Society has many misconceptions about modeling.  I got the opportunity to go to a modeling school and I know being a model is not like most people think. The biggest misconceptions people have about modeling is all models are extremely thin. When a model is booked for a photo shoot or chosen to walk on the runway, they are hired for the figure they have. Models are expected to maintain the figure they were selected for by eating healthy and exercising  . No director will hire a model to starve her so she fits into his collection.

Another misconception people have about models is that they are not very intelligent. People think it doesn’t take a lot to stand in front of a camera and pose. Photo shoots are a lot more complicated than they seem. Models have to be sure of many things when being photographed, such as how the light hits them, where they place their body parts, and what facial expression they use. Sometimes, models do not have a stylist for the shoot so they have to wear their own clothes and do their own hair and makeup based on a theme and hope that it is what the director wants.

Runway shows are also a challenge. There are hundreds of runway walks that are constantly changing as runway progresses over time. Therefore, whether it is on the runway or put into a magazine thousands of people see it, messing up would be very embarrassing.

I’ve wanted to be a model since I was little but even I thought you had to be a seven-foot-tall beauty queen in order to have a chance in that profession. When I heard about Barbizon, I was ecstatic and signed up online right away. Barbizon is a modeling school that offers many types of programs such as modeling, acting and personal development. It is offered in several locations but I attended the one in Syracuse.

The program Barbizon provides is completed within six months. After Barbizon, the director of the school puts your picture and information into placement so you can venture further into the world of modeling or acting. Once you are in placement,  you begin to put your knowledge at work. You can get jobs and all the information you learned from your instructors at Barbizon will help you in the career field.

A few months after I signed up, one of the directors called my house and invited me to an invitation only event in Rochester. This gave me the opportunity to learn about Barbizon and potentially be a part of it. A few payments and an interview later I was officially a Barbizon student. At Barbizon I learned about being in front of the camera and on the runway.

Barbizon is not like a normal school. It has taught me about self-image, etiquette, communication, nutrition and exercise. There is a lot more interaction and hands-on activity. Instead of sitting at a desk writing papers, you’re practicing your runway walk. As you become more experienced, Barbizon can put your picture into placement early and will invite you to events where you can obtain more opportunities.

At this age I don’t think I am ready for anything too big, like getting an agent, but I would like to still be a part of the modeling industry and do smaller jobs. I could earn some money as well.  Barbizon gave me a lot more than just job opportunities. I now have a lot more self-confidence and I am not afraid to put myself out there.