Lastest news

When I lived in Belgium, I joined a casting agency that secured exciting roles for me. After relocating to the UK, I registered with an agency in Leeds as a supporting artist. In 2018, I was discovered by their modelling department. Since then, I have primarily focused on modelling and acting jobs.

In the UK, my first job was for a Legoland commercial, where I portrayed a supporting friend at a football table in a pub.

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

NEOM skincare has been my favourite campaign due to its dynamic nature, involving the application of creams and soaps on my body. Additionally, I already used their skincare products, which added to the experience.

Take ownership of your career and endeavour to steer it in a direction that aligns with your vision. Don't be afraid to ask questions and invest in building your portfolio.

Yes, I have a beauty routine. I drink fenugreek before I sleep and keep my skincare quite simple. In the morning, I apply vitamin C, and in the evening, I use retinol.

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

Shooting in heavy rain.

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

My dream is to break into the editorial market with Chanel during Fashion Week. When I first became interested in modelling, it was the era of Karl Lagerfeld that captivated me with his grace and elegance. In the commercial market, a dream collaboration would be with OhPolly. I frequently wear their clothes and find them to be body-positive and flattering to my hourglass body type. I believe this collaboration would be very rewarding as I genuinely adore the brand's clothing.

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

My biggest passion lies in water advocacy. Growing up in a developed country and visiting my country of origin in the developing world highlighted the stark contrast in water infrastructure. This stark contrast fuelled my passion from a young age. I wanted to address significant global challenges, and water management became a personal focus. I am currently the proud Founder of the African Youth Parliament for Water, where I collaborate with the United Nations and national governments to advance African Youth Policies within the water sector.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

Yes, during my first commercial work in the UK for Legoland, I was starstruck when meeting Thierry Henry and Marcus Rashford on set.

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?

If I could only take three things with me to a desert island, they would be a paint set, a lighter, and a Kindle. The paint set would allow me to unleash my creativity and express my thoughts through art. A lighter would be essential for cooking food and keeping warm at night. Lastly, the Kindle would provide me with an escape into different realities through books, giving me the feeling that I am constantly traveling around the world, despite being on a desert island.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a model. Despite sounding cliché, I was encouraged to explore the world of modelling, which sparked a keen interest in me. I was deeply fascinated with the latest modelling news and trends. However, at the age of 15, one of my parents advised me to focus on my studies, and so I put my modelling aspirations on hold until I came to the UK.

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

If I weren't a model, I would likely have pursued a career as a fashion designer, which was a dream during my early years. I still have drafts of designs that I created when I was around 10 years old. Later on, around the age of 15, my passion shifted towards water policy and engineering, which led me to come to the UK in the first place. Aside from my modelling career, I am actively involved in water engineering and advocacy. This work has provided me with a broader perspective on the world and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to utilize my modelling platform for positive change in the future.

To book Fatou please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view her profile.

@fatoudesign

3 July 2024

MEET THE MODELS

Chino Amaechi - Meet The Models

In this months Meet The Models we have been chatting to Chino!

Hi Chino, Thanks for sitting down with us to answer our questions:

I used to act and do interviews when I was a lot younger and got signed based on those clips and then when signed was asked if I would consider modelling also and then it’s been an adventure since.

Erm I believe it was an extra in a movie and then a commercial for a phone company.

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

I would say modelling for Mercedes as I have worked with them a few times and the team is lovely and warm and it always feel like a fun day more than actual work.

Show up on time be punctual, and professional and be kind, in my experience it will take you a lot further. You may find yourself with better opportunities you may not necessarily be the best person for but because people by into you they will encourage, support and champion you for a position or networking opportunity

Honestly I don’t but I try to drink a lot of water for healthier skin and try and get as much rest as I can, besides that it’s always moisturise.

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

At one shoot I remember having to wear a crazy outfit and try and do ballet dances at the same time ( I’m not a trained dancer at all) basically being the opposite of what I’m dressed like.

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

I would love to work with high end fashion brands preferably Balmain, Versace and Gucci brands as I love fashion and their lines in particular which I feel have some classic and iconic pieces. It would be a dream to do a campaign for them as I feel I could represent for the big boys/ curvier models like myself which may not get the spotlight like many slimmer models.

