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Alyse Marie OMP Model #278386 is from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, but she actually started her modeling career in sunny Florida. "I went to a modeling competition at the Millie Lewis Convention in Orlando, Florida when I was 14. I learned a lot about the modeling business at the seminars they provided, and also did pretty well in the competition. I placed in the top 10 in runway and creative runway. I also received several call backs from major modeling agencies and was encouraged by many of them to keep at it! I've always thought it would be fun to model but after the convention I really wanted to pursue it even more."
Two years have past, and Alyse Marie is still impressing members of the industry and doing well in contests. In fact, she recently won top honors in the One Model Place Teen Competition, and one of her fashion photos was chosen for an OMP Image of the Day.
She lists the qualities that make a good teen model? "So many things. A good photographers for sure! But really, some qualities I think make a good teen model are probably first and foremost you need to be comfortable with who they are, confident. Having a look that is versatile (commercial, editorial, etc.) also helps. You need to be able to take great pictures by projecting emotion through your eyes and face, which is much, much harder than it looks. You need to be able to listen and take direction well and work as member of a team. You need to be a risk taker, you can't be afraid to look silly or move out of your box, or comfort zone, to get a great shot... I'm still working on that one!"
The model, who describes herself as "a little on the quiet side," has a realistic view of herself and her style. I listen more than I talk in a working situation -- not true when I'm with my friends however! I'm hardworking, dedicated and professional. I get a lot of satisfaction out of doing things well. Style-wise I would have to say I'm a typical 16 year old girl. On a daily basis, mostly I'm an Abercrombie/Hollister kind of girl. I love their clothes because they are trendy and comfortable. I live in Michigan, which can get pretty cold, so I love wearing UGG boots. I also LOVE purses -- definitely my favorite accessory!"
Her first paid assignment led to plenty of exposure for the ambitious 16-year-old. "It was a paid job with Michigan photographer Mary Duprie OMP Member #42136. One of Mary's clients saw my pictures on her website and asked her to use me for their backpack ads. The company, Joanne Marie Designs, is based out of California, and my picture ended up on the boxes and all the inserts for their backpacks."
Anther credit on Alyse Marie's resume is equally impressive. "I'm on the cover of 'Bleech Magazine' -- a relatively new fashion magazine for teens – for the Fall 2006 edition. I also have a three-page fashion spread in the same magazine. The magazine is shot out of Chicago and distributed nation wide."
She has done a wide range of modeling assignments in a short period of time. She describes the difference between print jobs and runway assignments. "In print work you have more than one chance to make it look good, where runway is a one-shot deal... do or die. I think print work is less stressful. In print work there is more time for hair, make-up, etc. Runway is a more fast-paced event. I was in one runway show where all the dresses I was given to wear were too big. The person directing the show said, "Make them work." So that is what you do...safety pins and all!"
The model discovered OMP with the help of her mother. "My mom was talking to another mom who recommended OMP. It has really helped me in several ways; I've been able to get lots of practice in front of the camera thanks to many willing and very professional photographers. A special thanks to Roy Vanover of Bay City, MI OMP Member #71954, who is one of my favorite photographers. He is patient, creative and extremely talented. I have learned a ton from him. Working with people like Roy gave me the confidence I needed to keep going, too."
She has also gotten a lot of advice and encouragement from other models and photographers on OMP. "I hope that winning the teen model comp on OMP will also give me more exposure and open new doors. OMP is submitting my photos to 'Supermodels Unlimited' magazine, so there you go, we'll see. Bottom line -- OMP offers the chance to connect with a whole network of people with similar aspirations and talents and dreams. And networking is key in this business."
The teen has the following advice for aspiring models. "Be patient. Find a local agency that you can work with. Set small and obtainable goals. One of your goals should be to try and learn something new from everyone you work with. If you are a teen model make sure someone, an adult that you trust, is monitoring things for you. At this time in my career my mom handles everything for me, she goes with me to all my events, reads all my emails, and goes with me to all my shoots. You can never be too careful. Have fun, too!"
Alyse Marie does not have a problem balancing school and modeling – at least for the time being. "It's really not that difficult right now. I have lots of time for schoolwork and sports. I'm really hoping to work more and more as time goes on... I'm still pretty new at this!"
Even though she is still a teen at heart, Alyse Marie has already set several high priorities for her future as a model. "I would like to get major agency representation... and see what happens from there. I am also considering going to Asia this summer to work as a model."
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