By Iana Seales
Just call them two smoking-hot people who can easily heat-up photo shoots and take perfect shots without even trying, as they did a few weeks ago when the Guyana Model put them, and a host of other hopefuls, to the test.
Who are they? Zandy McRae and Paul Charles, winners of Model Search’s sizzling hot photo shoot that left local fans of the show talking for days, mostly about Zandy’s stunning low cut and Paul’s envious head of hair.
Guyana Model Search wraps up tomorrow evening at Le Meridien Pegasus under the theme, “Glamorous”. The top six competing for the title of Guyana’s male and female top models are Jenel Cox, Ayanna Harris, Shenelly Kendall, Michael Younge, Dillon Bradford and Anthony Snow.
Zandy, a one-time behind the scenes girl in the competition known for her long flowing tresses and sweet smile, shot into the limelight at the photo shoot with a sexy new cut, which highlighted a pair of haunting eyes. She was unquestionably the only diva on location and her photogenic snapshots were enough to seal the deal.
Paul, on the other hand, was easily noticed with his boyish good looks, but at the photo shoot another side of him came out. He was the at-ease yet playful model with a strong on camera presence. And with piercing eyes and that unforgettable mop of hair, he was simply irresistible.
In an interview with The Scene earlier this week Zandy reveals how much the haircut did for her and her self-confidence and Paul speaks of how nervous he was, though it was another in the line of many photo shoots he had done.
“I thank this cut for everything though I also have other features that sets me apart but this cut was just so perfect and the timing was so good,” 15-year-old Zandy says, stopping in between words to take a breath.
Zandy was the youngest in the competition and got as far as the top 12, but she was recently eliminated. Though she is not a finalist, the young model is pretty pleased with her achievements particularly winning the photo shoot. She considers her finish in the competition to be “pretty amazing” given that it was her first competition.
She believes that being articulate in addition to having a personal style had everything to do with her placing in the top 12. This and the strong support she has received from her family were listed among her top five reasons for advancing beyond the auditions and getting through early eliminations.
Wearing make-up and developing a competitive edge were all new to Zandy but after several months on the show, she says, it turned out to be so easy. She reveals that modelling is just one of two loves in her life — the other is reading and she points out that her parents instilled in her the need to acquire a good education.
According to her, there is nothing wonderful about being just a pretty face. Zandy wants to be known as the intelligent girl with striking looks, and also as the model who speaks well.
“My mother always says to me that it is okay to be a model but it is far more important to be a role model and I try to remember that,” she says.
For the past month, Zandy, who is 5’9 inches and weighs 115 pounds, has been on a diet cutting back on rice. She is also staying away from carbohydrates, eating only the minimum when necessary. This is all in an effort to be in the right shape when she takes to the stage tomorrow to strut her stuff.
Paul, who identifies with the concept of the meterosexual male — one who buffs his nails, treats his skin and obsesses about what clothes he is wearing to a particular event, says he is no stranger to photo shoots having been part of many in the past. This was his third major shoot and though he had the experience, the line-up was a bit intimidating.
Previously he had gone head to head in competition with model Dillon Bradford, who is part of Model Search and one hotly favoured to win, and had lost out to him then. Paul finished runner-up to Bradford in the ‘Face of Shabeau’ competition last year.
For four years now, Paul has been a dancer with the Classique Dance Company and he has been modelling for a shorter period of time. He has graced the catwalk for many top local designers but nothing has impacted on him quite like Model Search did.
“This was completely different and I had no idea just how much fun it was going to be. I have learned so much and am taking away so much from the experience, I am just so grateful,” he adds.
Paul recalls that on the day of the photo shoot he was climbing water tanks and posing and doing all manner of things to leave an impression when the photographer quietly told him to act natural. He was asked not to pose and just be himself. According to him, it was the best piece of advice anyone taking his pictures have given him. He ended up relaxing and taking great photos.
Though he has what he describes as “model looks”, he says, his desire to dress freaky and look freaky is what has set him apart and continues to make people sit up and take notice. Paul says his clothes tell a lot about him and often, he can be spotted in torn jeans and an odd looking jersey.
Initially Paul was not interested in Model Search having felt that he had done enough with respect to such competitions but after showing up to support a friend at the auditions and being told by a female there that he is cute, he decided to give it a try and was successful.
“For someone who didn’t want to do this, I can only say that I am pleased with how it turned out,” he adds. (ianaseales@yahoo.com)
