Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Winslow.
Samantha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been drawn to creative expression. Growing up, I struggled to express myself verbally, so I turned to art at a very young age. I began drawing and painting before I learned ceramics, photography, and modeling. I recently got diagnosed with ADHD, and it has provided so much clarity on why creating has been so beneficial, not only when it comes to expressing myself, but also as a coping skill.
Right now, I am prioritizing my modeling and photography, and with both of these mediums I value authenticity. With my photography, I love to photograph people as I see them, so I do not retouch skin because I believe those things we view as flaws are what make a person who they are. There are no bad parts, just different ones.
When it comes to my modeling, I want my creative outlet to create a space where people feel genuinely beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. Growing up, I faced a lot of negative comments regarding my appearance, which took such a toll on my self-esteem. I remember people making racist remarks and making comments about my body. I want my modeling to show that you do not have to look a certain way or fit into a certain mold. Beauty is subjective, and there is beauty in everything. I want to inspire people that even though putting yourself out there can be scary, it can also be so rewarding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like being a creative, you kind of set yourself up to face obstacles. It’s not a bad thing at all, it’s just how it goes.
A huge struggle for me when I first started was learning how to navigate creative differences. It can be really tricky when I’m working with a photographer or another model and our ideas don’t quite match up. However, I’m so grateful for those experiences as they’ve taught me acceptance and flexibility. It has also taught me how to pivot gracefully while staying true to myself.
Another struggle that I have faced (and still face) is learning where to draw boundaries. I mostly do collaborative work for my modeling, so expectations can become blurred at times. I have been a freelance model for about 10 years, and I pour my heart and soul into everything that I do. With how much work I put in, it is so important to have clear boundaries. Learning how to advocate for myself, ensuring that expectations are clear for all parties, and honoring my own needs can be really tricky. Even though I’m still learning, I’ve come such a long way. I never thought I would get to the point where I can turn down TFP jobs, but learning how to say ‘no’ is crucial.
Taking a step back, seeing the rapid rise of AI when it comes to replacing human models and artists is disheartening. I feel like this just shows how vital human creation and connection are. Now more than ever, it is so important for all creatives to stick together and support one another.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Right now, I would say my specialty is definitely my portrait photography and my modeling.
I am very proud of myself for working with photographers of all different backgrounds to help their vision come to life while bringing my own ideas. I’m also proud of pushing myself to try new photography techniques and realizing there’s still so much for me to learn, even though I’ve been doing this for such a long time.
I think what sets me apart is my love for film photography, it’s one of my favorite things in the whole wide world! I try to incorporate that warmth and grain as much as I can into my digital photography, and my love for film has shown me that ‘flaws’ are okay and can actually really add so much to a photo. I don’t just follow that philosophy in my creative work, but also in my day-to-day life. It’s okay if things aren’t perfect, that’s just how it is sometimes, and it’s okay to take a step back and realize how much beauty is around us.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
You are going to make mistakes, and that’s okay, that is part of learning and how you grow! Do not be afraid to put yourself out there, the worst thing you’ll hear is ‘no’.
For anyone trying to break into modeling, definitely stay away from agencies that ask you to pay for mandatory classes or upfront fees. If a reputable agency wants to represent you, they will invest in you and make money by taking a commission after booking you paid work.
The same goes for photography, be cautious of anyone asking for huge upfront fees before you even get started.
Never sell yourself short, you have so much potential. Recognize your worth and do not settle! Doing TFP (Trade for Print/Portfolio) is so beneficial when starting out, not only to help you grow as a creative and build your portfolio, but also to network and meet amazing people.
Contact Info:
- Website: samanthacabase
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/samanthacabase
