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Heidi Fahrenbach is a professional model based in Chicago. She’s a self admitted “adrenaline junkie” that loves racing. In fact, racing is in Fahrenbach’s blood as she grew up with a father and mother whom both competed in Sports Car Club of America events. The model says gigs like being a “Ring Girl” for Corona during the Floyd Mayweather vs. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez title fight really get her motor running. In fact the Chicago native says photo sessions and promotional events that push her limits feed her need for speed.

Fahrenbach’s career has taken off since 2008 when she started work as a professional promotional and print model and since has appeared in both national ads and campaigns for Hawaiian Tropic, Monster Energy Drink, Harley Davidson, Daytona 500, Coke Zero and many others. Now the five foot six inch blonde bombshell is gearing up to crossover to commercial television and film.

Heidi is also studying Fashion Marketing at the Art Institute in Chicago, but no matter where Fahrenbach’s path takes her you can bet it’s guaranteed to be one in the fast lane.

Model: Heidi Fahrenbach; Photographer: David Mecey

MM EDU: Tell us how you got started as a model.

Heidi Fahrenbach: When I was about 12 years old, I got a letter sent to my house regarding the Pretty Little Princess Pageant. I have a personality that has no problem in trying something new, but my mom was a bit worried that as a child my self-esteem may be in danger if I didn’t win. I told her we should just give it a try, so we went clothes shopping for the categories I needed to wear in the pageant. All the stereotypes they say about beauty pageants are true where parents are very serious about winning and children have too much makeup and hair spray. My mom and I, however, sat in the corner before the pageant started, watching everyone frantically get ready while I had very little makeup and my hair naturally straight. At the end of the pageant all 100 girls were waiting by the stage for the awards. My name was called –I won the “Fabulous Face” award. Being so excited that I won something, I wasn’t even paying any attention to the rest of the announcements, but my name was announced again!  I walked on stage and faced everyone, waiting for my award. The next thing I knew I was crowned the winner of the whole pageant. I was in complete shock, to say the least, and could hear my proud mother screaming with excitement. Words can’t even describe what I was feeling. I was so happy and proud that I had put my mind to something. I had no idea what the outcome would have been, but when it worked in my favor I realized you should never say never and give everything a try. As the winner I received a scholarship to John Robert Powers in downtown Chicago, but I never attended. For years I didn’t do any modeling and focused on school. When I got to high school everyone said I should become a model since I had a good look for it. Before moving to Orlando, I did a few photo shoots as a practice run to see if I would like it, and I did. When I was 18 I moved to Orlando and slowly started to get into the modeling industry. I enjoyed modeling and meeting all the people in the industry. My goal was to do it as a full-time job.

Model: Heidi Fahrenbach; Photographer: Jean Wall

MM EDU: What type of modeling were you doing at that time?

Heidi: My sister used to do a lot of promotional work when I was living in Chicago, so she used to book me for events. I was very comfortable with promotional work. I started doing that before I actually started to get into the photography aspect of modeling. It was hard when I first started modeling since I didn’t really know what the photographer expected each time and I wanted to give it my best. I enjoyed it and the money was great, too! It wasn’t too long until I started traveling all over the country for modeling jobs.

MM EDU: Can you describe your ideal shoot?

Heidi: I love to do shoots that not many people have done. For example, I like to do shoots that aren’t overly pre-planned. I feel the best shots in my portfolio are the shots that are unexpected –that way you capture a natural look and beauty.

Too much planning to me just doesn’t feel natural. I feel the more natural stuff comes from the unexpected, like when someone looks away and then turns back to the camera—that’s when you capture their natural beauty.

The one exception is the Farrah Fawcett shoot I did with Anthony Neste. I came up with the idea since people always tell me I look like her, so I called Anthony telling him we should do her famous pose. I came up with the idea of getting a red bikini, the rug, and styling my hair in that way. At first he thought I was insane but I think it turned out pretty well in the end.

Model: Heidi Fahrenbach; Photographer: Anthony Neste

MM EDU: What’s your upcoming schedule like?

Heidi: I’m booked until the middle of next year, actually! I have a few workshops coming up, which I enjoy because I get to meet different people and build my portfolio. Plus, I get to travel to places I’ve never been to. On top of that I’m still in school. I’m going to the Art Institute for Fashion Marketing.  I’ve met so many people in the fashion marketing industry that I think the degree will be helpful with all the connections I make along the way.

MM EDU: Do you prefer to shoot in studio or on location?

Heidi: I love to do location shoots. On location there is more to work with and I love being outdoors.

MM EDU: You’ve modeled all over the country but have been based in Chicago and Orlando. How would you compare these two markets?

Heidi: I was born and raised in Chicago and my family still lives here so it’s home to me, but I needed a change and that’s why I went to Orlando. I spent six years there and enjoyed working with everyone but at that point I felt for my career and future it was time to return to Chicago.

There are some huge differences between the two places from a model’s perspective. In Florida, most of the girls were all friends, never competed with each other, and looked out for each other. Since I’ve moved back to Chicago about a year ago, I’ve learned that the models here are very competitive and opportunistic. But some of them don’t know their true worth when being booked. I know girls in Florida would never work for the rates girls in Chicago do. It’s completely different and has been very hard for me to adjust to since they are completely different. Overall, I like the industry in Florida better but I’m sure I can adjust to the differences here in Chicago.

