I’ve received several emails from young women interested in breaking into the world of fashion and modeling. I figured, what better way to look at the industry than from behind the camera?
When Miami-based photographer Rodrigo Ruiz arranges a shoot, he manages to have a role in everything from casting and styling to post-production. His most recent shoot with Abercrombie & Fitch model Christopher Gloc (as seen in the photo above) landed him a spread in Florida International Magazine’s September issue, and a feature in The Fashionisto. We sat down with the shutterbug to dish on industry standards, model behavior, and confidence.
Why did you get into fashion photography and not another genre?
I was always captivated by the fantasy world the fashion magazines and advertisements were able to create just through a photo. I also was the only kid growing up in Sacramento that could name a fashion brand just by looking at the clothing item. My friends always made fun of me for it.
We understand it’s not an easy career to break into. How did you make it?
Really, the reason I’ve been able to pursue my passion is because of the support from my amazing wife. She really believed in me, before anyone else did— even myself. It’s important to have a solid support group.
What part of your profession, do you think is most commonly misunderstood by the general public?
That the lifestyles portrayed in the photo are actually real life. The model may look so perfect, but in reality it took an entire team to create that image. There was a stylist, a makeup artist, a model, etc., all working to create this piece of art. It’s one of the things I love about my job.
So what is it you love about your job?
I love working with teams and the beauty we create.
What makes a good model?
I think what makes a good model is imperfection. When a model has something “off” about them, it makes them standout. Take Tyra Banks and her forehead for example. It’s an imperfection that makes her face seem more interesting. Without her receding hairline, her face would look completely different. It could be a unique nose, full lips, or cheekbones that make a model seem different. But they must carry it with confidence.
What’s with the tall and skinny girls in fashion?
Fashion photography is about the clothes. The clothes are available at the stores not the models! A brand wants to draw attention to the wardrobe, not the model. And with a tall, skinny model there’s less attention on the person and more on the clothes. Being tall and skinny tends to be the industry’s standards, but like in any career there are exceptions. People can still be successful even if they don’t fall within the standards.
If you can offer advice to an aspiring model what would it be?
To be confident… To be confident about your body and who you are. And there’s a fine line between being confident and arrogant. Confident people take constructive criticism, learn from it, and use it to their advantage. While arrogant people never learn to be better.
And what about finding work?
You should start by finding an agent. You can walk into a modeling agency or send them photos. But do research first. You want to go with a well-respected agency. And if an agency asks you for money upfront, they’re most likely not interested in you as a model, but in your money.
Some models get discovered. Lately, I’ve been reading about agents scouting on Facebook—although I don’t suggest posting posed photos of yourself on Facebook. A better source is Models.com where you can create a profile and possibly get discovered.
If you could work with anyone who would it be?
Bruce Weber, Kate Moss, and Baptiste Giabiconi.
Any last piece of
advice?
Modeling is a very grueling career. It’s not about looking pretty. It’s hard work and at times can be depressing. But if you have a passion for it, none of that matters.
