- Sasha Nicole
- Apr 4
- 8 min read
I didn’t have industry connections. I wasn’t scouted. I didn’t even know where to begin.
But one day, I decided to take myself seriously. I stopped waiting for the right moment and just went for it.
Starting from zero meant figuring things out as I went. I had to research, put myself out there, and learn through experience. There were moments of excitement, frustration, and lessons I wish I had known sooner.
So if you're wondering How did I start modeling? Where did I begin?—this is for you.
Step 1: Taking the First Leap
With no idea where to begin, I did the only thing that made sense—I started researching. I looked up local photographers and studios, found ones whose work I liked, and started reaching out.
Here’s what I learned quickly: not everyone will respond. Some ignored my messages, which felt discouraging. Others replied that they didn’t need a model at the time.
But then—I got one Yes. And that’s all I needed to get started.
💡 Tip: When reaching out to photographers, keep it professional but personal. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in working with them.
Step 2: Learning on the Job
My first photoshoot wasn’t just about getting cute photos—it was about stepping into something brand new, unsure but excited.
I didn’t pretend to know everything—I asked questions. I watched, listened, and soaked up everything I could. I wasn’t just there to model, I was there to learn.
And no, I wasn’t trying to be perfect. I was just trying to grow.
I noticed how lighting could change my whole face. How one angle made me feel strong and another felt awkward. I started to understand the power in the little things—my hands, my eyes, the way I stood. It wasn’t just posing. It was storytelling. It was energy.
By the end of the shoot, I had my first real set of professional images. They weren’t flawless, but they were me. The start of something real. A new chapter. And even though I was still figuring it out—I had taken the first step.
💡 Tips and insights:
✔️ Be curious. Ask questions. Watch what works. The more you observe, the more you grow.
✔️ Practice. Learn your angles, your presence, and how your energy translates.
✔️ Bring your personality. Anyone can pose—but you bring the spark. Don’t be afraid to show it.
✔️ You don’t need to have it all figured out. Take the shot, make the mistakes, and grow from there.
✔️ Confidence is built, not bought. The more you do it, the more natural it starts to feel.
Step 3: Castings & the Reality Check
Now that I had my headshots, I thought, Okay, what’s next?
The answer? Start submitting them.
I applied for castings and agencies, attended open calls, and kept looking for new opportunities. Eventually, I got the invite to an exclusive model casting.
It felt like real progress. I passed the first round of interviews, and I was moving forward. The nerves kicked in as I got ready. I wore a black top and dark dress pants—simple, professional, and safe. A small part of me wished I had worn something pink, something that felt like me, but this was my first casting, so I followed the recommended wardrobe.
Walking into the room, I was excited to see so many others my age chasing the same dream. Everyone was polite, the casting director seemed kind, and the energy was buzzing. But as the process unfolded, I realized there were a few things I wish had gone differently.
First—digitals.
I thought I was prepared, having done some research. But there’s a huge difference between reading about something and actually experiencing it. When my name was called for digitals, I expected some guidance, but instead, I was rushed through it. There was no explanation of how to pose, what expressions to use, or even what kind of energy they were looking for.
It was just click, click, click—and done.
I stood there, second-guessing every movement, wondering if I was doing it right. I had assumed, since it was a “new model” casting, that there would be some kind of coaching or direction. That was my mistake.
Then came the second realization—everyone else seemed to know exactly what type of modeling they wanted to do—except me. But instead of letting that discourage me, I saw it as a sign that I had to do this my way.
Not the way everyone else was doing it. Not by following some generic set of rules or trying to fit into a mold. But by doing what I loved—by infusing my personality, my spark, and my style into it.
It wasn’t going to be easy. But I was ready to make it my journey.
And then, the results came in.
They were looking for something specific—and I wasn’t it.
Ouch. Yeah, that stung a little. But here's the thing: the win wasn’t in being chosen. The win was in showing up, pushing myself, and proving to myself that I could do this.
And honestly? I was so proud of that.
Step 4: Taking a Different Path—Freelance Modeling
The traditional route wasn’t cutting it I wasn’t making as much progress with agencies as I wanted. So I decided I wasn’t about to sit around waiting for someone to tell me I was good enough. If I wanted this, I had to take control. So, I decided to go the freelance route.
It wasn’t going to be easy, but it felt like the right move. Freelance modeling allowed me to do things on my own terms—no gatekeepers, no waiting for someone to give me a chance. I reached out to photographers, creatives, and brands directly. I started building my own portfolio, creating my own opportunities, and doing it all with my spark.
I worked on shoots that ranged from vintage pin-up to street photography, old Hollywood vibes to full-on pink energy. Each shoot was an opportunity to experiment, learn, and get more comfortable in front of the camera.
And best of all? I was doing what I Loved!!
But let’s be real—freelancing is far from easy. The downside? Work isn’t guaranteed. Shoots can be less predictable, and some weeks there’s a lot of nothing while other weeks you might get lucky with several gigs.
It’s a hustle.
But that’s the trade-off. I didn’t want to wait for permission anymore. The challenge was worth it.
