Lara Knappmodel
An interview with the gorgeous Auckland, New Zealand based model Lara Knapp and these fantastic pictures captured by Efrain Muñiz (instagram.com/EfrainMunizPhoto) and Pat Ortiz (instagram.com/PatOrtizPhoto), enjoy!
Know more about Lara at instagram.com/GoGoLaraKnapp
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
Passionate, optimistic, motivated, inspired and aspired.
How long have you been a model?
About a year - a year and a half now. I did a few photo shoots as a teenager, but never took it seriously until I utilized modeling as a tool to develop self-confidence and growth. I was surprised how standing in front of a camera half-naked (most of the time) feeling vulnerable, yet oh so sexy once you see the final edits, can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
How did you get into modelling?
Once I started college, I got involved in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene and auditioned for Team EZ Entertainment. This is probably the biggest dance troupe in America that you’ve never heard of. We’re responsible for performing at mainstream electronic music festivals such as Electronic Daisy Carnival (EDC). After performing a few events with Team Ez, local photographers started to appreciate the work I was sharing and gained interested in taking my photos outside of a performance costume. (Side note: Team Ez would dress us performers up as a certain character that matched the theme of the festival. For example EDC is a carnival, and every carnival needs a group of cute, bubbly clowns; or Middlelands, a medieval-themed festival, would need a king and queen as well as their loyal jesters).
How was your first shooting? Tell us a bit about that first experience.
To be completely honest, it was a bit intimidating and uncomfortable. I was with a group of girl who’ve done a few photo shoots prior and seemed to know what they were doing, while I was off struggling to find my good angle(s). After some constructive criticism, I started to realize that I shouldn’t “pose.” Photos are best captured when keeping some kind of natural flow. So to help me let loose, we turned on some music. To this very day, I still think back and reflect how awkward I looked in those photos, but you can’t progress unless you try and fail and then try and fail again.
What does modelling mean to you?
First, I’d like to reiterate how important it is to ONLY work with photographers that encourage you… comfort you… and guide you. Don’t work with someone only because they’ll pay you more than the status quo. If you don’t feel comfortable with a photographer, the photos will end up looking awkward and unnatural. Do your due diligence. Ensure that their style AND personality matches yours. However, if you do indeed find a photographer that matches your authenticity, modeling can be a form of release. It’s an outlet to express yourself and show off your personality. The eyes are the window to the soul, so once you learn how to encapsulate that, your photos will be powerful, perhaps even magical.
A model you particularly admire?
There are so many beautiful women out in the world, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But to keep things concise, I’ll say Alexis Ren because she’s constantly reminding us small life lessons through her social media. Also, have you seen her smile or heard her laugh?! It’s so contagious!
If you could choose, where would you like to shoot?
I’m from Texas, so I naturally gravitate towards a place with warmer weather. Anywhere with a nice beach or forest would be a lot of fun! I just moved to New Zealand for the next year and black sand beaches are pretty popular here. Hint, hint, wink, wink to all my New Zealand photographers. Let’s link up!
What is your dressing style in everyday life?
90’s baby all the way, with the occasional girly grunge.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I feel like I haven’t seen enough of the world to answer this confidently, but I’m learning Spanish right now, so maybe somewhere that natively speaks Spanish. However, I will admit that my favorite city I’ve visited thus far is Amsterdam. If you haven’t been yet, I highly encourage it!
What is happiness?
Happiness can be defined by many things. The most important thing to remember about true happiness though is to always DO YOU. Do things and make admirable decisions based on YOUR OWN well-being! Don’t cave into an idea because you “think” that’s what society, your parents, your friends, or whoever/whatever wants you to do. Focus on the aspirations that get you out of bed and help you kick ass at life! We’re only given one opportunity, so why not make the most of it?! Buy THAT plane ticket for the trip of a lifetime… Move to THAT city you’ve always admired… Chase THAT dream you’re so passionate about… To achieve true happiness, you may need to take a few risks. Trust that the universe will always catch you if you fall. Things happen for a reason, whether you realize it at that moment or not. (P.S. never skip a workout on Monday, drink loads of water, and don’t forget to exfoliate!) Small successes like this, add up over time.
Where can we find you on a Friday night?
I love all genres of electronic music, so if there’s a concert going on, you’ll most likely find me on the dance floor pretending I know how to shuffle.
What’s your next goal?
I’ve been traveling New Zealand for 3 months now and ready to settle down and look for a job. Although I developed a financial cushion at my previous job, I’m ready to add some structure back in my life to help with time management. I’ll still, of course, try to schedule photo shoots in my spare time and arrange short vacations on my days off, but for the next few months, I look forward to adult-ing once again.
Credits
Header & 1 to 6: by Efrain Muñiz
7 & 8: by Pat Ortiz