Why some of my content is changing...

So as some people who have followed me for a while will have noticed, some of my photos I post have changed into more summery ones, (which obviously entails slightly less clothing) and some more selfies. There’s also a slightly larger range of different poses and places and other bits and bobs. I’ve had a few people notice it, and a few be slightly concerned about it, but I’m doing it because I’m happy with who I am.

Why are you taking photos of yourself?

I’m putting this in essentially as ‘filler content’. When I’m feeling pretty, as pretty much every other person on the planet with a smartphone does, I want to get a photo of me in that moment, and so I’ll post it on my Instagram, usually in a gallery post. Also, it lets you see that I’m not always on photo shoots or camera ready, and that I do spend quite a lot of time in the same locations.

What’s up with the underwear/swimwear pics?

After trying to put on weight for quite a long time, I’m now at a weight I’m comfortable with and that I don’t mind showing off. I’m happy in my skin, and fortunate to be genetically a small person, so I don’t see how posting pictures I’m happy with is doing anyone any harm. I’m not doing it for anyone else other than me, and it makes me smile when I see them edited and ready to be posted.

Some of my favourite photos of me are fully clothed and in winter, and some are of me wearing little and genuinely smiling! My favourite photo of me currently (which I’ve just changed my Instagram profile picture to) is plastered on several of my social media channels because I am happy and smiling and I’m confident in that photo.

What would people think if they saw those kind of photos?

Well anyone who goes searching is going to find those photos, because I post them on my Instagram and you can pay for more on my Patreon because I choose to put them there. Anyone who’s got a problem with them can message me, and I’ll be more than happy to explain my points again.

The bottom line is, in this day and age, we’re told to be body positive and comfortable in our own skin, yet when we are, and we’re happy to show more skin on social media and in person, that somehow justifies backlash and concern for us. To be totally honest, the types of clothing I’m wearing now in photos (or lack thereof), is a better representation of what I wear on a day to day basis. I wear short dresses most of the time, on a night out I wear a bralette and a skirt of skinny trousers, and on a casual day I’ll wear shorts and more skimpy tops, especially in this weather.

Rant over, much love xx

When it's unusually hot for the UK...

As anyone who lives in the UK will know, it rains a lot, it’s windy a lot, and it’s never particularly warm. Recently however, we’ve been having a bit of a heatwave (minus the past couple of days in which a lot of areas up north have flooded). Considering it doesn’t usually happen, the amount of tourists that flock to the South West and the beaches is huge. Where usually when we went on a photoshoot there might be a few dog walkers, now there’s guaranteed to be at least several families in the quieter places, and it will be chock-a-block on well known beaches, meaning choosing somewhere to go for a photoshoot when you don’t want anyone else in the background can be a little bit harder.

Me, Will and Alex popped to Braunton Burrows on one of the hotter days, where we walked a little so there were no tourists around, and will took some more summery photos of me. That’s also where we found an invasion of jellyfish Will promptly ran away from but check out my last post for more on that!

After a morning there and a walk on the very hot sand, we went to the Meldon plunge pools near Okehampton, in which pretty much every plunge pool was taken up with people, so we had to wait a little until a woman with her dogs left, and we claimed that one. Compared to how hot the weather was, the water was definitely not hot whatsoever, and we got very cold. Or at least I did!

I think you’ve got to make the most of the weather when it is nice here, which seems to be what everyone else does. It doesn’t last long usually and with climate change it seems to be getting more weird and unpredictable. There was a day not long ago where we had a fairly cool morning, scorching heat in the afternoon, and then sudden downpours, thunder and lightening before perfect sunshine again the next day. What’s the weather been like where you are? Let me know in the comments!

Dos and Don'ts of Models Working with Photographers!

It’s always comical to read stories about nightmare models and photographers and shoots that have gone wrong, when they could have been very easily avoided by just behaving in a different way or researching each other’s work beforehand. Personally, whenever I work with a photographer, I have a good scroll through their Instagram, check out their website and I usually message some of the recent models they’ve worked with to see how their shoot experience was. I find this really helps when I’m working out whether to work with a photographer or not, as I tend to on a tfp (time for photos) basis, so I can’t afford to go on a shoot if it’s not going to be worth it, and is just going to end up being horribly awkward and producing kind of rubbish photos as an outcome. As always, some photographer’s styles won’t suit me, but will suit others, and vice versa; My photos and the modelling I tend to do may not suit some photographers, but this is all my opinion so of course others won’t always agree with it. Anyway, here are my do’s and don’ts of working with photographers.

