SEE MY ARTICLE IN THE FORT WORTH STAR TELEGRAM!
http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/10/11/2538610/cancer-survivor-strives-to-inspire.html

I've always had a strong interest in modeling and photography from either side of the camera. My goals include becoming a professional photo model, as well as doing some quality portrait photography of my own on the side. I would like to gain experience in shoots that include bridals, glamour, and shoots that go toward cancer survivorship as I am a proud survivor myself. If your interested, there is a little more of my story below, but feel free to ask me anything. Or copy and paste the link above and view my article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. I am an open book, you cannot offend me!
I am here in hopes to become another example to my fellow cancer survivors that even cancer cannot keep us from dreaming and acheiveing big. I hope to find photographers and/or make up and hair artists looking for practice or to expand their portfolio as I build mine.
I am looking for paid shoots as this is my main form of income but will occasionally I'll do TF.

SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH ME

- For the time being this is my only form of income so gas money will be the least I ask for any shoot, but with all shoots, if you feel the shoot was worth more, it will be greatly appreciated.

- Please act at least in a semi professional manner. I am very laid back and friendly and I am not opposed to becoming friends through working together multiple times, but I am not here to socialize and flirt. I am here in persuit of a career.

- When I am striking poses on my own without guidance, I cannot see what you see. If I do something that does not look good, please correct me or just tell me straight up that it does not look good. I'm only doing what feels like it looks good and I would rather you tell me it looks bad, then see the picture later and wonder what on earth I was thinking:)

- Usually I require little guidance, but occasionally my mind will go blank or I will run out of ideas. Please feel free to show/tell me how to pose or what you are looking for. It could give me more ideas.

- When working with photographers that I have not worked with in the past, I prefer to meet prior to the shoot to get to know each other a little better in person. When we do that, I feel much more comfortable at the shoot and it makes for better shots. I do understand that occasionally thats not possible due to the photographer being here on vacation or business and has limited time. And other such reasons.


MY STORY... in a nutshell
When I was two years old my mother noticed my left eye was swelling. She took me to an optometrist who said it was just lazy eye. The lady across the street from my grand father who worked in a hospital saw me and gave my mother the number to a doc at Parkland Hospital in Irving, TX. I was admitted and transferred the next day to Childrens medical Center of Dallas where I was diagnosed with rhabdomeyosarcoma. (rab-doe-my-o-sarcoma) It was in my sinuses under my left eye. I underwent chemo and radiation therapy which caused the left side of my face to grow slower than the right side. I do not remember a whole lot of important details as I was very young when it all happened. I do however remember tiny irrelevant bits a peices. Nightmares as side effects from the drugs, etc.
I went into final remission when I was 4 years old and thankfully never had a recurrence. I gradually lost sight and all function of my left eye due to the radiation killing my optical nerve. It did not produce tears, or blink. I don't remember exactly what age, but if I had to guess I would say some time around the age of 7 or 8, they removed my eye, and sealed off the socket for a glass eye. Over the years I have had to have surgery to make my socket bigger because it shrinks. At the moment the glass eye does not fit because I do not have insurance to have the surgery so that it will fit again. That aside I have undergone multiple (lost count) reconstructive surgeries to try to correct the long term damage to the left side of my face including bone structure work, lengthened my jaw bone and put fat in my cheek.... a few others I'm sure. I just don't remember it all.
I am healthy as a horse today and have been for quite some time. I am one of the lucky few who do not have any long term complications. (knock on wood) A few drugs that were given to me in chemo are sometimes known to cause heart problems but luckily my heart is healthy.
One thing that cancer taught me was to never give up. Don't let anyone or anything get in the way of your goals. Fight for them and fight hard. I live my life by that. I've had people tell me countless times "you can't do that." My response is always... "watch me."
Please feel free to ask me anything if you have any questions. Again, I am an open book. Thanks for taking the time to read my story!

I am proud to have been selected as the NEWbie Model of the Week !!!!!
Special thanks to Jeff of Visions East Photography, and Ms Nifique for doing a most awesome job on my hair, make up, and body bronzing!!! Thank you guys soooo much!!! I wouldn't be where I'm at without you!

http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=504797



PHOTOGRAPHERS I'VE WORKED WITH

1690631 CreativeDFWphotographer
1207239 Pictures by Scott
1625336 Photos by RustyCdallas
1646140 BlacknBlue
1656019 Fusion Photo
1728513 Ladida Photography
1785097 CobraR Photography
1447120 Overall Images
624502 Diamond J Photos
339956 Backbay Images
276056 Paul David Whatley
54839 Visions East


MUA/Hairstylists

1641522 Joe Abdul
482192 Nifique

JUST SOME KIND WORDS FROM PEOPLE
PIC COMMENTS

You're very versatile, from sexy siren to cute as a button in a fingersnap !!
Outta Control Hot !! - D7 Photography 1248391

just beautiful Sara.. your truely an amazing and beautiful lady.. compliments always.. – Visions East 54839

Awesome work with Jeff - you're a remarkably beautiful young woman with a great look. My best regards for your continued success. – MPT Photographics 641912

This is perfect..........thank you so much for your email...........u r an AMAZING person and totally understand your fight.....very proud to know another Cancer patient not afraid to step out into the modeling world. Glad to consider you a new friend – Renee Kingler 868720


TAGS

Wow Sara, you have been rockin MM, and working like crazy! Good for you! Hopefully we'll get a chance to work together soon! Keep up the great work! Tom – Vine street Photography 1754184

I want to thank you again Sara for a wonderful session. I tell you folks, this girl is the real thing and is willing to work very hard to get the photos you are after from the shoot. Looking very forward to the studio time this coming week Sara.

Robert - Fusion Photo 1656019

You are a really inspiring young lady, reading your profile has really made my day, Vikki & I wish you all the best in your career and life, may you blessed with true happiness –AntVik Photography 1674318

Your beauty is overwhelming. Thank you for the add - it is truly my honor. Love your work and your spirit. – Photoshop Wizard 1704659

Your portfolio is great! You're very inspiring! All the best to you! - Dyana M 1602188

Hey girl,
you look soooo super sexy and beautifully natural in those pics! Can't help but love them! – Jasmine Palmer 1770141

I am very inspired by your story. I have two cancer survivors in my close family, and my neice survived leukemia. I admire your courage and your drive to fulfill your dreams and goals. Best wishes in everything you do! – Bad Ass Photography 288635

From one cancer survivor to another, I'm so glad you don't let anything stand in your way. Keep up the good work – Donna Rae 1200103

I know and i'm sooo freaking proud of u for being who u are and making these dreams come true i sooo respect u and i showed ur pics to my agent and showed it to a few of my Patients bc i volunteer with Children with cancer and i showed them and told them even being through what u have and making ur dreams come true they can to and they think that ur so beautiful and wanted me to say keep going and thank you for inspiring them..;-) God Bless and keep up the great work!!!

Kelly Wrightway – 1548235

Yeah I'm with you on the Pink, one of my favs too! I'm also with you whooping some cancer booty, my mother is a survivor of leukemia, so it's a topic that hit's close to home, 3 and half years ago they gave her a few months to live, needless to say she has been cancer free for 3 years now, it wasn't easy but we are very thankful!

All the Best

Sam - SLR Photography Rambo 854452

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