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

Biggest passions outside of modelling is music I literally can not go a day without it, coming from a musical family of singers and musicians, music has been instilled in me and I’d probably say it’s my first love. Other than that my passion is family I’m very family orientated you may not always have the best family but they’re yours and mine I hold dear.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

Not so much now probably due to pride and realising they’re still human beings but when I was younger most definitely. Recently I met Andy Cole at one Mo Gilligans after party and as Man United fan I will admit I was in awe because he is a man united legend but he was so chill and polite it made me feel at ease.

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?

A sound system where I could somehow play music by shear will and ingenuity think it might need to be solar powered lol , a beautiful companion and a multifaceted survival kit consisting of first aid items, tents , rope and knives I think cheated on my last idea lol

I went through phases first was something in tech, then in media (tv/ radio presenter) which I have done stints of and a chef.

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

If honest probably a Tv or radio presenter I have experience in these fields and a good network system

To book Chino please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view his profile.

@iamchinomoney

3 July 2024

MEET THE MODELS

Paige Short - Meet the Models

In this months Meet The Models we have been chatting to Paige!

Hi Paige, Thanks for sitting down with us to answer our questions:

I was attending my first day of university studying Maths at Kings College London when I signed as a model. To this day I never went back!

My first ever job was an editorial for the Evening Standard Magazine with Dior Beauty.

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

I have a couple favourites for a variety of reasons. One, opening designer Apu Jan’s show at London Fashion Week. I had never opened a show nor walked to a live orchestra, it was a very surreal experience. I also enjoy any shoot with Cosmopolitan magazine. Not only do they always have such a lovely team, but every article I have shot with them has always carried a really important message.

Be kind to people.

I do, I also have taken it one step further by investing in silk bedding for optimal results!

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

I have had quite a few strange requests on set, like using a chainsaw! However, since being with Hired Hands I haven’t been asked to do anything too unusual which I’m awfully grateful for. The chainsaw was quite a stressful day!

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

Well this is a new dream I have recently acquired. I didn’t realise I was capable of being extremely jealous of a client, but after hearing about Nina working with Mr Beast, I’m incredibly envious! I grew up watching Mr Beast.

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

I love to read. I’ve lived hundreds of lives through the books I’ve read.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

If I’m ever cast for Top Gun that day will come.

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?

First my mum, anyone that knows me will know how much I love my mum so she’d definitely be first. She’d also keep me calm.

Second, a helicopter so I could go home.

Third, maybe some marmite for the journey.

Quite honestly, all I’ve ever wanted to be is consistently happy. So whatever job aligned with happiness that day is what I would have wanted to be.

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

I think I would have enjoyed being a Meteorologist, using Maths to predict the weather

To book Paige please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view her profile.

@shortpaige

2 July 2024

NEW WORK

Claudia Cole for Lucky Saint by Sun Lee

Our prayers are answered, "deliver us from the thirst", Lucky Saint is here for all the alcohol free beer lovers! Featuring the hands of our model Claudia Cole in this shoot with photographer Sun Lee.

Credits

Model: Claudia Cole
Brand: Lucky Saint
Photographer: Sun Lee
Producers: Elena Huntley & Joanna Niklas from Crxss Agency
Agency: Otherway
Studio: Over the Road @ Shoreditch Studios

3 May 2024

NEW TALENT

Manchester - New Signings!

It's been a busy few months at Hired Hand HQ!

We are super excited to announce we have just signed an new roster of Talent representing the Manchester area and The Midlands. The new members of the team will be casting alongside our exisiting talent base.

Welcome to Aailyah H, Aliya Grace, Audree, Chloe, Chantal, Denico, Fatou, Grace, Kaily, Leah and LLoyd. We are so pumped about repping this division!

Please contact us for bookings bookings@hiredhandsmodels.com

4 May 2024

NEW WORK

C4 Energy Drinks - Lifestyle Shoot

Take a peek at our recent lifestyle shoot shoot and directed by Chris Howlett

Featuring Micah and Donald

www.howlettphoto.com

https://www.instagram.com/chrishowlettphotography/

2 May 2024

MEET THE MODELS

Chè Cassisus Mason - Meet The Models

In this months Meet The Models we have been chatting to new signing Chè!

Welcome Chè!

I got into the industry through originally being scouted by Storm at a festival which didn’t work out at the time, however, it placed the idea in my head of becoming a model. So I did a few fitting jobs for Arch4 and then I did a jewellery shoot for Leonie’s brand Ferian, at which she complimented my hands and then put me in contact with Hired Hands Models.

The first job I did with Hired Hands was with Bucherer.

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

My most favourite campaign that I’ve worked on has to be the Starbucks winter commercial because for me it was the best of both worlds of modelling and acting coinciding together, as well as the amazing people I worked with on that set.

