FROM being given made-to-measure latex clothes by one of her favourite companies to posing with a frozen fish, while wearing a helmet covered in popcorn, Hariet Orman's life as an alternate model is certainly a varied one.

Harriet, who lives in Portswood, Southampton, works as a parcel sorter, but her vocation and passion is being an alternative model.

The alternative modelling scene has grown hand in hand with the growth and development of social media.

Harriet, who models under the name Blasphemer, has some 15,000 followers on her Instagram account, xx_blasphemer_xx.

This gives her an instant and dedicated audience for her photos, and makes her appealing to companies who want access to her followers.

She is often given clothes, make-up and accessories to model on Instagram.

This includes the dreadlocks that she's currently wearing, custom-made latex dresses and a rave outfit, streetwear and custom made jewellery.

As well as wearing the items for photo shoots, which she posts on her account, she also shares photos of herself wearing the items on nights out, and tags where they came from, offering even more exposure.

Her current aim is to get her follower numbers up to 25,000, with more reach meaning designers will be even more interested in working with her.

Harriet started modelling several years ago, for a friend's fledgling business venture.

She had a break for college and university, before getting back into alternative modelling around two and a half years ago.

She has had a number of paid jobs, and her photos have been published in glossy magazines, and also makes money doing studio days for photographers who are learning about lighting, etc, but most of her work is collaborations with photographers, done as a hobby.

"For me, it's a passion," says the 30-year-old.

"It's a creative outlet. I do all the make up, the styling and the concepts. It's a really fun hobby, and I make a bit of money here and there, although I would love this to be my full-time job."

Modelling has taken her to Germany, for the aforementioned frozen fish shoot with musician Vince Voltage.

A more glamorous trip was to London to have her measurements taken by a designer for TLC Latex, so that they could send her made-to-measure pieces.

Harriet says that the alternative modelling scene is very diverse, which is one of the things that she loves about it.

"It embraces all sizes, shapes, appearance, gender," she says.

"Your career doesn't end when you turn 30 and you don't have to be stick thin.

"It's very different to conventional modelling. It allows you to experiment with lots of different things. I did a horror shoot recently. I like to do things that are a bit crazy, and to experiment with lots of different subjects.

"I studied special effects for film and television at Solent University, and for my final piece transformed myself into a demon character, with silicone prosthetics. I'd like to do more things like that in my modelling.

"My shoots reflect my personality. I'm a goth at heart, but I have a girly side too."

Harriet says that not only does alternative modelling allow you to express your own personality, but doing so is key.

"A good alternative model is someone who stays true to themselves," she says.

"Your career is very led by what you are interested in. I'm very influenced by music, art and film, and the shoots I do are a reflection of my personality."

She adds that being safety conscious is also paramount.

"You need to be comfortable with what you do," she says.

"Levels do get pushed and you have to stick to what you're comfortable with, whether that's lingerie, art nude, etc.

"You have to think about your security. A good sign is if you can take a chaperone; I do sometimes and always check their references and let people know where I am. Safety has to be your number one priority."

Harriet currently fits around three shoots a month in around working full-time, and hopes that her modelling career will continue to go from strength to strength.

"I love the creative freedom it gives me," she says.

"And I'm in love with fashion. Who doesn't like getting dressed up? Playing a character is also amazing. You can step out of yourself for a few hours.

"Modelling isn't something I necessarily thought I would be good at," she adds.

"But I'm quite natural in front of the camera, and it has given me lots more confidence.

"I just love it."!