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Why, Where, When?
Why are there so few models of colour in our mainstream advertising and media? |
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I ask this as a photographer. I thought about it and didn't know the reason, apart from the obvious. Surely not that old chestnut!
I'm white, middle class, went to a mixed multi-racial school in London back in the 1970's, yet still something is wrong.
Are they, and by 'they' I am referring to models of colour, harder to work with? I don't think so. Are they harder to light? No, I know that not to be true, in fact a little easier in some respects.
Do they disappear with all the sandwiches, spending most of their time on the phone or in the toilets? No, that's just unprofessional models worldwide.
So why, surely it's not because of their colour?
Where are all the models of colour?
I guess the easy answer would be that there are not that many models of colour so therefore you don't see them so often. Or is it that, it's harder to get chosen by an agency because the market still wants white or only thinks white? There can be no argument about age, height, shape or beauty. So what is it?
When will we see change?
I might be wrong, but I remember more models from diverse ethnic groups being used in advertising and media in the 80's and 90's than are being seen today. |
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Why am I doing this?
It's something I have known about for years but never really addressed. No, correction, I've NEVER faced it until recently. Over the last few months I have woken up, woken to the idea that this must change and I could be the one to do it. You've never heard of me until now. I've only just recently started to have work published and win awards. Photography is my passion, it's all I really think about, and I can harness this to be my 'visual voice' for what I truly believe and inspire other to do the same.
Where?
Locations are easy compared to changing people's ignorance. I will use studios and locations here in the UK and some in mainland Europe too. There will be little compromise; it has to be done properly or not at all.
When?
Over the next few weeks, months, years I'm going to photograph as many models of colour as possible to not only prove my point, but to get the media world sitting up and taking notice. Some images will be shocking, others will give you beauty and realism, fantasy and fashion. I will strive to get my work published at every opportunity and push for as many favours as I can. "If you don't ask, you don't get".
Who?
I need models that will stand up and be counted, willing to give their time, hearts and names to effect change. I can only do this with your help. I will also need studio owners to give me their unused space, fashion designers to demand more models of colour and design with them in mind and in return I'll give them images to inspire. Once I have a large enough body of work there will be an exhibition event and a media gallery, possibly more. |
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