Have you ever thought about becoming a fashion model ? Do you think you have what it takes for that kind of job? The typical fashion model travels to exotic places, models the latest clothes, fashions, and accessories from top designers, and can even be featured in various magazines, which of course can also then lead to being pursued by manufacturers for you to do product endorsements.
But that is typically not where a fashion model STARTS. Like anything else, a fashion model or teen model usually starts significantly lower on the totem pole while they are gaining visibility with potential clients and top modeling agencies around the world. But if you are willing to "pay your dues", the rewards can be fabulous from many perspectives, including travel, mingling with celebrities, attending exclusive events, and of course from a financial perspective. Top models can earn upwards of thousands of dollars per day.
Fashion modeling is no longer limited to just the "perfect" people anymore with the great looks, superb hair, and a Barbie-doll figure. Particularly in recent years, the fashion designers have started to realize that by only targeting the "perfect" people, they were ignoring a large portion, indeed a MAJORITY, of the audiences they could potentially target to sell their merchandise, accessories, and fashions.
That being the case, there is also a market for fashion models that almost spans the entire range of types of people; i.e., the petite, the "plus size", the teen, the "mature", and yes even the retiree crowd. Think about it, all those types of people have money also, and are willing to spend it if they are aware of the possibilities and availability of their products. And selling their creations and fashions is what they are in business for! To become a successful fashion model today, you no longer need to be limited to the group that is about 5 foot 8 inches tall at 120 pounds with perfect bouncy hair and about 22 years old.
There are many types of modeling jobs available, and virtually any of them would be a good start for someone with the motivation and desire to get into some of the top spots and top agencies. There is catalog modeling, runway modeling, showroom modeling, promotional or trade show modeling, television modeling, as well as print modeling like in newspapers or magazines.
Make no mistake about it, it is a tough market and there will likely be some long hours involved. But for those with the motivation and desire to succeed in this very competitive industry, the rewards can far outweigh the negatives.
About Author :
Jon is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge, experience, information, and findings. You can read more about Fashion Modeling careers at his web site at modeling
Friday, July 4, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
How To Get Your Foot In The Door At A Modeling Agency
Breaking into the modeling business starts by gaining entrance into the heart of the industry - your friendly neighborhood modeling agency. But what's the best way to get your foot in the door ? Every aspiring model has a different method for success, but here's a quick look at the top ways you can get noticed by modeling agencies large and small, local and worldwide.
The Dry Call
The adage "there's safety in numbers" may apply to many walks of life, but modeling is not one of them. When you send your heads shots into an agency unsolicited, you are joining the thousands of other aspiring models who have chosen the same point of entry. The potential problem with the dry call is that no matter how great you look, your head shot is likely to get lost in the shuffle. And that shuffle is likely being overseen by the overworked, cynical intern - not the dream-maker who sits in the corner office of the agency. While there ARE dry call success stories, don't expect a call 3-5 business days after your head shots hit the mail.
Pros: Cost-effective, allows you blanket many agencies at once, you're limited only by your postage budget.
Cons: The volume of dry calls a modeling agency receives in a given day makes it hard to stand out from the crowd.
The Walk In
Nothing says, "I'm ready to work" like showing up at a modeling agency is glorious 3-D. Walk In appointments give you a chance to show your portfolio to booking agents, be interviewed and just generally strut your stuff. Walk-ins must be scheduled in advance over the phone. When you arrive at the agency, always be dressed professionally and maintain a positive mental attitude. This is your chance to shine beyond your photos - take full advantage of it.
Pros: A one-on-one opportunity to make an impression on modeling professionals. Unlike the open call, you probably won't have to wait in line with hundreds of other respondents.
Cons: Much like the dry call, you can never be sure that the results of the walk in won't end up in the world's largest backroom filing cabinet. Still, the fact that the agency has had a chance to see you in person and experience your personality gives you a leg up!
