Elona Hope Mitchell-Strong – Interview – A Hot Minute

Elona Hope Mitchell-Strong – Interview – A Hot Minute – by Liam Sweeny.

We connect with model Elona Hope Mitchell-Strong.

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?

EHMS: Every photoshoot is different. Some have a story other start with an idea. Both take preparation. I’ve had photoshoots that only required me to show up and others were I had to be the Model, MUA, stylist , and hairstylist. I believe as a model it’s a part of my job to be prepared for either.

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.

EHMS: I worked with many photographers, all of which had a vibe that I enjoyed working with. honestly I couldn’t just pick one because each one like art spoke to me differently.

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?

EHMS: I enjoy both being the model/character needed for the Photoshoot.  Both require work, and the ability to listen.

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?

EHMS: Modeling is a form of expressive art, the way the body form shapes the way, the eyes tell a story. Each photo detailed, sharpened and exposed . Every moment fluid like water. It should make you feel. It should start a conversation just as art does.

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?

EHMS: RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH

I live by “what’s for you shall not pass you “ as a model you know how YOU wanna be seen.  I’ve turned down many opportunities because my image comes first. As a model you know your worth and what your image brings to the table. You are the BUSINESS !! So what you do and how you put yourself out there matters . I know some may look at me and think “ typical model “ picky and she thinks she’s better than everybody, but that’s the furthest from the truth. Me as a model is a business and I do what’s BEST for my business . Being everywhere and in everything doesn’t make you the better model it makes you the most accessible. This has helped and hurt my career but like I said, “ What’s for you shall not pass you.”

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?

EHMS: Who am I to judge? We all start somewhere!  It all starts with a dream, and however, anyone puts it in motion. last year a lot of social media influencers walked the runway and landed major deals with real major brands. We live in a world of social media, but I will say this; filters don’t go with you ! Personality, experience and the ability to adapt will separate the real from the fake.

Photo by Kevin Greene (IG : Studio621)

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