Interview with Alexandra Ford — Fashion blogger, photographer & model
Alexandra Ford is a 24-year old model residing in Pismo Beach, California.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I was born in Owensboro, Kentucky and lived there until I was about 20. I’d never wanted to leave a place so bad! So I moved to downtown Chicago to finish my last two years of college at The Art Institute. I had a bit of culture shock at first, but Chicago has so much to offer. There is always something to do. Once I finished college I moved to Pismo Beach, California. Ever since I was a child I’ve always wanted to live in California. I’ve had a few modeling opportunities here since it is so close to Los Angeles. I will be moving to LA permanently in a few weeks so that I can pursue modeling further. I’m so excited to live in a big city again!
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I first started out doing photography in high school. I became bored of landscapes and nature, so I bought a tripod and used the camera timer to take pictures of myself. I was somewhat impressed with them so I started posting regularly on fashion sites and soon after began my own fashion blog. It all grew from there. People would contact me asking me to model for them or to help them build their photography portfolios, and I’ve been working with a lot of different photographers ever since. I just started using Model Mayhem and I’ve gained a lot of modeling opportunities from that as well.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
There are many creative jobs I would love to pursue. I love styling, doing make-up, and blogging about fashion. I also love painting and illustration. Of course I would love to be a full-time model, traveling around to different places and meeting new people, but that’s a bit of a stretch. We’ll see how it goes when I move to LA! As long as I’m happy with what I’m doing I count that as a huge success.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
I model at least once a week. It usually just consists of me doing different poses for the photographer at a location we both agree on. So far I have styled all my own shoots with clothes from my closet and makeup from my bathroom. I always love doing my own hair and makeup, since I have basically tried everything and I know what looks good. I’ve done studio shoots, outdoor shoots, and video shoots. Outdoor shoots are definitely my favorite. I mostly work by myself, but I always love to work with another model. It gives me a chance to meet someone and make connections.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
I’ve had many great experiences. I’ve visited some of the most beautiful places! Shooting in the Oceano dunes was probably the best. I felt like I had landed on another planet. The giant hills of sand were breathtaking. The worst experience would have to be when I was posing in the middle of a succulent patch on the beach. I looked down and there were huge spiders literally everywhere. I had to force myself not to look down no matter what I felt crawling on my legs!
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
Yes! I think the craziest experience would have to be when I was shooting on my own by a creek, with just my tripod. This happened to be back in Kentucky on my grandparents’ farm at dusk. I heard some coyote’s howling not too far away, but I wasn’t too worried at the time. Several minutes later I heard something rustling, and turned around to see tawny fur and eyes hiding behind the bushes. I freaked out because I thought a coyote was stalking me! It turned out to be two young fawns, and I couldn’t have felt more relieved.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I wish I could change what is perceived as “beautiful,” a lot of people don’t understand that anything outside of a size 0 can be beautiful. Don’t get me wrong, I find so much beauty in a tall, thin model working a Chanel runway. But I find just as much beauty in a curvier plus-size model. So many women beat themselves up for not being pretty enough, or thin enough, or tall enough. I used to be one of them. I’m more confident now than ever because I’ve learned that you have to embrace what you have, not dwell on what you don’t and never will have.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
My exercise routine is pretty laid back. I walk a lot, and before I go to bed I do crunches and squats. I drink a LOT of water! Between 65 to 80 ounces a day. I love coffee and tea, I drink at least two cups a day of each. My go-to food of the moment would be carrots dipped in hummus. I love oatmeal with peanut butter. I’m actually a vegetarian, so I eat a lot of nuts, vegetables and fruits. Quinoa black bean burgers are definitely my favorite meal! Every now and then I splurge on potato chips and frozen yogurt.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I’m obsessed with Nintendo games. I love everything Mario and Sonic. My favorite game right now is Mario Kart 8! It’s so much fun. I can waste hours and hours playing video games.
Would you change anything about yourself?
There will probably always be days where I’m like, “I wish my hair was a little longer,” or “I wish I had thinner thighs,” but honestly what good does that do? You are you for a reason. There is beauty in everyone. It has taken me 24 years to become completely confident and happy with myself and my body. I wouldn’t change a thing about myself.
What superpower do you wish you had? Why?
I wish I could morph into a mermaid. I love everything about the ocean. I love snorkeling in reefs and swimming with whale sharks. I love venturing to shipwrecks, they’re so ghostly and interesting! A dream of mine is to be an underwater model in the middle of a shipwreck. Marine life is so fascinating and beautiful; if I could spend every day exploring the ocean I would do it in a heartbeat!
Visit Alexandra Ford’s website for more photos and information