Do:

@willlamerton

Do a background check - I don’t mean stalk them facebook and find out everything about them. Just see who they’ve recently worked with, what their style of photos are and whether you think you would be a good professional match.

Be professional - you’ve got to be somewhat laid back and willing to have a conversation and a joke when necessary so that the shoot isn’t awkward, but this doesn’t mean you can talk all the time and not take the photoshoot seriously - it is work after all.

Be prepared - discuss what kind of photos you both would like, where you’re shooting, what time you’re meeting ext. You don’t want to not be prepared and then end up starting off on the wrong foot.

Be communicative - if there are more people there (e.g. MUAs or hair stylists), make sure you communicate with all of them about what the aim of the shoot is and what kind of photos you’re after. You all want to make sure you want the same goal.

@ollyshoots

Allow directions - most photographers would have done photoshoots loads of times, so would know what looks best in certain angles and lighting. Let them direct you into poses and facial expressions ext. You can’t see your own face when modelling, but they can, so they can see what looks best. It’s not rude for them to tell you to move your head up or smile a little more - they’re just doing their job.

Don’ts:

Expect the world - a photographer is there to take photos, use the lighting to the best of their ability on the day, edit the photos and come away with great shots, but a photographer isn’t a magician; they can’t make you look like Audrey Hepburn. You have to do a lot of work too and let the photographer tell you if they want you to do something slightly different

@abzmystery

Be taken advantage of - you have the right to say no to something you don’t want to do. If a photographer wants you to do a slightly dangerous pose and you don’t feel safe, don’t do it. If you feel uncomfortable and the photographer is being inappropriate, remember to say no, and leave if you need to. A way to combat this could be to bring a chaperone with you, however some professional photographers don’t agree with this, so ask first.

Assume every photographer is the same - each photographer has a different style and way of doing shoots. Some are more experienced than others, so may be a tad unaware of what to do, help them out if needed and suggest new poses ext. Let a photographer suggest what to do however, it may be more suited to them. This is why I always say to look at their portfolio first, to see whether their style suits you, and whether you’ll get photos you like

Accept free work from people you don’t really really want to work with - I tend to do tfp photoshoots with photographers, because I only really work with those I want to. I have to love their photos and imagine me fitting into their style of photos for me to do a tfp shoot with. On another note, if the photoshoot is for brand work, and someone in the project is getting paid, you should too, which is why I never do brand work if the photographer is getting paid and not me.

Overall I think the main thing is to stay safe, kind, communicative, and most of all professional. This is work and you are both doing a job. It usually benefits both of you too, so you would both want the best outcome and for it not to be awkward. You do have to remember to have fun however! This is probably the best job I could have imagined, and every photoshoot is an experience meant to be enjoyed. You should never have to have a job you don’t like!

The Best Undiscovered Handbag Brands on Instagram Right Now

Everyone needs a handbag. It doesn’t matter where you’re going, what you’re doing or what your general style is, without a bag, how are you supposed to carry all of your belongings? Especially if you’re like me and carry loads of random things with you everywhere (emergency sewing kit, plasters, paracetamol, charging packs). Below is a little collection of what I think are the best somewhat undiscovered handbag brands I found on Instagram at the time of writing.

Haerfest

@haerfest

Haerfest (pronounced harvest) produce bags with the goal to equip professionals in motion. Their simple and straightforward bags, also have the essence of being unique and different to others on the market. The range of different sized and coloured backpacks, tote bags, handbags and cross-body strapped bags mean there’s something for everyone on their website.

Goodeehoo

@goodeehoo

Goodeehoo, a vegan friendly UK based handbag and accessory brand, produce practical, fashionable handbags along with other items in a range of dusky and pastel shades. Their signature logo of a little owl is a great addition too. Their range includes handbags, purses, pouches, and clutch bags, along with key rings, notebooks and pens, all of which you can personalise with your initials if you wanted.

Mashu London

@mashu_london

Designed in London, made in Greece, these modern bags have a unique strap not seen anywhere else generally. The founders pride themselves on the bags being made in an ethical and sustainable way, and on being vegan. The range of blues, burgundies, blacks and whites creates a stunning colour pallet that will pair perfectly with any outfit.