The best advice I could give to new faces is to enjoy and embrace every moment whilst being yourself.

My beauty routine is quite boring I must say, but I do just regularly moisture my skin and I have recently got new facial products for my skincare routine.

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

To be honest I haven’t had to do anything super strange on set before, other than maybe having to hold an egg in different positions.

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

My dream job would be to model for Arsenal FC as I support them and I am a massive football fan.

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

Other than modelling, Football is my biggest passion.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

I got pretty starstruck when I met a director called Rapman on his set and then was fortunate enough to meet and talk to him again at my godfathers premier for The Book of Clarence.

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?

If I could only take 3 things to a desert island I would take a football to keep me active, a trumpet so I can still play music, and a bed so I get a comfortable sleep.

When I grew up I wanted to become a footballer.

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

If I wasn’t a model I would be either an actor, footballer, or something to do with property.

To book Chè please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view his profile.

@che_mason

4 April 2024

MEET THE MODELS

Nadia Cumine - Meet The Models

In this months Meet The Models we have been chatting to the legendary Nadia Cumine:

The credit goes to my mum for that, she watched a TV show about hand models and thought that it’d be a great first job for me. I was only 15 at the time and Hired Hands website said that you needed to be 16 to apply, so the day of my 16th birthday I submitted an application and was on the books within a week!

Of course! There’s a funny story behind it. My mum dropped me to the shoot. I was having such a great time that I didn’t check my phone for hours and in this time, the neighbour of the photographer had told my mum that the studio had been abandoned for months and therefore prompted her to believe I’d been kidnapped. After calling Steve (my agent at the time) 10 times to double check that the photographer was a real person she eventually calmed down. I’m still not too sure why the neighbour told her that!

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

One of my favourites must have been Matches shoes and bags campaign. I love shoots that involve a lot of outfit styling. I was having bags balanced on my feet and lying on the ground in the most gorgeous looks. The team also had a great energy, and it was where I was introduced to Nando’s Peri Peri chips, which I’m eternally grateful for.

You don’t need to worry anywhere near as much as you are! I had so many sleepless nights before shoots when I first started out. If a client asked me to ‘bring a couple top options’ I’d end up packing half my wardrobe. Get talking to people and your worries will fade away.

For both my face and hands! My face includes double cleanse, toner, moisturiser, retinol and my LED mask to top it all off. For my hands I make sure to moisturise after every time I wash my hands and apply cuticle oil 3x a day. I also do regular hand masks and glycolic acid.

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

I was shooting an editorial where I was body doubling for a celebrity. At first, I wondered why they needed a body double for the shoot but after they’d dressed me head to toe in designer clothes, they asked me to lie in a tree trunk which they’d hollowed out and filled with dirt. I could see why the celeb didn’t want to do the shot, but it ended up looking really cool!

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

I have a couple of brands on my vision board. As a Harry Styles fan, his nail polish brand Pleasing is high on my list. Being able to collaborate with one of my favourite artists would be crazy. Tiffany & Co is also one of my dream brands, it has such a rich and iconic history and I’d love to say that I contributed to it in some way.

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

My passions have always lied within creativity. Whether that’s sewing bikinis, designing houses or making TikToks. I love having an idea in my head and seeing it come to life. I’m also very into sustainable fashion, and this has so many different avenues that allow me to be creative. From thinking of new ways to style a piece I’ve had for ages or how I can cut it up and turn it into something new.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

So far, not yet. However, I did have an ‘omg’ moment when Bella Hadid posted a photo of my hands on her Instagram. A fan had made a cool collage of one of my shots and one of hers and she must’ve thought my hands were good enough to make it to her feed. I showed everyone at school, to which some people said there was no proof that was my hand. (The struggles of being a hand model!) but I knew they were mine and I was pretty chuffed.

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?

SPF – I can’t be getting sun damage – I’ll have jobs booked for when I’m back!!

Taylor Swift 1989 (Taylor’s Version of course) – Got to keep the vibes upbeat and have something to dance to and 1989 has over 20 songs on so they won’t have to repeat as much.

A sudoku book – I’m rarely seen without one. And if you see me frowning at my phone on the tube there’s a pretty good chance I’m on the sudoku app instead. I can spend days on just one puzzle so that would keep me entertained for a while.

