The Model & the Pose: Plus Model Inspiration Kamari Omerio

Photo Credit: www.plusmodelmag.com

As a plus model I am always looking at magazine pages and other models’ online portfolios to learn my craft.  I love looking at all models regardless of size but I am especially interested in seeing how my curvy sisters strike a pose and ‘bring it’ to the camera.  There is a certain power that I feel a curvy woman brings to the set and it screams CONFIDENCE!  I learned early on from doing my research on plus modeling that it is important for a full figured woman to know what poses works for her own body because what works for one woman, may not work for another.  As per fabulous plus model & actress Mia Amber; “As plus size women, we can’t always mimic the poses of our size 2 counterparts.  For instance, a lot of straight sized models like to slouch and cave in their abs. As plus models that isn’t a good look for us. Generally we should stand up straight to create longer, leaner looking lines.”  This is why studying other model’s poses, especially the ones that are close to you in size can be very helpful in developing your own range of ever growing poses.  Which leads me to this Model Q & A interview with Plus Model Kamari Omerio featured in this month’s issue of Plus Model Magazine.

Tell us a little about yourself first.

I’m originally from Seattle.  I grew up between there, England and Germany because my father was in the military and my family is European.  Interesting enough I’m 1/4 British, 1/2 German and 1/2 African-American!  I went to college in Miami where I double majored in Public Relations and Human Geography and moved to New York City about three years to pursue my dreams, like every other person here! Outside of modeling, I spend a lot of time volunteering with human and animal rights organizations, such as the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and ASPCA, which is another passion of mine.

How long have you been a plus model?

About two years ago I became interested in plus modeling and spent almost a year and a half learning about the industry, its key players and completed more TF shoots then I can remember.  It wasn’t until the end of last year that I started to test professionally and seek out an agency.

Do you model full time?

Hopefully one day! Right now, in addition to modeling, I work full-time at MTV doing Integrated Marketing, where we integrate clients into our programming and/or build custom programs for them on-air, online, on-the-ground and mobile.  The best example of what we do is the MTV TJ Search, which was a custom program we built for ZYNC from American Express, and the winner was Gabi Gregg. I must admit I’m very lucky to have a “regular” job I really enjoy and look forward to going to most days. Plus, the perks are pretty sweet there!

Wow, I bet they are!  I know you are signed to Reinhard in Philadelphia, are you signed with any other agencies?

Yes I am signed with Reinhard in Philadelphia, Ikon and Hampton Models in New York City, and Y Models in South Africa.  About 2-3 months ago I started working with my mother agency, The Rock Agency, who have been really fantastic.  They have taken the time to really develop my book so it’s comparable with other models in the industry so they can approach the larger agencies in the major markets on my behalf for representation.  I’ve had a really positive experience with them and it’s great to work with an agent who is also your biggest advocate.  As a model, we all have our moments when we get down and it’s important to surround yourself with positive people who can encourage you to keep going even when it seems like you are going nowhere.

That is so true, positive people make a difference.  Do you test often?  What do YOU feel is the benefit of testing?

Absolutely, I love testing! I aim to complete 2-3 major paid tests a year and several TF projects.  For me, I model for two reasons.  First, I want to be part of the movement that is helping women love their body, no matter what size/shape they are. Second, modeling is my creative outlet.  I’ve always been an artist, having started in acting, then dancing and now modeling.  Modeling allows me to be a different character and tell a story, using the clothes, my eyes, my expression and body movement. Testing not only is good practice to help you understand your angles and to get comfortable in front of the camera, but for me, it’s my therapy; it’s my way of expressing myself while creating art and compelling stories that engage people.

Your portfolio is full of amazing poses.  Where do you get your posing inspiration from?  You look like you are definitely not scared to take a chance with changing up your angels in front of the camera.  Tell us a little about your poses, what is going through your mind when you pose, what has been the most difficult pose and how did you get to know your angles so well?

