My Venus: Photo Set and Interview feat. Citrine LaCroix

Citrine is my favorite subject, my favorite being, my muse. Working with her is always a spiritually intimate experience for me. She and my camera lens bond in a way that very few have been able to closely match. We have tons of photos stored away are creating many more in the near and far future. Her energy is strong and vibrant. Her mind is relentless, sharp, and powerful. She is an Artist with many focuses and has a handmade jewelry brand called Citrine Tangerine.

This photo set presents a few sides of Citrine. In the series she is posing in front of one of her vibrant large paintings while wearing one of her flower crowns. Below the set is an in-depth interview with Citrine that will show you a bit about why she models and what some of her messages are. To see the full set, visit my Private Blog.

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

I've been modeling for 3/4 years consistently. What got me into modeling was exploring ways to sell, market, and expose my designs to the world. I started working with local designers and collaborating on collections. I then started walking runway then got into bigger productions on multiple levels. My jewelry and screen printed fabrics turned into designs have been showcased in New York and Los Angeles. I am fortunate enough to have walked in shows with m pieces as well as work with the local fashion scene and many incredible photographers.

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

I don't have a favorite kind of modeling per say but when a model is respected for their look and time the confidence that radiates out of them is inspiring. The self esteem and confidence involved with modeling is what makes modeling empowering for me. It is an appreciation of our bodies, which I believe are shrines for our souls, that every one needs in one way or another. There is a lack of celebration of self in a loving way that even the beauty, fashion, and modeling industries tend to contribute to in a bad way. I love seeing the change in standards in these industries. I love watching the standard of beauty shift to be more inclusive. In the modeling world I would love to experiences a well established a financed fashion show as a model as well as showcasing my designs. The runway I've been involved with is small independent shows that are often just a scam or money grab. I want to walk for a designer legend and accessorize the show with my jewelry. It would also be a dream come true to be featured in a publication as an icon with an interview. I have so much to say. That's why I got into modeling, so I could explore my comfort levels, grow as a person, and fall further in love with my look.

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

My advice to new models is to be confident and stand by your choices. Do not let any one you are working with push you do pose in garments that make you uncomfortable. Work with photographers who are actually talented and who see you for you: that don't see you for them. You don't need an agent but if you are independently represented bring escorts to shoots that are intimate unless you whole heartedly trust the person. I highly recommend trying many kinds of modeling to see what you enjoy. Don't be afraid to have more than one skill. People will attempt to put you in a box by saying stick to one thing. Fuck that. Gain as much experience as you can. On the topic of people putting you into a box, don't let anyone's opinion sway you or deter you from exploring your options or being the model you want. You can do anything. You don't have to listen to their opinions. If people tell you a certain part of you doesn't work with what you want to do, don't listen to them. You are perfect the way you are and you can be what ever kind of model you want.

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

I am known as All Around Artist and All Around Style because of my versatile creative skill set. I am a creative know it all but my primary businesses are screen printing, photography, and jewelry design. When I model for photographers who reach out to me through different platforms I charge for my time. I am looking to get into more figure modeling for drawing classes as well as signing and acting.

What do you hope to accomplish with modeling?

What I hope to accomplish is spreading and contributing to the current shift in beauty standards.

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

I do pose nude and I was not always open to posing nude. When I was younger my body was to be hidden and covered up. The mentality behind covering up is something that hindered my growth as a person on planet earth. I was shown that my body is offensive to the public and internalized covering up in an unhealthy way. In combination with being taken advantage of in a sexual way as a little girl I became ashamed of my body. As I got older I realized I was traumatized by the narrative around my body and sexuality, I was traumatized by my first couple sexual encounters. Because my initial experiences with my image and sex were intense I decided to counter with an assessment of myself through modeling. I first posed nude in 2015/2016 in nature-scapes in Colorado and Washington state. The idea was to relate the naked body to nature in all it's raw beauty and brutal honesty. I made a connection to the earth that most people in the US do not. I was naked on so many landscapes that the energy of the earth entered me. It changed my life forever. Posing nude with photographers in studios is a totally difference experience that I did not always have great experiences with. While my sets have never become traumatizing, it is easy to become vulnerable in a dangerous way when meeting with photographers in their spaces. A lot of people will talk you into doing things you already stated you do not want to do. A lot of people will make inappropriate comments or ask you out on dates and even attempt to own/control you. It is a strange world out here. What made me want to pose nude was my own need to grow and challenge how I see the world because of my upbringing and traumas. Stereotypes and generalizations are wrong. A lot of times my own biases have been proved wrong by working with photographers on nude shoots. Overwhelmingly posing nude has changed my life for the better but it is apparent where problems in our culture lie based on my experience as a model. I do it for myself to push myself and to grow.

