Photo By Hannah Combs Photography
Take one look at the stunning picture on her homepage and it’s not hard to see why Seanna Miriah caught my attention. With such amazing, big blue eyes and a true at heart pin up girl image to go with it, she steals the show. I came across her after some idle searching and after just a first glance through her portfolio I was stunned to see just how diverse and expressive this girl is. I’ve seen so many “models” who can only hold a single, static pose and a solitary, boring expression photo after photo. It’s wonderfully refreshing to find an alternative model who doesn’t confine herself to one defining image. Her talent really stems from being a chameleon for the camera; She’s never the same girl twice and each new Seanna is just as delightful and exciting as the last. What can I say? I just can’t help but adore a girl who rocks her tattoos as well as Seanna does. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that she’s also wonderfully charming and promises to be your BFF. Make sure you head to her blog and play “Ask Seanna”!
1) First off, I love your website. You have no idea how many model “portfolios” I’ve had to search through over the last couple months that were little more than a few fuzzy shots on MySpace. You really seem to know what you’re doing, which leads me to wonder, How long have you been modeling?
Glad you like my website, thank you! I worked really hard on it and am constantly updating it and trying to get people to come play “Ask Seanna” with me. I like to know who takes interest in what I do. As far as how long I’ve been modeling, a few years ago a friend/photographer kept asking me to do a shoot with him. I finally gave in and once I got the pics back I thought damn, I’m not too bad at this (giggle)! I enjoyed it so much that it became a passion and an outlet for me. And once I set my mind to something, look out! I’ve been going crazy with self promotion, researching, and studying different styles and concepts in modeling and photography and am always trying to keep it fresh and new. I treat this like a full time job because I love it and want to share that with people.
2) Was this something you’ve always wanted to do? What did you want to be when you were a little girl?
Actually, I was extremely shy when I was younger! People used to ask me if I’d be interested in modeling but, when I pictured doing it I had images in my head of embarrassing myself and girls being really mean and back stabbing. The thought of that used to scare me into panic attacks. I just wasn’t ready. Now, I’m all grown up and know that there can be more to photography then cookie cutter pageants and Vaselined teeth. It’s not about the perfect airbrushed head-shot or the best bikini bod on the beach. I want to see an image that has innocence, unconventional sexuality, profoundness or humor behind it. I wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t artistic which is truly where my childhood roots are.
Photo By Hannah Combs Photography
3) You’ve got amazing looks and obvious talent that could take you through many genres; Why did you decide to be a “Pin Up” model?
Well, thanks! I actually keep trying to branch out and do different styles but somehow pin-up keeps pulling me back! Probably because it embraces the curves and variety of a woman more then any genre. I am always open to trying new things and although I don’t want to get stuck in any “category”, the pin-up industry has been very supportive of me so I like to stay loyal to that. I like that Pin-up is becoming various in that it doesn’t have to look like a 1950’s replica. I enjoy seeing modern pin-up girls using original ideas of their own while being inspired by history rather then recreating it. I relate to the obsession of that era but I’m not trying to re-live it. It’s IS the year 2009 now. Where is my jet pack?! I swear this is not what Doc and Marty Mcfly predicted.
4) Who has been your biggest modeling inspiration? Is there anyone in particular that you “channel” perhaps?
I’m extremely inspired by a lot of gals out there (the classic to the modern) but mostly, I’m inspired by photographers. Robert Alvarado, Andy Hartmark, and Viva Van Story to name a few. Those photographers are really good about keeping a fresh portfolio so I always scroll through them to see the latest badassery they’ve created. I don’t try to channel anyone else per se, I’m more focusing on getting my mind and my body on the same page! Hand placement, fingers, suck in, push out, breath, and express through my thoughts. When I’m in front of the camera, and the lens is looking at me, I stare back with the thought I’m trying to project. Lust, love, sad, silly…I almost try to visually push it out of my retina! Almost like you could see what I’m thinking. GOD, I’m such a weirdo!
5) How did you get started in “Pin Up” modeling?
