“A common misconception about models is that we starve ourselves, or that we think we’re better than everyone else. “
Let’s start with the basics, tell us a bit more about yourself and how did you first get into modeling? My name is pronounced Ryan, which throws a lot of people off. I’m based out of upstate New York but I travel all over the country to shoot. I’m inspired and motivated by passion and art. The creative freedom and the chance to inspire others is what inspired me to become a model.
How has modeling experience changed your personal/professional life? Modeling has a learning curve. When you’re new you have to learn as you go and you get thrown into a lot of new and different things. It helped me adapt on the fly, be more confident in myself, and I find people have a much harder time intimidating me than when I first started. While I’m a lot busier now, and I’m freelance, I find working around my full time job schedule and personal life challenging, but not impossible.
In your opinion, what is a common misconception about models in general? A common misconception about models is that we starve ourselves, or that we think we’re better than everyone else. Neither of those things, at least in my personal experience, are true. I eat like a college frat house and I’m nice to everyone I meet, regardless of what I’m doing or who they are.
What are your favorite aspects of modeling? What motivates you? I’ll reiterate that creative freedom is one of the things that motivates me as a model. You can give 10 photographers a camera and the same subject to shoot, and you’ll never get the exact same photo. Everyone and every shoot is different. I also get the opportunity to inspire and motivate others, and I take great responsibility in that. Everyone is beautiful in their own way and modeling is about being who you are, not pretending to be someone else. It’s showing the world what you’ve got, and putting your own personal flare on a product, place, or event.
What sort of modeling do you do and what type of modeling do you enjoy most? I enjoy all aspects of modeling. I’ve dabbled in a lot of different styles! I really enjoy conceptual pieces as I feel like I’m being a part of a masterpiece. I am someone’s vision and that’s beautiful. I also enjoy the confidence and beauty that comes in both fashion and boudoir.
What do you usually look for in photographers that you would do trade with? I look for photographers with presence. Someone who knows what they want to get out of a shoot and has no problem communicating that to me. I like to feel comfortable and relaxed when I’m shooting regardless of what it’s for. If you don’t know what you want or either of us is uncomfortable, you’ll see it in the photos.
What has been your favorite modeling experience thus far? My favorite modeling experience so far was probably the time I was asked to be in a music video for DUMM. The whole team was amazing and it was an awesome experience. I hope to do more work related to music.
What’s going through your mind when you’re modeling in front of the camera? I’m usually very relaxed in front of the camera. I keep in mind where the lighting is, what kind of shadows are being casted and what kind of looks I’m being hired to present. I want to do my best and have fun while doing it
Rhyane, what from your point of view makes the shoot successful? A successful shoot is one that everyone is proud of. Even if we didn’t get the perfect shot, even when things go wrong, everyone has a great time and does their best.
What’s the toughest thing about being a model? The toughest thing about being a model is adjusting to people seeing you in your photos publically. Do you really want your next door neighbor or your grandmother to know what you look like in lingerie? Or your boss if you have a career outside of modeling? Probably not. But it comes with the territory.
If you could have any model as your mentor for a day, who would it be and why? Gisele Bundchen for sure. She is an empowered beautiful woman who has succeeded on many fronts in the entertainment business. She’s flawless.
What is the one beauty product you cannot live without? What is always carried in your purse? I always carry organic facial cleansing wipes in my purse. The day to day stresses your face endures is crazy! I love making sure I have clean skin. You can also always find my mascara and some tinted lip balm. Just in case.
Do people treat you any differently because of what you do? Yes. It’s like finding out your significant has been hiding a fetish from you. Not everyone is shocked, but they do act different and treat me different. Some good, some not so much. It’s 50/50.
What’s something you haven’t achieved but hope to? If you could have your next dream job, what would it be? I would LOVE to be on an artists album cover. I’m very music driven and it would be a dream come true. I’d love to model more for the music industry or model in more videos.
What role does social media play in your modeling career? Unfortunately in todays age, social media is one of the fastest ways to get out there. While I prefer phone calls and emails, I get more comments, likes, and private messages than anything. There’s an upside, which is easier networking and sharing of your work. The down side? The possibility of drama, plagiarism, and unnecessary cattiness. I’ve seen far too many “professional Models” cutting down beginners and copying other’s work. Inspiration and plagiarism are two different things. While I have gotten some awesome contracts from social media, a lot of my business just comes from word of mouth and recommendations.
You have a number of followers on your facebook page. What is one piece of advice you’d give to a young model working toward building their social media profile? If you decide to go the social media route, decide how you want others to view you. Decide what kind of following you want. Family based? Professional based? Anyone who will look at you? Don’t get into modeling for attention or because you seek approval from strangers. Once your work is shared publicly you’re open to ridicule from everyone and not everyone is going to like your work. It’s just how it is. Be who you are and show the world how great that is, in everything you do.
Where can readers see more of you and get connected? Social Media is where I’m most easily viewed! My website is under construction, but my Facebook, WWW.Facebook.com/RDModeling as well as Instagram RD_Modeling are available to the public and you can contact me on either. Or shoot me an email at [email protected]
When you’re not busy modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do? Do you have other ambitions outside of modeling? I love horseback riding and I give lessons in my spare time. I also love having my dogs around. I have a great dane and a husky I love dearly. I’m big into reading, painting, and sketching. You can find me out at a sporting event or a concert usually every weekend in the summer. I’m earning my degree at the moment and would like to own my own business in the near future.
If you could only travel to one country for the rest of your life where would it be and why? Just one? That’s hard… I think I would pick somewhere diverse in culture and scenery. I’d love to travel Europe for the rest of my life, even though that’s considered a continent 🙂
What superpower do you wish you had? Why? Omnipotence. You could create new dimensions, bring people back from the dead, know the future. The options are limitless.
Please share something surprising people don’t know about you. I am a native to New York city and I absolutely love adventure. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll curl up with a good book and hibernate for a few days, but hiking, traveling, exploring, meeting new people, trying new foods, learning about cultures. It’s my passion!! Also, my second toe is longer than my first and both thumbs are double jointed.
Thank you, Rhyane.
Published February 2016: BUY NOW