The Open Call
Firmly planting yourself into the good graces of a modeling agency means being there when they want you (and not just when you decided it was a good time to drop them a line). And that is where the open call comes into play. An open call refers to that special time when an agency places an ad looking for talent. The process is simple: you show up - they love you - you become famous ! OK, maybe it's not that simple, but the open call generally produces the most success because you as a model are filling a need at the agency. When you do a dry call or a walk in, you may be great, but there's no way to gauge the hiring climate at the agency. With an open call, you're there because they want you there!
Pros: The open call is a signal that the agency in question is looking for new talent. There's no better time to get your foot in the door.
Cons: You're not going to be the only one who reads the modeling agency's ad. Be prepared to spend a large portion of the day waiting to be seen by the right people.
Visit http://www.coachmodels.com to get more information and send us an email.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jochen_K_Talmon
The Dry Call
The adage "there's safety in numbers" may apply to many walks of life, but modeling is not one of them. When you send your heads shots into an agency unsolicited, you are joining the thousands of other aspiring models who have chosen the same point of entry. The potential problem with the dry call is that no matter how great you look, your head shot is likely to get lost in the shuffle. And that shuffle is likely being overseen by the overworked, cynical intern - not the dream-maker who sits in the corner office of the agency. While there ARE dry call success stories, don't expect a call 3-5 business days after your head shots hit the mail.
Pros: Cost-effective, allows you blanket many agencies at once, you're limited only by your postage budget.
Cons: The volume of dry calls a modeling agency receives in a given day makes it hard to stand out from the crowd.
The Walk In
Nothing says, "I'm ready to work" like showing up at a modeling agency is glorious 3-D. Walk In appointments give you a chance to show your portfolio to booking agents, be interviewed and just generally strut your stuff. Walk-ins must be scheduled in advance over the phone. When you arrive at the agency, always be dressed professionally and maintain a positive mental attitude. This is your chance to shine beyond your photos - take full advantage of it.
Pros: A one-on-one opportunity to make an impression on modeling professionals. Unlike the open call, you probably won't have to wait in line with hundreds of other respondents.
Cons: Much like the dry call, you can never be sure that the results of the walk in won't end up in the world's largest backroom filing cabinet. Still, the fact that the agency has had a chance to see you in person and experience your personality gives you a leg up!
The Open Call
Firmly planting yourself into the good graces of a modeling agency means being there when they want you (and not just when you decided it was a good time to drop them a line). And that is where the open call comes into play. An open call refers to that special time when an agency places an ad looking for talent. The process is simple: you show up - they love you - you become famous ! OK, maybe it's not that simple, but the open call generally produces the most success because you as a model are filling a need at the agency. When you do a dry call or a walk in, you may be great, but there's no way to gauge the hiring climate at the agency. With an open call, you're there because they want you there!
Pros: The open call is a signal that the agency in question is looking for new talent. There's no better time to get your foot in the door.
Cons: You're not going to be the only one who reads the modeling agency's ad. Be prepared to spend a large portion of the day waiting to be seen by the right people.
Visit http://www.coachmodels.com to get more information and send us an email.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jochen_K_Talmon
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Modelling
Before starting career in Modelling you need to understand, in which category do you fit :
* High fashion modeling
* Glamour modeling
* Petite modeling
* Plus size modeling
* Teen modeling
* Mature modeling
* Body part modeling (hand modeling, etc.)
* Male modeling
* Character or "real people" modeling
Other then fashion, models are also needed to advertise a wide variety of products and services - from cars to food. As professional model your modeling work may involve:
* Runway modeling
* Catalog modeling
* Showroom modeling
* Fit modeling
* Promotional (trade show) modeling
* Television
* Videos
* Editorial (magazine and newspaper) modeling
* Print advertisements
* High fashion modeling
* Glamour modeling
* Petite modeling
* Plus size modeling
* Teen modeling
* Mature modeling
* Body part modeling (hand modeling, etc.)
