Today we’d like to introduce you to Ally Vanderwest.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ally. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was 15, I needed to get some headshots done for my acting that I was working on. So I contacted a photographer that agreed to shoot with me. Once I received the photos I instantly posted one onto Instagram, then I noticed I started getting a lot of positive feedback. I would get reposted, mentioned in stories, and my following started growing fast. I was getting messages from more photographers and it just became a fun job that leads me to many fun new experiences and meeting people I would never have met! Now I’m almost 18 and I’ve done so much more than I ever thought I would at this age!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Modeling definitely is not easy, I warn this to everyone that is interested in pursuing it. You spend a lot of time when your not shooting, keeping yourself in shape, eating right, and maintaining your body to be healthy. I’ve definitely lost sleep for shoots before, but in the end the finishing project is so worth it.
Self-image is also something I’ve always struggled with while modeling. I’ve gone through difficult diets that I would push myself through to look leaner. It’s always just hard to look at yourself and not compare yourself with the rest of the internet. But in the end I am me, and who I am, is who I am happy with.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I consider myself a freelance model, meaning I book all shoots, brand campaigns, and other things myself. In 2018, I grew my following from 1,500 followers in January to 10,000 followers in December of the same year. I try to set myself apart from other influencers with my style. I’ve grown my image with shooting consistently with other content creators that love doing the same thing that I do.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Meeting new people and networking has only benefitted me through this whole journey. I cannot express how key it has been for me to socialize with other creators and the opportunities that have come along with it!
Pricing:
- My rates are $130 an hour per shoot
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
@lwd.nef, @prangonbaroi, @jessetam_, @drey.es, @smallicedcoffee, @drtzed
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