I wanted to have my own nail salon! I remember sitting on Microsoft Publisher making a menu for ‘Nad’s Nails’ of all the nail art I could do. I always loved nail care and used to throw a tantrum whenever I had to cut my nails for school or sports. Little did everyone know I’d grow up to have a job where having nice nails is a requirement!

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

Probably an engineer! I studied Architectural Engineering at university and I used to bunk off quite a lot to go to shoots! I still have a passion for building design and especially love creating 3D models.

To book Nadia please contact us or CLICK HERE to view her profile

@nadiacumine

4 April 2024

MEET THE MODELS

Debbie Grieve - Meet The Models

In this months Meet The Models, we've been chatting to the one and only Debbie Grieve!

Hey Debbie,

I was spotted by a photographer in 1964, whilst I was working as a secretary in London. I was waiting in his studio reception with a friend who was collecting photos, and he came out and asked me if I had ever considered modelling. He then rang one of the top agencies at the time 'Penny Personal Management' who took me on and the rest is history!

Yes, my first job was a Pepsi Cola commercial. I couldn't believe my luck -I earned more for that than in a whole year as a secretary!

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

Probably the two campaigns I did for the hosiery brands 'Pretty Polly' and 'Aristoc'. Posters of my legs everywhere! But actually, perhaps my favourite was for 'Ford Capri' cars because we spent a week shooting an epic commercial in the beautiful Dolomites.

That's a hard one as the Industry has changed so much. Make sure you have a strong social media presence. Be kind, considerate and turn up on time. Remember you're working as part of a team. It's not just about you. Make sure you have a good support system around you, and remember it's not the be all and end all and doesn't define who you are.

Yes, its pretty simple. I cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and evening. And I've always taken my make-up off before bed however late I've come home! I use organic products as much as possible and switch them up regularly. I also eat a healthy balanced diet, with the occasional glass of red wine (which is good for you!), and I keep active, making sure I walk as much as possible every day.

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

It was a photographic job for an article about unhealthy food. They cut a hole in the bottom of a large tin container and I had to push my hand up through the hole to then be immersed in cold baked beans for hours!

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

Yes! I would love to model for Ralph Lauren clothes as I love his timeless classic designs. Also, perhaps an organic skincare or cosmetics brand like Neal's Yard, Dr Hauschka or similar. I feel it's important for my age group to be represented more (70's/80's).

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

Aside from spending precious time with my family and friends, I love to paint and now create greetings cards for my loved ones. I also enjoy being outside in Nature and tending to the plants and flowers in the garden.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

Yes! I was in total awe of the late great French photographer, Guy Bourdin, who I was lucky enough to work with in Paris, on the cover of French Vogue in 1966. He personally selected me for the job. My legs were the first ever to appear on a Vogue cover. He also remarked that I had lovely elegant hands and feet so I was then also propelled into the world of hands and feet modelling.

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?

My art materials to sketch, draw and journal with. A dog as my companion. A luxury pop up tent containing my lovely soft pillow that I travel everywhere with, as I don't fancy building a makeshift shelter from branches and palm leaves!

I wanted to be a gymnast. Then I wanted to work with horses in any way possible. I was obsessed with them, and rescued a lovely Welsh pony when I was about 15, who I named 'Tinker'. He stayed with us for many happy years and we won many rosettes at Gymkhanas together. He was a superstar.

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

I would love to be working with horses, perhaps assisting with riding for the disabled. Also, it would be great to help train guide dogs for the blind.

To book Debbie please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view her profile.

debbiegrieve7

4 April 2024

NEW WORK

Biomel - Next Generation Gut Health

Check out our models Stacey and Dee front and centre in the new Biomel 2024 campaign.

Biomel produce dairy fee probiotic's, promoting gut health, improved brain function and wellness... and we have been told its delicious!

Shot by photographer: Iona Macleod
@ionamacleod_photo

For Biomel

@biomel.life

Models at Hired Hands Models:

4 April 2024

AGENCY UPDATES

3 Generations of Women, 1 Business - International Women's Day @ HHM

As a business originally co-founded by a woman, and now co-run by a woman, its so exciting to take the time to reflect and celebrate all our women who have historically been a part of the agency, as staff, as family and as talent.

Happy International Women's Day from all of us @ HHM!!

Judi co-founded the agency back in 1991 and helped craft the agency into the business it is today. She manned the phones from day one and we'd be be lost without her.

Does anyone remember working with Buddy? Judi's mother, and Chloe's grandmother, she joined the agency for a time back in the early 00's when she retired from her prominent career on the London Fringe Theatre scene. Buddy passed away in early 2020, but's it wonderful to have an opportunity to remember her and her fabulous career and the impact she had on the agency. Please click HERE to listen to an interview of Buddy speaking to her granddaughter Polly about her legacy.