Thank you!  As far as posing, I draw inspiration from Crystal Renn and Coco Rocha. Both of those ladies push the boundaries and try something new in every shot and that is a philosophy I have wholeheartedly embraced. Because I have a dancing background, my poses are generally either literal dance moves captured or dance-inspired poses.  When I step in front of the camera, I’m setting on stage and I let my emotions take over and I move, whether it’s dancing or just going deeper into the character.  I just try to make sure I’m aware of the where the camera is and make eye contact with it.  In terms of knowing my angles, for test shoots specifically, I generally practice dancing in my outfits in front of the mirror to see what looks works well, so when we start shooting, I’ll have a good idea of specific shots I’ll want to make sure we capture.

Have you ever tried to copy another models’ pose exactly and why?

Yes, when I first started modeling I used to print out images from Model Mayhem and every day I would go through all the images and practice the shots they captured in front of a mirror. As a newer model, the images are really helpful to get you moving in front of a mirror and once you build confidence, you’ll be able to start moving without the “coaching” and develop your own style.

Do you have a favorite pose?

I wouldn’t say I have a favorite pose, rather I love shooting action shots and high fashion because both really allow me to lose myself in the movement and really get into character.

What is your dream goal as a plus model?

My dream as a plus model is two-fold.  First, I would love to be an established and successful plus model that is able to create meaningful stories that stand alone as art pieces; I want these stories to get people thinking and talking; I want the stories to inspire people and stop you dead in your tracks when flipping through a magazine and say, “wow”.  Second, I would love the opportunity to travel the world and work with NGO’s (non-governmental organizations) to help people in developing countries and be a visual and influential advocate for human/animal rights, using modeling as my vehicle.

Do you have any advice that you would like to share with aspiring plus models?

Modeling isn’t easy!  It’s rare for a new model to literally walk off the streets and down the runway.  It’s taken me almost two years to get where I am right now and to be honest, I wouldn’t have it any other way because I’m much more appreciative of every win now and confident in myself and my abilities. My advice is, if you really want to model, take the time to get to know the plus designers/retailers and key players in the industry, keep abreast of the plus trends and latest news, study the major agencies boards for shoot inspiration and invest in at least one professional shoot.  If you walk into an agency having done your research and with a few professional images, the agents will see you are serious about wanting to be a professional model.  I would also say, while you want to have a professional book (and look) that is comparable to other working girls, you also want to figure out what makes you unique and really capitalize on that. It’s important to fit in and have a marketable look, but it’s important to be different and find your edge.

Thank you Kamari for taking the time out to share with us so much about yourself.  I have always admired your portfolio on ModelMayhem because your poses scream confidence and that is a special key ingredient to pursuing a career in modeling but also because your style is unique.  Your photos in this months’ PMM rock and the November issue is hot!  I am sure we will be seeing more of you in the near future.  Keep on THRIVING in your curves!  Stop by PMM to see Kamari’s hottest poses and be inspired to strike a pose.

Curvy Confidence Editor, Limarie Lewis -- Daily Venus Diva.

• Website
• Twitter

+ Click for more info about Curvy Confidence Editor, Limarie Lewis

Limarie Lewis is a Philadelphia native recording artist known as Poetikmind with her independent critically acclaimed album titled "Deep Thoughts Defined". She is a wife, stepmother, poet, writer, Sunday school teacher, administrative assistant and aspiring plus model with a BA in Elementary & Special Education. Limarie enjoys working with youth and empowering women of all ages to love themselves for who they are because they are fearfully and wonderfully made. www.modelmayhem.com/poetikmind Where Are You From: I am from all over Philadelphia, from the hood to the suburbs and back.I lived in NY when I was a little girl for about a year but I am a Philly girl. What were you doing before writing for DailyVenusDiva.com: Before writing for DVD, I put out my first spoken word album titled “Deep Thoughts Defined” and had a poetry blog. What do you do for DailyVenusDiva.com: As the Curvy Confidence Editor, I sometimes do product reviews, share stories that help boost self-love and self-awareness and write inspirational poetry What does it mean to Thrive In Your Curves: Thriving in your curves is not allowing anyone to put you in a box because of your size. What is your favorite hobby: I love family so relaxing with my family always feels good to me but as a hobby I love to write and perform poetry as well as practice my model poses in the mirror. Oh I also love making Youtube videos. What is in your future: Only God knows my future What’s so special about DailyVenusDiva.com: This is an everyday site with fresh content for the curvy woman. The editors interact with the readers and every story is relevant to us. We too have a voice and this is just one of the hottest places to use it!