How to become a Model
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WOW!!! So much
$$$ to get started??
People ask me about this so here it is! "How to save money".
It takes very little time and money to find out if you have what
it takes. It takes time and money to get started! First of all
avoid all scams.
Make a commitment to yourself to keep the
same look for a year. If you change your hair color (by the way
your hair color should be natural), length or style (preferable
length is : shoulder length), loose weight etc... your portfolio
will not be up to date. You will need new pictures and that can
get costly.
Searching for an agency/coordinator: If
you intend to send pictures and introduction letters to agencies,
mail the information only to reputed and well known agencies /
coordinators in the area where you want to work in and where you
can easily travel to (on short notice). Also keep in mind that
only One agency / coordinator should represent you.
Before you spend a fortune on a portfolio,
decide if you want to go international or work local. Local work
will not require a fancy portfolio. If you want to work in international/national
markets you will need a top quality portfolio or you will get
turned down real quick. Only work with the best photographers
of repute.
When you go to the Photo Shoot make sure
you know at least 36 poses. Practice. Look at magazines and practice
the poses. Not all photographers take the time to help new models
with posing. If you are not ready, the shoot will have poor results.
At the end of the shoot thank every one involved and let the photographer
know that he / she can count on you if he / she needs someone
to work on future projects.
Some photographers are more picky then others.
Some will simply turn you down because they believe you can't
make it as a model? Some will refuse to take pictures unless they
have their usual makeup, hair, and wardrobe stylist. That is not
bad but not cheap! Most will do a minimum of 3 rolls of film and
will refuse to do only one. There is all kind of photographers,
students, part time, professionals etc. All can be good or bad.
Students often do shoots with aspiring models for free , they
exchange the model's time for photos. Part time photographers
don't make a living at this, they have great interest in it and
are usually building up the equipment and the portfolio. They
do that by offering photo shoots at cheaper rates, trade time
for pictures or do the shoot at cost! And then there is the professional
with all the equipment and years of experience, they might give
you a break but don't count on it(don't forget they make a living
at this). Also keep in mind that when you gain the experience
and start getting more work, you will need the Highest Quality
prints to represent you. You might find it to your advantage to
get started with the help of the professional photographers but
make an informed decision. What matters from any photographers
is how he/she meet your objectives of providing great prints.
Where to find
people willing to help you?
Try your community college, check the newspaper, check the online
modeling forum and the news group alt.models on the internet.
Is there a photo club in your area?
Model's Safety: Be always careful when meeting
these people, bring a friend and use your judgment. Meet in public
places first. When going to the photo shoot, call a friend and
let him/her know where you are, how much time the photo shoot
will take and what the phone # is. Call your friend back at the
end of the session, or have them call you at a certain time, near
the end of the photo session. There are a lot of people who are
Honest and looking to help you. Unfortunately this industry as
seen many scams and it's the good people (both model and photographer)
that suffer from all this. It's hard to trust people but by being
careful you can benefit greatly. A legit photographer will be
understanding of the above safety measures and will have no problem
ensuring your safety. It could be a good subject of conversation
on the first contact.
Learn makeup skills and get to know how
to style your hair in different ways. Clothes at many stores can
be purchased and later returned, make sure you can return them
and get what you want for the shoot! Put tape underneath new shoes,
so you don't scratch the bottom, you will be able to return them
too after the shoot! Clothes if they don't fit or are not flattering
enough can be changed quickly by using cloth pins (try paper clamps!).
Use them in the back of your dress, it will make it snug (in some
case you look like you lost 15 pounds instantly) It's also good
at making skirts shorter.
Ok so you have
your agency, your portfolio and your comp cards. What happens
next?
Well modeling is like a business, you need to pay rent and advertise,
that's the commission you pay the agency / coordinator for promoting
you and finding work for you . Your investment is your portfolio.
You have been sitting around the house for a few weeks now waiting
for a call? You finally get one! It's a "go see". Your
agency/coordinator called you, usually on a short notice you have
to meet the client. You bring your portfolio, it's like a resume
for a job. They look at you and your book. You give them a comp
card (like a business card) so they can remember you when you
leave. You later find out if you get the job or not. If you get
the job, the agency charges the client, then keeps a commission
and pays you. After the job is done you might get pictures from
the session. That is the best thing to have in your portfolio(referred
to as tear sheets). And then the cycle repeats itself. On the
job show your great personality, this is what will get you repeat
business! Also keep in touch with your agency/coordinator, visit
them once in a while to show interest.
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