Traci Fowlkes
Copa: Where are you from?
Tracie: I am from Maryland. I moved to Stamford, Conn. when I was about 4. I returned to Maryland at the age of 12. I attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. I am also a graduated from Morgan State University with a B.S Degree in Business.
Tracie: I am from Maryland. I moved to Stamford, Conn. when I was about 4. I returned to Maryland at the age of 12. I attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. I am also a graduated from Morgan State University with a B.S Degree in Business.
Copa: What Schools have you attended?
Traci: I attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. I am also a graduated from Morgan State University with a B.S Degree in Business.
Traci: I attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. I am also a graduated from Morgan State University with a B.S Degree in Business.
Copa: Was fashion important to you early in life?
Traci: Yes, fashion has always been a passion of mine. I started modeling around the age of 15. I mainly did mannequin modeling. I would pose for different department stores in their window as a mannequin. I began doing fashion shows in the Baltimore area for upcoming designers and show promoters. I absolutely loved the runway and the rush it would bring to me. I remember looking at my first portfolio and I thought, "wow, maybe I can do this!" I modeled through college and took part in many shows. I was also attending Peabody Conservatory for dance and voice, which I have been doing since a young child in Stamford, Conn. As a matter of fact, my first paying job was a summer job, that I received visiting my father for the summer in Stamford. I taught jazz and modern dance to teens my age at the YWCA. I thought I was something! LOL!!
Traci: Yes, fashion has always been a passion of mine. I started modeling around the age of 15. I mainly did mannequin modeling. I would pose for different department stores in their window as a mannequin. I began doing fashion shows in the Baltimore area for upcoming designers and show promoters. I absolutely loved the runway and the rush it would bring to me. I remember looking at my first portfolio and I thought, "wow, maybe I can do this!" I modeled through college and took part in many shows. I was also attending Peabody Conservatory for dance and voice, which I have been doing since a young child in Stamford, Conn. As a matter of fact, my first paying job was a summer job, that I received visiting my father for the summer in Stamford. I taught jazz and modern dance to teens my age at the YWCA. I thought I was something! LOL!!
Copa: At what time did you seriously consider modeling and how did you start?
Traci: Yes, fashion has always been a passion of mine. I started modeling around the age of 15. I attended Barbizon School of Modeling.
Traci: Yes, fashion has always been a passion of mine. I started modeling around the age of 15. I attended Barbizon School of Modeling.
Copa: When was your first photo-shoot?
Traci: I did my first photo shoot with Barbizon and they began booking me for jobs.
Traci: I did my first photo shoot with Barbizon and they began booking me for jobs.
Copa: When was your first modeling session and how did you feel about it?
Traci: I mainly did mannequin modeling. I would pose for different department stores in their window as a mannequin. I began doing fashion shows in the Baltimore area for upcoming designers and show promoters. I absolutely loved the runway and the rush it would bring to me. I remember looking at my first portfolio and I thought, "wow, maybe I can do this!" I modeled through college and took part in many shows. I was also attending Peabody Conservatory for dance and voice, which I have been doing since a young child in Stamford, Conn. As a matter of fact, my first paying job was a summer job, that I received visiting my father for the summer in Stamford. I taught jazz and modern dance to teens my age at the YWCA. I thought I was something! LOL!!
Traci: I mainly did mannequin modeling. I would pose for different department stores in their window as a mannequin. I began doing fashion shows in the Baltimore area for upcoming designers and show promoters. I absolutely loved the runway and the rush it would bring to me. I remember looking at my first portfolio and I thought, "wow, maybe I can do this!" I modeled through college and took part in many shows. I was also attending Peabody Conservatory for dance and voice, which I have been doing since a young child in Stamford, Conn. As a matter of fact, my first paying job was a summer job, that I received visiting my father for the summer in Stamford. I taught jazz and modern dance to teens my age at the YWCA. I thought I was something! LOL!!
Copa: When did you meet your main Photographer Matthew Tyrone Williams and how would you describe the artistic ‘chemistry?’
