Interview & Photography
Richard Bernardin: Hello? Hello. Just testing the mic. Can you hear me?
Britt Bergmeister: Hello? Yeah, I made it. How's it going? Good to see you. My dog is sort of falling asleep, so let's cross our fingers.
Richard: I’m so happy to do this with you. You know, I had you on my “radar” for sometime now… To shoot but also to sit down for a chat cause I saw that you’ve been doing all kinda of cool, authentic stuff on IG and that just sealed the deal for me.
Britt: Aw thank you… I’ve been a big fan of your work as well so I’m so glad everything worked out.
Richard: Me too! So, shall we jump into the deep end?
Britt: Yeah.
Richard: Great! So as you know, I’ve got a whole bunch of questions lined up to get your thoughts on, you know, the little things like Life, Purpose and, my personal favorite, Fashion Photography.
Britt: (laughs) Okay great, no pressure…
Richard: Awesome. So starting with LIFE, can you share a significant moment or personal journey that has influenced your perspective as a model? I heard you lived in Japan, maybe expand on this?
Britt Bergmeister: When I was 12, my step dad’s job moved us all to Japan and I had the privilege of growing up in Tokyo until I was 18. I went from appreciating the eclectic melting pot that Toronto provided for my youth, to being fully immersed in a completely new and exhilarating culture I knew very little about. While it proved challenging at times, I understood that I would have the best experience if I embraced the culture fully by learning the language
and customs of the Japanese people as it wasn’t a place where they spoke English fluently. I think being there for such pivotal years, it helped shape who I am today and even how I approach modeling. I understand that for every shoot, there are many creatives coming together to sell a product, create magic, or fulfill someone’s vision and I appreciate my role in adapting to every scenario, much like we had to when we moved to Japan.
Richard: Wow, that’s so awesome. I’ve had a fascination since my teens with Japanese culture, spanning from anime, Ninjas, samurais, tattoos to the custom motorcycle subculture so I’m completely enthralled. Can you tell me how the life experiences have shaped your approach to modeling?
Britt: I value the fact that the industry has shifted over the past few decades from models simply selling a product to having a space to showcase who we are as individuals. I take having a following as a privilege and like to share things I learn as I go throughout life that have helped or challenge me. I always use my social media to share not only fashion and modeling but also what I’ve gone through as an individual, such as my passion for sustainability especially as it relates to fashion, the social justice crises that plague so many of our communities, resources I use for emotional healing, and things that bring me joy.
Beyond social media, I especially enjoy modeling jobs where I can showcase these passions through the photoshoot. One editorial I really valued was a Tommy Hilfiger campaign for their sustainable clothing. Beyond selling a product I believed in, they did an interview with me to hear what I really thought about sustainability and how we could all strive to be better in our day-to-day practices.
Richard Bernardin: That’s awesome! And it’s a perfect segway to my next subject, Purpose. Have you found your purpose as a model and entrepreneur? And if so, what do you hope to achieve through your work?
Britt Bergmeister: Purpose is a topic that challenges my emotions on a day to day basis. As a model, I’ve tied so much of my worth to work, which causes me a lot of anxiety. During COVID when work was slow, I felt incredibly down because it felt like I had no purpose.
I’ve been trying to reset my mindset and appreciate that it’s not what I do in life, but how I do it. I can model and continue to work on my platform On Duty Citizen (ODC) promoting sustainable lifestyle habits, as long as what I’m doing gives me little bits of joy and I can continue to try and make those around me feel listened to, appreciated and respected. For me, that’s the best purpose of how I experience life.
Richard: I love that. And so keeping this in mind, can I ask you what attracts you to the world of fashion photography? What do you find most captivating about it?
Britt: Fashion photography is where so much of the magic happens for me in this industry. I love when a stylist, hair, makeup artist, model and photographer can come together from all walks of life and all life experiences and create a shared vision harmoniously. I embrace being able to transform myself into different characters so that no one shoot is the same. I love gathering inspiration from photographers and models I admire and translating that in my own way. I love that every role is integral from the lighting to the set design, production team, to catering, retouching and the digital techs that ensure things are run smoothly. It’s a beautifully creative process that gets me outside of my head and when things go well, I can shoot on autopilot for hours without feeling burnt out. It’s rare to find a space for so much creativity, spontaneity and travel in a regular 9-5 job.
