Before thinking about your wardrobe and portfolio, you should decide
which activities interest you in each modeling category. For example, Glamour
Modeling ranges from posing in evening dresses, to posing in lingerie or
swim-wear, to posing seminude or nude. You ought to determine what you
would do and not do in the Glamour Modeling category. To get a clearer
idea of what activities are typical in each category, refer to the table
below. The first column of the table lists the categories, and the other
columns show percentages for each activity. Before accepting any modeling
assignment, make sure you find out exactly what kind of modeling you will
be asked to do.
| CATEGORY | CLOTHES & HEAD SHOTS | BATHING SUIT | LINGERIE | SEMI NUDE | NUDE |
| High Fashion | 55% | 15% | 20% | 8% | 2% |
| Editorial | 60% | 15% | 20% | 5% | NONE |
| Glamour | 10% | 15% | 20% | 30% | 25% |
| Catalogue | 45% | 20% | 25% | 10% | NONE |
| Runway | 60% | 25% | 15% | NONE | NONE |
| Specialty | 55% | 10% | 20% | 15% | NONE |
| Character | 100% | NONE | NONE | NONE | NONE |
| Conventions | 85% | 15% | NONE | NONE | NONE |
| Photographers | 25% | 25% | 20% | 15% | 15% |
A WORD ABOUT NUDE MODELING
Every model, even a High Fashion model, sooner or later is asked
if she will pose in the nude. Unlike modeling in lingerie or bathing suits,
nude modeling still has a stigma attached to it. Many models do not pose
in the nude for this reason. As a consequence, the pay rate can be twice
as high for nude modeling. Anyone considering nude modeling should keep
the following issues in mind. If you sign a model release without carefully
studying its content, your image could turn up anywhere at any time, even
though this was not your intention. Usually, modeling agencies advise their
beginning models not to pose in the nude, and they carefully evaluate model
releases for all their models.
WARDROBE
In most modeling jobs, the clothes are supplied by the advertisers.
However, you need some in- style clothing of your own, for use in interviews
and your portfolio photographs. You should have appropriate shoes to complement
your outfits. If cost is a problem, you might borrow clothing from your
friends and relatives, as long as it fits.
PORTFOLIO
The first thing most modeling agencies ask is to see your portfolio
or pictures. However, if you are going to try to work through an
agency don't spend to much money on your portfolio, visit the agencies
first. They might require completely different look for your portfolio.
Freelance models need more complete portfolios.
Ideally, a portfolio should have 24 eight-by-ten-inch photographs.
However, most modeling agencies will agree to interview a beginning model
if the applicant has at least two good photos. Here are some
photographs you might include in your portfolio:
1. An informal head shot.
2. An editorial-style photo, in evening dress.
3. A full-length photo, in a casual outfit.
4. An editorial-style photo, in a sporty outfit.
5. An editorial-style photo, in a coat.
6. A photo of product-demonstration.
7. A full-length photo, in a swimming suit.
8. A full-length photo, in a T-shirt and shorts.
9. A full-length photo, in lingerie.
10. A profile head shot.
11. A profile head shot, in a hat.
12. A head shot, in perfect makeup and hair.
13. An advertising-style photo, in full-length dress.
14. A full-length sport-action photo.
15. A full-length editorial-style photo, outdoors in a dress.
16. A situational shot, creating a "slice-of-life" image. For example, getting surprised.
17. A catalogue-style photo, with another model in casual dress.
18. If interested in specialty modeling, a photo featuring the part of your body that you want to model.
19. If interested in figure, art, seminude, or nude modeling, a tastefully-done photo showing your figure.
FINDING A PHOTOGRAPHER TO DO YOUR PORTFOLIO
If you planning to work through a modeling agency, don't spend to
much money on your portfolio, untill you visit some agencies. For
freelance models having a good portfolio is a neccesity. Also the
more different photographers you use to built your portfolio the better
your portfolio will be.
When you pose for your portfolio photographs, not only are you building
a portfolio, but also you are gaining valuable experience as a model. Therefore,
before you choose a photographer, make sure that:
The photographer takes Polaroid shots in order to check your makeup. This is a regular practice in most modeling jobs.
You do your own makeup. In most beginning and intermediate modeling jobs, there is no makeup artist, and so you are expected to do your own makeup. However, if you have not improved your makeup skills sufficiently yet use a makeup artist.
You are to get all the proofs. Modeling agencies and clients often like to evaluate the proofs before hiring a model.
The photographer plans to use plenty of film, about five rolls of 35-millimeter, plus at least one roll of 6X6- or 6X7-centimeter for closeups (Please note that using 6x6 and 6x7 film is not that important any more due to improvements in the 35mm film quality, and touchup of the negatives is usually not done for portfolio pictures)
There is to be no touching-up of the photographs. Touched-up images are useless to the modeling agencies. Besides, photographs without touch-up are much less expensive than portrait photographs.
You are given ample opportunity to work on your hair and makeup every
time you change into another outfit.
The photographer varies his style and alters the backgrounds, so
that the photographs do not appear too uniform.
The photographer has the capability to convert photographs into scanned digital images. The popularity of the Internet's modeling agencies is multiplying every month.
The total cost of the portfolio is up front. For example, get an estimate for five hours' sitting fee, plus your selection of ten 8X10 prints, plus five scanned images.
After you select your photographer make sure that:
You bring enough outfits and shoes for at least six changes.
You vary your expressions during the session. You check your makeup and hair often, or else ask the photographer to check them for you.
