Mystical Boudoir: Photo Set and interview with Sarah

Sarah is an awesome model with a fun adventurous personality and effortless natural beauty that needs no editing or retouching. Creating with her is stress free and a lot of fun. My only challenge with this session was selecting my favorite shots to publish and share. I first saw her work in a catalog by Citrine LaCroix for one of her fashion brands. So far, we've had 2 sessions with multiple looks that each capture a fraction of Sarah's intriguing personality and stunning looks. This set features her wearing several lingerie pieces from her own collection along with hand made jewels created by me that are available to be purchased here. Be on the look out for more art featuring Sarah as there are many more shoots and experiences to come!

Check her interview below the gallery to learn more about who Sarah is and why she kills it the way she does.

How long have you been modeling and what made you want to get into it?

I’ve been modeling for two years! I got into it because I wanted to become more confident in myself and I’ve always loved being in front of the camera.

What's your favorite kind of modeling? Is there any kind you wish to try?

My favorite kind of modeling is lingerie because it’s very intimate yet it’s a sort of art and I feel vulnerable in a way that makes me comfortable in my own skin and the presence I emit through the camera.

Do you have any advice for new models or people interested in giving modeling a try?

I advise that they start with things that make them feel beautiful or comfortable and slowly get out of their comfort zone and open themselves up to new opportunities.

What do you do for a living other than modeling, or is modeling your full time gig?

I am currently in school but I hope to go into Psychology!

What do you hope to accomplish with modeling?

My biggest secret aspiration is to be on a poster in front of a store but also to defy body standards and change the norms so other people can feel more confident even if they aren’t ‘stereo-typically attractive’.

Do you pose nude? Were you always open to posing nude? What made you want to pose nude?

I’ve posed nude. There was a point in time when I wasn’t comfortable with myself, my sexuality, or my boundaries that steered me clear of even lingerie but now I’m opening myself up to it because it adds an element to art and myself that I’ve never been able to express before. I wanted to pose nude to get out of my comfort zone and find a new part of myself.

Are you treated differently by family and old friends because of your public image? Do people assume things about you because of the kind of work you do?

I am treated differently. Unfortunately, I’ve faced a lot of criticism from old friends who believe I’m modeling to prove something to others or to be accepted and get slut shamed for being ‘provocative’. They assume I’m promiscuous which isn’t necessarily false but disappointing that one image can make someone think lowly of you.

What are some of your favorite things to do?

I love singing, spending time with my friends and family, and doing research.

Tell me about the weirdest modeling gig you've ever done. Could be weird in a good way or in a bad and creepy way.

The weirdest gig I have done is when I had to do a whole ass BOOK for this man and he decided to choose me. Whenever I didn’t reply within a day he’d be passive aggressive and treated it as if it was a relationship. He also exoticized the FUCK out of me.

Do you have any other projects going on that you would like to talk about?

I am currently working on a thesis dealing with gender norms and working on applying to a Fellowship where I can be a tutor.

Would you say that modeling helped you gain confidence and self esteem?

It definitely did. Sometimes it was hard and I was very critical of myself and was never happy with the pictures but over time I started accepting my flaws and embracing who I was. I recommend modeling to everyone and anyone.

What's your favorite thing about yourself?

I like my empathy for others and my drive/passion.

What did you think about our session?

I had a lot of fun. You are one of the nicest, coolest photographers I have ever worked with and your ideas were out of this world. I can’t wait to shoot again and I’m so glad you made me feel comfortable!

Where's your happy place?

My happy place is at home with my family, and I am very privileged to be able to say that.

What do you think about the current state of the fashion industry?

I think that there are a lot of unattainable beauty standards that exist but I believe we are also making progress towards destroying these expectations and working towards people loving themselves and each and every person.

What do you think about the current state of the modeling and photography industry?

There are a lot of creepy people who you must deal with who will harass you, belittle you, or make you feel worthless. It is hard to admit those people are usually the ones with power or money or are the best in the business but this needs to change. No model should ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe!

Some people say that they're fashion models, pinup models, glamour models, art models, etc. What do you call yourself and why?

I would call myself a flexible model because I’m open to new things and don’t want to categorize myself.

Do you have any initiatives, movements, or organizations that you support or work with?

I support a lot of social justice causes, specifically ones dealing with race and gender since these are two things that have impacted me throughout my life.

What's wrong with this planet and how do we fix it? I know there's a lot wrong, but what's really bugging you?

Whats really bugging me is the lack of acceptance of individuals who don’t fit the norms and the hierarchy of power that exists. The world is filled with ignorant people who don’t know how to tolerate views other than what’s been traditionally accepted. This is very toxic. I feel the only way to solve this is by working through the system and making people aware of their ignorance and privilege. Basic ass liberal answer but it’s 100% the truth and I completely stand by it!

Has modeling helped you get through any tough situations?

Modeling has helped me deal with my insecurities. Throughout my life I’ve been made fun of for having small boobs, rejected for not being white, and ignored because of other things I hated about myself. It has been the one outlet where I truly feel nothing else matters but me in that moment and I am able to fully love myself, inside and out!

What goes through your mind while you are posing?

Nothing goes through my mind except how exhilarating each experience is and imagining how great the pictures will turn out. It’s the only time I can fully focus on myself without worrying about anything else in the world.