Dun dun dun…. If you don’t like my thoughts on girls and cars kind of posts, I’d skip the blog for today. 
Consider yourself warned.
Curiosity Exists Here
There’s something that I’ve always wondered, since the time I started to have any slight interest in cars. And that’s if, if it were even possible anyhow, becoming a car model would give me a break into the hobby that I love.
I am no different than most girls in that I aspired to model status. I want the reinforcement that I am pretty, beautiful, somebody worth having around. I always figured that if I ever ended up as a model, I may finally be able to shake the nagging voice that nit-picks every little bit about my physical appearance.
Namely, that I’m fat. I am not lying, okay? Not sure if you can tell by any pics I’ve posted how many people tell me this is ridiculous, or even the fact that I know it’s ridiculous… Don’t bother trying to fix it. I’m searching for some validation that I won’t get, because I know that no matter what it won’t be enough and I won’t ever weigh what I’d want to. (An even 100 pounds or less. Preferably less.)
So…. Seriously now, what does it take to make it as a car model?
Qualifications?
A love for mini skirts? Yeah, I’ve got that. Moving here means another fresh start and chance to once again reinvent myself. And I want to live in mini skirts and dresses way more than I already do. Just love them.
But I’ve never been a fan of them and heels. Just never felt like I could pull it off. Plus my aversion to heels because I can’t drive in them… (Yet? I hope.) I’m glad that my savior comes in the form of knee-high flat heeled boots. They’re a true car girl’s best friend — classy, trendy, sexy AND drivable, all in one. 
Looks…. Yeah, I’d rate myself as a fail in that category. I just don’t have the stunning looks most models have. I spend a lot of time cursing my plain ethnicity for that one.
Car knowledge is the one thing I’ve got, that and a lot of passion for cars and tuning. Then again, it does seem that most models exist solely based on looks…. Or at least looks are weighed a lot heavier than knowledge.
In a nutshell, I don’t think I could hack it out in the industry if I tried. Believe me, though, part of me wishes I would try…. I just would never manage to get far if it was required to “whore myself out.” The husband would never stand for that. (And I would never expect him to.)
It’s a Mystery…
I guess it’ll always remain a mystery to me. Alas, I’ll continue to be jealous of the girls who get access to big names (umbrella girls, anyone?) or paid to be at conventions like SEMA. You know, things I’d kill to do because they’re totally my thing.
Anyhow, part of my feeling that I can’t hack it out in that job path led me into more of the writing/photography side of things. And while I’m not too sure of my skills right now, that’s what I’m working on overcoming. One day at a time, one word at a time and one picture at a time.
Who knows. Maybe someday I’ll have the chance. If not, I’m into making my own chances… SEMA won’t keep me out forever. 
But…
Lately, I’ve decided to try it out anyways, after getting more encouragement than I thought I would. I’ll be working my way through all the mysteries and seeing if I end up anywhere or not!
If not, at least I tried. But one never knows… Right?
No related posts.
I’ve done a bit of model photography and I’ve been a male model exactly once. So, here’s my experience.
Shooting models:
You end up with a lot of similar photos to every other model photog. 4 or 5 will really stand out. And you generally get to see the girls completely nude several times due to outfit changes. Which pretty much rocks. But I honestly find it to be the least interesting type of photography. I’m sure I’m in the minority here.
Sometimes you get paid for it (yeah, the models pay the photographer!) Sometimes you just do the shoot in trade (you both get pix for your portfolio). And most times, it seems pretty unfulfilling to both parties. And even the GOOD model photogs tend to put out pix that look like everyone else’s. I’ve never posted a single model shot to my flickr. The only shots I’ve ever posted have been of *friends* who have modeled for me, in front of Sharka or whatever, not girls who do modeling for a living.
Being a model:
It is the most boring and degrading job ever. You stand there. You pose however you’re told. You wait. You get reposed. Most photogs want ZERO input on how you think the scene should look. They wanna move you around like a toy. And you get bored. SO bored.
I modeled for clothing. There’s the constant pawing. “no no, your shirt isn’t flat enough in the front. now it’s too flat.” and you get basically undressed and redressed. Which isn’t bad if the photographer is attractive and female (or of the opposite sex rather), but how often does that happen?
So…. yeah. I don’t wanna talk you out of it or anything, but I thought you might like this perspective on the whole modeling thing.
You’re quite smart and are NOT hard on the eyes at all, if you don’t mind me saying. Why not do some self portraits? Like some 365 stuff? That way, you’d have complete control, not have to be bored while some photog paws at you, and figure out how to look best in front of a camera. I know a buncha people who totally rock the 365 group.
wow. it ate my extra spaces and looks like a huge wall of text. Good for you, wordpress! :p
WP does that for some reason… When I see it I get to see the spaces though!
I found a local guy who’s willing to trade time for shots, he’s just a hobby photographer, only a bit more advanced than I am.
(He’s done freelance work before.) I’m not willing to give up total control, so if I have some input into it I’m happy — I brought up that I’d like my cars involved in the shots and he’s cool with that. (No standard icky poses, but I’d like some that are nice enough to be considered portfolio worthy… Not sure I’m up to that level yet!)
I’d much rather stick to selfies, but I haven’t quite gotten the hang of it down yet… I tend to get somewhat frustrated since it takes so long to pose, take a picture, see what it looks like, adjust camera and cross your fingers it works out. I do plan on doing it with the 240SX, though… There’s a specific style I’m after, and I’m too shy to let anyone see it in the works. xD
Hey
I have a Showcase gallery on http://www.MX5unleashed.com If you have some photos of you with the MX-5, I ll put them up and promote you. Plus other then then store, the whole site is free.
Another thing, I do a lot of website/graphic design for companies that work with race cars like Torco.com which does race fuel and race oils and they often ask me if I know girls for car shows so if you have a portfolio or at least few good pictures I can recommend you.
Thanks a lot
Peter
Now that would be way cool of you, Peter!
Let me see what I end up putting together with this other photographer, or perhaps one of these days I’ll get out to do some nice pictures of the Miata and myself. Hopefully after the pollen storm goes away…. (I can’t keep the cars clean for ANYTHING!)
I’m working on putting together a portfolio, so I’ll update everyone on that so I can have it open to comments and suggestions. Thanks for the offer, it’s very much so appreciated! ^_^
I should back up over some of my previous comment. You should TOTALLY try it. But be prepared for modeling to not be the ultimate thing that most girls seem to think it is. It’s just another thing that you can do with your life. Doing it is crap, but I should imagine that reaping all the complements afterward makes it worthwhile.
Selfies: I think the key is just doing it. A lot. Over and over. A shot that would take you or me a couple hours to capture probably takes a veteran 365er all of 15 minutes. They get into it as much as we do with our cars…
Believe me, I have no delusions, as I told the one guy I talk to when I first thought it up. It’s more of something that’s like, “Huh, I wanna find out for myself what it’s all about…” If I had to chose between this and driving, it’s going to be driving, always! I have my priorities.
I can believe that… Practice practice practice!
Meg,
Ever consider being a presenter, a la Vicki Butler-Henderson or that one gal from Overhaulin’?
BTW…I’d be honestly surprised if the umbrella girls know or give a crap about cars. If I were eye candy for a bunch of “lonely racers”, I’d probably not be all that interested, either.
Lol, I haven’t, it never crossed into my realm of possibility….!
That’s true for a lot of girls who do modeling related to cars, though — It’s just a job to them, nothing more than that. Shame, because I would love to be in their shoes most of the time… Not for the attention, but for the chance to be in the pits!!