Richard: Look I agree. Apart from a few jobs in my teens and my time in the Marines, I’ve never had a 9-5… I’ve always done this, so I hear you. The creative
and spontaneous aspects of this type of work are nearly addictive. So that said, how do you feel about and approach embodying the essence of a fashion brand or designer during a photoshoot?
Britt: Firstly, I am honored when a brand or designer trusts me to embody their vision. I can appreciate the time and resources that go into a photoshoot and want to ensure everyone is happy with the end result. I always try and chat with the client to see what kind of mood and feeling they’d like to achieve. I like to learn about their brands, how they started out and how they predict they’ll grow. I find the story behind each brand fascinating. I think one of the things I’m most proud of myself for as a model is how I can transform seamlessly into so many different characters. I like that challenge. Whether it be a soft, commercial look or something completely crazy and edgy, I try and always deliver 100% and make sure everyone is content with the end product.
Richard: I love that and yes it is a transformation. And I can only speak for myself, as I have no idea how other photographers approach this process and interact with their models. For me the MOST important aspect for a photographer is to connect with his subject. How important is the collaboration between a photographer and a model in achieving a successful photoshoot?
Britt: For me it’s like dancing! I love coming in and chatting, getting to know each other a bit, I feel like that helps break down the barriers. I appreciate that some photographers like to direct more than others and some let you create freely.
Sometimes the “magic” happens automatically and sometimes it takes some work. I find it most productive to speak up if someone’s uncomfortable so we can find that symbiosis. If I don’t like how I look or if I feel the photographer isn’t happy with something, I think it makes sense to chat it out. Sometimes it doesn’t work out and I’m not happy with the images and that’s okay too. Not every experience in life has to be so perfect, otherwise we wouldn’t grow.
I embrace being able to transform myself into different characters so that no one shoot is the same. I love gathering inspiration from photographers and models I admire and translating that in my own way. - Britt Bergmeister
Richard Bernardin: So without sounding self-serving, can you share an example of a memorable moment with me as the photographer and how it influenced the final outcome of this shoot and our conversation together?
Britt Bergmeister: I really experienced the feeling of symbiosis on our shoot together and feel like we got into such a good flow from the start. I think this was because you showed a lot of respect to me for showing up to create with you. Beyond what we shot, you also took the time to get to know me as an individual and I valued our chats after the shoot about how we feel about the ever-changing industry and about our purpose in life. It felt very special and I appreciate moments like that.
Richard: Omg I think I’m actually blushing… You’re too kind Britt but it honestly means the world to me hearing this. It’s part of my Purpose, to make people feel at ease and allow them to see the beauty that I see through my lens. Thank you…
So moving on, I’d like to ask you about some of the challenges you’ve faced as a model, both in general and specifically within fashion photography?
Britt: The rejection doesn’t get easier. It’s an incredibly competitive industry and it’s hard to not compare yourself to others. It’s rare to get feedback about why you didn’t book a job, so oftentimes that leaves room to create scenarios in your head about why something didn’t confirm. Funny enough, those scenarios are often far from the truth, but anxiety does tend to creep in and control your narratives and thoughts.
Within fashion specifically, it’s always exciting, albeit challenging to travel for work. I’ve had so many shoots where I’ve had to go straight to set from a redeye flight with no sleep, have taken planes trains and automobiles, again with very little sleep, having to show up and present my best self forward. I’ve learned to embrace how efficient chugging coffee all day truly is, especially for someone who normally drinks decaf!
