Yahoo Lifestyle Naomi Campbell: 'Models Have To Work Through The Pain'
Towering heels. Pins from fittings. Structured dresses made from piercing materials. Early morning shoots on very little sleep. Very little clothes on set in sub-zero temperatures. Heavy props. Rejection.
All of these things can cause a model a bit of pain. This is by no means a complete list, but definitely some of the top pains that I’ve had to deal with in my 28 years in the business.
Models have to be able to deal with a range of things done to their bodies as part of the job. It’s not as if modelling is torture, but sometimes you have to push yourself beyond the level of comfort. This is a very physical job after all - it’s not just about pretty faces. The skill is to make even the most unnatural and painful set-up look easy and gorgeous.
The photographers I work with are professional and will always be concerned about a model’s welfare, so I’m usually the one to push myself and want to go a little further just to get a great shot. It might be uncomfortable, but when you see the picture is amazing that’s your reward, it’s hugely satisfying to do a good job.
That’s why I value my relationships with photographers and designers that I have been working with for years. Once you work with someone, know them, and develop a relationship of trust, there is an understanding that you are both out for the same thing – they know your limitations, but they also know how far you’re willing to go and how far they can push you.
My girl Ruth demonstrated this ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality in this week’s episode. In the challenge, shooting an outdoor photo for stylerunner.com at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium. Our teams had to tap into their sporty sides. Between all the javelins, batons and wetted-down sports bras, Ruth stood out. The client loved her and I was very proud.
The key to her success was that she pushed herself and did not let a bit of pain stand in her way to making a really good shot. She was in the running blocks, hands on hot pavement, holding a stretch...it was tough, but it paid off!
Behind-the-scenes of episode 4 of The Face.
But pain isn’t just limited to a physical experience for a model, it can also be emotional too. Rejection is always tough for someone earlier in their career. Every week we have to eliminate someone from the competition and you’ve seen how difficult this is for them to accept.
When I was first starting out in the industry, I would be so upset if I didn’t get a job I really wanted. Now, through experience and being a bit wiser, it doesn’t bother me as much. I know sometimes things aren’t meant to be and other opportunities do come along.
As you will have seen here’s a lot of other things I find that upset our girls – being away from family, feeling judged, taking criticsm...and of course being eliminated.
At the beginning of this week’s episode you will have seen Brittany going through a rough patch because she felt as though the team were against her. They had to say who they felt was the weakest link and that happened to be Brittany, which is fair enough. That caused a bit of friction within the group – but it soon got sorted out. My girls are strong.
The most important thing is to not let these issues get in the way. No matter what kind of pain you are experiencing you can’t show it while you are working. Whether you’re having a bad day, or whether you’re asked to do something that pushes you physically, you have to get on with it. Delivering a good job is key.
Love and light,
Naomi
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