Modeling Goes Beyond Taking Nude Pictures - BT.

Ghanaians are conservative by nature as our cultures, traditions, religious beliefs among  others demand that we live according to a certain moral code. But as the world is fast becoming a global village laced together by the internet, many are of the view that our very identity as a nation is under threat considering the influx of other cultures.

One of the areas where we are giving in too much according to most people is our way of dressing and rise of 'modeling' as a career is believed to be worsening issues.
The internet is flooded with nude pictures of young women all in the name of modeling and most Ghanaians are not happy.
The nude photos of Ghanaian actress Christabel Ekeh which took the internet by storm a few weeks ago is still a trending topic. There are several others as well that are not worth mentioning in this article.

We caught up with Rita Shunamite Eshun, model and trainer at Bold Trend Model Agency for her take on the general concencus circulating in the public domain that modeling is not a 'Ghana thing' and that most of them are just spoilt brats seeking for fame and attention. What ensued between her and our reporter was revealing.

Rita revealed that though there are a few bad nuts, most people criticize models out of ignorance and sometimes, out of jealousy.

"I think most people are still ignorant of what modeling as a profession entails but in some cases too, it is borne out of the desire to have what we models have. Trust me, I know what I'm saying. It's just like politics. People speak against corruption simply because they haven't had the chance to be corrupt themselves. Elect them into office and they might even act worse. So really, most people speak evil of things they don't know and things they wish for but know they cannot have." She said.

When quizzed on why a model would expose her body when our culture and religious sects, be it Christianity or Islam frown upon nudity, she disclosed that modeling goes beyond taking off one's clothes and posing in front of a camera.

"Modeling is not just about that. Yes, sometimes it is a necesity depending on the job description because clearly, you can't model for a brand that sells skin care products wearing a gown. However, it's sad that people focus their attention on that side only. Modeling entails so much more.
Here at Bold Trend Model Agency, we take our students through a process called 'deportment'. It teaches them on how to carry themselves in public, during fashion shows and at other functions.
We teach ramp work, make-up, how to audition for TV casting, the art of public speaking, developing one's skills and even teach some dance forms. We can go on and on." Miss Eshun added.

And speaking on the job opportunities in the industry, she listed many. Runway, TV commercials, ushering, the opportunity to become TV show hosts, MCs, brand ambassadors among a host of others. It is a career path that presents individuals with the chance of making good money, being famous and travelling all over the world when pursued deligently.
She however cautioned, that just like any other job, being a model comes with its own temptations and it takes discipline, hardwork and dedication to reach the top and remain relevant.

She concluded by saying that at Bold Trend Model Agency, no one is pushed to do things they don't want to do. There are different types of models, therefore what you choose is what you become.
At the end of the day, it is a matter of choice.