Richard: I hear you and I’m glad you brought this up. Rejection and comparison are a double-headed snake that I’ve battled with for a long time. As an artist, I am inherently and inseparably tied to my work and so when it’s criticized, shunned or dismissed, it’s me that feels rejected and abandoned, you know? I invariably had to instill a daily practice of meditation and mindfulness to help build a proverbial armour, to help protect myself from all this negativity from within and without. But I feel that social media hasn’t helped and has more than likely exacerbated the issue due to
comparison, making negative self-talk, doubt and anxiety the de facto state for many, which is completely unhealthy and untenable. How do you overcome self-doubt or maintain confidence during challenging times or demanding shoots?
Britt: The best thing I can do for myself is trusting that I’m meant to be exactly where I am. I’ve been modeling full-time for over ten years in New York City, and have been able to afford to do so. I often forget how hard that is and forget to give myself enough credit. It’s about reshaping the constant narrative you tell yourself so that you don’t make negative thoughts your reality. I believe everyone around you can pick up on the energy you put out, so if I’m doubting my self-worth, why would anyone else believe in me? It can be challenging to reshape your thoughts but once you get into the ritual of believing in yourself, it eventually becomes a habit that becomes your reality.
Richard: Yes, I love that and thank you for sharing this. These are important conversations to have and I feel that the more we do, especially in our industry, the more people who are going through rough times and similar situations, will not only understand that they are not alone but many others have gone through the same thing… And it’s okay to talk about it.
So Britt, tell me where do you see yourself and your modeling career heading in the future?
Britt: I used to think by 30 my career would be over. I now appreciate that longevity can be something I strive, as long as I’m still happy doing so. What brings me the most joy right now is focusing on the present. The past few years I’ve experienced so much heartache, things I never anticipated happening but things that have made me so much stronger. So for now, I love modeling, and I love all my other hobbies and passions that fill in the days where I’m not working. I’ve been volunteering at New York Presbyterian hospital for the past little while and being completely immersed in such a different role and industry has provided me with a lot of joy. I’m a huge empath and really enjoy interacting with my community members and making their stay as comfortable as I can. I also enjoy painting, working out, meditating, yoga and hiking. Right now all of those activities, in addition to hanging out with friends and loved ones really fills my cup! We’ll see what comes in the next few years but I’m working to just accept what comes and go with the flow.
The best thing I can do for myself is trusting that I’m meant to be exactly where I am.
- Britt Bergmeister
Richard Bernardin: Awesome! And are there any specific projects or goals you would like to pursue in the realm of your modeling career?
Britt Bergmeister: I love collaborating with likeminded brands, especially as it relates to sustainable and ethical fashion. It’s always a goal of mine to work with these brands and support their vision for creating things that are more mindful of the environmental impact.
Richard: Of course and these are truly purposeful goals that are truly fulfilling and align perfectly with the principles and values on your platform, On Duty Citizen.
So I have one last question for you and that is, what advice would you give to aspiring models interested in pursuing a career in fashion modeling?
Britt: Try and think about why exactly it is you want to get into this industry and list out the pros and cons. There’s a lot of incredible things that come with being a model but a lot of challenges as well. Next, do some research on reputable agencies near your city.
Look up google reviews, look on their website to see if it looks legitimate, you can even reach out to models on social media who are signed with these agencies and see if they’re happy. Look on their website for information about “open calls”, where you meet with them or submit your photos to see if there is any interest. If you get connected with the agency, be wary of ones that request payments upfront or set you up with really expensive test shoots without talking about a plan of attack for your career and growth. Sometimes, you have to invest in yourself in the beginning but it shouldn’t be putting you in an uncomfortable position financially.
Richard: Amazing advice! So that’s it.. Thanks Britt, you were an absolute joy to photograph and positively amazing to have this conversation with about Life, Purpose and Fashion Photography! Can’t wait to share this with the world!
Britt: Thank you Rich, this was really great! See you soon!
This edition of RLVNT was shot in Toronto, Canada.
Credits
Photography: Richard Bernardin
Muse: Britt Bergmeister @ NEXT Canada / Wilhemina NYC.
Please check out her sustainability activism & work @ ON DUTY CITIZEN.
And a SPECIAL THANKS to Courtney Alexander for graciously hosting this shoot in his downtown Toronto studio.