Nina Taylor - Meet the Model
3 February 2024
In this months Meet The Models, we've been chatting to the one and only Nina Taylor.
Hi Nina!
1) How did you get into the industry?
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.
2) Do you remember your first job?
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.
4) Any advice to new faces?
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.
5) Do you have a beauty routine?
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!
11) What did you want to be when you grew up?
Many things, like a movie star, a dancer, then an Air Stewardess/Cabin Crew, but ultimately something in the entertainment business as its in the family and what I grew up with and know.
12) If you weren’t a model what would you be instead?
Difficult to predict as a I’ve been a model since I was a teenager, but probably would have pursued TV presenting much earlier on. But you know, life is strange, you can aim for something which takes you along a path you never thought of. I never knew about hand modelling and certainly never expected that such a niche industry would allow me to excel in this way, and to touch on those fields like film, celebrity, performance etc. which I always dreamt about. So not exactly as I thought, but pretty close.
To book Nina please Contact Us - or CLICK HERE to view her profile.