* Male modeling
* Character or "real people" modeling
Other then fashion, models are also needed to advertise a wide variety of products and services - from cars to food. As professional model your modeling work may involve:
* Runway modeling
* Catalog modeling
* Showroom modeling
* Fit modeling
* Promotional (trade show) modeling
* Television
* Videos
* Editorial (magazine and newspaper) modeling
* Print advertisements
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
How To Learn To Walk Like A Model
Models have that very distinctive walk, and when they get it right it looks great. For those who try to copy it can look quite silly if done wrong. So how to walk like a model?
The first thing to practice is just walking in high heels - many women naturally lean forward slightly when wearing heels - don't do it. Practice standing up bolt straight whilst wearing the highest heels that you have.
Then get a video of a fashion show - they are always shown on TV, so video it.
Watch how the models move. Then play back the video and emulate the walk. Get a friend to point out what you are doing well and what you could improve.
With practice of the model walk you will get it down to a tee and have that sassy model walk ready when you need it.
The first thing to practice is just walking in high heels - many women naturally lean forward slightly when wearing heels - don't do it. Practice standing up bolt straight whilst wearing the highest heels that you have.
Then get a video of a fashion show - they are always shown on TV, so video it.
Watch how the models move. Then play back the video and emulate the walk. Get a friend to point out what you are doing well and what you could improve.
With practice of the model walk you will get it down to a tee and have that sassy model walk ready when you need it.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Model Posing Tips from a Professional Photographer
Whether you are searching for a career in Glamour Modeling or Fashion 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 consciously 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 supposed 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?
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/women/article_2513.shtml
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 consciously 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 supposed 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?
Source : http://www.articlecity.com/articles/women/article_2513.shtml
Monday, October 1, 2007
The Best Tips For Modelling Jobs
Getting your first modelling job is a real thrill, and you’ll want to be sure that you create the right impression with the photographer, the art director and any representative of the company and agency that you’re working for. After all, if you work well with these people, they’re more likely to remember you in the future and perhaps book you for other jobs.
Like most jobs, there are some key tips that will help you further your modelling career before you even get in front of the camera:
- Make a note of date, time and place - Carry a paper or electronic diary, so that when your agency calls with a job you can book it in exactly. If you don’t know where the studio or venue is, get directions from your agent. If you turn up at the wrong place, everyone will put a black mark against your name.
- Arrive early - There’s usually a lot to do in preparation for a shoot. If you turn up early, it gives the photographer the opportunity to try out his set-up, and for the make-up and hair stylists to get to work.
- Take the right things - When your agent calls, make sure you ask if you need to bring anything with you – clothes or accessories etc. Before you leave home, check that you’ve got everything you’ve been asked to bring, including your portfolio if required. This will help you to be prepared for the shoot, and not waste time.
- No Make-up - Unless you’ve been told to wear make-up, go without any on. This will save time for the make-up artist at the shoot.
- Use dependable transport. - If your car breaks down, it will make you late for your appointment. Make sure that your car is regularly serviced and always has enough petrol in the tank to get you to your destination. If you’re using public transport, make sure you leave enough time for you to miss a service, take the next one and still get there on time.
- Network - Even if this is your first modelling job, it pays to chat to all the people there. A friendly, reliable, hard working model is more likely to get work than a late, non-communicative one. Take every opportunity to get to know the people in the room and make sure they know where you can be contacted.
Envenio is a London-based agency for actors, location finding and modelling services. Visit their website on Modelling
Article Source: A1-ArticleDirectory.com
Like most jobs, there are some key tips that will help you further your modelling career before you even get in front of the camera:
- Make a note of date, time and place - Carry a paper or electronic diary, so that when your agency calls with a job you can book it in exactly. If you don’t know where the studio or venue is, get directions from your agent. If you turn up at the wrong place, everyone will put a black mark against your name.
- Arrive early - There’s usually a lot to do in preparation for a shoot. If you turn up early, it gives the photographer the opportunity to try out his set-up, and for the make-up and hair stylists to get to work.
- Take the right things - When your agent calls, make sure you ask if you need to bring anything with you – clothes or accessories etc. Before you leave home, check that you’ve got everything you’ve been asked to bring, including your portfolio if required. This will help you to be prepared for the shoot, and not waste time.
