Conversations with the Inspiring Michelle Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Smith.

Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started out modeling by accident – I was assistant to a photographer and would occasionally stand in for light tests and such. From there, I ended up getting curious about actually trying modeling and started shooting with local photographers to try it out. I loved it, and about five years later, I’ve gained a lot of experience and met some really amazing people on this journey.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not always been easy-going. There have been discouraging moments; finding out I’m too short for a number of agencies, not getting cast in shows, having an off-day at a shoot. But at the end of the day, the moments of inspiration and joy I find in modeling make it all worth it. For models just starting out, the biggest piece of advice I have is DO YOUR RESEARCH before working with someone new! Model safety is a huge issue and should be taken seriously. You can never be too careful — ask for references, meet in a public place before shooting privately, bring someone with you to the shoot. Once you find some good photographers that you can trust, you’ll find that the creativity starts to flow and you can really experiment and have fun.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a commercial, print and runway model. I enjoy doing creative shoots on the side; as of late I am really loving the look of the film and experimenting with shadow and light contrast. Photographers who know me know they can always come to me when they have an off-the-wall concept – I am always up for pushing the limits as an artist.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Growing up, a variety of different women inspired me heavily. Musicians like Lacey Mosley and Hayley Williams enthralled me — I loved the idea of strong women and their voices leading a band. They were spunky and unapologetically themselves. My ballet teacher had an extremely positive effect on my life — she had a gentle strength in her demeanor and loved people unconditionally. Now, in my mid-twenties, the people I look up to the most are those who have been through extreme adversity, but don’t let those things affect how they love others. I think that’s the most important thing at the end of the day; not letting your heart harden after you’ve been hurt. I’m lucky to say that I surround myself with strong women now; mentors, teachers and dear friends who support me in my craft and encourage me to be the best version of myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellelachelle/

Image Credit:
Hien Nguyen, Joy Garrod, Andrew Solano, Zach Alvidrez, Grace Stillman

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