Desinger Ionna Topouzoglou said "[My] vision is to create modern handbags that showcase the finest craftsmanship and materials without compromising the planet”, something we can all get behind.

Imago-a

@imago_a

The handbag and accessory brand based in New York City bases its bags on sculptural shapes, creating original and functional handbags. They have a large selection of clutches, handbags and wallets in a range of sizes from fitting just your phone and purse, to fitting everything you need for the office in. Along with their bags, they also sell leather belts. With their neutral and few brighter shades, it’s a guarantee that you’ll find something to suit every ensemble.

Mieti

@mietistudio

Based in Barcelona and founded in only 2017, Mieti have come a long way. Their bold colours and out-there shapes inspired by 60s and 70s furniture really makes their bags stand out from the crowd, whilst still fitting in to whatever look you’re trying to create. If you’re looking for a more muted bag, try their simplistic totes in solid shades. Along with their bags, they also produce leather jackets in a range of styles to match your bags.

ORRI

@orrinewyork

Aiming to bridge the gap between luxury and mass-market handbag companies, ORRI have produced a range of functional bags ideal to suit the on-the-go person. Based in New York, their collection of sleek satchels, totes, strap bags and clutches are made with over 100 years of workmanship, taking care of every little detail possible. Their range of neutral and burgundy shades mean they’re perfect for day or night, whatever you’re doing, and whatever you’re wearing.

Sarah Haran

@sarahharanuk

The UK based functional handbag brand have a range of neutral and pastel coloured practical bags for the everyday person. With the range of straps it means you’ll find the perfect bag no matter your height. The totes, handbags and clutches come in a range of styles and colours, with even the occasional funky pattern. They also sell accessories such as extra straps, glasses cases and purses to put in your bag. One special feature of a lot of the bags is that they have unique tassels, making them more recognisable.

Jardine of London

@jardineoflondon

As shown in the name, Mary Jardine makes all of her bags in her London workshop. She always wanted to design and make handbags - the first one produced came out 4 years go and she’s still going strong. Her bags feature chic, clean lines made from the finest grained leather. The adjustable shoulder straps also mean that they fit any body type. The selection includes handbags with straps and pouches along with leather journal and some stunning candles.

Working with Goodeehoo - a vegan handbag and accessory brand!

Working with brands is one of my favourite things to do, especially when they produce products I love, and would definitely use on a day to day basis. I reached out to Goodeehoo simply because I loved their bags, and hence started our collaboration! Their products range from larger tote bags to smaller purses, key-chains and day to day clutch bags. I personally use the Tucuman Tote bag and a matching Tawny Large Pouch most days for when I’m out and about or in the office.

We started the collaboration by producing 10 photos of me modelling a selection of their items around North Devon. Starting at Westward Ho! and making our way to Appledore, we got a range of photos in several different locations, along with some we took in the house before we left for the photoshoot. I also changed outfit twice so that the photos didn’t look too similar, but went with a couple of dresses to fit in with the summery theme and because it was too hot to wear anything else.

When I posted the first post on Instagram, I also ran a competition too (which at time of writing is still running for another week) offering the Tucuman Tote bag and a matching Pacific Large Purse if you won. I also use the purse daily too as it’s a decent size and fits in all my other day to day bags I use. The one I’ve got is grey and blue, so fits with the grey handbag I’ve got that I use sometimes if I’m not carrying much.

All in all, I loved working with Goodeehoo, and hopefully this will be an ongoing collaboration as I can really see my followers on Instagram loving the bags as much as I do! If you wanted to enter the competition, it’s over on my Instagram (@oliviajtucker), and whilst you’re at it, you may as well go check out @goodeehoo too! If you wanted to check out their products, then head down to www.goodeehoo.com where they’ll be releasing new items soon too! So keep an eye out! ;)

How to get photoshoots with photographers

I see a lot of people asking me how I got into modelling, how to go about getting photoshoots or how to contact photographers, and I think, it’s lovely that you came to me to ask, but it’s really not that hard. Once you have a portfolio, it’s amazingly easy to get photoshoots with photographers - although these will mainly be on a tfp (time for photos) basis - and then once you’ve had one with a photographer, it’s even easier to get more.

