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Shelby interview
An interview with stunning California based model Shelby and this sensual and stylish series captured by the talented Duncan Allen Photography (instagram.com/duncanallenphotography– www.duncanallenphotography.com), enjoy!
Know more about Shelby at instagram.com/whos_shelby_anyway
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
Goofy, chaotic, creative, driven.
How long have you been a model?
I’d say about a year….only professionally for a few months.
How did you get into modeling?
I was in a semi-serious relationship with a guy who decided he wanted to pursue photography. He enrolled in a few community college classes and always used me as his model for his projects because we lived together and I was always around annnndddd he naturally just felt more comfortable shooting with me (his girlfriend) because we were familiar with each other etc. after a while of only shooting with him for his school projects, my Instagram starting gaining traction and other photographers started asking to work with me and repost my photos on their Instagram accounts or use me for their own projects and so on.
How was your first shooting? Tell us a bit about that first experience?
SOOOOOOOOOO UNCOMFORTABLE OHMYGODDDDD. My first photoshoot ever was a nude shoot. And I was ok with that because I was an exotic dancer and was used to people seeing me nude, but having the vulnerability that comes with being nude caught in a still moment was sort of nerve-racking, humbling, and empowering at the same time. Plus, seeing myself nude caught in a moment was something entirely new to me – like I said, I was used to being nude for others but being nude for myself was very uncomfortable….if that makes any sense?
What does modeling mean to you?
It’s self-appreciative and creative for me. I enjoy the process of working with a photographer and creating a specific atmosphere or feeling out of what an average passerby might take for granted– I did this shoot in a parking garage a few months ago on a busy night that kind of looked like a BAD scenario to shoot in; the photographer and I were both kinds of frustrated with the situation but those shots turned out to be some of the most unique photos I’ve ever seen – let alone, be a part of. I guess, modeling is a creative outlet for me and I like the realness of it….there’s nowhere to hide when you’re the subject of a photo and having the ability to look at those photos later on and remember exactly how you felt, what the conversation was, what song was playing, what the weather was like, blah blah blah is a really cool concept in my opinion.
A model you particularly admire?
there’s quite a few that I admire….but the big one is Sarah Kohen. I want to be her when I grow up.
If you could choose, where would you like to shoot?
Oia or Fira on Santorini….Greece. I went there when I was 17 and I have so many magical memories there and I’m dying to go back….not only is it aesthetically appealing for landscapes and portraits…it’s an amazing way of life that the locals have. I was really happy there.
What is your dressing style in everyday life?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA somewhere between a personal trainer and a homeless man. Luckily I was born and raised in California so I can get away with that here – but it’s pretty much just because I’m really active and most days my schedule is pretty booked up between running 8 miles, going to a photo shoot, getting groceries, hanging out with my family and friends, teaching a dance class, driving to LA and back, and writing posts for my little blog. So I kind of just wear clothes that are comfy and relaxed….flip flops and t-shirts every day.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Lahaina on Maui in the Hawaiian Islands. I’ve vacationed there a couple times and the last time I was there I almost got hired as a manager at a gym hahahaha….I think I probably will move there in the future but just not yet…getting my ducks in a row with school and finances before I fly over and set up camp. It’s so relaxed there and everyone there is in a good mood because they’re either on vacation, or they live in Hawaii……how could you possibly be in a bad mood if you live in Hawaii?
What is happiness?
Well, that’s kind of a loaded question, isn’t it? I’m honestly still trying to figure out what happiness is…..so far what I’ve come up with is that happiness is beyond circumstances and tangible objects. I was diagnosed with severe depression when I was 14 and yeah, there were harsh circumstances that I was going through that made the depression understandable….but even when the stars are aligned and you have a surplus of money, people around you that love you, a great job, live in a great place and are healthy….it’s still possible to be unhappy….I think happiness is a conscious choice and a way of life that should be practiced every day regardless of what kind of situation you’re currently in. Some people think “when I have this I’ll be happy”, or “when I get promoted I’ll be happy”, “when I go on vacation I’ll be happy”…..the list goes on. happiness is a state of mind that should be accessible to anyone at any time in any location completely free of charge.
Where can we find you on a Friday night?
It depends…..I’m typically a workaholic so if I’m not shooting or working at some sort of event and I happen to have some free time…..I’ll be partying HAHAHAHA. I’m definitely a work hard play hard type of person. I like to drink Patrón and dance around with my friends to some really good music.
What’s your next goal?
I have a lot. It’s to be happy and be single and stop caring about how others see me and just practice being myself.