Lori: I met Matt a few years ago filming a PSA for Domestic Violence. He was the videographer. Shortly after I did a photo shoot with him to begin building a new portfolio. He was different from any other photographer I had worked with. Not to take anything away from the previous photographers, because they were all great. Matt just began to teach me more about the business. What I should be looking for when I look at my pictures, and how not to be afraid to show my creativity. Always think outside the box. He would give me books on modeling, advise me on different shows to watch that dealt with fashion, and teach me about models that opened the door for women of color. I would actually, and still do, practice in the mirror on my posing. What I really love is, when you book with Matt, he gives you the entire day. He does not book anyone else. This isn't just for me, it's for any model. Sometimes we would shoot till 3 or 4am. Debbie, his wife would say, "well I know you gonna be here all day." They became like a second family to me. I have always felt so welcomed and to be honest, I learned about having genuinely true friends.
Lori: I met Matt a few years ago filming a PSA for Domestic Violence. He was the videographer. Shortly after I did a photo shoot with him to begin building a new portfolio. He was different from any other photographer I had worked with. Not to take anything away from the previous photographers, because they were all great. Matt just began to teach me more about the business. What I should be looking for when I look at my pictures, and how not to be afraid to show my creativity. Always think outside the box. He would give me books on modeling, advise me on different shows to watch that dealt with fashion, and teach me about models that opened the door for women of color. I would actually, and still do, practice in the mirror on my posing. What I really love is, when you book with Matt, he gives you the entire day. He does not book anyone else. This isn't just for me, it's for any model. Sometimes we would shoot till 3 or 4am. Debbie, his wife would say, "well I know you gonna be here all day." They became like a second family to me. I have always felt so welcomed and to be honest, I learned about having genuinely true friends.
Copa: What is your philosophy to fashion, photography and style in general?
Lori: My philosophy towards fashion is. Don't wear it because it might be" the style." Everything in style may not be for you. Learn and really know what looks good on you. Fashion that tall people can wear may not look well on a shorter person. That goes for if you're skinny, curvy, big at the top, small at the bottom, etc.. My philosophy towards photography is try to have at least one or two photographers that you know will do things professionally. It's like shopping. You may know exactly what you are looking for but you just can't find it. Then one day you're out and it's like "BAM." The way you may have a certain chemistry with your bestie is the same chemistry you should have with your photographer. Why? Because communication on what you or the photographer are trying to convey has to come across the way it's in the creative mind. Talk about what you want to shoot. Send ideas to each other. This is not easy as most think. Modeling is very hard work. Make the job a little easier by knowing what you are doing when you arrive at the studio. Remember, you are presenting your work and the photographer is presenting his or her work. Both parties should only want to present the best.
Lori: My philosophy towards fashion is. Don't wear it because it might be" the style." Everything in style may not be for you. Learn and really know what looks good on you. Fashion that tall people can wear may not look well on a shorter person. That goes for if you're skinny, curvy, big at the top, small at the bottom, etc.. My philosophy towards photography is try to have at least one or two photographers that you know will do things professionally. It's like shopping. You may know exactly what you are looking for but you just can't find it. Then one day you're out and it's like "BAM." The way you may have a certain chemistry with your bestie is the same chemistry you should have with your photographer. Why? Because communication on what you or the photographer are trying to convey has to come across the way it's in the creative mind. Talk about what you want to shoot. Send ideas to each other. This is not easy as most think. Modeling is very hard work. Make the job a little easier by knowing what you are doing when you arrive at the studio. Remember, you are presenting your work and the photographer is presenting his or her work. Both parties should only want to present the best.
Copa: In your personal opinion, what does it really take to be a great model?
Lori: In my opinion, a great model is one with great personality, takes instruction and criticism well, an awesome poser, has many looks, always thinking of what's not the norm. Most importantly, camera friendly, knows how to take a picture. As we say in the fashion world, " The camera loves you." With that being said, let me say: "Just because you might be drop dead gorgeous, six feet tall, does not mean you should be a model. Not all beautiful people can take a picture and some of what society says are not the most attractive, will blow your mind. The camera has it's own opinion spite of what we may see in the magazines and on the runway.
