An inside look at NYMM Model Camp
Find out what models actually get up to at camp
When we think of the fast-paced modeling industry, a serene, summery beach setting isn’t immediately what comes to mind—nor is a squad of high school girls munching on s’mores in flutters of laughter. In fact, the industry is notoriously tough, often criticized for stealing youth and remorselessly crushing any image failing to balance between the brittle lines of aesthetic expectation.
Thankfully, this isn't always the case; New York Model Management, for one, has proven how they nurture talent in the past two years. Their aim is to teach new girls modeling techniques, as well as essential methods of navigating the industry—an objective the agency hopes to fast track with their NYMM Model Camp initiative, bringing together their freshest faces in a fun-filled weekend. Held at the Director of Scouting Erin Scimeca’s home, 12 to 15 of the agency's up-and-coming girls are introduced to the inner workings of the fashion industry, through a range of both professional and social activities.
To dispel any America’s Next Top Model visions you may have brewing, the whole experience is incredibly friendly, built on confidence-boosting rather than competition. Getting down to specifics, the girls go through runway training, fitness and wellness guidance, and a series of talks from industry professionals, with two of the agency’s top models available to lay out the crucial dos and don’ts. In addition, each girl walks away with three impressive portfolio shots taken by photographers attending the camp. Needless to say, each blossoming model is styled in beautiful assortments of Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Saint Laurent.
But alongside career intensives comes a unique nurturing touch. From practicing yoga on the beach to roasting marshmallows on the fire in the evenings, the weekend truly is treated as any other teen camp. Speaking to Emily Soto, one of the photographers who attended the 2016 edition last weekend, we were pleasantly intrigued by such a refreshing attentiveness to care and happiness:
“The camp is a great intro into the fashion world, for most of these models it was not only their first photo shoot but also their first time to New York so experiencing it together as a group of girls provided a great bond which will no doubt help once they are ready to move to the city. The campers are generally 14-18 so to be able to start their careers on such a positive front adds so much value to their career as a whole.”
The girls, indeed, leave with new knowledge, connections and fundamentally, confidence to excel in one of the most cut-throat industries. We're excited to watch how attendees grow into notable names, as well as promote this warming new initiative. In the meantime, see exclusive photos of this summer's camp-goers below.
Originally published in V Magazine
