MODELING 101
Lately I have received numerous requests from young ladies interested in being a model....I feel obligated to write this even though it may not be what many want to hear.
There are many avenues out there for anyone who has the desire to become a model....modeling schools, agencies, online agencies, photographers, you name it. The market is OVER saturated with young woman who have been told somewhere down the line that 'YOU TO CAN BE A MODEL, OR LOOK LIKE ONE' well, looking like one is one thing, believing you are one or being one is another.
The world of modeling is so fiercly competitive that unless you really HAVE IT you might as well move on to something else. Not to sound rude or negative, but when I get 20 emails a day and not one of them is from someone over 5'6 I have to wonder what is going on out there. Ladies to make it in fashion modeling here in the USA and most International markets you have got to be at least 5'8 not 5'7 or 5'6....5'8 period. You better not be above the measurements of 34-24-34 or you will forever feel like you are overweight because you were blessed with real woman hips of 36. Now if you truly have the look of the moment...photograph extremely well, and have the ideal body....you may get work in Japan. I have seen girls 5'4-5'7 get great contracts overseas. But, again this is far and few between that qualify for this opportunity.
I know it is a great dream to think that someday you may be the next supermodel...but your odds of winning the lottery are probably better.
For those who want to do it for the thrill....to say you are a model and want to take the challenge head on....here are a few very crucial tips.
Look the part. If you are of alternative/gothic/bondage nature....forget it. No reputable photographer/client will look at you...not to say they won't ever at some point want that look, but it can be created with anyone...living the dream is not going to score you any brownie points. Be clean, fashionable and have style that is appealing. Keep your skin clean, clear and beautiful. Don't over do it with the make up....less is better.
Be realistic. Whoever told you that you can make money being a model...that people will pay you to take your picture....is also probably the same person trying to sell you some crappy web portfolio that will expose you to thousands of potential clients daily. Sound familiar....
Build a solid Portfolio.......again referencing the above paragraph. Many photographers and Make Up Artists like myself are always looking for the ideal face for our book. If you are it....then lets schedule a test shoot....aka TFP. This is where you get PHOTO'S for your time and NOBODY gets paid.
This is my biggest gut wrenching pet peeve about all the model wannabes out there.....the ones that ask to BE PAID for taking their picture. As if they are Linda, Naomi, Cindy or whomever. Most of these girls are not worth 10 minutes to donate our time to and yet they are asking us to pay them.....whatever. These girls need to understand that if we have chosed them....and see them worthy enough to shoot, then that is a major bonus/benefit to them....so they can get quality/usable photo's to build their book. Now don't get me wrong....there are also many photographers out there that I wouldn't shoot with even if they did pay offer to pay you. If they have a crappy portfolio or it is full of nude/semi nude photo's that won't benefit your book....don't shoot with them. Use common sense.
The rule is simple....if the photographer is being paid by a client/customer for work that involves models, then the models in turn will be paid. Many times you may get a call that involves a client, but doesn't pay....sometimes you need to do freebie work to get the tools....tear sheets, photo's etc.....you need to move on down the road to the paying job.
Commercial modeling is a totally different ballgame that I won't play in right now....this is all related to fashion. So don't throw rocks and jump on the commercial bandwagon. I do know the difference.
