portraits

What’s this, twenty questions?… Fresh from her recent shoot with Lance and the fabulous creative team, we caught up with model Imandi Pele to talk her life and fledgling modeling career. AM: Hi there Imandi, good to see you today! IP: Thanks, great to talk to you! AM: Where are you from/ based? IP: I am based in Preston, Lancashire during term time and in Newcastle upon Tyne during holidays in and around university time. AM: Tell us an interesting thing or two about yourself! IP: I am studying Veterinary Medicine at university alongside pursuing my modelling career and I played for the Northumberland Girls Rugby team, having been one of the first girls to be selected for a county rugby team from my school. AM: Do you have a favourite model/ actor/ singer/ musician or regular person who inspires you? IP: One of my favourite models of all time is Marygrace Tropeano – she played a huge role in inspiring me to pursue a path into modelling, especially helping me open up my eyes to all the various branches of modelling opportunities that are out there, and how you don’t have to do conventional modelling such as catwalk etc. to be successful as a model. AM: What would be your ultimate photoshoot? IP: This is a tough question! If I had to choose, I think my ultimate photoshoot would be one in which I can portray and show my full character and personality. In terms of types of photoshoots, I would also love to be part of a bridal or fitness photoshoot. AM: Does being where you are from influence your modelling career in any way? IP: I think living in Newcastle does have its limitations as it is located in the north of England and many big shoots take place more centrally in the UK such as London etc. however I do really enjoy travelling to places and making a day of modelling an enjoyable experience for myself. AM: What made you decide to get into modelling?   IP: I think it’s always been something that I was in awe of growing up as a little girl, it’s every girls dream to dress up and get their hair and make-up done! My mum encouraged me too which I am very grateful for and I am someone who just loves to try new things and put myself out there out of my comfort zone and so I felt that starting a career in modelling would be a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. AM: What do your family and friends think about you modelling?  IP: They are very supportive of it! I was very shy about telling people about my path into modelling at first but with the support from my family and friends, I’m growing in confidence and it really does make such a big difference knowing you are supported in following your passions. AM: Do you think it is important for models, photographers, other creatives who are working together to have strong working relationships and to support each other? IP: Absolutely! I think that having strong working relationships between models, photographers and creatives is the key to enjoying the work you do and it makes the end product, whether that be a photoshoot or a magazine piece that much more rewarding and worthwhile, knowing it was a team effort from everyone. AM: What would be the worst thing you could be asked to do on a photoshoot, what would freak you out? IP: I think the worst thing I could be asked to do at a photoshoot would probably have to be being asked to jump around in 6-inch heels! It is a workout for sure! AM: haha, Lance says you did great! AM: What is your favourite thing about modelling so far? IP: My favourite thing about modelling so far is getting to team up and work with new people as well as trying new things! I love learning new skills and trying new things and that is one of the many things I love about modelling. No photoshoot is ever the same and that just excites me. AM: What is the toughest part of a model’s job? IP: I think the toughest part of a model’s job is the patience and perseverance and endless repeats that goes into getting that perfect shot. What is more, as you work with new people every day, getting into that rhythm with new people such as photographers, make-up artists and stylists to bring together a brilliant result is also very tough as you are constantly faced with new challenges and people to work with. AM: What is your favourite part of a photoshoot? IP: My favourite part of a photoshoot definitely has to be getting my hair and make-up done! It just makes the whole shoot feel put-together! AM: What do you think is your greatest strength/ best attribute as a person or as a model? IP: I think one of the greatest strengths I have as a model is my versatility and adaptability as a person and model, as well as my communication and team orientated attitude, which makes working with others such as photographers, hair and make-up artists, as well as other models much more enjoyable. AM: How do you feel about the amount of travel involved in modelling? I do think this is very much dependant on where the model is based. There is definitely a lot of travel involved as a model and I think it is something that all models have to adapt to. I do sometimes feel though, especially young aspiring models such as myself can sometimes struggle with lots of travel as young models are not always able to own a vehicle to drive in etc. which does make travelling for shoots tricky at times. AM: How do you handle rejection as a model? (Have you had to?) IP: I believe rejection comes hand-in-hand with success as a model. It is a highly