Sacramento model and designer, Naomi May talks fashion her way

Model Naomi May inside Preston Castle, Ione, CA  2008
Photo by: Eric Courtney

 As a portrait photographer, it is not unusual to come across a model you like to work with time and again. A person who inspires you to elevate the level of work you are producing. A muse of sorts, an artist would tell you. Once a connection is made, and it must require a mutual respect from both parties, the creation and experimentation process provides excellent experience you can use inside and outside of your working relationship. It’s really no different than finding a business partner to create a successful venture selling whatever it is that meets a demand.

That being said, this week we meet a Sacramento model, and fashion designer, who I like to work with on a regular basis. Naomi May is not only a stunning model, but she is also a fashion designer who is creating a noble reputation for her creative contribution to the Sacramento fashion scene.

She has hosted and participated in many recent fashion events. She introduced some of her latest designs last summer at fashion venues including Summer Seduction at the Empire nightclub, and the Back to College Bash at the Fugu Lounge where she co-hosted both events with another designer, Deanna Camper of Tainted Fashions. She has also participated in recent events, as a model, for the ARC Fashion Club Show and Center Court for Freestyle Clothing Exchange.

Aside from her design skills, Naomi is also an amazing model with an arsenal of poses that will make any photographer smile when they look through the viewfinder. She has a wonderfully-quirky personality that makes working with her a lot of fun, and of course, makes you want to work with her again. Another great benefit to working with Naomi is that you don’t have to stress over wardrobe for a shoot. She either has something in her collection, or she can design something to accommodate a specific theme, and create the garments before the day of the shoot. It’s quite a convenient situation.

Naomi is a mother to a four year old daughter, and they love to spend time boating, camping and being close to the river while enjoying the sun. Naomi proudly claims that she loves to eat which shatters the typical models don’t eat stereotype. She also lists traveling the world to experience different cultures and learning to ride a street bike as particular interests.

Be sure to check out the slide show at the end of this article to see some of Naomi’s amazing work. Her Q&A follows:

How did you get involved in modeling?
When I first started showing my [fashion] collections from school, I wasn't sure how to book models or set up a photo shoot for that matter. Thankfully, one of the models from the first fashion show I showcased helped me to realize I could model my own designs. She told me "If you are making the clothes to fit people your size, why don't you model your own designs? You'd be great at it!" I set up a photo shoot for my summer 2008 collection with her and myself as the models. I fell in love with the images I then decided maybe being a designer and a model wasn't so bad after all. I've been modeling ever since.

Do you constantly practice posing and walking?
I wouldn't say I take time out of everyday to practice. It comes naturally to me. I have noticed though, that you have to be much more flexible and stronger than you think to hold some of the poses. Regular exercise helps a lot. Another thing I do to help with my walking and posing, is I watch runway on a regular basis. Not your America's Next Top Model type of runway, but actual designer shows. It helps to get you in the mind set.

What advice can you offer young aspiring models looking to participate in fashion events?
Don't be afraid to say no. If you are uncomfortable wearing something, it will show on the runway and in photos. You want to be able to rock the garment to the best of your ability and you aren't going to be able to do so if you are constantly worrying about what you look like in the garment.

Where do you see yourself five years from now, and how is modeling going to help you get there?
It's hard to say in this industry. It can be very unpredictable. I would love to have my clothing line website up and running by then. I want to do all the commercial ads for my line, so that's where modeling is going to come in. I know what image I have in mind for my garments when I model them, so I know I'm going to have a good selection of photos to choose from. However, if I am offered the opportunity to model for another company, I wouldn't turn it down.

In your opinion, what makes a good photograph?
A photograph is more than a pretty face. You have to be able to capture emotion. You can't be afraid of putting yourself outside of the box. Anyone can take a photo of a girl in a dress. It's how the girl in the dress makes it stand out from other images that draws the viewer in.

If you could make one suggestion to all photographers you work with, what would it be?
Make suggestions! Tell me what you think would look awesome for a photo. While I may have poses for days, I can still use a little direction. I find that when a photographer suggests a pose, whether it be to move a hand or bend a leg, it usually turns out to be one of the best shots that day. So please, don't be afraid to give some direction when you're shooting me!

What would you change about the local modeling scene?
That's a tough question. I think I would want models to think of presenting themselves more professionally. If you are serious about a career in modeling, you should be punctual, respectful, and reliable. A lot of times models just cancel on gigs (with or without reason) and it leaves the photographer, mua, and hair stylist left searching for a model to fill a spot the night before. It also creates a bad reputation for the model. It’s a job. You wouldn't skip one day of work at the office and come back the next thinking you still had a job, would you?

Describe the most uncomfortable moment you have ever spent in front of a camera.
I can thankfully say I haven't had an uncomfortable moment yet. I don't arrange photo shoots that would make me feel like I am out of place. It makes for a series of bad photos and it wastes my time as well as the photographers. I would rather set up a shoot that I am totally excited about and know that I am going to be getting fantastic photos back.

What inspires you?
I find inspiration in a lot of things. Colors, photos, magazines, runway shows, different time periods, and most importantly fabric. I can look at a pattern or feel the texture and get an idea for what I can do with it. Being that I make most of the wardrobe that I model, that's where I get most of my inspiration for photo shoots from.

I find that a lot of inspiration also comes from all the great photographers I have worked with. They are always asking me, "When are we going to see some more great fashions for you to model?" It makes me want to make 1,000 dresses.

Final Question. If you could do any photo shoot you wanted, with a mainstream fashion designer of your choice dressing you, who would it be and why?
Most definitely would have to say Valentino or Roberto Cavalli. They are 2 of my favorite designers and I would love to rock their garments anytime! I find a lot of inspiration in both of their collections. I love fancy formal gowns. I have yet to find a gown either of them have designed that I don't like.

Other Fashion events Naomi has been involved with include:
Naomi May Designs Fashion Show
Imagine Fashion Show
Who We Are Fashion Show
Glitz and Glam Fashion Show
Models and Bottles in Sacramento

You can find Naomi May's modeling and design portfolios Online at the following links:
Naomi May's Myspace Designs Page
Naomi May's Modeling Profile
Naomi May's Clothing Design Profile

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If you are interested in being interviewed for my Friday Q&A, contact me here with a link to some of your work and a brief summary as to why you would be a good candidate.