from what I have observed…but all the best and I think your look is certainly versatile enough not to have to rely on things you no longer want to do and look forward to seeing some new work from you

It likely is harder work to build a reputation as a fashion model but there are models who are doing it.

There are also other well known models here like you who changed directions, of course it may be more quiet at first but than you have to ask your self why you are doing it ? What do you want to gain ? Maybe doing it as a part time thing until bookings get better.

What might be worth investigating is the very stylised approach. This seems popular. I did a shoot with a model who did this back in the summer. It was certainly something very different for me. Finding a style that sets you apart from the rest could be the way to go.

I’m glad you’re back! If you’re sticking around, I have the perfect job for you in June!

I have done the opposite after a little break due to personal circumstances. A lot of photographers I worked with in the past aren't on here to leave references now. So now im trying to rebuild them. Under the new name and accounts on everything. You will be smashing it in no time! You are photogenic and gorgeous.

Hi Fay, I just saw your post and liked to comment. 

I am not familiar with your art nude work since I am not that long in the game I guess. But by the looks of your current portfolio I definitely see your potential as a fashion model. I wanted to say that you might want to improve your images in your portfolio, also because some of em may seem a little bad in quality which often is also a buzz killer. But you mentioned earlier in this conversation that you will rebuild your portfolio to the "new you". I myself am always about the face. If I see a models portfolio with some great headshots I am intrigued to work with her. And you have that look for sure. 

I am sure that when your portfolio gets stronger you will get there again. Wish you all the luck!

Welcome back! I’d got the impression that you’d stopped modelling altogether.