FemmeXposure Magazine

01/02/11

FXM and FX Featured & Cover Model, Mini Miu – Interview
Posted by FemmeXposure® on February 1, 2011
Photo copyright Bart Wilmink

FX: How did you get your start in the business?
Miu: I’ve always been an exhibitionist and comfortable with nudity. Years ago I got into life-modelling posing nude for artists & painters which I enjoyed. As I grew more confident, photography modeling seemed like a natural progression. That was three years ago. Given my rather extrovert personality, I have lucky enough to be able adjust to both the more bubbly glamour model image and the more serene fine art scene.

FX: What are your goals personally and with your modeling career?
Miu: I’m lucky I pass for much younger. Being over 30, my personal goal is to continue living young by staying healthy in mind, body and soul. I somehow don’t see myself letting myself go! As well as celebrities, there are people I’ve met well over 50 who set up such great examples and a role model for me to look forward to.

With my modeling career, I would like to get published one day. FHM would be cool but I would actually love to be featured in those art magazines like i-D and or those elegant Taschen-style coffee table books. Even better, why not publish my own stuff! As I also love writing I should like to write a memoir of my experiences in a book based on my own blog (check out: http://minimini-miu.blogspot.com ).

FX: Posing 101 anything to newer models coming into the business?
Miu: Good posture whilst enhancing those feminine curves is paramount to posing. I also advise wearing a pair of high heels or going on tiptoes for better posture and elegance. Back should be straight or stretched back slightly, shoulders back, tummy in and sticking your butt out! Don’t be afraid of exaggerating your pose as this will enhance your muscle tone and hence bring out the natural beauty of the human body. Position of your arms & legs are also important, as the objective is to add shape to your body and make the image more interesting. And lastly, don’t stare at the camera lens or you end up looking like a scared rabbit! Focus on the photographer instead.

FX: What have been your greatest successes to date?
Miu: The one that sticks to mind is my first commercial shoot I did for a Dutch club-wear line called Unzipped in Amsterdam in mid-2010. As a regular customer there, I happened to stumble across a poster in the changing room advertising for models. At only 5’ and less endowed than European women, I didn’t think I stood a chance but I inquired anyway, and the photographer was very keen as he was looking for ethnic diversity and advised that with effective positioning of the camera and some photoshopping, I could appear “taller”. When I saw my image on its website I was elated! It gave me so much more confidence knowing there are people out there that “believe in me” despite my stature.

FX: When working with a photographer do you bring your own concepts and idea’s as well as working with theirs?
Miu: I prefer to have a say in the shoots as well as listening to the photographer’s thoughts. It’s a way to develop creativity. Perhaps there is something that one of us has missed out. We could also add value by sharing ideas and come up with better images than had we not talked through it. Of course, I would further like to give the impression that there are models out there with a mind and brain!

FX: What are your thoughts and issues with Implied and Fine Art Nude posing?
Miu: I certainly have no issues about it but not everyone in the world is as understanding. Some dismiss any sort of nudity as vulgar, even pornographic. Some even think that just because I take my clothes off, I’m cheap. But that’s their problem, and I even pity them in fact as they fail to see the artistic side of it. That said, when posing nude, I make the photographer aware that I will not “open my legs” unless implied. I think you can create a lot of beauty and sensuality without having to show all explicitly. Less is more!

FX: Your thoughts on TFP or TFCD sessions in general?
Miu: Not all TFP/CD sessions should be dismissed. Preferring not to pay a tog to shoot me, I take advantage of these sessions to update and improve my portfolio. The best images I have on my port have in fact been TFP-based! Based on observation, the best photographers will not pay models unless it’s commissioned or commercial work, so if they’re willing to collaborate with you even without pay, I consider myself lucky. Of course I often come across less impressive togs that simply use TFP as an excuse to get a free shoot from me. I therefore always stress that I only do TFP/CD if it would add value to both our portfolios.

FX: If you had one thing to tell a model just entering the industry what would that be?
Miu:Whether you model professionally or as a “hobby”, or whether paid or TFCD, always treat assignments like you would any work. That means being well-mannered, reliable, punctual, and with professional behaviour and positive attitude. This industry relies heavily on references and reputation so no-shows, flakiness, bitchiness, diva behaviour and bad attitude will get you nowhere. I would also add that FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE MOST IMPORTANT! This starts from the minute you send a message to a photographer for work or reply to offers. A friendly and polite greeting would help break the ice. Though it may sound “cool” among your peers, a lot of togs abhor text-speak! Correct spelling and grammar may not matter much in this industry but they certainly create a better impression of your character, attitude and upbringing, making you more worthy of respect from the start.



The photograph appearing in this feature was photographed by; Bart Wilmink. To learn more of FX Model Mini Miu’s modeling work, please visit her website at http://minimini-miu.blogspot.com

To view Mini Miu’s FX exclusive photoset, go to our www.femmexposure.com website.

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