Modeling in Focus

Dynamic Duo Take Over Panama City Beach After Winning OMP Competition
by Elias AllStar OMP Member #10270

Devon (OMP Model #275357) and Jennifer (OMP Model #351876) were two competition winners on One Model Place who really had their day in the sun. That's because they were both flown to Panama City Beach in Florida for Spring Break this year, as part of the Classmate USA Calendar Search.

The fact that these two models are both from Texas means that they have a lot of experience soaking up sunshine in the Lone Star State. But they were still thrilled to be chosen from a large group of candidates to represent OMP at the annual springtime talent search and photo shoot sponsored by Classmate USA (check them out at www.classmateusa.com).

Devon fell into a modeling career 18 months ago, and has been pursuing it fulltime for the past year.

"I had a friend that had started doing it for fun and I went along with her to one of her shoots as her escort. I ended up getting my photos taken as well. it was a pretty cool experience. A couple weeks later, I had a club owner contact me about being on a poster. So I worked with a great photographer who set me up on OMP and from there I was off and running!"

One Model Place has helped Devon connect with some of the best photographers in the business.

"I really like the travel notifications. No other site can get me the results that OMP can when posting a travel notification. It's given me the opportunity to focus solely on my modeling by providing a consistent form of income as well as put me in touch with some really amazing people and photographers."

The San Antonio-based model loves shooting swimsuit and glamour styles, perfect for the Spring Break assignment.

"I'm very shy and sweet, so when I'm posing for glamour images I get to show another side of myself, the strong and sexy side!"

She decided to enter the Spring Break Classmates competition after remembering she had entered the year before.

"The trip was a lot of fun. I'd never done the whole 'Spring Break' thing before, it was a really nice experience. The staff members were awesome and we all had a lot of fun, ate some great food, and took some really amazing images. I'm definitely glad I entered."

She advises new models to work with everyone they can.

"You want to get yourself out there. You can be selective later. In the beginning, I had a lot of photographers contact me and tell me they were amateurs, and that's okay. Work with them anyway. The more portfolios you are on, the better. Eventually the pro photographers will see you and want to work with you. Also, stick to your limits. Don't do anything you're not sure about. If you are unsure of something, DON'T do it. Chances are, it will come back to haunt you."

As for OMP members who want to join future competitions, she adds,

"Even if you don't think you have a chance, just keep entering the competitions. Even if you don't win, other members look at the models who enter, so it might get you some extra work."

Jennifer OMP Model #351876 was thrilled to be sent to Spring Break this year as part of the OMP competition.

"I loved going to Panama City and doing the photo shoot on the beach. There were a lot of people out there watching us during the shoot, but it was fun. "

She admits that she is somewhat new to modeling.

"Actually, I've only been doing modeling since about October of 2007, which isn't very long at all. But I have been having a great time doing it."

Jennifer was discovered by a local radio station in Houston.

"I sent pictures in for their Girl of the Month and I won, I got a photoshoot and everything! It was so much fun!"

She discovered One Model Place by just browsing the Internet one day.

"When I found it, I debated about joining and said 'Why not?' Now I'm really happy I signed up!"

Becoming a member of OMP helped her career - and winning the Spring Break competition didn't hurt, either.

"Winning the contest has helped a lot. It's given me more credibility in the industry. I've also worked with awesome photographers I've met on here as a result of them seeing my winning banner on the OMP home page."

She entered the Spring Break Classmates competition because she really wanted to put herself out there.

"I had no idea I would win, but I thought it would be cool to try something new."

Jennifer describes the trip to Panama City Beah as an "awesome"experience.

"Everybody there was so nice, and they all tried really hard to make me and Devon as comfortable as possible. We ate at really fun restaurants, and got to go out each evening and explore the night life. We met some really nice people from all over the country. All in all, I would say it was a great Spring Break experience."

She wants to remind her fellow models to put themselves out there.

"Make sure to stay on your toes! Another piece of advice - enter the OMP Competitions, you really have nothing to lose! And if you do win, it's great exposure and a lot of fun."