It was cold. About 50 degrees, but on the water, the wind made it feel like 30…even though I’m Canadian, my blood seems to have thinned like that of a true Southerner.
But for the shot, it’s worth it. As a model, you don’t often get a choice of where or when you shoot. Fact is, 99% of the time you are told where to go, what time, who the client is and what you’re getting paid. The rest of it is a crapshoot.
For this shoot, it was a collaboration. The photographer, Jerry Mundy and I wanted to just have some fun. He wanted to try his hand at some more editorial photos with a plus size model and I wanted to continue growing my craft by ‘practicing’ and maybe get some cool shots in the process.
As you can see, it worked out for both of us.
For over 2 decades I’ve been in front of a camera, it’s a very safe, comfortable place for me. I love the idea of creating a concept, telling a story with my photos. As a creative person, my passion is shown through the images I share.
Each space I move into, I imagine what kind of character would be standing here, wearing what I’m wearing, and what am I trying to portray or what story am I trying to tell.
Modeling is more than just taking a pretty picture, it’s a way to convey a message without uttering a word. It’s a way to share a thought, an emotion with the viewer that makes them feel something.
And it’s a way to share a piece of yourself, a little piece of your inner soul with each click of the camera.
Anyone can take a picture, it takes a real artist to capture a moment. It’s often those ‘in-betweens’ when you aren’t thinking about the camera or the shot, that the best photos happen.
For more from Jerry, visit his IG account @jerrymundy and you’ll see more from this shoot on my IG @traciestern
Model, Mogul, Mom 