Tanya Elyse

Photo by Dante Toussaint Photography

Looking Forward to New Heights

When did you first get involved as a model?

I first got involved as a model in October of 2019. After studying how some modeling shoots occur, I made my first attempt at attending an Albuquerque Street meet (a grand photo shoot with multiple photographers and several models meeting up with a common theme/concept). I can count on one hand- and few fingers how many photographers actually wanted to take my photo, but there was one in particular who not only took my photo, but reached out and asked to do an individual shoot with me. The photographer was Alberto Perez. After one shoot, I was determined to keep growing and getting better. Taking any opportunity I deemed fit to push myself forward as a model.

What or Who inspired you to pursue such a competitive career?

Photo by Dante Toussaint Photography

About two years ago a good friend of mine asked to photograph me. She is an amazing photographer named Nancy Herrera (of Devorah Photography). I couldn’t believe it was me in the photos she’d captured. When I told her “that’s me? How did you get such a great side.. Nobody has ever photographed me that way before”. She had told me the following beautiful words, “It’s just the way I see you. You’re a model!” She convinced me that I have what it takes. At that time I had begun making moves by observing/studying our modeling community, and about 10 months ago is when I started to act on making shoots with photographers & the rest is history!

Photo by Jonathan Wooden

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?

Although not modeling, but on the set of a film called “Maze Runner Scorch Trials”, I met Rosa Salazar who played Brenda in the movie (also main character of the film Alita). It was a pleasant meeting, because we were told not to speak to the celebrity actors unless spoken to. As I was walking she approached me and told me that I did a good job out on set and a little small talk. I was amazed at the entire ordeal that I can’t even remember what I said to her! On the same set, I got to say hi to GianCarlo Esposito (the antagonist named Gus Fring of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) and completely fan-girled with excitement, *haha.

A few years ago, I got to sing on stage with a well known American Rapper named, Lil Flip, as the female lead vocal to a song that was a favorite of mine since the eighth grade, which was AWESOME.

How has your modeling evolved since you first started?

I have learned more about building concepts for modeling shoots, which has made a big improvement in the direction of mood I create for shoots. I have evolved in posing most definitely, mainly because I look at things I could work on or do better in previous shoots. Practice makes perfect!

Photo by Jonathan Wooden

Photo by Jonathan Wooden

Photo by Alan Osterholtz

Photo by Dante Toussaint Photography

Photo by Alan Osterholtz

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 have been surviving a lot, rather than living for the entire first quarter or so of my life– anybody who has lived through hell and still smiles full of laughter can agree with that statement. The modeling community is a tough environment to thrive in. Because there are a lot of cliques and then the bias from dirt people throw on you gets heavy at times. But surviving the worst alone, made me strong and I know that doing my own thing has always gotten me farther than I can imagine. My own thing meaning, just being me. I’m genuine in being my own kind of creative . The best emotion that which describes what keeps me staying in such a competitive career is my passion for resilience, because I believe that if I decide I want something it’s already mine… my goals make me passionate about resilience.

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

The ingredient I have that makes me special and unique in a fast flowing industry is that I simply just be myself. Who is seen on camera – the makeup, the hair, the fashion/clothes, it is all how I look on a normal day of getting “dolled up”. And of course as time changes I am always changing too! Some looks I acquire may not be what a photographer is looking for , but as soon as anything little changes that same photographer may be attracted to : such as hair color/ hairstyle. Of course psychologically, I feel that I stand out because I steer clear from a competitive mindset as well. I don’t compare myself to other models work, but embrace it! I appreciate all the diverse styles surrounding me, what I lack someone else is amazing at and vice versa. Bottom line is I’m unique because I welcome changes consistently , while staying consistent with my own style.

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

My biggest challenge as a model has been finding my taste in photography , where I “belong” as far as concepts and type of photography go. I wouldn’t say I have overcome it as a challenge , but rather decided that it’s ok to be a little bit of everything because I won’t be restricted to one label.

Also, there was a while where I felt no support from anybody. And I felt like giving up, so it was challenging to continue putting in so much effort and time into something so big when my world was crashing in around me. I overcame that challenge by returning to my resilient roots. I am not doing this for recognition, but rather to share with the world my ideas and creativity. Eventually, my support system grew, and so did my love in sharing art.

Photo by Dante Toussaint Photography

Photo by Dante Toussaint Photography

Photo by Madeline Photography

Photo by Keith Green Photography

Photo by Madeline Photography

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?

You can’t get the beautiful free butterfly without the awkward stage of the wrinkly Caterpillar and closed off cocoon. What I mean is, yes I do agree with the statement that you must suffer for art. I spent several years suffering through many experiences , I had no clue they were preparing me to fly away ! Many things I thought were stunting my growth were only hurtful for the moment, but in the long run have set me up in every way possible to be the best version I Could be! That’s art. When something makes you feel something –at the time it is painful, but in the end the most beautiful things come from pain/emotion ; music, poetry, dance, books, drawings, wisdom, courage... etc.

It’s earning your wings through the long nights staying up studying, no rest an little money getting by on only faith and hard work! I suffered for my art by experiencing life and breaking through the cocoon. By always asking, what’s next? Of course, if we are speaking on a less philosophical point of view -heels are always physically painful (beauty is pain, literally) yet, visually attractive too! And posing for long amounts of time is suffering big time for the art of modeling.

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

When I was younger getting in the modeling scene was rare and very difficult scene to break into because at that time, computers weren’t even a common thing –it was a privilege to own a desktop computer. It was very difficult to navigate, who to trust and where to go. With the internet, especially at the palm of each hand, there is social media. With social media comes exposure. Not only is exposure a welcoming factor of the internet, but also communication and accessibility. The internet has made the business of modeling much more easier to get involved in via accessibility of fast communication with photographers and self exposure to the public to catch these photographers attention. Without sending in portfolios via mail or in person, photographers have access to your “portfolios” at the tap of a button without ever even speaking to you!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have a couple of hidden talents: I sing, write, draw and often get called a pool shark when I play pool. Since I was 14, I’ve sewn a number of my own outfits. I can drive one-handed in a standard vehicle. Also animals and children are drawn to me- I am a nurturing soul without trying.

What is the best advice you have received?

My sister always told me to never accept anybody’s help, because they expect something in return. I guess I feel it was the best advice, because it taught me independence and I became a giver as well.

My mom taught me ever since I was little that I had the ability to be whatever I wanted to be by the words of “you are a star and you can do whatever you want”.

A teacher once told me not to internalize and that really helped me to understand when others are projecting their own insecurities onto me too. Last but not least a 12 year old girl I had the opportunity to work with Always repeated two words that stuck with me forever, “Be You“.

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

I’m working on new concepts and different types of photoshoots, that I have not yet attempted before. Possibly further publications. All I can say is, without further detail, is that some are definitely going to be; fun, eye-catching and interesting! Let’s just say I’m always trying to level up… You will get to see me improve within the next few months!

How can fans-to-be follow your career?

You can follow my modeling profile @TanyaElyseAnecdote on Facebook or my personal IG @gr8wyte_buffalo, I am trying to build a feed on my modeling IG @ elyse_inwunderland as well if anybody wants to skip the words and go straight to pictures.