The agency is now co-run by Chloe. Whose first taste of the agency life was on a shoot where she was featured as a hand model and had her arms covered in prosthetics, at just 17 years old.

That's 3 generations of family and women in just 33 in years.

We are now also proud to represent over 130 talented women.

To all our ladies, past, present and future. We salute you!

5 March 2024

MEET THE MODELS

Tom King - Meet The Models

In this months Meet The Models, we've been chatting to our top fave Tom King!

Hey Tom,

My family and friends urged me to get into modelling and send my photos off to a local modelling agency which I did and they happened to accept me onto their books and from there I just expanded, 12 years later I'm still modelling and I absolutely love it

Yes not only because it is in my diary ha but because it was an incredible moment, it was being part of Tom ford's winter fashion show in London in the presence of Anna Wintor, Tom ford, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel. Next morning at 5 30 I was back in my factory job contemplating leaving to try modelling

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

My favourite campaign is a toss up between a tv advert I did for Victoria plum being in a bath all day, being the face of Disney for 6 months or a campaign I did for a shopping centre in Birmingham where I was on billboards, which was next door to the job I decided to quit to give modelling a chance, a surreal moment.. I can't pick between the three sorry

On your photoshoots if you arrive early you're on time, if you're on time you're late and if you're late you have lost the job.. This is a good mentality to have to make sure you're always punctual and have a happy client

Yes, water on face haha I'm very lucky

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

I had a woman paint my bum blue, put me in coconut and put ice cream balls on my bum - it was a great job

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

I'm a big arsenal fan and even though I've modelled for them before the campaign didn't go live so I would like to do another shoot for them where this time I can be everywhere.. That would be special to me

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

Oooh I like this question I'm going to go with going away on holiday to explore new places, meet new people and work on my tan.. If it's a tropical holiday then I'll throw strawberry daiquiris in there too

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

I worked on a documentary with Joanna Lumley and I took a real interest in her with how successful she has been in her acting career

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?

A woman for company and to carry on the family name

A music instrument for entertainment

And a dog to help hunt & to distract the future little TK’s

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

A model/footballer

A park ranger Looking after animals on a conservation in Africa

To book Tom please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view her profile.

@tomjking/

3 February 2024

MEET THE MODELS

Violeta Sofia - Meet The Model

In this months Meet The Models, we've been chatting to new our signing Violeta.

Hi Violeta!

While I was in university, I aspired to balance modelling with my education, but my body didn't align with

the conventional standards due to my curves. However, in recent years, those standards have

evolved. Surprisingly, I was contacted by a modelling scout via Facebook to participate in an

inclusive campaign for Adidas. When I explained that I had gained weight, shaved my afro, and

my vitiligo had become more prominent, they responded that this was precisely what they were

seeking. At the time, I was 39 years old.

Working for Adidas was an incredible experience. As a photographer myself, entering such an inclusive set

where I didn't have the responsibility of taking pictures was refreshing. The team was incredibly

supportive, and the atmosphere among the rest of the cast was enjoyable, with delicious food

adding to the positive vibes. To make it even better, they knew I do kickboxing, so they brought

gloves and choreographed some moves for me to be photographed with. It was truly a

memorable experience.

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

Adidas

Recording yourself and practicing poses in front of a mirror can be incredibly beneficial. It's

something that has helped me gain control over my facial expressions. When the

lockdown occurred soon after I started modelling, I had to tape myself for castings. This

process allowed me to closely observe how my face looks when I talk, smile, and

express various emotions. It was a valuable learning experience.

Castor oil has become one of my recent discoveries. Although I had heard about it before, now that

I've tried it, it's become my top choice. I use it for my hair, skin, and as an anti-

inflammatory remedy.

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

I haven’t been asked for anything strange

7) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

I would love to model for Nike, MAC, Gucci, Tom Ford, SKIMS, Bulgari, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana and

Tiffany to name a few, because each of these brands represents something unique to me. Some

are known for their creativity, pushing boundaries and innovating. Others exude a certain

provocative allure and then there are those whose designs I simply adore and love to wear.

8) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

Outside of modelling, I'm a professional photographer, specialising in portrait, conceptual, and

fashion photography. Photography has been a part of my life since childhood. I feel incredibly

fortunate to be able to experience both sides of the industry. I'm equally comfortable behind and in

front of the camera.

