Photo by @bohorocker90
BRI MONTOYA
OMG it’s Briii, is Right! We caught up with Bri Montoya, aka @_omgitsbriii (her instagram name), a stunning natural up-andcoming Southwest model. When did you first get involved as a model? I first got into modeling for fun about 6 months ago with self-portraits. I liked being in front of the camera and wanted to push myself to get out of my comfort zone, so I started reaching out to local models for advice. I was referred to a few local photographers and starting working with them to learn more about the industry, posing, and being more comfortable with myself. What or Who inspired you to pursue such a competitive career? Modeling has always been something I’ve wanted to try to do since I was a child. The thing that really pushed me to try it for myself was finally feeling comfortable in my own skin and putting myself out there. I struggled with feeling awkward about myself, but I challenged myself to start seeing myself in a more positive light and doing something I’d never thought I’d be able to do.
I’m sure you have met a lot of talented individuals and/or celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us? Since, I’m fairly new to the industry, I haven’t met any celebrities just yet but I’m hoping that changes. I have met a lot of amazing local models and photographers that have been gracious enough to teach me about posing, lighting, and how to market myself for more exposure. If it hadn’t been for them, I don’t think I would have been able to push myself more. How has your modeling evolved since you first started? I started out just messing around with my phone in my backyard to see if I could get any good shots. I was able to get some but after working with photographers that style me, pose me, and go to different locations, I feel a lot more confident with what I put out. If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in these tough careers? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why? I would have to say passion. I have always been
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