Portfolios:

The main thing to start out with is having a good portfolio. I understand a lot of people won’t have the budget to make a website, or pay someone to do it for them, so we’ve got to look at the free options. Instagram is the best, I feel, for having a portfolio. With its photo grid format, it’s really easy for someone to scroll through your pictures, see what kind of modelling you do, and decide whether they want to shoot with you.

With that being said, you need to make sure your Instagram (if this is what you’re using for your portfolio), is full of modelling pictures with different photographers, and not full of selfies or pictures of your pets (as cute as they may be). Some kinds of selfies may be okay, for example if an MUA has just done your makeup and the photo is of very high quality. You need to make sure your photos also haven’t got obvious filters on, and all somewhat match. You could do this by putting the same filter on all of them, or displaying similar photos in rows, columns or grids.

You could have a portfolio on purple port for example, but personally I don’t feel that’s very useful. Instead, I would suggest having a facebook page for your modelling, and joining lots of photography and model groups on facebook. I’m part of probably about ten groups on facebook, where I share groups of photos from different shoots which I’ve also posted on my page, suggesting that if anyone wants to shoot with me, they should message me. Facebook groups are also a great chance to find other photographers in your local area you may want to work with.

Contact them:

Another thing I think that is so obvious, yet so many people don’t do, is just message photographers you like on Instagram and see if they’re willing to shoot with you. Once you have a few good photos on your instagram of you modelling, you’re bound to find a few photographers at least who will be happy to do a photoshoot with you, and would suit the style you’re looking for. It also helps to follow the photographer and interact with their posts to show you’re definitely interested in working with them.

You could also contact photographers on Facebook, by commenting on their posts and messaging their facebook pages. Interact with them on facebook groups and they will probably get in contact with you too. I recommend messaging their business pages however rather than their personal facebook account, just to keep things professional and making it easier for them to find work rather than just another friend on facebook.

Ask for recommmendations:

One thing I tend to do every three months or so is put a question on my instagram story along the lines of ‘suggestions of photographers to work with in the South West’, which usually gets a good number of responses. The recent one I posted got about 25 replies of photographers saying they wanted to work with me, and so I’ve got lots of shoots lined up for May and June which I’m very excited about!

One thing I would say, is that make sure you give them the exact dates you’re available, and what you have in mind for a shoot. I’ve had times when a photographer would say they were going to let me know when they’re free for a photoshoot and then never do, and so I never give them the dates I can do photoshoots on. No one would expect you to be free for shoots all the time, but you’ve got to give your available dates so that a shoot can be organised.

If you have any other questions about how to go about getting tfp photoshoots or anything related to modelling, send me a message! I love hearing your thoughts on it all, and answering any questions!

Mini Wales Roadtrip

At the end of February, me @willlamerton, @alexlewington, and @olisqr_ decided to go on a mini road trip to Wales and back. We thought we would go from Devon, to Cheddar Gorge, and then up to South Wales, stay overnight and gradually come back down home, hitting up several photo points along the way. There were loads of locations we visited, and it was my first time going to Wales for photo purposes so it was a chance to see the scenery too.

As you can see from his Instagram, Alex has a red Mazda MX-5 from 1991. It’s a little rocket besides its weird sounds and slight rattling from somewhere in the car - mildly terrifying to be in on the M5. It’s kind of the perfect car for me though, considering it’s so low down to the ground and I’m a very small person. Anyway, it really stood out against the scenery due to its colour, and made for some great photos with me in too.

Our first stop along the way to Wales was Cheddar Gorge, where we drove along the road in between the huge cliffs, making for some really dramatic looking photos of both me and the car. We spent much longer than we thought we would here, mainly just because we managed to get so many good photos from different viewpoints and parts of the road. It’s funny how small the car and people look compared to the huge cliffs of Cheddar - we almost looked like train model figurines.

After briefly having some lunch in Cheddar, we started making our way up to South Wales, stopping at the bottom of the Brecon Beacons on a hairpin road to get some great shots of the Mazda (who Alex has named Megan) winding along the road whilst Will and Oli stood on various cliff sides to get the perfect viewpoint. Whilst stationary, we got some pictures of me and Alex posing with the car. I changed my top up several times to get a variety of photos and settings.

