I Attended Coco Rocha’s Model Camp: Here's What I Learned

While I did learn a few techniques, the experience turned out to be far more meaningful, and far more transformative, than anything I expected. I went because, as my business has grown, so has the content creation side of my work. I'm in front of the camera constantly, and while I can see real progress in my presence and confidence (thanks to lots of practice and a fabulous friend and photographer), I wanted to level up with intention. After hearing Coco and her husband, James Conran, speak on a podcast, I signed up for her online seminar, far outside my comfort zone, and loved it so much that attending the in-person camp suddenly felt not just exciting, but necessary. It was scary, yes. But the kind of scared that tells you you are standing on the edge of something important. Coco Rocha is one of the most influential models of the last twenty years. Vogue Paris named her one of the top 30 models of the decade, Italian Vogue listed her among the top 50 of all time, and she has long been known in the industry as the Queen of Pose. After walking for every major designer and mentoring everyone from Kendall and Kylie Jenner to rising creators like Dixie D'Amelio and Alix Earle, she launched Coco Rocha Model Camp, a boutique, hands-on workshop where she teaches the posing , runway technique, and business strategy she has mastered. It's part insider education, part creative training, and entirely grounded in Coco's belief that you can succeed in fashion without losing your values or individuality. The Creative Leap I Didn't Know I Needed Long before I ever picked up a camera for social media, I learned how to perform through ballet, figure skating, and piano recitals. Those disciplines taught me timing, musicality, and how to carry myself under pressure, but they were silent. None of them required me to speak while being watched. Later, as a TV news reporter and anchor, I developed a completely new set of on-camera skills: clarity, precision, warmth, composure, and the ability to deliver information live without flinching. But being on camera today, as an entrepreneur, content creator, and etiquette educator, is different still. It's not just a different industry; it's a different language of communication. The kind of media that resonates now is more expressive, more emotive, more intimate. People want to feel something when they watch you. The line between modeling and content creation is blurring in real time. Models are expected to build communities online, and creators are expected to understand visual storytelling at the level of editorial imagery. I see these worlds converging every day. I also post multiple times per day across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, and provide regular long-form pieces for Evie Magazine and my personal Substack too, and I want the content I produce to stay fresh, creative, dynamic, and unmistakably me. That's why I decided to stop guessing my way through on-camera growth and instead invest in leveling up with intention. Coco's camp felt like the perfect place to do that. What Surprised Me Most at Model Camp I expected technique . What I got was perspective. The refinements were helpful, but the real transformation came from lessons I didn't even know to look for. What really defines CRMC as being so much more than simply being pretty is Coco's philosophy itself. She teaches modeling as an art form, not an exercise in perfection. Your job is not to make everyone think you're beautiful; your job is to make people feel something. In a world where we consume images faster than ever, she explained how all the hyper-perfect, duck-face, sexy photos blend together, while expressive, imperfect, emotionally charged poses stand out. It made immediate sense, and yet I had never thought about it that way. I also didn't expect the emphasis on range. Coco was very clear. If you rely only on your best features, you limit your creativity and unintentionally reveal your insecurities. True longevity comes from range, being able to give softness, strength, humor, elegance, awkwardness, edge, vulnerability, sometimes in the span of seconds. This is where her famous vowel-sound exercises came in. Picture a room full of adults making exaggerated A, E, I, O, U shapes with our mouths, and suddenly unlocking ten different expressions we didn't know we had. Another aha moment came from her discussion of fashion history. She encouraged us to study how certain poses, lines, and moods came to be, going all the way back to early photography. It wasn't about memorizing trivia; it was about understanding references, respecting other cultures, and expanding your creative vocabulary. It's incredibly grounding to realize how much artistry and intention are behind images we scroll past in seconds. And then there was the health and safety conversation. I expected posing notes, not a thoughtful, mature discussion about taking care of your body, setting boundaries, and navigating questionable situations with professionalism and clarity. The conversation on eating disorders was clear, full of compassion , and also intentionally shared after we practiced airborne shots where we were jumping for several minutes straight. The timing made her message that modeling is strenuous and our bodies need and deserve to be fueled well all the more powerful. The food throughout the weekend was delicious, not extreme. Custom salads, cookies, and various snacks were available throughout the day, and no one was made to feel badly about their size or shape. Coco made a strong point about identity. You are a model. Not a plus-size model. Not a petite model. Not a mature model. Qualifiers can unintentionally diminish your value. It was a refreshing and empowering perspective. I also loved learning about the unexpected niches where petite models thrive; jewelry, watches, skincare, makeup, hair, fragrance, even certain alcohol campaigns once you're over twenty-five. It was fascinating to realize how many specialties exist in an industry that often looks monolithic from the outside. More than anything, I left with a deeper appreciation for the creative courage modeling requires. It's not solely about being photogenic. Being expressive, aware, intentional, and willing to take risks is required. And that translates perfectly into content creation. In fact, it translates into nearly every area of modern life. The Graceful Discipline Behind the Glamour One of the things that stayed with me throughout the weekend was the level of professionalism infused into every part of Model Camp, and I'm not just saying that because I'm an etiquette coach. There was a genuine sense of positivity, respect, and excellence that you could feel the moment you arrived. It was not formal or intimidating; it was simply a well-run, uplifting environment where everyone showed up ready to work and cheer one another on. Coco's team of photographers, glam artists, and production assistants operated with the ease and intention of people who deeply understand their craft. Everything flowed seamlessly. People were prepared, punctual, and fully present. It reminded me of the most disciplined seasons of my life: the precision of figure skating, the structure of TV newsrooms, the professionalism of legal practice. There's something inspiring about watching a group operate at a high level while keeping the atmosphere warm and supportive. One of my favorite moments was an exercise where each of us had to step onto a small stage, hear a random piece of music, and pose on the spot. It could have been uncomfortable, but instead it was exhilarating. The room erupted into cheers for every single person, not out of politeness, but genuine excitement. It was the kind of environment where you suddenly feel brave because everyone around you wants to see you shine. And then there was the etiquette. The kind of practical, field-tested advice you can only get from someone who has lived the industry from the inside. Coco emphasized the non-negotiables: be punctual, be prepared, never complain, and always give your best effort because there's always someone else capable of stepping into your spot. She spoke about treating everyone with kindness, no matter their title or perceived influence. At one point she even acted out exactly how she would greet a receptionist at a casting call to make her point: disrespect is never acceptable, full stop. Coco herself modeled all of it. She's warm and funny, but also direct and transparent, offering feedback in a way that challenges you while making you feel supported. Watching her teach was a masterclass in how to uphold high standards with grace. I left with an even deeper appreciation for the etiquette of collaboration. Show up ready. Respect other people’s time. Encourage generously. Carry yourself in a way that elevates the room. If you have a question for a future Ask Alison segment, kindly email info@elevateetiquette.com . Alison M. Cheperdak, J.D., is the founder of Elevate Etiquette, a consultancy where she teaches modern manners in a gracious and grounded way. She is the author of a forthcoming book, “Was It Something I Said? Everyday Etiquette to Avoid Awkward Moments in Relationships, Work, and Life.”