Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Thong.
Elaine, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The photographer who took my senior prom photos posted them on his Instagram page, and they received a ton of positive feedback–one of his highest engagements to this day! I guess this is what sort of put me “on the map,” and a bunch of local photographers started asking me to collaborate. Having just graduated from high school, I had a lot of free time that summer to experiment with modeling, and it quickly became my favorite hobby. I made sure to do some research on Miami/Ft. Lauderdale photographers so that I could expand my horizons once I moved for college that fall. By consistently working to improve with every shoot, whether it be posing, communication, expressions, etc., I have been able to turn my favorite past time into a career full of endless opportunity!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
A major concern in this industry has always been safety. Especially when I was starting out, and even now, a lot of shoots are coordinated through Instagram. A social media profile is not much to go off of when meeting someone for the first time, so it is extremely important to never go alone to anything. Unfortunately, there are some people who are in this industry for the wrong reasons; if you get bad vibes or ever feel uncertain, it is best to just leave or not go. It can sometimes also be difficult to get paid work; some photographers simply stop responding once I tell them my rate. As a model, rejection is something you may always have to deal with–just make sure you know you’re worth!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a freelance model; I wouldn’t say that I am known yet for any one thing, as I am very versatile and am available for almost any variety of shoot, including fashion, fitness, lifestyle, and more. However, my favorite style to shoot is definitely beauty work. I admire how the close-up shots allow details and creativity to be showcased flawlessly; I have always been passionate about makeup and skincare, and I am also studying to become a dermatologist. I believe that attention to detail, as well as the devotion I put into every shoot sets me apart from others; I always try to get a genuine feel for the creative vision and mood of the photographer. Doing so allows me to gain a better understanding of the goals and concepts, enabling me to fully lend myself to the success of the shoot, making sure I can provide exactly what needs to be captured.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think that trying your hardest always equates to some degree of success. If you work hard, it is pretty impossible to accomplish NOTHING. There are times when my efforts could be exhausted, but the goal has still not yet been reached. Though that may technically be considered a failure, it is important to always look at the aspects of success, such as being able to help others and progress towards your goals. There are always positives, no matter how small they may be, and it is important not to dwell on the “failures”.
Pricing:
- $50/hour
Contact Info:
- Email: elaine.27.thong@gmail.com
Image Credit:
@alvintran.photography, @crankphotography, @catfashionista, @parzivalphotography, @photographybybernard
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