Model Experience: How old were you when you first got into modeling?
Caroline Pires: I was scouted when I was 12 at a dance competition, and signed to an agency that very same week. From then on I spent more and more time in New York modeling, until I finally moved here.
ME: Are you signed with anyone?
CP: Yes, I'm signed to Wilhelmina.
CP: I was most drawn to modeling because opportunities it presents to experience things that I would otherwise never have to ability to experience. For example, as model you are able to travel all over the world virtually free of charge. Had I not started modeling, I probably would not have been able to visit as many beautiful places as I have. Also, from an artistic stand point, modeling can be very interesting. Not so much because of the model, but because of the photographer. To see the artistic vision of a really talented photographer come to fruition is a very cool thing, so that is another aspect of modeling that I really enjoy.
ME: Is the business as tough as people say it is?
CP: Yes, but it depends on how you look at things. If you look at modeling as a job, it is tough and definitely unconventional, but it is just like any other job. However, since you are your own product as a model, you have to be careful not to base your self worth on how your career is going, which is a mistake I think many models make.
ME: What has been your favorite photoshoot?
CP: Last year I did a Coach China campaign, which was really fun. They gave me 15 red balloons and had me walk up and down Madison Avenue. Not sure who enjoyed it more, me or the tourists.
ME: What has been the hardest photoshoot you've had to do.
CP: Hmmm, shooting in a bathing suit on the beach in the middle of the winter is always a drag.
ME: Has modeling influenced your style at all? What would you describe your style as?
CP: Yes it definitely has. Even when I'm not modeling, I usually wear all black.
ME: What would be your advice to a new model in the industry?
CP: The same thing I said earlier, be sure not to let modeling become more than a job. Don't assess your self worth based on your career, instead have fun and enjoy the opportunities modeling has to offer.
ME: Do you prefer working in a studio? or shooting outside?
CP: Well, I prefer working in a studio because its warm, you can sit down, there?s usually food etc. However, I usually like shots taken outside better than studio shots. Shooting outside with a trailer is probably the ideal situation.
ME: Has modeling brought you on any travels?
CP: Yes, of course! It brought me to New York permanently, and has brought me to California and Europe as well.
ME: Finish the sentence:
The absolute best thing about modeling is....
CP: Traveling, free clothes, going out.
ME: The absolute worst thing about modeling is...
CP: The pressure to be thin.