- No Make-up - Unless you’ve been told to wear make-up, go without any on. This will save time for the make-up artist at the shoot.
- Use dependable transport. - If your car breaks down, it will make you late for your appointment. Make sure that your car is regularly serviced and always has enough petrol in the tank to get you to your destination. If you’re using public transport, make sure you leave enough time for you to miss a service, take the next one and still get there on time.
- Network - Even if this is your first modelling job, it pays to chat to all the people there. A friendly, reliable, hard working model is more likely to get work than a late, non-communicative one. Take every opportunity to get to know the people in the room and make sure they know where you can be contacted.
Envenio is a London-based agency for actors, location finding and modelling services. Visit their website on Modelling
Article Source: A1-ArticleDirectory.com
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Recognize Modelling scams - Be aware
Most people entering the world of modelling are young and impressionable and full of anticipation and excitement. Unfortunately there are many illegitimate agencies and tricksters who pray on this vulnerability and give modelling a bad name. If you’re interested in embarking on a career in modelling, keep your wits about you at all times and be on the lookout for any suspicious deals or offers. Here are some tips on how to spot the scams from the genuine modelling agencies and assignments so that you don’t end up out of pocket and disillusioned – or even worse, in personal danger.
Portfolio photographs
Some photographers offer portfolio packages for people aspiring to be models, often charging several hundred or even over a thousand pounds to shoot a series of photographs to make up a portfolio for agencies. This is a waste of money and the finished portfolio that you get won’t necessarily be what the agency is looking for. The photographer will usually shoot all the photographs of you in one sitting, so they’ll all have a similar look and feel with similar backdrops and of course you won’t have much of a chance to change your style of clothing or make-up. Several photographs that all look very similar are no use to an agency as they don’t give an impression of how versatile you can be. Instead, they’ll be looking for a variety of shots taken on different days by different photographers, all in different settings and with different styles. If you’re just starting out, you won’t be expected to produce a varied portfolio like this to an agency. A few inexpensive professional shots will be fine, and you can build up your portfolio as you gain experience. Don’t pay much more than £100-£140 for some professional test shots. It’s wise to employ a professional make-up and hair artist, though, but this needn’t be expensive – no more than £30 to £50.
Contracts – the small print
As with anything, never sign on the dotted line until you’ve read all the terms and conditions of the contract and fully understand them. And no matter how eager you are, don’t just glance over it on the spot – take it home so that you can read over it fully without feeling under pressure. No genuine agency will pressure you into signing there and then. Get someone else to read over it too, as they might spot things that you hadn’t noticed. If anything seems unclear to you or you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask the agency. If they’re legitimate, they’ll willingly give you an open and honest explanation. Some key areas to look out for are clauses detailing fees and charges – are they reasonable ? Also look out for clauses that tie you into the contract for a certain period – is this acceptable to you ? Another potential grey area is what will happen to any images of you taken by the agency. Check that you will not be signing away any rights, otherwise you could end up seeing your image in places that you would never have consented to.
Even legitimate agencies may try to give you a contract that isn’t very favourable to you – remember they’re in it to make money – so be on your guard and fight your corner to get a good deal for yourself.
Bogus modelling or casting agencies
Setting up a fake agency can be a real money-spinner for con artists who use flattery and glamour to prey on young and impressionable wannabe models. The ‘casting agencies’ tend to operate by hosting ‘casting sessions’ in hotels across the country, enticing people to pay an up-front fee to register with them and have photographs taken so that they can help them to find work with modelling agencies. They often offer a ‘money-back guarantee’ if they don’t manage to find you employment within a certain period. Sometimes they do find work with an agency, but the agency is just as bogus as they are and is usually run by the same people. Again, the agency asks for an up-front fee to join, so victims end up paying twice. It’s all a scam to run off with people’s fees and victims never hear from them again – and never get their money back.
A genuine modelling agency will never charge an up-front registration fee. You shouldn’t ever be charged anything until you’ve completed the first assignment they’ve arranged for you.
