Model hopefuls take first steps to the catwalk

Nov 13 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

MORE than 40 catwalk hopefuls attended the Advertiser’s photoshoot on Sunday as our search for the Face of 2009 continued.

Hamilton’s Premier Photography, our partner in the competition, opened their doors from 9.30am last week to allow our entrants to enter the fab competition.

Men and women aged between 16-27 from all over Lanarkshire queued up in a bid to scoop the top prize worth over £1000.

Natalie Thomson (20), of Uddingston, who works at Superquickprint in Hamilton, was just one of those who turned up on the day.

The ex-Hamilton Grammar pupil said: “I think the competition is a great idea. It gives young people something to aim for.

“I am really interested in modelling and have been trying to break into the industry for some years.

“I have had a few test shots done but so far nothing has come of it.

“The competition prizes are great, it would be wonderful to get a portfolio of pictures taken also.

“I would love to be the winner.”

Beauty therapist Jenny Li, of Hamilton, was also keen to get her photograph taken.

The 22-year-old said: “It is every little girls dream to become a model. I read about the competition in the newspaper and just decided to enter for a bit of fun really and the prizes were also excellent.

“My family don’t even know I am here. It will be a nice surprise for them. It would be great to win but even coming second or third place would be great.”

Elaine Dempsey, owner of Premier Photography, said the day was a great success.

“It was great fun,” she added. “There was definitely a high standard of entrants. Those attending had really made an effort.

“But now I guess it is up to the public to decide who they think should be the Advertiser’s Face of 2009.”

WHAT HAPPEN’S NEXT:

The photos appear in a supplement in next week’s Advertiser.

Readers will then have the opportunity to vote for their winner.

The entrants with the highest number of votes will make it through to our Top 20.

The phone-lines will re-open the following week and readers have another opportunity to vote for their favourite.

The winner and two runners-up in our final 10 will be selected by The Model Team.