Have you ever wondered what actually goes on in the world of modeling? Well, the documentary Chasing Beauty takes you behind the scenes, showing the truth about the world of modeling. The documentary will premiere on VH1 in the spring of 2013, but Phoenix Fashion Week didn’t want Arizona to have to wait. So, they premiered a special screening of the film at the Studio Movie Grill in Scottsdale.

Overall, the audience viewed the film as “well done,” “unbiased,” and “interesting.” PHXFW director Brian Hill agreed that the documentary was a little harsh, but it was REAL. One audience member commented, “There is an ugly side that you need to know about.” (One note: Those in the audience that had experience with beauty pageants felt that this industry was grossly underestimated in the film. The pageant showed was not at all typical, taking place on top of a boat.)

After the screening, Brian Hill assembled a panel of the top professionals in the Arizona beauty market for a Q&A session. The panel included Miss Arizona USA 2011 Brittany Dawn Brannon, plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Shapiro, Phoenix Fashion Week stylist Dynelle Rodriguez, photographer Joe Pier, Channel 5 news anchor Nadine Bubeck, personal stylist Fawn Cheng, and the regional director of Fashion Group International Tracy Rasinki.

We really loved hearing the panel’s reactions to the film, as well as what they saw as some of the biggest challenges in the beauty market of Arizona. However, we were still curious to see how Arizona models felt about the industry. So, we decided to ask some of our favorite models (who are all signed with agencies) about their experiences.

Rio Telishuk – Ford/Robert Black Agency

How has life changed for you since you’ve started modeling?

I started modeling at the age of 13, so I had to grow up pretty fast. At the time, I was insecure and didn’t speak up much and as I grew up in the business I gained a lot of confidence and really grew into my own. Life now is wonderful, the people I have met and clothes I’ve gotten to wear and places I’ve been have really opened my eyes to all the beautiful things out in the world.

Is there any advice you would give to a girl who wants to follow in your footsteps?

For girls who want to walk on the same path as me, my best advice would be to be very open to criticism, because your going to get a lot of it!! And always be improving yourself. I will get fashion magazines and look at how the shoots are styled this season so when I go on castings I can fit the trend. Also, looking at the top models and trying to imitate the faces or poses they make is really good practice for shoots. Know your face and what angles make it look phenomenal.

Dylan C. Whitehead – Courtier Model + Talent Management

What is your favorite part of modeling?

My favorite part about modeling is wearing clothes that I either wouldn’t get to wear, or wouldn’t generally wear on a day-to-day basis. I get to change my image for a day, in the case of a photo shoot, and become somebody else. This is a cool experience, even if the moment is only captured in a few photos. I have not walked runway in a long time, but this is also an aspect of modeling that gives me a euphoric feeling, because in those moments I become detached from everything else.

What are some of the hardships you personally face as a model?

Personally, I find it difficult being patient with it. It seems like there are peaks, when I’m really involved with fashion, and then other periods of time where I’m forced to wait and develop my image. This is difficult, because like most people, I want everything to happen all at once, but finding success can take a long time. Since I’m focusing all of my energy on finding work outside of Arizona, I am forced to wait a couple months when I do not hear back from places like New York. But in this time I still need to focus on my image and take care of myself.

Madison Brown – The Agency Arizona

How does living in Arizona affect your modeling career? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

I actually moved to Arizona 8 years ago from California, and I never knew why, but I’ve found out through those 8 years that there is a reason. Arizona is where I started modeling with my sister, Brittany. If we hadn’t moved here and got signed when we did, I’m not sure we would have had the same opportunities that we have had.

My sister was just on the most recent season of America’s Next Top Model with Tyra Banks, her DREAM in life. It’s moments like that when you realize everything happens for a reason. There is a great network of people in Arizona all working for the common goal, and I am ever so grateful to have had the chance to meet all of them. Although my main ambition is to move to New York to fulfill my goals, I couldn’t have started without the help of these amazing people.

Brittany and Madison Brown

How has life changed for you since you’ve started modeling?

My life since modeling has changed immensely. I’ve mainly dealt with change within myself: learning to be more independent, realizing how blessed I am to have this opportunity to dream so big, and that struggles may come your way but it’s your inner strength that will get you through them. It’s always been my dream to be a model, so with each new shoot, casting, or show I get booked for, my happiness doesn’t stop shooting through the roof.

What is something you think all models struggle with?

The main hardship that I can almost promise crosses every models mind is “Am I good enough?” You’re constantly being judged for your looks, your personality, your ability to work in any situation you’re put through. It’s easy to have those insecure moments where you feel like you’re not enough, but what really separates you from the crowd is if you can truly just own who you are as a person.

If you think you’re not good enough, it’s almost guaranteed you’re wrong. There is beauty and art and passion in all of us; you just have to embrace it and let it thrive. Never doubt who you are, because no matter how many doors are closed on you, there is always going to be that one door that will open. I’ve had my fair share of rejection, but I love what I do and always will, and by keeping that spirit up, I’ve been blessed enough to have some pretty amazing doors open for me. Never lose faith, and never lose your passion and your drive.

So, there you have it – the truth behind the world of modeling. These individuals must take the bad with the good, but at the end of the day, their passion for what they do drives them to success.