Have people told you that you have a great look? Have people told you that you are photogenic or pretty? Maybe you have thought about being a model, or had people ask you, "How do I become a model?". Breaking into the modeling world is a lot easier than you'd think if you have the right knowledge and the correct tools.
Confidence and a positive attitude will take you far, and make sure you are well put-together.
The first key component of modeling is finding photographers who are open to doing Trade For Print, also known as TFP, with you. Photographers and models do TFP, which is unpaid work, in order to get photographs and experience that can be used to get paid work later on. If you don't have the time or money for shooting then start practicing posing in the mirror. Learn what works in poses, including facial expressions. Photographers who are truly professional in their behavior will allow someone to come with you so that you feel safe.
With any kind of modeling you will want to have a good portfolio. When starting off and looking for an agency, one or two good head shots of yourself and one to three full body shots in flattering clothing should be fine. As you become more experienced then you can update and improve your portfolio. Be leery if you interview at an agency and they request that you to spend a lot of money to better your portfolio; you do not have to do this. However, asking you to test shoot for your book with photographers they like using is okay. SOMETIMES it costs a bit but shouldn't be more than a few hundred dollars for each test, hopefully including hair and make-up... see if they can get any photographers that will shoot with you for free first. If you don't get pictures that show you at your best with natural hair and make-up then it may be best to go in with none at all. Any photos should capture that you are photogenic. If they are not really great quality then reconsider using them at all.
Once you have your portfolio prepared the next step would be to call up some modeling agencies.
Don't rush through this part and don't pick just any one. Additionally, never pay a fee to sign or apply to an agency. If they wish to have you, they will be paying for you to work for them; you should never have to pay to try to get work.
Thoroughly check the agencies that are out there. Don't be afraid to interview them and ask them questions and ask other people what they think of them. Narrow it down to the top three to five after you have learned about them all, then contact them at the beginning of the week to find out when their open calls are. Don't hesistate to ask questions of them as they will of you. Be professional yet determined but do not take any potential rejection personally. Sometimes an agency is not currently in need of your look, they have a full roster, your look doesn't mesh with their agency and the clients that they cater to, or they don't have time to grow you. Regardless of the reason, as with many things in life, it's generally NOT personal so keep your head high and move on to the next agency. If the agency signs you, great!
Another thing you should do is get your measurements and write down the clothing sizes that fit you best. Choose your best photos, usually at least one full body shot, a three-quarter shot, and one headshot. Congratulations, you are now equipped with a portfolio, and your body measurements readily on hand.
One of the best ways for this is to use the photos from your portfolio on sites like OMP and Model Mayhem to get more attention to your abilities. Be careful though, to confirm references, and also do a thorough check on any photographers and agents that you are interested in working with. respond to casting calls anywhere that you can find them on the net. Search up open calls for modeling work on classified ads too.
The more exclusive (and often safer route) is to go to licensed agencies in your city, and go to an open call. Bring your photos, and bring your statistics and contact information. Figure out what niche of modeling would fit you best.
Fashion models have the most strict restrictions. Most agencies are specifically looking for women who are five foot eight inches and above, ages thirteen to twenty-two. Men who want to model have to typically be around six feet in height. Knowing this info before going into an agency is vital, as is knowing not to dress outlandishly nor wear jewelry. Select a natural, everyday look, with make-up that would simply cover up blemishes and highlight the eyes. The point of this make-up is to make it seem as if you don't have on any make-up at all.
One last tip, learn how to do your own make-up, and work toward getting a modeling wardrobe. The more assets that you possess, the more money you can make as a professional model. Happy modeling!
Confidence and a positive attitude will take you far, and make sure you are well put-together.
The first key component of modeling is finding photographers who are open to doing Trade For Print, also known as TFP, with you. Photographers and models do TFP, which is unpaid work, in order to get photographs and experience that can be used to get paid work later on. If you don't have the time or money for shooting then start practicing posing in the mirror. Learn what works in poses, including facial expressions. Photographers who are truly professional in their behavior will allow someone to come with you so that you feel safe.
With any kind of modeling you will want to have a good portfolio. When starting off and looking for an agency, one or two good head shots of yourself and one to three full body shots in flattering clothing should be fine. As you become more experienced then you can update and improve your portfolio. Be leery if you interview at an agency and they request that you to spend a lot of money to better your portfolio; you do not have to do this. However, asking you to test shoot for your book with photographers they like using is okay. SOMETIMES it costs a bit but shouldn't be more than a few hundred dollars for each test, hopefully including hair and make-up... see if they can get any photographers that will shoot with you for free first. If you don't get pictures that show you at your best with natural hair and make-up then it may be best to go in with none at all. Any photos should capture that you are photogenic. If they are not really great quality then reconsider using them at all.
Once you have your portfolio prepared the next step would be to call up some modeling agencies.
Don't rush through this part and don't pick just any one. Additionally, never pay a fee to sign or apply to an agency. If they wish to have you, they will be paying for you to work for them; you should never have to pay to try to get work.
Thoroughly check the agencies that are out there. Don't be afraid to interview them and ask them questions and ask other people what they think of them. Narrow it down to the top three to five after you have learned about them all, then contact them at the beginning of the week to find out when their open calls are. Don't hesistate to ask questions of them as they will of you. Be professional yet determined but do not take any potential rejection personally. Sometimes an agency is not currently in need of your look, they have a full roster, your look doesn't mesh with their agency and the clients that they cater to, or they don't have time to grow you. Regardless of the reason, as with many things in life, it's generally NOT personal so keep your head high and move on to the next agency. If the agency signs you, great!
Another thing you should do is get your measurements and write down the clothing sizes that fit you best. Choose your best photos, usually at least one full body shot, a three-quarter shot, and one headshot. Congratulations, you are now equipped with a portfolio, and your body measurements readily on hand.
One of the best ways for this is to use the photos from your portfolio on sites like OMP and Model Mayhem to get more attention to your abilities. Be careful though, to confirm references, and also do a thorough check on any photographers and agents that you are interested in working with. respond to casting calls anywhere that you can find them on the net. Search up open calls for modeling work on classified ads too.
The more exclusive (and often safer route) is to go to licensed agencies in your city, and go to an open call. Bring your photos, and bring your statistics and contact information. Figure out what niche of modeling would fit you best.
Fashion models have the most strict restrictions. Most agencies are specifically looking for women who are five foot eight inches and above, ages thirteen to twenty-two. Men who want to model have to typically be around six feet in height. Knowing this info before going into an agency is vital, as is knowing not to dress outlandishly nor wear jewelry. Select a natural, everyday look, with make-up that would simply cover up blemishes and highlight the eyes. The point of this make-up is to make it seem as if you don't have on any make-up at all.
One last tip, learn how to do your own make-up, and work toward getting a modeling wardrobe. The more assets that you possess, the more money you can make as a professional model. Happy modeling!
About the Author:
Learn more about how to model. Stop by the How to Model Coaching site where you can find out all about fashion and what it can do for you.
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