How did you initially decide to get into modeling? I was continuously approached by photographers while I was shopping etc...

What was the catalyst to you making this decision? I decided one day to take one of the photographers up on it, and then it just kinda took off from there.
 
What was 2010 like for you in terms of modeling work?

 Great! My best year yet. Each year you get more opportunities, openings, and exposure as a model.
   
Define what being sexy is to you? Being confident but not cocky, Staying fit, eating healthy, and having a good sense of humor... and being cute never hurts!
 
Shannon, you have one of the most refined physiques that I've seen that elicits a high degree of pleasure from one's aesthetic senses, so I'm curious to know what does your diet and exercise regimen consist of? Monday through Friday I either walk at a 8% incline, or run at 8mph for 30-45 minutes. I do 420 ab reps and try to throw a few push ups into the mix. On the weekends I play Tennis, Racquetball or Disc Golf. Even if you aren't working out that day, as long as you get some good cardio in it helps keep your metabolism going and your muscles toned.
 
How would you describe the image that comes across when people look at your photos? I guess it's different to each person and each photo. I have commercial looks, sexy looks, etc... Hopefully they are thinking I'm perfect to sell their products, or for their magazine.

What experience do you value more and attain more personal satisfaction from as a model: the creative process behind an intimate collaboration with a talented photographer, make-up artist and/or designer OR seeing the reaction from your family, friends and fans as they bare witness to the finished product? I always appreciate the work that goes into a successful photoshoot. It takes so much more work than the average person thinks. So to see a great image is definitely satisfying. As for my family, they are very supportive and it's nice for them to see what I do for a living. I love my fans to see them! They're awesome and I always get great feedback.

 

 

There are a lot of misconceptions or stereotypes about glamour models. Does that stigma follow you? I'm so over it. It really doesn't bother me at all. Judgmental people are just something that anyone who ever does something with their life is going to have to deal with. 
 
 
But you're aware of the misconceptions. Which would you say is the worst? That we're just trying to be whores. We're not. We're no different than the Victoria Secret models, that are modeling lingerie and doing implied shots. Or the girls you see in bikinis on the beach. We're just shooting for magazine, lingerie companies etc... this is our job.

What is controversial and unique about you? Everything is controversial about me. I come from a strict extended family so anything I do is totally scrutinized. My immediate family though, is very sweet and supportive. As for unique, my hair, lips, boobs are all natural. No silicone, implants, injections, or extensions. 
 
What would you say sets you apart from other women in the same field, with similar goals? Being an all natural country girl, I kinda have a different look. I'm also very driven.
 
Do you place any limitations on yourself in terms of what you will and will not do in this industry to succeed, or do you have a 'by any means necessary I will get mine in the 21st century' attitude? No way. I won't ever do nudes. My integrity is first, modeling is second.
 
For all of the people, photographers, agencies and companies seeing you for the first time who will want to gain more information about you, tell them where they can go to see and read about some of your past, present and future projects? My official website is:

www.ShannonRichards.com

 
Well, that's it. Feel free to throw in a question if there's something in particular I didn't cover that you want to plug or put out there.

Thanks for the interview! 

You can follow me on twitter @ www.twitter.com/shannonbabygirl