Another Look at GlamModel Tiera

For our premiere issue, GlamModelz Magazine, Beauty Editor Jett-Ray, interviewed the GlamGoddess Tiera Gonzales. Now after one year we thought it would be fun to take another look and catch up with Tiera. Having the opportunity to interview Tiera myself is not only a pleasure, but also an honor. Tiera is not just my number one muse model, she is a very close and personal friend. The images from our very first session set my career ablaze and I will always be eternally grateful for her artistic vision and creativity, her professional work ethic and the pride she takes in producing quality in everything she does.

GlamModelz Magazine: Hello Tiera, It is so great to have you back in the GlamStudios and in living in California, close to me where you belong! What have you been since appareling in our premier edition one year ago? Tiera: Well one year ago I was actually in Hawaii, which I’m sure some of you know. It was really amazing learning the way of life there and getting to know the people and island life. It was a different world in the sense of photography and modeling and such. I can’t really explain it, but just say that some of the many places I shot and ventured to throughout the Island were incredible and so beautiful. I was able to shoot with so many different people and mua’s and I look forward to returning someday. Since then I have moved back to the bay area and have been able to really branch out and shoot with a number of different photographers and it has been really great. I have been working on constantly improving and working on different looks for my portfolio. I also just recently signed with a big San Francisco & LA modeling agency.

Cover Photo above by Ethereal Pixels

GlamModelz Magazine: You are the first GlamModel to shoot with three staff photographers, any thoughts you would care to share on that? Tiera: Wow! I am really actually honored that I have been able to shoot with people that I have. Dave is of course one of my mentors, and I ended shooting with Dean through Dave letting me know he was going to be in town, and it was really wonderful meeting him and shooting with him. We ended up shooting in a lot of bright light so it was a challenge but he did an amazing job. Shooting with Ron was also wonderful. He is really talented and it was also really cool being able to shoot with him! So I am of course really happy about shooting with them, and of course if any of the other staff members are ever interested, they know where to find me haha!

GlamModelz Magazine: OK speaking of Hawaii, lets be honest. Now that you have been back to the mainland for a year, do you prefer, California or Hawaii and why? Tiera: Haha, everyone asks me that, and I have to always say, “well how could anyone not love to be in Hawaii?” haha. So I do prefer the tropical islands better for many reasons. Mostly because I love the beach and the warm weather. The climate there is much healthier and cleaner which was nice. Plus I am like a fish out of water so to ba able to just swim everyday and ride my bike anywhere and jump in the ocean and be on my way is an amazing feeling. The food is great, with fresh fruit and really good bbq. I noticed a big difference in my health and it was much better there, due to riding my bike, swimming and running and eating heather everyday. So yes Hawaii is definitely better place for me haha. I do plan on going back to stay some day soon.

Image right Photographed By: Art of Women in Honolulu Hawaii. Sept 08.

GlamModelz Magazine: Tiera, do to the current state of the economy within the U.S. have you noticed any major industry changes in your geographical area? Tiera: yes definitely! There has been a lot of photographers either lowering their rates to be able to shoot more, and others photographers are really cutting down on TF* work. I myself have also had to really set my foot down on TF* for more paid gigs. But the state the economy has really caused concern to everyone in the U.S. So yes, I have seen a lot of effects it has on the modeling industry and I have noticed the struggle of so many trying to get into this business to make a quick – extra buck. Others, both models and photographers have stopped either shooting or modeling all together because it is not their full time job, so they have had to get second jobs or just try to pick up more hours at work. However I have been luck, I could always use more modeling work because I really enjoy it and love making pretty images. When I have some free time I will try to work in a tfcd shoot with one of my regulars because I still need to maintain my image and my port. ha ha

GlamModelz Magazine: We have noticed you seam to be branching out into other areas in your modeling. Do you have any favorites styles or categories? Do you bring your own concepts to the table or do your photographers shoot their own ideas? Tiera: I have been trying to really branch out. And I have been getting a lot of notice and complements for doing that, which is a greatly appreciated. I have always strive to not fit any kind of mold, in modeling and in everyday life, so I’m glad my work and talent to try to portrait always a different look is being noticed. I would say however that I do tend to always stray towards the Glam style of modeling. There so many ways that you can make glam look so different so I do stray towards that a lot. I don’t try to, I guess I just like to feel sexy and in doing so, it creates a great image haha!

Tiera in the Green Dress Photographed By: Dean Fast

GlamModelz Magazine: Your complexion always looks flawless. Will you share your beauty secrets to keep it that way? Tiera: Thank you! I have always been really obsessed with having a good complexion. My advise to others is to figure out what kind of skin you have…oily, dry etc. And try to make sure you are using the right soaps for your skin and also other products to keep it fresh and really well moisturized. You don’t want to over do it on washing it. That’s a huge misconception. That can dry out your skin and do more harm then good. I did a lot of researching on the internet to try to find what was the best for my skin. READ the ingredients in your soap! I use all natural products. Products with lemon and cucumber seem to work for me. Also my secret is I try to not touch my face. And drink lots of water! of course I do break out now and then. I am human haha.

GlamModelz Magazine: The Modeling TV reality shows seamed to have created quit an impact on the modeling industry these day’s. Can you offer any advice for those interested in making their big brake? and any short cuts for models wishing to do it sooner rather then later? Tiera: Persistence and hard work always pays off. Don’t get discouraged, there’s always another window for opportunity. Network and stay true to yourself. Nobody can MAKE you do anything you are uncomfortable with doing. I would also suggest watching these shows. I’ve been watching the ANTM for years. I’ve probably seen every episode more than twice! They are the leading people and experts in the industry and they are giving away FREE ADVICE….ON TV!! So I pretend it’s like class, I take notes and practice and always apply it to when I am shooting. Like I said a year ago, practice. Don’t be afraid to pose in the mirror. make a different expression when you get a chance in the mirror. Take notes. Making a big break in this industry is really hard. You just have to be persistence and work hard.

Tiera’s Gallery

GlamModelz Magazine: Tiera thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview! Now grab your bikini and let’s go shoot at the beach with this cool surfboard.

Photographs for this article were graciously supplied by the following photographers:
Cover; Ethereal Pixels
Nude in the Ferns: Art of Women
the Green Dress: Dean Fast
Radio Reflections: Dave Davis