Learning and Growing: A moment with Kerry O'May

Amidst the busy streets and endless concrete lies a certain charm that captivates the eye of the beholder. The model Kerry O’May of Colours Agency stands out in this urban landscape, her energy breathing life into the background. Her features are captivating, her gaze intense, and her aura exudes an allure that is hard to resist.

Photographer Alan Morgan recognized her beauty the moment they met at a record store and cafe in Glasgow. Both had returned to their respective professions after a break and were keen to explore their passion for capturing beauty. The result of their collaboration is a stunning photographic series that expresses the strength and power of Kerry’s beauty against the backdrop of the city. Make-up done by Ashleigh McKeown.

Kerry, how did you find your way back into modelling after such a long absence, and what inspired you to return?

After stepping back from the industry for a period of time, the team of bookers at Colours Agency in Scotland approached me through Instagram. They asked if I’d like to make my return to the world of modelling – I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity and glad I said yes.

The creative soul inside me had certainly been feeling neglected whilst being absent from the industry and pining for the opportunity to return. Modelling is an artform which showcases all forms of individualistic beauty and is utilised to spread such powerful messages across the globe. To have the opportunity to leave my own mark is exhilarating and inspiring.

What have been some of the most significant changes in the modelling industry since you first started and now, after your return?

The industry has certainly evolved and continues to do so with ideals of beauty and the barriers of what constitutes a model being broken down relentlessly. Brands are showcasing a much more diverse, inclusive selection of individuals through campaigns and catwalk shows than ever before. Models are no longer being categorised into the same tick-box checklist that existed previously. It is thrilling to see we are now celebrating unique individualities and encouraging a shift from conforming to fit a mould – a real shake up has taken place. Whilst the industry is ever-changing and has come a long way, it is still an ongoing process. I look forward to the further breakdown of barriers and progression towards full inclusivity.

The growth of social media and our individual online presence has sparked a revolution in the industry. We are witnessing models utilising their platforms to highlight ongoing issues in society, create safe spaces for discussion and bring together like-minded individuals who might feel otherwise lost in the overwhelming load of daily life. Refreshingly, models are no longer considered voiceless mannequins as we see a tide of individuals disrupting norms and calling out major injustices.

“I am always striving to learn and understand so encountering such a broad spectrum of creative ideas and experience is exhilarating.”

What aspects of modelling do you enjoy the most and why?

I love being part of the whole creative process behind a shoot and each individual contribution that combines into a collective masterpiece. Every single shoot I have worked on has taught me something different, which I have been able to take onto the next project and utilise as part of my own artistic offering. Every creative I have worked with has their own style and flair, which is so exciting to work alongside. I am always striving to learn and understand so encountering such a broad spectrum of creative ideas and experience is exhilarating.

Modelling allows me to release my inner chameleon and immerse myself in a wide array of stunning looks & concepts I wouldn’t be subjected to otherwise. I have worn beautiful garments and dawned stunning hair & beauty looks, showcasing a new side to myself with each one and expanding on who ‘Kerry’ can be considered as.

How do you prepare yourself for a photoshoot, both mentally and physically?

On the lead up to a photoshoot, nourishing your body both mentally and physically is extremely important. A full day of shooting is demanding and if you aren’t well rested, nourished & in the correct headspace then it will reflect in your work.

The night before shooting, I enjoy listening to an uplifting podcast or meditation, foregoing any stresses plaguing me at present to ensure I am mentally rested and ready to immerse myself in the shoot fully without distraction. Whilst travelling to the shoot location, I listen to one of my many eclectic playlists depending on what I’m feeling in the moment – most likely something from the 80’s!

