Monday, November 20, 2006

New Kid in the Hall


This summer I had the opportunity to help a young guy out with his modeling portfolio. Unlike most guys who want to be a model, Andre Hall came across as someone who just didn't say the words, it was easy to see he would do anything it took to do it. We met for a shoot that took all afternoon and resulted in a good start on a portfolio which he parlayed into an interview with a Toronto agency... and as it turns out the job! If you get the chance to meet this guy you can't help but get caught up with his enthusiasm... a quality that will serve him well on the road to his future, in his words "to be America's next top male model!"





I Recently caught up with him:

Epiphany: So Andre, thanks for coming on...What made you want to be a model

Andre: Well...as soon as a turned in to an adolescent at the age of 14. I decided that I wanted to be one of the guys in the magazines. Then I learned it wasn’t that easy but I decided I would go through the struggles to get there.

Epiphany: What was the hardest part in that process?

Andre: Basically, the hardest process was to have enough confidence to actually go to an open call for an interview at an agency… from research and sources I was told that agencies could sometimes be very harsh when it comes to taking on a model...because they pick at all your flaws and miss nothing!

Epiphany: Is there a model that has inspired you?

Andre: Well yes my major influence is Tyson Beckford... to see a fellow African American make it so far in such a dog eat dog industry... It just fueled the fire inside of me to want it even more.

Epiphany: Wow that’s a great inspiration.... I know that you signed to an agency... who signed you and how did you feel that day?

Andre: Well I’m currently signed with Velocci models. They are one of the most renowned agencies in Toronto. The day I got signed I was so excited… Once I had the contract and was on my way out the door I screamed with joy!

Epiphany: I bet that was a great moment for you.... are there other moments along the way that made it all worth the effort?

Andre: Yes… well I met a photographer (you), who helped me to get started by helping to boost my self-esteem and also by doing a creative shoot with me to get my portfolio started

Epiphany: Awww you’re too kind.... (I’ll make sure your check is in the mail for that shameless plug;-) LOL

Andre: Ha-ha it’s the truth!

Epiphany: I heard you worked fall fashion week what was that like?

Andre: It was exhilarating ... Once I went out for the first time... I felt fierce!

Epiphany: Who did you walk for?

Andre: FCUK, French Connection UK

Epiphany: Wow nice start! I remember asking you to take pictures... as I thought you had the look, but you already knew you wanted to be a model, what was it, in yourself that you saw that made you do it… to make that leap of faith?

Andre: I felt as if my journey was just beginning and it felt great knowing that I was going to have my own photo shoot, it felt pretty sweet but I had to tame my happiness and focus on the camera while at the shoot.



Epiphany: I saw the comp card from the shoot, you tamed it pretty well! I know you are just finishing High School, most models start at your age... where do you see yourself in 3 years?

Andre: I can see my self doing big things in the next three years… I feel three years from now I will be strutting a runway in Milan.

Epiphany: Wow! You think big, but hey that’s what’s gotten you this far, so who could argue? If you wanted to give advice to someone your age what would it be?

Andre: Once you devote yourself and focus anything is possible, there is nothing that you can’t do with hard work

Epiphany: Great advise... well Thanks for talking tonight!

Andre: Thanks… It was a pleasure!

Here are some pics from this summers shoot! To see more you can check him out at: http://www.modelmayhem.com/member.php?id=192755








Note: All images and text (not specified) is copyrighted by Christopher Cushman. This site does not specify or denote the sexual orientation of any model and as such please post your comments accordingly. All models are above the age of consent and have a signed photo release on record.

1 comment:

Naijadude said...

Nice pictures as ever!