Modeling in Focus

Celteska Davey (OMP #304890)
by Elias AllStar OMP Member #10270

Judging from her portfolio, it is extremely difficult to imagine that Celteska Davey (OMP #304890) -- or Little Red Celt as she often goes by - grew up a tomboy. Thank goodness she got turned onto modeling six years ago and transformed into a beautiful art model.

Her first experience as a model was also her first booking.

"I was spotted by a local photographer who was seeking a model for one of his commercial clients. The client had rejected more than six other girls that had been shot, but luckily they liked my look."

That's not to say that it was an easy transition for this self-proclaimed tomboy.

"I didn't wear dresses, I hated pink, and I loved cars and climbing trees. So it took a bit of convincing for me to turn up to the first shoot -- especially as I had to wear heels, a black cocktail dress, and tights. Let's just say it was an interesting experience trying to stand in heels for the first time, in addition to posing and being ladylike."

Much to her surprise, Celt became hooked.

"Now I love all styles of modeling, as all present a different challenge. Sometimes a fine art nude shoot in a fabulous location with a great creative team can be just as exhilarating, if not more so, than runway work."

The UK-based redhead approaches her work as if it was a character study.

"To me, modeling is like acting -- you have to produce a variety of characters or looks that clients desire. And to be a good model, you need to have a diverse look as well - so it's sometimes good if you look at an image and don't recognize it to be yourself first off!"

She relates that she does not really have a favorite shoot. One does stand out, though.

"I love each of the shoots I have done for different reasons. However, my most memorable shoot was the first one I did in Paris, as it was the first time I had worked with a full creative team -- two clothing stylists, a designer, a makeup artist, a hair stylist, the photographer, and the photographer's assistant."

Celt has shot in many countries, and notices similarities in photographic styles no matter where the photographer is from.

"As I have worked in many different countries, I can appreciate that there is some variance in the way photographers work in each location. However, this said, many involved at the top of their field, also work internationally on a regular basis, so whilst working with some of the best in the industry; you find the photographic scene to be very much similar.

"The UK is no different to any country that I have worked in, in that it provides a range of photographers, some of outstanding quality, others whose heads are larger than their ability.

"I am a believer that surroundings strongly influence photographic styles, and the type of work available. In the UK, we have a fabulous coastline, apple orchards, moors, forests, mines, castles... all on our doorstep. If I work in a major city anywhere in the world, art nude images 99 percent of the time will be shoot indoors, whereas when fabulous surroundings are available many photographers choose to shoot outdoors!"

She travels extensively for modeling work, although has cut back on her trips due to her school schedule.

"I travel several times a month -- mostly to London, where my fashion and commercial agencies are, and where most of the work and castings take place. Right now I travel internationally two or three times a year, as I am still attending University back in the UK, so am limited as to the long time periods I can take off."

Celt does offer the following tips for models who want to travel abroad to do modeling.

"Be prepared. It may sound obvious, but ensure everything is in place before you set off.

"Book your own flights and hotels (unless you have a professional agency to do it) - some people may offer to buy your tickets to shoot with them, but unless you also have the flight ticket home, don't go!

"Keep your passport on you always, because if someone 'safeguards' your passport they control when you leave - and there are some strange dangerous people out there, as well as some fabulous ones.

"Ask local models for references on photographers that you plan to work with.

"Never stay with a photographer unless you know them, or unless you have very good independent references from other models that have stayed with them. At the end of the day, staying with a photographer you meet over the net is a bit like staying with someone you meet on a friend-networking site -- until you get there you don't know what you get. So keep safe!

"ENJOY YOURSELF- Traveling is great fun and modeling is a great way to get around the globe - so go for it!"

According to Celt, the rewards and challenges of doing artistic nudes are:

"The rewards are really the quality of the images you obtain. Many of my most beautiful images are art nude ones. And even if you work in fashion, every model has a fabulous art nude image of themselves in their look book. As for the challenges? Well, to obtain those great shots, I work in the snow, water, mud, moors, winds, deserts, woods, rock faces... so it is not always the predictable studio environment!"

The model discovered One Model Place via a photographer she had worked with.

"The photographer helped me put my first five images on the site, showed me how it worked, and I have never turned back since. It is a great site for models both new and experienced, providing you with a huge database of talent around the world. Also unlike other sites, you can give out travel notifications when you plan to visit an area, which are automatically emailed to photographers in that area!

"OMP has really been there for me since I first started modeling six years ago, all the way up to today. It gave me a place to find photographers in my area and build my portfolio at no cost, as I could do test shoots with local photographers who had a need for my look in their own book or for a project. Today, OMP provides me with exposure and helps me a lot during my travel tours, as it puts me in touch with talent in the areas I plan to visit."

Her future plans as a model are to continue doing what she loves to do as long as she can do it, while also continuing her education.

"That's so that when I do have to finish my modeling career, I have another career to jump into."

She has lots of suggestions for young models just starting out.

"Never pay to join an agency - as real agencies don't charge, and there are so many rogue agencies that hit on new models and try and rip them off!

"Look at photographers work, and get in touch with those you would like to work with just go for it, as 'NO' is the worse they can say!

"Shoot what you are comfortable shooting, and don't let a photographer push you to do something beyond your limits - stay in control.

"You may be new, but be professional - keep a diary, and if you have a shoot booked, ensure you have the address, phone number, name and time written down in your diary. Turn up 5-10mins early, this is professional, Never be late, if something significant is holding you up, then call the photographer in advance and let them know - it's only polite.

"Work hard and enjoy it!"

Finally, the memorable model lets us in on the secret of how she came up with her unique name.

"That's easy, I call myself Little Red Celt, because when I work on the runways as I am only 5 foot 8 1/2 inches and the average model on the European shows are 5'10+", I was always the 'little one.' As for Red Celt - well, I am a redheaded Celt, and also I am often called Celt by my friends (short for Celteska)."