Modeling in Focus

Ali Sonoma: TV's Sexiest "Mole" is an OMP Favorite
by Elias AllStar OMP Member #10270

One Model Place is the world's largest modeling, photography, and talent community, so it only stands to reason that we would have our share of success stories. The newest OMP star to emerge is Ali Sonoma (OMP Model #246864). You may recognize Ali from online pictorials in SNAP! Magazine, as she has been featured in several of our recent OMP Workshops.

Now Ali is making the leap to television with a prominent role on the reality show "The Mole," as one of a group of contestants who may or may not be sabotaging each other's chances of winning prize money. The show airs Mondays at 10pm Eastern on ABC.

Ali took time out of her busy schedule to fill us in on her modeling and acting career, and give us some insight on what it was like to star in a reality series. The blond beauty has been modeling for six years.

"I got my first start at modeling by going to a local photographer's studio when I was 17. I just walked right in and said I wanted to get some pictures taken because I wanted to model. From there I networked and met bigger and better photographers, such as G.W. Burns, and we did shoot after shoot. It all blew up from there."

She discovered OMP through a friend of hers.

"They told me to get on the site. It has helped me meet a lot of people in the industry."

Some of her most memorable modeling assignments have been in conjunction with One Model Place.

"I have worked on several OMP Workshops including G.W. Burn's recent photo trip to the Dominican Republic - that was awesome. My experiences at these events have been great - shooting fantastic pictures, meeting new people, learning new things. The OMP Workshops are something I always look forward to!"

Some of her other favorite shoots have been working for 'FHM,' and most recently, traveling to South America to film ABC's 'The Mole.'

"It was an incredible experience."

When she is not modeling, Ali spends a lot of time flying from one exotic locale to another. She has traveled to London, Ireland, and Las Vegas, representing the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at their events.

"The Mole" is actually Ali's second reality show that she has been featured on. "The first one was a small show on Spike TV, called 'The UFC's Octagon Girl Search.' That was when I tried out to be a UFC spokesmodel. I placed second in the contest, the girl who won got pregnant weeks later, so fate took it's course and I won."

As a model, actress, and spokesperson, Ali has been able to gain experience in all facets of the business.

"My background as a model helped me out because it makes me more comfortable in front of the camera, doing interviews etc. When it comes to acting, the more practice and experience, the better you perform. But in the reality show, it wasn't scripted. I was just myself, and that was pretty easy."

She describes her experience in front of and behind "The Mole" cameras.

"The show was completely spontaneous for me. I have never even watched the show before I tried out for it. I had heard of it, but never knew what it was about. I ran into the casting director and he asked me to come in and audition."

The audition went smoothly for the West Coast-based model.

"I just walked in and was myself. I was in a great mood, full of energy, felt like I got it even before I walked in -- confidence will get you far! I guess they liked me, because a week later I was on a plane. I didn't even know we were going to South America when I got on board!"

Ali was very excited when she got the call telling her she had been chosen as one of the group.

"When I found out I got it, I was so stoked! I wanted to tell everybody, but I couldn't tell anyone. I had to keep it confidential, it was their policy."

While the show is airing, Ali cannot get into details about what things they did on the show. But she literally dove into the show on its first episode - as part of the challenges, Ali jumped off a cliff and participated in a scavenger hunt on a deserted island. She can tell us that she was so thankful that she did it.

"It was beyond memorable to be a part of that experience."

If you are interested in joining the cast of a reality show, Ali has a few suggestions for you.

"Just be yourself -- the whole nation is going to see you! And always remember, people and things are not always what they appear to be!"

Her advice for models and actors just starting out is to treat it like a business.

"That is exactly what it is -- in this industry, you are selling yourself. Be professional, strong, persistent, and confident. Also, you must have thick skin. And don't forget to network, network, network! It's all about who you know. If you meet the right people, you will be set in the right direction of your career. The hardest thing is meeting the right people."