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 absolutely treated differently because I pose nude and it's because I've progressed, evolved and transformed past what basic people are comfortable with. You might think that you are become more popular because I post nude photos but a lot of people shame you. A lot of people say you are doing it for attention or they assume specific things about your life. People shame nudity because we live by a social and societal structure that keeps us closed off to our most natural self and keeps us from connecting with one another on a deeper level. Before I posed nude though people assumed the same things about me just because I am a confident woman and I was looking for love. People have these disgusting standards for women to be virgins and super plain or basic. We are supposed to save ourselves for men and trained to just let men do what every they want to us. That type of mentality is so wrong and it is holding every one back. When posing nude and being open about sexuality people do show you a lot of support but there are also a lot pf people who throw blanket generalizations onto your identity. It is wrong. We have to stop judging one another based on our appearances. Nudity is not wrong or offensive. This country specifically has contextualized nudity to a point of destruction.

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. You don't have to give names or personal information of the other involved people if you don't want to.

Every gig is weird. Especially the home studio sessions. It is oddly satisfying to disprove what everyone fears though. People think you will get kidnapped, assaulted or murdered when you go do sessions alone. It does happen TOO frequently but something about facing my fears that gives me so much life. I still don't recommend going alone but if you do just know that you are powerful as fuck and you can fight back. be prepared for anything you warrior! My favorite photo sessions are with Blackmoore. No shame here. Our shoots are fun every time and I feel so empowered because you see people for who they are not who you want them to be. One shoot we went out to the Detroit water front in the freezing rain and did a naked set in the street. I loved every moment of it. Free the body. Free the mind.

Do you have any other projects going on that you would like to talk about? They don't have to be related to modeling or photography.

As mentioned before I am a designer. I have new collections of jewelry coming out and am working on consignment in multiple stores in the metro Detroit area. This is tangent to the release and creation of my latest project Citrine Tangerine. Citrine Tangerine is my latest venture featuring fashion and beauty for health and wellness. Can't wait to show you. Please check out my jewelry and apparel company called All around Style at AASLOVE.COM

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

Yes. I highly recommend being photographed at least three times a year for yourself. I highly recommend posing nude too. Just try it with some one you trust or photograph yourself.

What's your favorite thing about yourself?

My favorite thing about myself is how resilient I am and how quickly my look can change.

Where's your happy place?

My happy place is being naked in the sun surrounded by nature.

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

Our fashion industry is so wasteful and exclusive. If you want to know more please check out Fashion Revolution and watch True Cost Movie.

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

There is too much toxic masculinity, coercion, and disrespect toward models from photographers. A lot of people think modeling is no work and think models have it easy. I'd like to see the tables turn.

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

I stand with Fashion Revolution, Free The Nipple, Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference, and Fashion For Everyone. It is time for EVERYONE to love themselves and stop hurting one another.

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?

What's wrong with this planet is perceptions of other people and how it shapes our behavior. We have a self esteem and confidence crisis. People who love themselves do not treat others with disrespect. People are wasteful, detached from nature, and have lost a sense of their life force. We are polluting our home and exploiting people to benefit a select few.

What goes through your mind while you are posing?

What goes through my mind while posing is moving energy. When I pose I imagine moving particles in the air and shifting energy fields with my body.