Over on the blog today we have the pleasure of speaking to Mabel Amann, our oldest female model, at the age of 81.
What do you enjoy most about being a model?
The challenge and meeting so many lovely people.
What is your career highlight to date?
That’s difficult, there have been so many! I would probably have to choose the trip to Barcelona for a medical feature. Also being an extra in an episode of the Robson Green T.V. series ‘Wire in the Blood’ was great.
Who have you worked with so far and what were you helping them to achieve?
To name a few, I have worked with Future and Co. Films Ltd, Elliott Brown Agency, Critical Tortoise and Dene Films. The jobs were to achieve anything from Holiday Brochures to T.V commercials.
What would your dream job be?
An extra on Coronation Street or Emmerdale!
What advice would you give to an aspiring model wanting to start working in the modelling industry?
Be prepared to be available at short notice and to sometimes travel quite a distance to venue.
Who is your inspiration for being in this industry?
I was persuaded by a friend to apply to the agency for an interview. I was convinced they would only be interested in a size 8 twenty- something year old but soon discovered that you can be any age!
Have you been on any bookings where you felt the team worked particularly well together? How did it feel – tell us about it.
I have been on a lot of bookings where everyone worked as a team. Everyone giving their best and helping each other. A great sense of achievement and satisfaction!
How do you prepare for a booking? What do you make sure you know before you arrive on a shoot? Physically and mentally?
I try to find out the ‘story’ around the shoot, and mentally think it through. I always choose a selection of clothes that fit the part, get a manicure – but no nail varnish as some photographers don’t like it. And of course making sure hair and makeup is at it’s best!
When I was a driver I always ensured the route had been checked but now I check all forms of public transport are checked for times and book taxis well in advance.