Unless you are unusually lucky, it is hard to make a living as a beginning model. Typically at the start, modeling jobs will be few and short. Therefore, you should have another source of income, preferably in a business related to the modeling industry, such as:
Malls, where models are used.
Photo Stores, where professional photographers shop.
High quality clothing stores.
Fashion coordinators, individuals who obtain clothing for use in fashion shows.
Printing cost for your composites.
A resume.
Being included in a headsheet.
If you are going to make TV commercials, you might be required to join a union, and to pay the initiation fee.
Places nonspecific ads in the "Help Wanted" columns in newspapers, such as "M/F models wanted, no experience necessary."
Uses a name which sounds similar to a well-known agency or person.
Displays pictures of famous models in the office, even though they have never been represented.
Schedules appointments for after-work hours, perhaps in your home.
Pressures you to leave a cash deposit, or wants you to sign a contract immediately.
Doesn't answer questions about the specifics of a modeling job.
Asks you to have more photographs taken by a certain photographer, perhaps demanding a deposit for the photographs and payment of the balance before you have even seen the photographs. Unfortunately, some non-reputable firms make all their money from this forced photography.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU CANNOT FIND A MODELING AGENCY TO REPRESENT YOU
Remember, rejections are an integral part of the modeling business. Never let rejection divert you from finding your special place in the industry. A modeling agency might already be representing models of your type, and adding another person to the pool might not be fair to you or the others. Keep revisiting model agencies that you like at least once a month. Your repeated visits will tell an agency that you are seriously interested in a modeling career, making it more inclined to represent you. If after a few visits nothing has happened, openly ask for advice. You might obtain some very useful hints.
FREELANCE MODELING
Freelance Modeling is an alternative way to work as a model. As
a Freelance Model you are responsible for your own billings, promotions,
safety, etc. Here are some ways you can promote yourself as a Freelance
Model:
Call professional photographers in your area to find out if they use Freelance Models. If they do, visit them and leave your composite and resume.
Do test shoots. Sometimes a photographer recommends a model to an
agency if the test shoots turn out well.
Visit businesses that use models, telling them of your interest
in modeling. Leave them your composite and resume.
Visit commercial film developers and camera stores used by photographers. Tell them your interest and leave your composite and resume.
Call camera clubs. Deliver or send your composite and resume.
Advertise your services in photography magazines.
Register with a Virtual Modeling Agency on the Internet.
PRECAUTIONS FOR FREELANCE MODELS
These precautions apply to all models. However, modeling agencies take most of these precautions for the models they represent.
Don't have your own phone number, address, or real name on your composites and resumes.
If you get a job offer, find out the address and phone number of the job location. Somebody you know must have the name of the person you are working for, the location of the job, and how you can be reached. The person you are working for must be aware that your whereabouts are known.
Take a friend or relative to the job location. If that is not possible, drive yourself to the job location.
Know exactly what kind of modeling you will be doing, the pay rate, and the duration of the session, before accepting the offer.
Prior to the job, get a copy of the model release agreement. Study it carefully, or seek assistance.
How much should a beginning model expect to be paid?
FIRST THREE MONTHS AFTER COMPLETING YOUR BASIC PORTFOLIO
If you are accepted by a modeling agency, expect to be sent out
for many test shots. If you are freelancing, try to get as many test shots
as possible. Either way, don't expect to make any money during the first
three months.
AFTER THREE MONTHS
By this time, agencies should start sending you to paying jobs.
They will negotiate your fee with the client. If you are a Freelance Model,
you have to negotiate your own fee. Depending on supply and demand, set
your fee for about $75 an hour, with a two-hour minimum per session. However,
it might be beneficial to accept a lower rate, if the duration of the job
is longer than two hours.
After this beginning period, your pay rate should rise steadily, and the number of jobs should increase overall.. Typically in the modeling industry, there are busy and lean periods, even for experienced models. When busy, don't forget to save for leaner times.
GENERAL RULE
Pay rates vary greatly between metropolitan areas and on a seasonal
basis. Therefore, it is hard to pin down exact pay rates. Try to find out
what the other models are making for similar jobs in your area, and set
your rates accordingly.
Remember, in order be a successful model, it takes time, hard work, perseverance, and a rejection-proof attitude. If you are really serious about pursuing a modeling career, you will make a firm commitment and stick with it. Each year many newly successful models appear. Become one of them.
APPENDIX A
Occasionally, photographers conduct test shoots for established models, or for serious beginning models. There are many different reasons why photographers do test shoots. Please refer to the Getting Started and Modeling Terms section of this manual for more information about test shoots. Listed below are my own reasons for doing test shoots, and my expectations of models selected for test shoots.
DETAILS OF THE TEST SHOOT
As I explained in the Model Manual, a test shoot involves no fees.
However, if a test shoot is well planned and executed, both model and photographer
come out winners. To make our test shoot successful, please do the following
before setting up an appointment:
Follow the instructions up to the Portfolio section.
Pick about ten photographs from the suggested portfolio list. Have enough outfits for about four changes.
Remember, you are expected to sign the release, permitting my use of your photos in the typical-portfolio section of my WEB page.
Six 8X10 color prints from selected proofs. If you select more than six photos, you are expected to pay the cost of developing the extra prints (about $6.00 to $10.00 per print). It will take one week to get the prints.
Great job opportunities. After a short try-out, my WEB site will be listed by more than 50 search firms. In addition, you may permit Virtual Modeling Agencies to copy your images from my WEB Page, and add you to their head sheets if they wish.
What do I get out of the test shoots?
Hopefully, I will discover a great new model!
I get to work with models that are truly interested in modeling.
I can make my WEB page more interesting and popular, by presenting a greater variety of models.