Welcome to my ramblings!

Hi, Hello and Welcome to my brand new blog!

It's officially been a year for me as a Freelance Model and I thought that it was about time I shared some of the things I've learnt, places I've visited and some funny stories from during my time in modelling. As a start to my blog I will begin by posting some of my experiences, locations and also some of my favourite stories from my shoots and later on will possibly progress to making this blog into more of a diary, like 'A day in the life of..' sort of style. So lets get started with my first post and this is the one where I introduce myself. My Name: Renee Louise G

My Age: 27 years old, Born in April 1994

Am I single?

The question that everyone wants to know; I haven't previously disclosed this as I don't find that it is anyone's business in general. I am currently single but I am happy being alone so not looking.

My Eye colour: Blue/Green, dependent on the day and my mood

My current hair colour:

Im currently rocking orange hair while I await lockdown to end but I usually have blonde hair as pictured as above but I am naturally a brunette.

Am I a signed model?

I am signed. I have been signed with Freelance House and Striking Modelling agency for around a year now but I am not officially signed to either, hence I can still Freelance.

How long have I been modelling for?

I've been modelling as an adult since August 2020, so just over a year now. I did, however, work as a child model for an agency called 'PolkaDot'.

What are my favourite kinds of shoots?

My favourite kinds of shoots would have to be anywhere outdoors where I've never been before or anything with a bit of creative flare. The shoots that I find most empowering however do include those in less clothing hence my decision to take part and post such shoots.

What do I beside Freelance Modelling?

So for those that don't know, I dropped out of High School at 17 years old due to my Mental Health. When I dropped out of school I moved straight on to work in a childcare where I studied toward my Certificate III in Children's Services. I worked at that centre, finished my traineeship and moved on. I spent around 6 months between centres and jobs before I found Sunshine Kindy. I worked there for around 6 years and during that time I completed my Diploma in Children's Services, worked as a 2IC, Educational Leader, Head of IT and many other little titles. During this time I started my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching and Primary Teaching) and with upcoming assessments and practicals I had to say goodbye to my family of years. I then moved into the 'In Home Care' sector where I have been since. My job now entails me taking care of children anywhere from months old to high school age, some of these children might have disabilities, the parent might have health issues or disabilities or some of these children might be counted as vulnerable and need of the extra hand around their house.

Through this work I've been able to build my skills, work shorter hours and also make more money then I did as a 2IC.

What are my goals for my modelling?

To be 100% honest with you guys I never had a set goal. I began doing the photoshoots for fun as I enjoyed the adventures and meeting new people. I have never had a major goal like a lot of other models ( Such as be a Victoria Secret Angel or A Vogue Cover model) so I've just been floating through the past year trying to decide if I do take a general direction or whether I continue as I have been having fun. I think if I was to write my goals down on paper for my modelling career they would be;

1. Never Give up. Don't give in to bad critique and stay strong as I am.

2. Uplift and empower other girls and guys. I know it sounds like something everyone says but if I can give one girl or guy my newfound confidence and provide with them with a safe environment to discover themselves that would be an ultimate goal.

3. To inspire a younger generation. To inspire a younger generation to feel confident in who they are and as they are. To empower others to believe they are more then what people around them might have made them believe their whole life

4. To be a recognisable face head for freelance modelling in Sydney.

5. To be happy with who I am and what I am doing.

My Mental Health

This has been discussed numerous times on my Instagram but for a background. I began having troubles at a young age, I would get physically ill in social situations and have to leave and I would also get extremely ill if I got too stressed out.

By the age of 14 I started to have proper panic attacks. When I have panic attacks my symptoms are;

• Rapid breathing and heart rate

• Uncontrollable shaking

• Physical illness such as vomiting or stomach cramping

• Start to ramble and go into a bad headspace. I'm known to beg you to kill me if im extremely ill.

So at 16 I went and got myself diagnosed by a doctor. At the time I was diagnosed with Depression and Generalised Anxiety and I was taken on and off all different medications.

When I got to 18 and started childcare I was unmedicated and rarely having panic attacks. However, last year, at the ripe age of 26 I started to get massive panic attacks again and even got to the point where I was unable to eat or sleep. I was down to 45kg and completely delirious when I finally got help. Again, I was diagnosed but this time with Major Depressive Disorder and a Severe Panic Disorder and re-medicated.

So the past year has been full of ups and downs with me, with mental health, my general health, medications and tests but I am seeking help and trying to repair as best I can.

What will I be using my blog for?

• Photographer safety - Red Flags, background checks and general safety advice

• Locations - Including how to get to locations and where to get the best shots

• Stories about my shoots - These could be funny, serious or anything in-between.

If I could tell my younger self one thing what would it be?

Hang in there. You will get past 21 and you will find a purpose.