I did that first photo shoot with Jason Briscoe Photography which was what started my portfolio. Then it was just MAD self promotion from that point. I entered contests, booked as many shoots as I could to build my portfolio and started networking my ass off! I won the first contest I ever entered which was Pinup Vixen and then I entered Ink & Iron’s Pinup Pageant and placed in the top 12 nationally. (Please tell Corky Bordeaux of Bootstraps Burlesque that I said “Top 12 Nationally” because she says I don’t talk myself up enough!) I think contests are fun but, I’m now starting to get interested in being in more Printwork/Magazines. I am however in the running in the “Dean Girl” contest which is pretty big. The prizes are awesome but I am up against the most girls I’ve ever competed with and a they are all really beautiful! I’m a bit different from the style I think they are looking for but nonetheless, I’m in there so vote for me if you’d like! You can go to my website and click the link on the front page. No sign up necessary (I always hated that). Just click, vote. Ok I’m done plugging that, sorry!
6) How many tattoos do you have?
Ummm, It’s hard to count at this point. I have two traditional Japanese sleeves by Jay Chastain, an Owl Chest Piece by Will Lollie, and then some random ones like, stars on my ears and tears on the insides of my pointer fingers. I plan to get my knuckles, top of my hands, feet, and pelvic area next.
7) Does your ink have any special meanings or stories behind it?
Yes, And I always say there is the long story which begins with, “It all started when I was a teenager” and I never actually finish. So instead I usually just focus on talking up my latest one and that is the owl chest piece which symbolizes wisdom and grace. Two things I strive to have!
Photo By Hannah Combs Photography
8) Tell us about your most Interesting/Bizarre/Frightening/Coolest photoshoot or related event to date.
That would hands down be the hot air balloon shoot. I got this crazy idea in my head that I wanted to do a shoot in a big colorful balloon and so I begged Asheville Hot Air Balloon (they were very pleasant people to work with and very easy going, I adore them!). Once they got the balloon up and ready I realized how intimidating it was to have this HUGE structure hovering over me, powered by extreme flammables, and jumping several feet in the air around a field as I tried to look “glamorous”. The outtake shots from the shoot were hilarious! The poor photographer (the lovely Miss Hannah Combs) almost got trampled since she had to lie on her back to get the shots and the balloon was hopping around her. It was definitely worth it though because we got some excellent pictures out of it!
9) What style do you identify yourself with personally?
I don’t really consider myself to be one specific style. I get nervous when I fall into a category for some reason. I guess I feel obligated or something and that’s hard for me when I reinvent myself constantly. You would think committing to so many tattoos would have been hard for me huh?! I don’t make any sense to myself either. I try not to dissect and just except my ways as who I am which is ever changing.
10) What colour of socks are you wearing right now?
I don’t really wear socks. I love to wear house slippers though! The silly ones that kids wear are the best! Like big teddy bear slippers or Scooby-Doo. Aww, I had to throw away my last ones (my dog chewed them up when he was a pup). I’ve got to go buy a new pair now, I miss them!
11) If you weren’t modeling, what would you be doing?
Well, I do a lot of other things on the side other then modeling already. I’m honestly taking on quite a few creative tasks right now including cartoon writing, make up artistry, and I’m going to go to school by next Spring for Digital Media. I want to learn cartoon animation and web building. I’ve always liked to draw and love odd humor so cartooning would be a good way for me to get some of these ideas out of my head.
12) What kind of dogs do you have and what are their names?
I have a Puggle and a Shi tzu named Raleigh and Booger and they are cute little button nosed sweeties! I just did a shoot with Raleigh (the puggle) that I intend on submitting to the calendar “Pinups For Pups” which raises money for animal rescue organizations. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they are accepted, I would be so honored!
13) What kind of advice can you offer for all the aspiring “Pin Up” Models out there right now?
The main thing I can say is to keep it original and stay confident in who you are and what you want to project. I think it’s wonderful when I see girls adding variety to what’s out there already. You won’t stick out if it’s not eye catching and new! Also, research and promote yourself! Pinuplifestyle.com is a GREAT networking site and an awesome place for newcomers to mingle with professionals. And lastly and probably most important, have fun. When it stops being fun what’s the point?
Photo By Hannah Combs Photography