Models Articles

• Modeling Tips, How To Become A Model

Where do I start
You'll need a modeling portfolio, I'm sure you'll all know what one of those is but for those that don't it's basically a selection of pictures showing yourself in different outfits and poses. The standard size for the photos is 9 by 12 inches and you'll need around 10 - 12 photos. Make sure you focus on quality rather than quantity, remember, you're only as good as your worst photo. Make sure your portfolio has a selection of both head shots and full body shots. Make sure you get a variety of different looks such as swimwear, catalogue and lingerie, you get the idea, also get a couple of black and white shots in there. Avoid using pictures of the same shot.

Before going ahead with a photo session ask to look at the photographers portfolio to see if you like his style of photography. No doubt if you go to the photographers studio to book the appointment he will have examples of his work on display anyway. If you've never done modelling before this will also be an excellent practice run for you

The Comp Card
You'll definately need one of these. A comp card is what your modelling agency will use to market you.
What is a comp card? A composite card (sometimes called a ZED) is a model's business card. In most cases, your comp card is your one and only opportunity to make a good first impression. With that in mind it is important that the images on your card are your absolute best and nothing less. Additionally, the printing and reproduction quality is extremely important

Poor reproduction makes your images look bad and as a result - makes you look bad. Besides a great head-shot, the comp card will have other photos that show your experience, your versatility, range, and what type of work you are seeking. For best results all of the photos should be the highest quality you can obtain at your stage in your modeling career. Make sure the you have them printed on rigid card that will withstand a bit of wear and tear.

Be careful!
Do NOT have a modeling agency print your comp card. If you do - they will put their logo on it. You are going to want to sign with as many agencies as possible if you are serious about getting work. Comp card printing can get expensive - print them yourself and give each agency copies - they have stickers that they can put on them with their contact information and you will save money.

The Agency
An agency or co-ordinator should represent models. The model must have a portfolio, and comp cards. The agency/coordinator provides you with work (That is their main purpose. It is safe to say that they work for you!) They make a commission on your fee.

~ GOLDEN RULE ~

Don't go with an agency who asks for money up front! You'll probably never hear from them again and I ceratainly doubt you'll ever get any work from them. Also check to see if they are reputable and genuine. The agency/coordinator provides you with a safe working environment and looks after legalities of the paper work for the job. They provide their clients with "Professional" models. Keep copies of all-important papers, such as contracts etc. You may need these if you have a dispute with the agency/coordinator. It is wise to choose the agency/coordinator carefully so you can stay with that them.

How do I approach an agency?
The oldest way to go about it is to visit them. Book an appointment ahead of time by phone. Bring at least 2 pictures. They don't have to be professional pictures. A head shot, natural and clear. Also a full length shot that somewhat reveals your figure, a clingy dress , swimsuit, figure flattering clothes or other tight fittings garments should be worn. Forget about baggy clothes! It will tip off viewers that you have something to hide. Ask lots of questions. A sk to see what work their models are currently doing? Ask for names and phone number of clients and call them to verify the information, be concerned if they promise you work right away or promise you high salaries. If they don't allow you time to think about it or if they use pressure techniques to sign the contract, be concerned. They should not ask for money up-front for classes or training. Be concerned if the they claim to be looking for ordinary people. Reputed agencies/coordinators might have open interviews during the week, give them a call and find out.

Our Top Ten Modeling tips

1. Always be on time, if you cannot, be let the Photographer know. Punctuality is very important."safety tip": If you are not taking anyone with you to the shoot, let someone know where you are and with whom. And be sure to tell the photographer that someone knows where you are.

2. Always go prepared : ie...clothing changes that you know will fit you. Don't always think that he/she will have everything that is needed for the shoot.

3. Always take your own make-up; even if he/she has told you there will be a make-up artist there. Always think of the could be's.

4. Get phone numbers and addresses if possible, if he/she is hesitant. You might want to rethink the shoot.

6. Make sure that you know exactly what the shoot consists of, and never feel pressured to do anything that you do not feel comfortable doing. If nothing else, go by your gut feeling.

7. Always take along enough "cash" for cab fare etc. In case the photographer cannot provide adequate transportation. Most will, but always be prepared for the "just in case".

8. Keep in mind that modeling is a business, not a personal venture. You need to be prepared to negotiate with prospective employers, regarding everything from pay to content. Don't just drop out of contact because you don't like what's offered - either negotiate or say, "Thanks, but no thanks." You never know, the employer you turn down could well have your dream job later - and if you treat him or her rudely or with disrespect, you'll likely miss out.

