Liss Stratton – Interview – A Hot Minute

Liss Stratton – Interview – A Hot Minute – by Liam Sweeny.

We reached out to model Liss Stratton and we discussed the art of the shoot. She welcomed our questions.

RRX: Modeling seems easy to people who’ve never modeled. Just stand in front of a camera, and that’s it. But that’s looking at the end-product with no understanding of what may have to happen a day or a week before the shoot. Can you talk about that? 

LS: Modeling does seem easy, right! There’s a lot that goes into having a successful shoot or fashion show. First is having an idea and really thinking about who fits best for the project. For example, you want to do a Valentine’s Day shoot. You have to think of which photographer you feel can execute your idea how you envision it. Coordinating a date and time that works best for all parties. You also have to think about hair, makeup, undergarments, outfits(if applicable), nails, the backdrop as well as your poses and angles. You essentially want it to all come together.

RRX: Models and photographers are a matched pair. Both have to be on-point. I’ve known from my time in print media that every photographer has their own look. Can you tell me about a photographer you shot with whose look you really vibed with. 

 LS: Although I’ve shot with some amazing photographers, I would have to say it’s between Thom Williams and Lisa Wood. Both have helped me find my footing and made me see another side of myself in the modeling world. They’ve definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone

RRX: Like photographers, wardrobes are another matched pair. I can think of two scenarios, one where you’re in wardrobe to shoot for maybe an ad. The other is you’re modeling the wardrobe itself, for the brand. Which of the two do you like best? 

LS: Honestly I wouldn’t say I like one more than the other, one is just less stressful lol if I’m modeling for a designer I get to bring their vision to life which I love, but I also love where I can be my creative self and dress myself. Especially trying to start my company Fashion Euphoria, which part of the company focuses on styling every day people and models. Styling is self expression so I love to bring different expressions to life.

RRX: One key of art is that the artist reveals themselves through their work. But a model reveals themselves as their work. You’re using your expressions and body language to bring a work into being that will affect the people who see it. Does it feel like art?

LS: There’s many forms of art, so for me and I’m sure many people feel that fashion is a form of art. I remember I did a fashion art show where I stood for hours turning every so often to show off the designers outfit at different angles.

RRX: Models can go all over the world, and are in high demand whenever a person or business wants to bring attention to something. But as a model, it’s your face on a thing. Have you ever had to turn something down because you didn’t want your face on it? 

LS: I can’t recall turning anything down because I didn’t want my face attached to it. However I am very particular on what I attach my name to because I am the brand. Every offer or call for an offer won’t always match my brand. It boils down to what direction you want your brand to go. Basically know what lane you want to be in and perfect it!

RRX: There are a lot of people doing modeling on social media. And they call themselves models, and the people in the comments treat them like models – are they models? Is it a matter of real models vs fake models, or is it just varying skill levels of models? 

LS: I wouldn’t phrase it a real vs. fake thing, it’s more of a people telling them they are models or could be. Now I’m about to get real controversial here. Everyone is not built to be a model. Meaning yes someone can show you how to pose, and yes you can be a brand ambassador, but modeling is more than just taking pictures and posting them. You have to remember modeling is an art form and with any form of art you have to be dedicated. You have to be ready to study and practice(your walk/poses), if your trying to do runway modeling you need to know how to walk in heels, you need to stay prepared, you have to be teachable(because there’s always room to grow), you have to invest in yourself.

You also have to have that hustle in you. Be prepared for numerous no’s, the long days/nights, missing out on certain events, traveling. You have to be prepared to do your makeup and hair in case there is no makeup or hair or they don’t have enough time to get to you before the show/shoot. Most of all it should be your passion, something you really love if you’re trying to make it a career. Everyone can’t be a model, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be in the modeling world. Everyone helps make the end results come together. I have a lot of respect for those behind the scenes. If it wasn’t for production/producers, sometimes sponsers, hair and makeup, designers, stylist, volunteers it would be an unorganized chaos instead of an organized one. I love what I do and I take it very serious. I never want to discourage anyone, But before entering into this field you need to really ask yourself am I ready and is This MY thing. I know when I stop modeling I will still be in this world because it’s my passion and I love the organized chaos and the end results!

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