A photoshoot can put you in all kinds of settings or poses, so having energy and flexibility for this is vital. I ensure I have eaten the correct foods to energise me for a full day both the evening prior and in the morning of. Also, staying hydrated is key – if your skin is starved of moisture then you’re going to see it in pictures. I also like to do some light stretches in the morning so I’m ready for any poses required and potentially hours on my feet. In general, preparation for a photoshoot shouldn’t be the only time we are particularly focusing on prioritising our mental and physical health either. Both are so vital in upkeeping on a daily basis to allow ourselves to thrive in everything we do.

What was it about your first meeting that made you feel you and the photographer would become friends?

When Alan and I met for our first test shoot together, we instantly connected on both a creative level and personally. We had a shared outlook for the route we wanted to take the shoot in and the direction we wanted to take our portfolios of work into. After only a couple of shoots together, we already know how to work to each other’s strengths to create a set of pictures we are both equally as proud of. Personally, we both share a wicked sense of humour and don’t take ourselves too seriously, something so important. I feel completely comfortable to be 100% my authentic self when shooting together which translates into the photos we have produced and the friendship we have away from the camera lens.

“Learning to embrace rejection and utilising it in your motivation to succeed down your own path is vital.”

How do you stay motivated and passionate about modelling especially during difficult or challenging times?

The modelling industry is one full of life changing opportunities and inspiring moments. I have been fortunate to have worked with top-brand clients and some of the most reputable creatives in their field. Whilst I have been booked for an array of outstanding projects, I have also faced an equal amount of rejection from them. Learning to embrace rejection and utilising it in your motivation to succeed down your own path is vital. Your self-worth or modelling abilities are not defined by one person’s perception or approval of your appearance. This is something I have definitely managed to align to with my return to modelling and progressing through adult life.

If I could speak to my younger self, I would remind her that we are all individually special and remarkable in our own right, with so much to offer to everything we put our efforts into. Every client is striving to bring their own individualistic vision to life – you might be the perfect fit as the collective team to create this and you may not, so it is important to note that your absence in that vision is truly not because you aren’t worthy of your place in the modelling world but rather due to you providing a better fit to be placed in a vision elsewhere.

Believe in yourself and stay true to your own aspirations – don’t follow a path which isn’t true to yourself purely for an attempt at a quicker path to ‘success’.

Night or Day Person?

Recently, I have found myself to align with the early-risers and daytime lovers. Starting your day off correctly really does impact the remaining hours that follow. As I have started investing more focus in my self-care and re-evaluating what is important to my individual needs, I try not to let a minute of my day to go waste on activities not fulfilling my wants & needs. Giving yourself time and space at the beginning of each day to set goals and aspirations really does allow yourself to achieve so much more. The world is full of distractions to consume your time so take control of the early hours and reap the rewards. I also live very closely to the beach, which is a great motivation to wake up early and catch some beautiful views of the sunrise.

“The older I’ve grown, I have certainly realised the importance of unapologetically being yourself.”

A perfect weekend is?

A perfect weekend for me, includes a long morning filled with croissants & coffee and a day of thrift shopping & finding hidden gems whilst sifting through piles of vinyl records – you can’t beat the thrill of a great find!

This would be finished off with date night sushi or catching up with friends at the pub or a local gig/concert. It’s important to surround yourself with the things & people that bring you joy and great memories. This year, I have also set myself the resolution of trying something new every week – a food, activity or travelling to a destination I’ve never visited before. The world around us has so much to offer and I’m determined to experience as much as I can.

The most important thing in life is?

The older I’ve grown, I have certainly realised the importance of unapologetically being yourself. If we only get one shot at life, why should we waste that pretending to be someone we’re not for the benefit of others? It takes commitment and honesty with your own values & desires. Aligning with these will attract the correct individuals and avenues which will support your aspirations, rather than those who will prevent you from flourishing.

Embrace your weirdness, your eclectic music tastes or love for extravagant fashion. Own every individual part of you – fitting in is so last season. It’s so liberating to finally accept yourself entirely, every raw inch. People are always going to judge you, so let them judge the real you and your own brand of authenticity nobody else can match.