9. If you have a verbal or signed agreement on traveling expenses etc. Make sure that it is followed up on. Written is sometimes the best.

• Before The Shoot

To have a successful shoot the model must have a concept or an idea and be able to communicate it to the photographer before any work is done. This will help the photographer to previsualize the session and prepare the set and make the whole production to work in a unified direction. One way to do this is to show sketches or sample photographs of the style, the poses and the overall feel of the photograph you want to do. The sketches or photographs can be samples of magazines layouts, advertising shoots, etc.

• What is Glamour photography?

Is the photographing of a model with the emphasis on the allure of the subject. michelle_merkin

Photographers use a combination of cosmetics, lighting and airbrushing techniques to produce the most physically appealing image of the model possible.
Magazines and movie stars Standards of glamour photography have changed over time, reflecting changes in social acceptance. In the early 1920s, United States photographers like Ruth Harriet Louise and George Hurrell photographed celebrities to glamorise their stature by utilizing lighting techniques to develop dramatic effects. During World War II pin-up pictures of scantily clad movie stars were extremely popular among US servicemen. However, until the 1950s, the use of glamour photography in advertising or men’s magazines was highly controversial or even illegal. Magazines featuring glamour photography were sometimes marketed as "art magazines" or "health magazines".

• Popular portraiture

Since the 1990s glamour photography has increased in popularity among the public. Glamour portrait studios opened, offering professional hair and makeup artists and professional retouching to allow the general public to have the "model" experience. These sometimes include "boudoir" portraits but are more commonly used by professionals and high school seniors who want to look "their best" for their portraits.
Magazines Glamour model and photographer at work Playboy was instrumental in changing the world of glamour photography as the first magazine which focused on nude models and was targeted at the mainstream consumer. In December 1953, Hugh Hefner published the first edition of Playboy with Marilyn Monroe on the cover, and nude photos of Monroe inside. Monroe's star status and charming personality helped to diminish the public outcry. When asked what she had on during the photoshoot, she replied "the radio". After Playboy broke through, many other magazines followed and this was instrumental in opening the market for the introduction of glamour photography into modern society. Today, softcore nude photographs of models appear in publications such as Perfect 10, or tabloid newspapers such as Britain's The Sun's Page 3.
Recently, several popular glamour magazines (known as lad mags) are reversing the trend, by emphasizing glamour while showing less nudity, in favor of implied (covered) nudity or toplessness, such as the handbra technique, where a woman hides her nipples and areolae by covering both breasts with her own hands, or those of another person. Examples include FHM (For Him Magazine) and Maxim magazines, which launched in 1994 and 1995, respectively.

• Modeling Poses

Whether you are searching for a career in fashion
modeling or glamour modeling, it is very important for you to realize that there is more to becoming a model than just standing there looking beautiful. One very important factor in becoming a good model is posing, and in order for you to learn the different poses needed for the type of modeling career you are seeking it will take practice, practice, practice.

• Make Your Posing Look Natural

When preparing for your photo shoot, there are numerous steps you can take to ensure you are comfortable while posing and your photos will look more natural.

• Get Posing Ideas

Before you head to your photo shoot, pick at least ten poses you really like from fashion or glamour magazines, or poses you’ve learned from previous photo shoots. Take time to practice each pose in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable and have the confidence of knowing you look great doing these poses.

• Hands and Facial Expression

Also, focus on what to do with your hands and pay attention to facial expressions. A pose is virtually dead and unimaginative without a “look”. You should be able to close your eyes, imagine a thought, open your eyes and sell that thought. Practice this technique and your photos will come alive.

• Become an Idea Factory

Unless you are shooting for an advertising agency or some other type of special interest session many photographers recommend that you bring some of your own posing ideas to the shoot. In addition to your ideas, the photographer may have his or her own idea of how the session should go.

• Rapport with Your Photographer

Always work with a photographer you feel you can trust. This will make communication between the two of you easier and give you the confidence to express your own ideas. Always listen to what the photographer tells you. If you are really uncomfortable with the pose, let your photographer know how you feel, in a nice way. Remember, he is looking through the camera lens and might see something you don’t. If the photographer says she wants something different in the pose, try looking away from the camera or giving a unique facial expression. This is where your practice in front of the mirror really pays.

