- 30th
- March
- 2010
Interview With A Model - Deanna May / Cassidy Barker
I recently decided to start interviewing the models, MUA’s and stylist that I will be working with whether for commercial or personal projects. I thought it would be good to start a Q&A to get their take on photography, their goals and modeling in general. The first person I had the chance to do this with was a model named Deanna May who flew out to NY to work with me on a project. The interview starts below and continues after the break.
KP - Your real name is Cassidy. Where did the name Deanna May come from ?
Deanna May - It is also my name. Actually Deanna May is my 2 middle names. Never thought to use them till I started modeling. I thought it had a nice ring to it.
KP - How did you get started in modeling and how long have you been doing it?
Deanna May - I started modeling in Utah when I was 15 I was picked out of 200 girls to get a free photo shoot from one of the top photographers in Utah. That’s when I started exploring the possibilities and my desire to model started growing. Unfortunately, after that happened I had
moved away from Utah and was mainly thinking about graduating high school. I then went on to college where I graduated from UTMC. Did massage therapy for about 5 months after school, then soon after noticed I wasn’t meant to be doing modeling instead because I had a passion for it. I started getting my portfolio together so I could start modeling. I have now been modeling for 2 years and it’s been the best 2 years of my life.
KP - What are your goals in this industry? What kind of modeling do you prefer do?
Deanna May - Well one of them would be to get signed by an agency. Another would be to have more fashion in my port. I prefer doing Runway, Fashion and life style. I’m not really a big fan of Glamour but every model likes the feeling of looking sexy in lingerie.
KP - Outside of modeling, would you say that you’re a shy person?
Deanna May - Oh yes I’m quite a shy person indeed! I was super shy in high school, college and as a child but when modeling or even speaking about modeling I’m not shy at all. I could go on forever about modeling that’s how I know it is my true passion in life because at times I can’t stop talking about it
KP - How are things going so far, and have your views of the industry changed much since you first set out to model?
Deanna May - For me modeling is going great it seems like every day in modeling is a new adventure. I learn more every time I travel or shoot. I’m very happy with my life! As for my views, I’d say the modeling world can be very tricky. You gotta know the right people and find the right photographers to really get your foot in the door. I think there are a lot of unprofessional people out there but there are also just as many who are professional. My views on modeling have changed a ton since I started. I always thought itwas easy to be a model. Turns out I was way wrong. When I first started I really thought I was good but now I know that I’ve gotten better by practicing and becoming more comfortable in front of the camera. I’m now able to change my pose with every click of the camera and I have learned how to use my facial expressions to bring the right emotion to the image.
KP - I’m sure you have done a bit of travelling through modeling. What are some of the other perks?
Deanna May - Yes, I have gotten to travel a lot and that’s a big plus for modeling. I have gotten to travel to L.A., San Diego, Mexico, New York, Texas and I should be going to France this year and Chicago. The perks would be getting paid and having expenses covered at times. Also the experience of working with outstanding photographers and getting amazing photos for my book. Sounds pretty good to me!
KP - What’s the craziest or most fun thing that you ever had happen on a shoot?
Deanna May - Hmm I’d say going to Mexico when the photographer got bit by an iguana…that was pretty crazy! The most fun would be when I went to NY. I got to try tons of different types of food that I loved! Going there felt like a real modeling experience because there was a whole staff there like there should be on a shoot. It felt very professional and it was really fun!
KP - What kind of music do you like to listen to when you shoot and what are some things that inspire you to prepare for a shoot?
Deanna May - I love to listen to hip hop it really gets me going… but depending on the shoot and what type of the emotion the photography wants. I could listen to a lot of types of music from R&B to Country. So most the time I’m pretty open to it. Things that would prepare and inspire me would be just thinking about the theme of the shoot and what the photographer may need. I can picture it all in my head and try to mimic it but that doesn’t always work lol…I just like to relax before shoots and make sure I have had something to eat or drink.
KP - You have an amazing physique. Do you work out often ? What do you do to stay in shape?
Deanna May - Yes I work out every other day or sometimes every day before I go to bed at night I will do 25 crunches and sit ups and 40 squats also doing a lot of stretching helps too… I also, most the time, try to eat right. I’m now a soy milk drinker because of you actually and now it’s the only milk I will cook and eat with. It just has a good taste to me and it’s a lot healthier. I have just never been a fan of fast food even when I was a kid I never liked it. I have always been a fruit person and eat lots of it.
KP - Now everyone knows that I forced my vegan habits on you.
What do you think is your best physical asset or part of your body you like the most (what makes you stand out)?
Deanna May - My gap toothed smile. I hated my teeth before but now I just know it’s a unique part of me. Other than that I’d say my breasts and lips.
KP - Your lips?
Deanna May - My lips because people will pay a lot of money to have lips big as mine so I’m thankful for those.
KP - What , if anything would you like to see change in the fashion industry?
Deanna May - Me being a fashion super model, (insert evil smirk here). I’d have to say to change the eating habits of some models. I just think some should be healthier with the way they eat. They can still stay skinny by just eating right. You really don’t need to go to the extreme. Also why is it fair for those not in the industry to call slim models skinny bitches and anorexic but it’s never appropriate if someone calls a plus size models plump or fat? It’s a double standard and quite honestly we need to start embracing all beauty in it’s many shapes, sizes and colors. Just my opinion.
KP - Who is your favorite model? I have too many to name one but Kate Moss and Christy Turlington would be in my top 5 for sure.
Deanna May - Tyra Banks is one. Georgia May Jagger and Lara Stone as well who both are gap toothed models like me!
KP - Who are a few of your favorite photographers?
Deanna May - For me… Terry Richardson, an L.A based MUA and photographer named Philipe, Jose Luis and… you.
KP - Clearly that was a pity answer at the end there.
What are some of the things you do when you are not modeling? Are you friendly with other models or is it all separate from your life away from work?
Deanna May - I spend time with my husband when I can. Or I’ll go hang with friends or family. Or Id be trying to find more work. For me I don’t talk to many models as friends. I try to make friends with other models but for some weird reason there not really interested.
KP - It’s not always like that. I have met lots of models who are really great fun people.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would that be and how would that affect your modeling career plans?
Deanna May - Anywhere in the world I’d have to say where ever my husband is but he wants to follow me so I’d say somewhere close to the beach and close to L.A. so I could continue to model. At the moment I’m putting modeling before a lot of things in my life because that’s how I follow my dream!
KP - You should explore NYC more.
What’s your next step ? Are you actively seeking agency representation or have any work lined up ?
Deanna May - There is something big coming up in April but I cannot say because its confidential! You may find out later around May or June. Also my birthdays in April but that’s not the big thing..lol . As mentioned, I plan to travel to Chicago for some work and France but for now just small jobs around Utah where I’m spending Spring. I just started doing some photography as a hobby!
KP - Well Deanna May, I wish you the best with all of your plans. It was a pleasure working with you for the new images and thanks for doing this Q&A.
To see more images of Deanna May, you can visit my site or her gallery at this link- http://www.modelmayhem.com/1042048
She has since been signed with Envy model management.
by K. Parris