As a photographer, I typically work independently and rarely collaborate with other photographers.

While being a model, stylist, assistant, or makeup artist naturally brings you into contact with peers,

fostering the sharing of stories and techniques, photography can sometimes feel solitary. Modelling

provides me with the opportunity to connect with other photographers, share experiences, and

learn from their perspectives, enriching my own craft.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

No, not really, I prioritise the task at hand. "I'm here to work" is my mindset. I am so concentrated with

creating results that I forget that they are celebrities

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?Mac lipstick: I don’t go any where without my Candy yam yam :)

Compact Camera: I don’t go any where without a camera

Insect repellent: Mosquitos loooove me

Lol… an artist of some sort. singer, actor… photographer

12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?

If I weren't a model or a photographer, I would have loved to pursue a career as a Creative Director at an ad

agency or something similar. I've always been brimming with ideas, but I can't execute them all

on my own. Being able to share my ideas and collaborate with others in bringing them to life

would be incredibly fulfilling for me.

To book Violeta please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view her profile.

@violeta.sofia.model

3 February 2024

MEET THE MODELS

Nina Taylor - Meet the Model

In this months Meet The Models, we've been chatting to the one and only Nina Taylor.

Hi Nina!

As a teenager, I was ballet trained at the Royal Academy. After being chosen to pose for renowned sculptress Astrid Zydower who was creating a statue for a top Ballet Company in New York, the photographer who took the shots of me in the pose and the shapes of my arms and hands suggested I look in to hand modelling. After I got signed, it was a matter of going to countless castings and eventually securing my first booking which I still remember fondly.

My first job was actually a TV commercial for Pampers. I remember it was like being thrown in to the deep end, as a stills shoot with a smaller crew and less pressure would have been an easier introduction to this world - story of my life though. It was fabulous!! And as a film student at that time, a huge thrill to be chauffeur driven to the famous Shepperton Studios and their big sound stages where as a bright eyed teenager I would also join those stars who travelled through those gates. It wasn’t an easy one though with all the new lingo, working with babies and a notorious director known for his impatience. All good experience though for which I am always grateful.

3) What’s been your favourite campaign you have worked on and why?

There are so many for varying reasons. You have the crew and team which can make a shoot fantastic irrespective of the brand. You can have a huge brand and celeb that can give interest to a shoot, or a simply lucrative project which makes every model quite happy. If I had to pick, I would say some of my favourite bookings have been where I handle priceless jewels as I love all things that sparkle.

It’s an evolving industry and I have certainly seen many twists and turns over the years that impact how you work and promote yourself as a model. But I would say professionalism is key. So respecting the work, the client, your agent and maintaining gratefulness in being booked. Preparation prior to a shoot making sure you represent yourself as a pro. The amount of passion and interest you put in to your talent and skill will show in the quality of the end result and whether you will be re-booked and start building a good reputation in the biz.

The beauty routine is a little bit every day in order to offer camera ready assets at any point. Hydration is key. Moisturising & exfoliation of hands and cuticles is the absolute basic. But some extra pamper treatments are always good especially in the winter months,

6) What is the strangest thing you’ve been asked to do on set?

There are so many I couldn’t even list them, especially since what others think is strange becomes the absolute norm for us models, especially body part models. Whether it’s standing behind an actress doubling as their hands, it could be hanging from a harness in the air just so that the hand can enter the shot from the top or having a tarantula resting on you.

6) Do you have a dream brand or client you are yet to shoot for? A Dream Collaboration? And why?

I’ve been so lucky to have worked with so many wonderful brands over the years. I think an absolute dream come true would be modelling my own brand that’s been in the pipeline for a few years now. Not only would it be a proud moment but represent a sort of pinnacle to a very full career I cherish.

7) Outside of modelling, what is your biggest passion?

I have many passions outside of modelling, such as interior design as I have a property portfolio which is a big part of what I do and a result of my years of working as a model. But I am passionate about my other work in live tv, working with beauty brands as a consultant, writing my beauty column for the trade and working alongside a variety of charities.

9) Have you ever been starstruck when meeting a director or celebrity on set?

No - it’s more about respect and admiration if I enjoy their work and what they represent

10) If you could only take 3 things with you to a desert island, what would they be and why?

I’ve often thought how nice it would be to escape to a Desert Island just to have a break from the trappings of this mad world. I would definitely take a friend, a good SPF and a bottle of Chanel Rouge Noir - say no more!