Getting To Know Your Model - Introducing Natasha Groves

Knowing your model is an important part of your photo-shoot!

Making great images that have that WOW factor can really only be achieved if you have a great rapport with your Model, and an understanding of how he, or she works best. This genre of photography is a collaborative process, and building a relationship with your Model fosters a positive working environment. Collaboration can lead to better ideas, improved creativity, and a more enjoyable experience for both the photographer and the model.

By establishing trust you will build the rapport needed to create a sense of trust and comfort. This is crucial for capturing natural and authentic expressions, as a relaxed and comfortable model is more likely to open up in front of the camera.

At Welshot, we do the hard work for you – We get to know our Models first, before we introduce them to you, the photographer. We make sure the Models we bring to Welshot are going to be the right fit – for them, for us, for you!

This is a new blog series where we introduce you to the Models we will be bringing to our new range of photographic events for those photographers who are wanting to take photos for camera club competitions, serious about their own personal continued professional development and building a photographic portfolio.

Introducing Natasha Groves

Natasha Groves finished her Masters degree in Criminology in 2022 but rather than going straight into a 9-5 she wanted to do something a little different and is now enjoying the life of a self-employed, full-time freelance professional model. Natasha is also very interested in all things fitness and this shows through in he modelling work – she’d love nothing better than to work with a big fitness brand.

Natasha also has her own Youtube Channel where you can watch Natasha’s adventures

We are really looking forward to welcoming Natasha to the Welshot Creative Hub in February 2025.

Natasha Groves by John Evans

We asked Natasha:

How did you get started in your modelling career?

I finished my Masters degree in September 2022, and rather than following the traditional career path of working a 9-5 I wanted to do something exciting and fun.

So I decided to try modelling, with no previous experience, the thought of doing something completely new sounded both exciting and challenging,

I set myself a personal challenge of modelling for 1 year, and seeing how much I could achieve in this time.

And here I am, 2 years later and I am loving it!

Your career so far – How long have you been modelling full-time, professionally? Any other jobs within the industry?

I have been modelling full-time since October 2022. I do not participate in other jobs in the industry, but I am very interested in getting more experience with extra acting jobs!

I really enjoy being self-employed, it essentially feels like I am running my own business, I love the freedom and creativity within the industry and meeting new people everyday.

What do you think your greatest achievement has been so far?

My biggest achievement so far is completing my master’s degree in criminology, I do eventually want to use my degree in the future, but at the moment I am focusing on being the best model I can be.

A personal achievement of mine, is learning how to deal with the mental challenges of the modelling industry. At the beginning of my journey, I struggled a lot, from constantly comparing myself to others and being harsh on my weight and appearance, this took a toll on my mental well-being, and I nearly gave up modelling. I am proud of myself for learning how to tackle these mental challenges, and not giving up.

Perseverance is key!

If you could say just one thing to a photographer, what would you say?

Be Kind. Be Considerate. Be respectful. Make the shoot fun for the both of us, it will show in the photos!

On location (outside) or studio?

I love on location shoots, if the weather is not too cold.

There is nothing worse than shooting in the cold with a red nose!

Favourite snack?

Oh this is tricky! I love anything chocolate, kinder or lindor have my heart

What would your dream shoot look like?

I would love to shoot for a fitness brand, this would be a DREAM.

Shooting e-commerce images and seeing myself on a billboard or in a fitness magazine.

If you know me, I love anything fitness, from the gym, gymnastics and mountain biking.

The thought of modelling for something I am very passionate about would be out of this world.

If you could give one bit of advice to a dancer/model just starting out what would it be?

Get a strong portfolio together, don’t be afraid to reach out to photographers and brands you want to work with, never give up, always put your mental health first, make every shoot enjoyable and enjoy it!

Sweet or savoury?

I LOVE ramen, so savoury is a big winner for me. I could eat ramen everyday until I die.

Six people you’d love to have around the dinner table (past, present or future) and if possible, why?

I have no idea and I cannot think of 6 people! But here…

Barbara Palvin, a Hungarian model who has been an inspiration, way before I started modelling. She is naturally gorgeous and seems so friendly, she is such an inspiration and I love her work

My old cat Merlin, pets are as equal to people (if not, better) – I would give him one last cuddle.

Annie Leibovitz or Mario Testino?

Marios’ work stands out more to me. I love the commercial looks he creates, the colours, styling and expressions are amazing.

Back of the camera images, Yes or No? (Do you like to be shown them?)

Yes 100%.

I think it helps us understand if anything needs improving or changing. Such as poses, makeup or hair, these little changes can be very important in changing the whole vibe of the shoot.