Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Allen.
Hi Sydney, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a very strict household and it was difficult for me. I used to be an introvert, I didn’t know how to make friends, dating was difficult for me, and I had almost no confidence. Fast forward to the age of 42, I remember waking up one morning in June and having the idea that it would be fun to do a boudoir shoot. I had always thought the women in the boudoir pictures looked beautiful, feminine, elegant, and happy. I wanted that. So, I researched and found a boudoir photographer of my own and scheduled the shoot.
After the shoot, I got the pictures back. I looked amazing! I looked like the women I had seen in the pictures before. My confidence increased tenfold. I was someone who hated being in front of the camera before, and I immediately loved the idea of being in front of it. I used my newfound confidence and knowledge that I was much more photogenic than I thought I was previously, to find photographers to shoot with. A lot of them were somewhat new, but I shot with whomever I could so I could learn about myself, posing, about how different photographers worked and their styles. I started off in fashion, but quickly began doing boudoir shoots; as I have never lost loving that aspect of expressing power through femininity and confidence. I bared my soul through expression, posing, and how I styled my lingerie and outfits.
At this point, I’ve been modeling for about two and a half years, and I’ve enjoyed being a professional model. I’ve worked with so many wonderful photographers (estimated to be over 180 at this point) and have met other models. I believe in the importance of professionalism, flexibility, and friendliness. As a mature model of the age of 45, I carry what I’ve learned in life, my wisdom, into my professional interactions, no matter who I work with, or whatever type of shoot it is.
I don’t know where I’ll be in five years, but I do hope to get into doing commercial work. And who knows, I may be still be doing boudoir, too. Female empowerment is something that will always have a place in this world, and I’ll do my part as long as I can.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The modeling industry is very ageist, especially in fashion… My style and look competes against those who are under half my age, which puts me at a huge disadvantage sometimes and also tests my dedication.
Modeling has been a double-edged sword. It impresses people, while others find it intimidating or it can give the perception that I’m conceited due to what I do. As a result, this has made dating difficult at times.
Overall, I haven’t found modeling to be littered with too many barriers to entry. It just took a lot of confidence, dedication, willingness to learn, and (obviously) some natural ability.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work a 40-hour-a-week job for the City of Fort Worth, but I shoot every week for my modeling portfolio, social media content, or for paid work.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Shy would be an understatement. I was friendly and put on a smile at times, but I wasn’t happy and had no confidence. I stayed at home almost every day and played video games or worked on computers (I had started upgrading and troubleshooting home PCs at the age of 12). My home life was tumultuous. I didn’t know who I was or who I could be; I just knew I didn’t want to live like that.
Pricing:
- Fashion Rate: $60/Hr.
- Boudoir/Swimwear: $100/Hr.
- Inquire for other types of shoots.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vex.model/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syd.e.allen
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VexModel
Image Credits
Cesar Guzman
Neal Bailey
Steve Trew
Jay Kenneth
Kevin Wehrmeister
R.J. Hinkle
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