EMILY FELD TALKS MODELING

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

How did you first get your start modeling on the Gold Coast?

I originally approached modeling by myself, but it was a photographer who really got me started, about three years ago I went to a photographer named Michael Murchie to get a few nice photos for myself. He helped me get into modeling and taught me what it was all about. This is when I began to really establish my Instagram-platform which helped me a lot in my modeling. A little while later that same photographer helped sign me with the agency Que Models. Que Models is my first and only modeling agency. Michael set up the meeting between me and Que Models and from there I was placed on their books.

Why is this something you became interested in?

I was interested in modeling because of the amazing opportunities it creates and the fun experiences it provides. I always loved the idea of dressing up in beautiful clothes and traveling to incredible places. This is what interested me about modeling, as well as the fact of creating a platform where I can share my experiences and hopes for the world.

What has been your favorite collaboration so far?

One of my favorite collaborations would have to be the Korean brand Hoog Swim. All the people there were so incredible and the shoot was lots of fun as I spent the day in the sun and water.

Which clothing can’t you live without?

As I live on the Gold Coast, where it is always hot and perfect for the beach, I can not live without bikinis. 

Is it mostly you that get approached by brands and photographers?

Yes normally it's the brand or the photographer that contact me or my agency about a certain project.

Who is your favourite photographer?

My favourite photographer would have to be Michael Murchie as he is the one that taught me about the industry, and gave me a place to start. He takes amazing and artistic photos that have really assisted my modeling career.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

My favourite part of the job has to be the people I have meet. And the experiences I’ve had! I’ve met so many incredible people and made so many new friends. I’ve also been fortunate enough to see some amazing places and experienced many incredible things. Modeling has granted me with various opportunities and has shown me so much about life. I also believe modeling is a pathway to so many greater things in life, some of my favorite moments have been while modeling.

What would you do if you weren’t modeling?

I would be doing almost the same thing if I wasn’t doing modeling as I have always wanted a second career in something and I have always kept my option open. I will always continue to study but if I wasn’t modeling I would probably be focusing on that a lot more but if I wasn’t modeling, I would be missing out on all the crazy opportunities that comes with it. However, if I was or wasn’t modeling I would always be studying to have a career.

So what is your day to day like, what do you do when and when you do not have any particular jobs to go to?

My day to day life is actually quite normal. I spend lots of time studying for school and playing netball, a sport I have played since I was six years old. I have modeling-projects a few times a month and the rest of my time I spend watching movies, as I am a huge movie-buff.

Is there anything else you see modeling as a stepping stone to?

Right now I am just enjoying the modeling life. However in the future I wish to take more of an influential role and to use my platform for good. I believe modeling is my chance to make a difference and become a presence in society.

Swedish model Elsa Hosk once said "Sometimes I see myself in photos and the images is so different from who I really am. In my head I'm not beautiful at all. I'm goofy and totally normal. Beautiful is a character that I get into on sets". Is this something you agree with?

This is totally something I can agree with, modeling photos do not always convey someone’s true personality. People often tell me that I’m so different to what they think I would be like based on my modeling photos. I think that’s because photos don’t always display everything about a person. I do however try to make my photos the most "me" they can be. Because it’s an amazing way to express myself.

What's the best advice you can give from your own experiences of working as a model?

My advice would be that modeling is not always as easy as it looks. There's pressure, hate and people judging you, but none of it matters if you know what is best for you! If you let these things get to you then you’ll miss out on an amazing journey which modeling provides. So my advice is to think about the benefits of modeling before you let these things get to you.

What is the most beautiful place you have been photographed at?

The most beautiful place I have photographed at would be Whites Beach in Byron Bay. That beach is stunning and secluded and is really just the most magical place to be.

Are there places in the world you have always wanted to shoot at?

I would love to shoot at the Plitvice lakes in Croatia, my mother’s been there and says it’s the most beautiful place she has seen and just a magical experience. I would also love to work in Italy, as it’s such a different culture from Australia and the sights and history there is incredible.

What’s the best platform to follow you?

You can follow me on my Instagram account.