Tara Chumley is well-known on Baker University’s campus as a softball player and member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, but in her free time, she is a local model. <br/>
Tara does mostly trade work, which means she does not have to pay the photographer nor does the photographer have to pay her. She is an unpaid model and is currently only working for more exposure.
“I really enjoy meeting the designers and make-up people before the shoot,” she said.
She has done multiple photo shoots and a few runway shows in Kansas City, Mo.
Tara began her modeling career through a family friend who is a photographer. After her first photo shoot, the pictures were sent to many agencies in Kansas City and led to Chumley getting signed by I&I agency.
Tara’s older brother, Garrett, is a senior at Baker and said he is supportive of the modeling work his younger sister does.
“I’m just glad she’s doing something that she enjoys and steps out of her comfort zone, which a lot of people are scared to do,” Garrett said.
The siblings are very close and often talk about Tara’s modeling. Garrett doesn’t go to the shoots, but he does get to see all of Tara’s photos.
“It’s cool because I get to see all the pictures before they’re released and also pictures that are never released,” Garrett said.
Tara said although she does not plan on making a career out of modeling, if she ever got the opportunity to “make it big,” she may take it depending on where she is at with her life.
Tara also said that she still gets nervous before shoots and does not let her friends watch. The only person who has ever been to a shoot is her mother.
Before Tara’s shoots begin, there is usually a long process of waiting around for designers, models and make-up artists. Once all of the people have arrived, they begin doing make-up and trying on outfits. When all of the models are ready for photos, there is another waiting process before each model gets her time on-camera.
Sophomore Erin Greenwood, Tara’s close friend and teammate, said she likes seeing Tara in her modeling pictures and doing an activity outside of softball.
Greenwood also said Tara isn’t outspoken about modeling, and unless people ask her about it, she doesn’t bring it up.
“Modeling is really fun, but I wouldn’t want to be a full-time model because it can get very stressful,” Tara said. “There’s a lot that goes into a shoot or runway show before it starts; it’s not just going out and posing for pictures.”