Plus size model Gabrielle Rogers talks about the ins and outs of being in front of the camera and her thoughts about the industry.
Gabrielle: I've always liked getting dressed up and taking pictures. I was living in Minneapolis when I attended a party with my older cousin. She introduced me to a photgrapher who was also an owner of a modeling agency that specialized in muticultural models. My younger male cousin was also interested in getting into the business. We scheduled a test shoot and afterwards the photographer wanted to sign us. Unfortunately, the agency did not have a plus size division and really didn't know how to market me so, I didn't get much work. I moved a couple of months later, so I shelved any modeling dreams.
Gabrielle: The word "plus" doesn't bother me. " Plus" means "more". I can think of worse terms that can be used. B ut sometimes when I need to refer to a non-plus sized model I don't know what to call them either. Regular, small, nothing seems politically correct.
Gabrielle: I'm very impatient in general. I just want to get to the fun part at a shoot. But there is a lot of preparation and people involved. Equipment needs to be set up, the lighting has to be perfect, make up must be applied. You have to be comfortable with changing clothes quickly and sometimes without complete privacy. Even if you are stressed or in a bad mood you have to be in control of your emotions or it will show in your pictures. Acting experience definitely helps to be able to evoke a range of emotion.
Gabrielle: The media is greatly responsible for the distorted image women hold as "beautiful". When girls are young and vulnerable they are surrounded by almost impossible ideals of thin and pretty. They consider drastic measures to try to inmitate these ideals and when they fail, which was inevitable, they feel inadequate and worthless. Instead of the cookie cutter, heroin addict look, why not flood the media with images of strong, confident women that girls can relate to?
Gabrielle: "Problems cannot be solved with the same level of awareness that created them" - Albert Einstein. I'm always striving to learn new things and share new experiences with people. Personal growth should be constant.
Gabrielle: It's not by weight. It's all about the measurements and the way clothes fit. Typical height is 5'9" - 5'11" and the difference between bust-waist-hips should be about 8-10 inches. For example. Bust: 40, Waist: 32, Hips: 42. Even though plus sized models are "bigger" they should still be toned and proportional.
Gabrielle: It was very surreal and it made my hunger for success in this industry all the more intense. I was very comfortable with the photgrapher, Matt, and I think the photograph displays that. I want to promote the idea of self acceptance and confidence.
Gabrielle: As a biracial girl, I was a novelty. I didn't know any other mixed race children until high school. In my formative years I would have loved to have someone I could relate to - someone who knew what it was liked to be different. I wrote and illustrated "Somewhere in Between" so that children recognize and cherish what makes them different instead of feeling insecure. Even though the people around you easily fit into a group or catagory, it's okay that you don't and make your own catagory.
Gabrielle: I want to live a rich life. Not in monetary abundance, but rich in friendship, love, culture, travel, and peacefulness. I realize the fleetingness of life and want to soak up as many experiences as possible. Modeling allows me to meet people and travel and hopefully leave an impression. Through my art, which is an extension of myself, I want to also leave a mark. In a hundred years from now I hope people will still cherish their Gabrielle Rogers painting, their Gift of Gabby handbag, and appreciate what I contributed to the reform of the modeling industry.