Model: Heidi Fahrenbach; Photographer: Steven Bagley

MM EDU: If you could shoot with anyone, who would you choose and why?

Heidi: I have a list of photographers I’ve wanted to work with. Some I have had the pleasure of working with already but I still have a few left on my list. I can say I’m very blessed with the people I’ve worked with and built connections and relationships with over the years. I got into the industry not knowing how it was going to work out and I’m very happy with it!

MM EDU: Tell us about some of the more interesting assignments you’ve done?

Heidi: I recently went to Vegas to visit my girlfriend and we both ended up working the Floyd Mayweather vs. Saul Canelo Alvarex title fight at the MGM Grand. I worked as the “Corona Girl” during their faceoff in Chicago a few weeks prior. When I arrived I had no idea the fight was scheduled but I asked Corona if they needed more girls to work, and they said yes! It was great timing to be in Vegas!

I was booked to do the press conference in Chicago for the faceoff. Showing up,  I had no idea what fight it was – until walking up to the back entrance with screaming fans wanting to take a picture with me.

MM EDU: Are you a boxing fan?

Heidi: I’ve seen almost all of Mayweather’s fights and knew he was undefeated but I didn’t know Canelo was so popular or that this fight was as big as it was. I always have the attitude that I’m here to do my job and represent Corona professionally and that’s what they want, too. They want all their girls to be focused on working and not on how big the event is or be distracted by the people involved.

Model: Heidi Fahrenbach; Photographer: Jeremy Dubrul

MM EDU: Tell us about your love for racing.

Heidi: It’s more than love for me! I come from a racing family. My dad used to race for the SCCA and my mom used to race, as well. When I was little we spent most weekends at the track. My dad won lots of trophies and was a very good race car driver.

Living in Orlando for six years, I worked almost every single race at the Daytona International Speedway. I love anything that has a motor, really, just because that’s what I’ve been around my whole life. I always feel at home when I’m around cars or at the track; it doesn’t even feel like I’m working at all in that atmosphere.

MM EDU: I imagine a lot of people will want to sign you up for their racing events after reading this.

Heidi: I’m very happy to announce I am the spokesmodel for the Tampa Auto Club. They do many car shows, go to tracks around the country and also rally. I was just in Orlando for the Festivals of Speed at the Ritz Carlton and it was amazing! I say it’s not a job if you love what you do.  Being around exotic cars like what this club has brings me back to my childhood and I love it! Next year from May 20-25 they are doing a rally from Chicago to Miami with stops along the way at some fun places. Words can’t express how excited I am for this rally! The club is filled with great exotic cars and awesome club members. I’m really happy to say I’m a spokesmodel for such an awesome club like this!

Check out more information about the club at www.tampaautoclub.com and the rally website at www.corsaamerica.com

MM EDU: Are you an adrenaline junkie?

Heidi: I’m definitely an adrenaline junkie. I worked MotoGP recently and I really want to learn how to ride a bike; I would love to get one sometime next year. I love speed.

Model: Heidi Fahrenbach; Photographer: Simon Soong

MM EDU: You’ve also done some acting. What was that like?

HEIDI: Yes, that’s another thing I have done. I was in “American Pie: The Reunion,” which was pretty cool. I did a scene with Stifler but they didn’t use it because the light was really bad. The crew was really nice and all acted how they do in the movies –so funny! I also did an extra role on “The Inbetweeners” for Universal in Orlando, a TV show called “Unforgettable ” and was an extra for NBC. I was runner-up for this new role in “Fast and Furious 7.” I was so upset I didn’t get it since I love that series.

MM EDU: How do you deal with the disappointment of not getting a job like that?

Heidi:  I’ve learned the key is not to get excited until you are actually booked for the job. Even then it’s not a sure thing, so it’s really only after you achieve that booking that you can look back and take it in.

MM EDU: Is acting something you’d like to purse?

Heidi: So far I’ve only been an extra, but I would love to try acting because it’s something I’ve never really done before. I’m really open-minded and I love challenges, so if it’s something that sounds interesting, I’ll do it!

MM EDU: Finally, what does Model Mayhem Mean to you?

Heidi: I joined Model Mayhem in 2008 when I started modeling because it was recommended by a friend. At first I didn’t know what to make of it because so many people were contacting me and as a new model it’s hard to set up shoots.  Over time it gets easier and easier as it does when you learn the ropes of any industry.

I personally love Model Mayhem because it’s so easy to use. I probably should have my own website by now, but Model Mayhem is very convenient. I have all my photos and my resume on the page and I can change it whenever I want without going through a third party. I get a lot of inquiries regarding shoots and events; when anybody emails me about bookings, the first thing I send them to is my Model Mayhem link.

Model: Heidi Fahrenbach; Photographer: Anthony Neste

I also have to give huge credit to Anthony Neste because since I first worked with him my whole career skyrocketed. I know I’m his muse, I love him, and he’s my number-one photographer out of the hundreds I’ve worked with. We get so many great images from a short amount of time working together because we have a really great connection.

I also see him as a father figure. I call him whenever I need advice. He’s so talented and easy to work with. We’ve built such trust that I feel like we see eye-to-eye on everything. He saw something in me and is able to capture it. Every time we work together we create great images and they usually get published. We get so many compliments and people saying they find our work inspiring, which means so much to me!

I love when people write to me saying they love my work because I feel like not a lot of people do that. It’s a nice feeling knowing that you’re working for something and people are actually paying attention to your work and success.