Bri Montoya

Photo by @bohorocker90

OMG it’s Briii, is Right!

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 passionate about art and photography, but never had the courage to really jump into anything until now. Even though it’s a tough industry, I think it’s important to use your art in a positive way. I want to use modeling to build more body positivity for other women. A lot of the photos I have aren’t edited dramatically and use more natural lighting which makes them more raw and truly show me.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a model in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I think the thing that makes me unique is the fact that I really do this for fun. I am always willing to learn and try new styles, but I always keep my personality in my work. I don’t model to be famous or get rich, but more to prove to myself that this is something I can do. I truly enjoy doing what I do and try not to take myself too seriously, where I am no longer enjoying the process.

What has been your biggest challenge as a model? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge with modeling has been balancing my life outside of it. Since this is more for fun and something I enjoy doing, I still have to maintain my other career, being a mom, and also pursuing my Masters. All of those combined can be overwhelming at times, so finding time and energy for photoshoots can be difficult sometimes. In order for me to overcome these challenges, I really try to make sure I don’t overwork myself and allow myself breathing room.

A common phrase as a performing artist is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I think to an extent, yes you do suffer for your art. For me, it’s getting over my anxiety of being in front of the camera and juggling everything else in my life. There have been times where I question myself because my anxiety can really take over. I also sacrifice a lot of my free time for shoots so sometimes I have to decline invites from friends or lose out on sleep because I have a shoot.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the modeling business?

I think the internet has really allowed the modeling business to grow because there are so many different avenues for up and coming models to gain exposure. We have Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and tons of other social media where people can post their work and gain exposure. The internet also makes networking and finding new photographers a little bit easier.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I don’t have any extraordinary hidden talents, but I’m a pretty decent baker/cook. I binge a lot of cooking shows so I like to experiment with new recipes whenever I have the chance.

Photo by @bohorocker90

What is the best advice you have received?

The best advice I’ve received is to stop overthinking and let things flow. It’s very easy to overthink your posing or your facial expressions, so it’s important to just block some of that out so you don’t end up being too stiff on camera.

Photo by @bohorocker90

What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about?

I don’t have any projects I’m currently working on. I’m working on more of a freelance basis right now.

How can fans-to-be follow your career?

If anyone would like to follow me as I venture on this new journey, they can check out my Instagram feed: @_omgitsbriii