Kisa Hues | VIP Member | Verified Credits (41)
Where are you from? Where are you based now and do you travel for shoots?
I grew up in Sonoma County, California, and my family and I lived in many different small towns, all in the same area. I’ve been living in Oakland for about 8 months now. Although I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Oakland over the years, this is the first time I have officially lived here, and I love it.
I’ve done a few modeling tours now; New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Phoenix, and Maui. I haven’t made any current plans to tour, but I think Italy will be next.
Who or what inspired you to become a model?
When I was young, I was a theater kid. I loved being on stage, performing, memorizing lines, and the entire process of acting. I don’t think my love for being in the spotlight in some way will ever fade. I’m not interested in acting at this point, but I feel like modeling allows me to express my love for taking on different characters and telling stories.
How and when did you start modeling?
I started modeling when I was in middle school for my close friend, who was a photography student. I thoroughly enjoyed coming up with concepts, finding locations, and doing hair and makeup styling for our many photoshoots over the years. That was my first photographer/muse friendship that inspired me endlessly, and I always swooned over the idea modeling professionally.
In 2011, I started working with a few photographers on creative shoots here and there, but I didn’t actually dive into full-time modeling until last year.
What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?
One of the many reasons I love modeling is because it is so multifaceted. I’m able to use it as a way to express myself in so many ways. “I ain’t got no type.” I want to do and experience it all.
Generally, I tend to gravitate towards art nude in nature because that’s basically how I’ve spent my entire life. I’m totally in my element being naked in nature. I love finding abstract ways to create shapes with my body while flirting with wildflowers and dancing under waterfalls. I find satisfaction in pushing the physical limits of my body for art. Shooting in extreme climates, laying on jagged rocks, free diving into the ocean while waves are crashing and sharp coral is just within reach… these are just a few examples of the temporary discomforts that I have personally endured all in the name of art. I also find that the symbolism of nudity that evokes a sense of freedom, liberation, and vulnerability that moves and inspires many.
What do you look for when deciding to work with a photographer?
When a photographer contacts me I look for as much information as possible. I want to know precisely what they have in mind to create and every detail possible about how I can help bring their vision to life.
I love being able to take an idea or plan and expand on it and co-create.
In general, I look for photographers who are creatively a match and have a similar taste.
I work with artists and photographers of all skill levels and genres, but it’s crucial to me that each person I work with is well organized, thoughtful, respectful, and values my skills and time.
Which models or other artists currently inspire you?
Models:
Eva Luna – This woman is at the top of my list for a reason. She has encouraged me to really take my modeling work to another level and has inspired me beyond belief. Yogi, muse, and world traveler; with poise and fierce dedication to her craft. I’m lucky to call her a friend.
Juno LTK – The one and only! I had the opportunity to work with Juno for a day during a photography workshop I co-hosted last June. She is brilliant, personable, and passionate about what she does. I love her analog-style, stunning portraits, and the way she composes herself is remarkable. I hope to work with her again soon.
Shasta Wonder – Shasta is someone I’ve admired for years, and I am always impressed with her abilities. She truly is an aggressively enterprising person with not only a stunning portfolio and a mindblowing physique. She’s a gardener, chef, world traveler, seamstress, and talented businesswoman. I melted into a puddle when she asked me to model for her clothing line.
Astrid Kallsen – Astrid is a modeltographer, like me, and we were able to photographer each other when she visited the Bay Area last spring. I’m in awe by her underwater work, emotive portraits, and her chameleon abilities. She’s also a mermaid. Need I say more?
Julia Yaroshenko – Julia is the only model that I’ve mentioned here that I haven’t personally met, but damn do I love the work she and her husband create together. GOALS!
What would be your dream shoot?
Underwater in a crystal clear cenote in the Yucatán Peninsula or Plitvice lakes in Croatia. I would imagine my friend Elena Kulikova photographing with a team of talented creatives alongside us, assisting with hair makeup and styling. A girl can dream…
How important is social media in your success?
Social media has definitely been an excellent tool for showcasing my work and connecting with people all over the world. Along with my website, social media is the main place where I share my portfolio and am contacted for modeling jobs.
What else do you like to do outside of modeling?
Outside of modeling, I spend quite a bit of time emailing, updating my website, and doing general administration work so I can continue freelance modeling. For the longest time, I never made the plunge of going full-time because I was so exhausted by all of the emailing that came along with it. Now I find it quite meditative, and I love sitting down and writing away on my laptop.. *clickity-clack *!
When I’m not working, I love doing photography, yoga, hiking, swimming, gardening, skateboarding, having tea ceremonies, immersing myself in nature, and spending quality time with my boyfriend and dog.
What’s the best career advice you can give to new models?
Always check references, seeing a familiar face of a model in a photographer’s portfolio is not enough. Reach out to others, play it safe. Let people know where you are going. Be on time. Don’t be a flake. Execute boundaries, and don’t be afraid to say no. Build a portfolio of examples of work that showcase a style that resonates with your personal taste. Trust your instincts and have fun with it.
Check out Kisa Hues’ Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow Kisa on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and her website.