💡 What I've Learned from Freelance Modeling:
✔️ Try different styles. You don’t know what works for you until you explore. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
✔️ Work with different photographers. Every new person you collaborate with brings something fresh to the table. You grow with each shoot.
✔️ Confidence is everything. The more you shoot, the more comfortable you’ll get. Own every frame.
✔️ It’s not always stable. Freelance work can be unpredictable, but when you put in the work, it pays off.
I took a chance on myself. And yeah, it's not always smooth sailing, but that’s how I found my stride—doing it my way.
✨ Final Thoughts: Rewriting the Rules in Pink ✨
Starting modeling with no connections and no experience? It’s not easy. And truthfully, it’s still not easy.
There are days I feel stuck, moments where I wonder if I’m doing enough, and times when rejection makes me question everything. But deep down, I know this is what I’m meant to do. Modeling lights something in me I can’t explain—it’s part of my purpose.
I’m still chasing it. Still showing up. Still fighting for a space that reflects me.
And while I’d love to be signed to an agency—not just any agency, but one that truly believes in me the way I do—it hasn’t happened yet. That’s okay. Because I’m not waiting to be chosen. I’m choosing myself every day I keep going.
Freelance modeling isn’t always stable or predictable, but it’s been a space where I can be free, creative, and real. It’s helped me grow, build my portfolio, and figure out what kind of model I want to be. It’s not about fitting into someone else’s idea of beauty. It’s about rewriting the rules—in pink, of course.
On top of it all, I run my own business. Balancing both is a challenge, but being a businesswoman has taught me so much. I’ve learned to lead, to market myself, and to stay disciplined—skills that have absolutely transferred into my modeling.
When I look back, I realize modeling was always in me, even though I didn’t know it at the time. I can see the spark now—the love for dressing up, experimenting with fashion, and expressing myself in creative ways. Every shoot, every pose, every moment I get to step in front of the camera is me living that passion I’ve always had inside me.
No, this journey hasn’t been smooth. And no, I don’t have it all figured out. But I do have drive, passion, and purpose—and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
So if you’re just starting out, or if you feel like you’re behind—you’re not. You don’t need permission. You just need to start.
Because the moment you stop waiting to be chosen...is the moment you realize you’ve already been becoming the one to watch. 💖
Tips – From Someone Who’s Been There
I know firsthand how overwhelming this journey can be, especially when you're just starting out. But here’s the thing—you don’t need to have it all figured out from the get-go. The key is to take that first step and keep moving forward, learning and growing along the way. It’s all part of the process. You’ve got this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. 💖
💻Social Media: Your Digital Portfolio
When I first started, I had no idea what my “niche” was—and honestly, I didn’t need to. I just knew I loved being creative and expressing myself through modeling. Over time, I didn’t just find a niche—I found my purpose.
Social media played a huge part in that. It became more than just a place to post pretty photos. It became a space to grow, experiment, connect, and show who I really am—not just what I look like.
But I’ll be honest: it’s not always easy. Seeing others “blow up” or book big campaigns can make you second-guess your own progress. It’s easy to fall into comparison mode and start feeling like you’re behind.
But the truth is? Your following doesn’t define your value. What matters is how you show up, how you treat people, and how much heart you bring into what you do. If you’re doing what you love and staying true to you, that’s already a win.
💡 Some things that helped me:
✔️ Don’t stress about having a perfect “niche.” Let yourself explore until something clicks.
✔️ Post content that feels you—not just what’s trendy.
✔️ Engage with others genuinely. Support people. Build real connections.
✔️ Use your platform with purpose. Let your feed reflect your passion and personality.
You don’t need to fit into a box. You're allowed to be the main character in your own story. And social media? That’s just one of your stages. 💖
Mastering Posing & Angles
Modeling isn’t just about looking good—it’s about knowing your angles. Posing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice.
Some people practice in front of a mirror, which can help, but the downside? You get used to seeing yourself while you pose. When you're in front of a camera, there’s no reflection—just the lens.
A better way to practice:
📸 Use your phone’s rear-facing camera. Set it up at eye level or slightly lower.
🎥 Hit record and start posing. Move through different angles, expressions, and movements.
🔍 Review the footage. This lets you see how you actually look—not just how you think you look.
Common Posing Mistakes to Avoid:
🚫 Over-posing – If you’re too stiff or exaggerated, it looks unnatural. Relax and let the movements flow.🚫 Same expression in every shot – Agencies love versatility. Practice a range of emotions.
🚫 Ignoring hands – Awkward hand placement can ruin a shot. Keep them soft and natural.
🚫 Not knowing your angles – Everyone has a best side. Learn yours and use it!
The Bottom Line
You don’t need connections or years of experience to start modeling—you just need to take that first step.
Believe in yourself. Take yourself seriously, even when no one else does.
Put yourself out there. Be bold, make mistakes, and keep pushing forward.
Never stop learning. The more you experiment, the better you’ll get. Progress comes from practice.
Your journey is yours to create, so embrace it fully. Trust the process, stay authentic, and remember—you’re already making moves toward where you want to be. 💖
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