Lori: In my opinion, a great model is one with great personality, takes instruction and criticism well, an awesome poser, has many looks, always thinking of what's not the norm. Most importantly, camera friendly, knows how to take a picture. As we say in the fashion world, " The camera loves you." With that being said, let me say: "Just because you might be drop dead gorgeous, six feet tall, does not mean you should be a model. Not all beautiful people can take a picture and some of what society says are not the most attractive, will blow your mind. The camera has it's own opinion spite of what we may see in the magazines and on the runway.
Copa: Many of our readers are surprised to find that you are now 50 years of age. Are there any big secrets you would like to share?
Lori: Let me say when I turned 50 years old I was like, "WOW, Where did time go?" Well, I was in the store with my children, yes I have 2 girls. The oldest is 32. The baby is 17. Any hoot, at the same time they both said Ma, come look please. The sales associate's mouth literally opened up so wide. She quickly covered it and said to me, " did they call you mom?" Well she could not believe it. She began telling everyone in the store. She had us stand side by side and said, 'can you believe she is their mom?" They were so flabbergasted. I truly don't have any special secrets. Wash your face with a cleanser that's good for your skin. Use a awesome moisturizer that is good for your skin. This may come with trial and error, but once you find what doesn't cause you any problems: stick with it. Don't get in the habit of wearing makeup daily. Cleanse at night, pray, then try to get a good night's rest... Remember to stay away from the junk food and dark soda.
Lori: Let me say when I turned 50 years old I was like, "WOW, Where did time go?" Well, I was in the store with my children, yes I have 2 girls. The oldest is 32. The baby is 17. Any hoot, at the same time they both said Ma, come look please. The sales associate's mouth literally opened up so wide. She quickly covered it and said to me, " did they call you mom?" Well she could not believe it. She began telling everyone in the store. She had us stand side by side and said, 'can you believe she is their mom?" They were so flabbergasted. I truly don't have any special secrets. Wash your face with a cleanser that's good for your skin. Use a awesome moisturizer that is good for your skin. This may come with trial and error, but once you find what doesn't cause you any problems: stick with it. Don't get in the habit of wearing makeup daily. Cleanse at night, pray, then try to get a good night's rest... Remember to stay away from the junk food and dark soda.
Copa: .How do you feel about being the ‘Promotional Model' for Copa Style Magazine?
Lori: I am totally pumped about being Copa Style Magazine's Promotional Model. I MEAN PUMPED!! This is social media and there are a billion women to choose from, and you chose me. I applaud for myself. I thank you so much for this platform. I asked GOD to send me an answer as to which way to go with my modeling and then you called. I;m telling you, prayer works. I have so much more to do with my modeling. I just don't want to show fancy clothes and makeup. I want my pictures to tell a story. Real life issues. Can't tell the public my ideas. I just pray that I can inspire or help women young and mature to never give up. Keep striving.All things can be done through Christ. Stay focused and don't let nobody tell you different! I promise, when you are least expected, GOD steps in to let you know he's in control. With patience and hard work comes blessings. So let me say again, Thank you.
Lori: I am totally pumped about being Copa Style Magazine's Promotional Model. I MEAN PUMPED!! This is social media and there are a billion women to choose from, and you chose me. I applaud for myself. I thank you so much for this platform. I asked GOD to send me an answer as to which way to go with my modeling and then you called. I;m telling you, prayer works. I have so much more to do with my modeling. I just don't want to show fancy clothes and makeup. I want my pictures to tell a story. Real life issues. Can't tell the public my ideas. I just pray that I can inspire or help women young and mature to never give up. Keep striving.All things can be done through Christ. Stay focused and don't let nobody tell you different! I promise, when you are least expected, GOD steps in to let you know he's in control. With patience and hard work comes blessings. So let me say again, Thank you.
~Copa