• Posture

When posing you should always keep good posture unless the photographer instructs you to do otherwise. Hold your stomach in to give your abdomen a more toned appearance. If you have gained a few pounds stick out your chin a little to avoid the appearance of a double chin in your photos. Keep your fingers slightly apart and pointed away from the lens. Let your hands fall naturally into position
whenever possible. Remember, you want to be yourself – on purpose. Now that you have learned what to do, consider these things you should try to avoid while posing.

* Things to Avoid when Posing for a Photographer

• Misplaced Body Language

Body language and expressions come naturally but the language you are projecting might not be what your photographer wants in a particular pose. You need to conciously focus on ways to prevent these habits while posing. Don’t hold your breath during a pose. Stay relaxed and your photos will look as if you just happened to be sitting this way when the photographer walked up. In most pose situations you want your arms, legs, wrists, etc. slightly bent unless you are directed to do otherwise Most people don’t stand or sit with their arms and legs completely stiff. A good point to remember is, if it will bend, bend it.

• Mona Lisa Smile?

Another posing tip to remember is that you don’t always have to smile. You should have a good variety of smiling and serious looks. But, sometimes you will want to give a large, open-mouthed laugh. If you are susposed to be happy, look the part!

• Your Eyes are the Windows to Your Soul

Don’t always look straight into the camera. When you cut your eyes to the left or right, you create an air of mystery. When you look up and away, you are annoyed. Tilt your chin slightly down and look straight ahead for a sexy look.

• About Blinking

Beware of the Blink! If you have to blink, try to blink between exposures. This is not always easy, especially if you are working in a photography studio. Some models get into a habit of anticipating the strobes and start to close their eyes when the picture is about to be snapped. Get into the habit of not paying attention to the flash and concentrate wholy on the pose, your body language, hand position, etc. and your images will come out as you expect.

• Be Bold!!

Never be afraid to try out some of your own poses in front of your photographer. Most photographers are glad to hear suggestions from you.

• How do You See Yourself?

When you look at your final images don’t be critical of yourself. Find positive ways to improve your posing. Discover your strengths and weaknesses and shoot for the stars.

I am certain that Tyra Banks still works on her appearance and her posing artistry even though she has achieved a degree of stardom. Shouldn’t you?

• 10 Important Tips for Models

Can’t be shy.
All successful models love to pose, walk in front of little or huge audience and perform. They feel in their own shoes doing this job and love their job. If you are person who enjoys performing if front of other people, that’s one of the signs that tell you about good possibilities in modeling industry.

Persistancy.
Modeling as a job requires a lot of stamina and patience. You have to be stubborn, if you want achieve something; also you need to be very hard working. There are times when you can be without any job, but if you get one – it may take many hours to make photo shoot, so you need to be ready emotionally to work through all this.

Adapt yourself.
You have to be able to concentrate yourself on specific areas, adapt your personality, charisma, your charm and change it whenever it is necessary. You need to be able to sell yourself – then to sell various products.

Get Informed.
Models have to learn a lot about modeling and modeling industry. If you want to be successful model you need to know how to be independent in business and how to survive in this big world of modeling. It is dangerous if you can’t learn it fast. You can be exploited by others in the industry.

• Petite Modeling

Dreaming of a model career but not tall enough?

Don't get disappointed, modeling industry is open for anyone. There are modeling agencies that accept models that are 1.6 meter (5 inches) tall. All you have to do is find as much information of various modeling aggencies as possible and be very patient and determined to get to the industry.

Petite models are usually working more as a "close up" photo models than those in a fashion industry. Petite models are used to take pictures of body parts instead of body as a whole, therefore your body imperfections, such as height is not that important as your facial features. So to get to the industry you must have cute face, nice skin, a good bone structure and good teeth.

Don't consider your self as a cute one? You are not the one to judge yourself. Go to some modeling agency and simply ask if you have facial features that would be acceptable in modeling. If they'll tell you no, don't get disappointed. Modeling is an industry there requirements change extremely fast. Try to ask for professional opinion a few months later. Maybe they themselves will invite you for work.

Moreover, petite models surely look fit while tall models look elegant. That's the main reason why fashion industry professional choose tall models for shows on the catwalk and petite models for prints and other media. While talking about television, only a few petite girls are working as models for it. The reason of this is that tall models look better in front of camera, because television actually shortens one's appearance. Although it's just an optical illusion it's surely an important feature.

Have in mind that most clients and photographers would rather work with a vibrant and "easy" person than a beautiful one who is very self-esteem, does not take instructions well or acts as a snob. You have to be lively, full of energy and work hard to get successful in petite modeling industry. Bodily requirements for petite models are not as high as for tall ones, so your character features definitely are very important if you want to become a famous model.