Following a stay in the Brecon Beacons for the night and eating a well-earned curry, we headed to the Elan Valley on Oli’s recommendation, where Will and Oli had a go in the Mazda, and we got some more pictures on a curvy road in front of a huge lake . Alex wanted some pictures of me pretending to drive the car too so we got those done (I would not trust myself driving Alex’s car whatsoever). It actually takes a while to get photos done on a road due to whenever Will got in the right position to take the photos, a car would start driving the other way so we would have to wait for it to move until we could start driving again.

We decided to head back home after that and on the way Oli found a little bridge that looked quite cool on google. We didn’t know however, until Will had started going over the bridge in his car, that the weight limit was only 5 tonnes, that the bridge wiggled when you went over it, and that there was a huge rushing river beneath. Hence Will and Oli went over first in their car, and we followed after, but another large, fairly heavy, Range Rover decided to follow us right behind and so that made getting over the bridge a tad worrying for both me and Alex. However Will managed to get a great photo of the Mazda going over the bridge before we headed back home.

On the way back we stopped at several service stations for coffee and hot chocolate (I don’t drink coffee) breaks on the way and to fuel up the cars. Because of how loud the exhaust was on the Mazda, me and Alex tried to have a conversation but couldn’t hear each other overly well, so it resulted in a lot of ‘What?’s and ‘Pardon?’s. Overall, besides the potential for the cars to break, us to get lost, or other problems, it was a great trip and I think we all enjoyed it. We got some great photos anyway!

Meldon Reservoir shoot with @codiephotos

Last Monday me and Codie went to Meldon for a natural photoshoot around the reservoir. She brought along some clothes I changed into, that fit in with the colours in the landscape really well. Codie contacted through Instagram asking if I wanted to go on a photoshoot with her, and of course, I said yes. It was great meeting and shooting with a female photographer. I’ve found that when trying to find photographers to go on shoots with, it’s very rare that I’ll actually find a good female photographer. Luckily, Codie found me and the photos turned out really well!

We walked from the car park across the reservoir, and then along the edge of the reservoir, where there was a path that traced around the water. There was a variety of different settings including more open spaces, pebbles on the waters edge, and some little trees with golden leaves. Funnily enough, it was quite hard to get the leaves and branches to cooperate during the photoshoot, as they kept getting stuck in my hair or poking one of us in the eye, but the ones with the leaves are my favourites out of the set of photos.

If you walk down the path a little, and go through a gate, you’ll end up by the waters edge where there is a small area of pebbles and you get an a great view of the reservoir. It really is a vast expanse of water.

I remember in the summer when it reached over 30 degrees celcius, the reservoir nearly entirely dried up. Me and Will came here to do some photos, and then had to change our ideas considering there was practically no water!

I’m really happy with how the photos turned out during this shoot; they have a more natural vibe than quite a few of my photos recently which is great. You can find Codie’s work over on her Instagram (@codiephotos), or over on her website! ( www.codiephotos.co.uk/ )

Exeter fairy lights shoot with @ollyshoots

Olly brought along some large glasses, which reflected the lights, and therefore made the photos look great. I’d love to do another photo using the glasses just because I think they look really cool, especially with the fairy lights too. I also think the glasses would suit a library or coffee shop shoot.

The photos produced during this shoot did really well on my Instagram page, and these three are currently some of the most liked photos on my page. Personally I really love them and think they look quite artsy. Photos with fairy lights always seem to be more popular on Instagram anyway, so I’m sure that helped with the engagement on the posts.

If you want to check out Olly’s work, go check out his Instagram (@ollyshoots)!

Working with Neon Kactus

Neon Kactus sent over one of their mugs in return for a feature on my Instagram page, which I happily did. Their mugs are made from glass and have a grip sleeve on them to stop you from getting your hands too warm. The best thing about them, is that they are reusable of course. They’re also stylish and easy to carry around. The size is perfect because it carries the amount of a cup of tea, and isn’t too big or bulky to carry around.

I think it’s really important that we start using reusable cups so that we’re not constantly buying plastic bottles or using one use takeaway cups in coffee shops, and therefore we can reduce our waste we’re producing. Furthermore, it’s not a hard thing to do; it’s a one time purchase and a lot of coffee shops give you a discount if you bring in a reusable cup, so it;s helping you out too!

Be sure to check out Neon Kactus on Instagram ( @neonkactus) or on their website ( www.neonkactus.com)! Also, thanks to Will for the photo (@willlamerton on Instagram).