Interview with Model: Kaylee Tate
How old were you when you first learned this art? I started taking it seriously when I was 18 years old, but I’ve always played around with the camera ever since I was 16.
Who taught you this skill? Nobody in particular. I think when I started out as a beginner, my years of dance training and small photo shoots that I would put together really aided my talent. Time and practice are definitely a contributing factor now that I’m more experienced.
How do you respond to criticism? I try to take any and all criticism in a constructive way; unless people are just wanting to hate, I normally just ignore it then.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your creative career? Definitely time. I’m a full-time college student and work part time; considering those factors and adding photoshoots along with it all is very difficult. I’ve gone weeks without an actual day off as I try to schedule a photoshoots on any days I have off from work or school. Adding friends and family in on top of all that is very challenging.
What creatives do you admire? I love this model on Instagram that goes by the handle “wormbabyyy.” She is super creative and always nails her poses. Her portfolio is very versatile; each photoshoot is very unique from all the others. I also love various famous runway models such as Kendall Jenner and Bella and Gigi Hadid; they are super talented and are constantly serving looks.
What are some of the projects you’re working on right now? Right now I am going to be featured in a few publications to promote the local modeling community in West Virginia. I’m also working on some super sick photo shoots in November that have been in the works for months! Farther out, I will be an ambassador for the first ever model week Charleston in West Virginia; I will additionally be attending the model week Pittsburgh events coming up in January 2020.
What is your favorite thing about your craft that you enjoy the most? 100% the new people I get to meet and the new places I get to explore; though, I love then accomplishment I feel when I see a beautiful photo and realize I’m the one that’s in it.
What is the best advice that you have been given? Learn not to care. Don’t be afraid to look or feel silly, don’t be afraid to work with new people or try new things. That’s how you grow; never limit yourself.
What do you do to get into your creative zone? I enjoy scrolling through Instagram and getting inspiration and motivation from other creatives.
For more Kaylee, follow her on IG at @kerosine_kay.
https://sdsmodelingco.com/kaylee-tate/
Photographers:
Kevin Young @Kyphotos32
Jeremy Meade @J.meade.images
Rich Ruiz @lucent.images
Benjamin Sanford @ripe_with_decay