Model competitions
Good and reputable agencies don’t charge any entry fees for their competitions. If you come across a competition where an entry fee is required, even if they say it’s to cover the cost of photographs and administration, and even if they look slick and professional, steer clear – they’re just after your money.
Bear in mind that a model competition isn’t the same thing as a beauty pageant, which will normally – and quite legitimately – charge an entry fee to cover the costs of hosting the event.
Model training
Beware of agencies that insist upon you completing a day’s training run by themselves at your own cost in order to register and obtain work with them. No model can be trained in a day – it takes practice and experience – so any claims of turning you into a professional model in an instant are nonsense. Genuine agencies may offer to send you on training courses but they shouldn’t charge you up front. Any costs incurred will normally be charged to you after you have started earning with the agency.
Free photo shoots
Often advertised in the classified sections of newspapers and magazines, these scams offer free photo shoots for people aspiring to be models. However, as the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. These tricksters end up with a free set of photographs that they can use to unscrupulously sell to various publications, making a profit out of you which you don’t see a penny of. What makes it worse is that you have no control over how your photographs are used and you could find your picture in undesirable or inappropriate publications. This is especially the case where the advertised ‘free photo shoot’ is looking for potential glamour models. Worse still, you could end up putting yourself in danger as many of these shoots are conducted in hotel bedrooms or other private places. Never go anywhere without telling someone else first, and if possible take someone to accompany you. Don’t be bullied into doing anything you don’t want to do and if you smell a rat, get out as soon as possible. These criminals sometimes use the opportunity to cajole young, innocent victims into performing sexual favours for them or attempt to sexually assault them.
Author bio
Tania Machowska is a former model with experience of catwalk and catalogue modelling. For the past four years she's been contributing to websites such as http://www.chemodels.com, Brussels Model Agency.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tania_Machowska
Portfolio photographs
Some photographers offer portfolio packages for people aspiring to be models, often charging several hundred or even over a thousand pounds to shoot a series of photographs to make up a portfolio for agencies. This is a waste of money and the finished portfolio that you get won’t necessarily be what the agency is looking for. The photographer will usually shoot all the photographs of you in one sitting, so they’ll all have a similar look and feel with similar backdrops and of course you won’t have much of a chance to change your style of clothing or make-up. Several photographs that all look very similar are no use to an agency as they don’t give an impression of how versatile you can be. Instead, they’ll be looking for a variety of shots taken on different days by different photographers, all in different settings and with different styles. If you’re just starting out, you won’t be expected to produce a varied portfolio like this to an agency. A few inexpensive professional shots will be fine, and you can build up your portfolio as you gain experience. Don’t pay much more than £100-£140 for some professional test shots. It’s wise to employ a professional make-up and hair artist, though, but this needn’t be expensive – no more than £30 to £50.
Contracts – the small print
As with anything, never sign on the dotted line until you’ve read all the terms and conditions of the contract and fully understand them. And no matter how eager you are, don’t just glance over it on the spot – take it home so that you can read over it fully without feeling under pressure. No genuine agency will pressure you into signing there and then. Get someone else to read over it too, as they might spot things that you hadn’t noticed. If anything seems unclear to you or you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask the agency. If they’re legitimate, they’ll willingly give you an open and honest explanation. Some key areas to look out for are clauses detailing fees and charges – are they reasonable ? Also look out for clauses that tie you into the contract for a certain period – is this acceptable to you ? Another potential grey area is what will happen to any images of you taken by the agency. Check that you will not be signing away any rights, otherwise you could end up seeing your image in places that you would never have consented to.
Even legitimate agencies may try to give you a contract that isn’t very favourable to you – remember they’re in it to make money – so be on your guard and fight your corner to get a good deal for yourself.
Bogus modelling or casting agencies
Setting up a fake agency can be a real money-spinner for con artists who use flattery and glamour to prey on young and impressionable wannabe models. The ‘casting agencies’ tend to operate by hosting ‘casting sessions’ in hotels across the country, enticing people to pay an up-front fee to register with them and have photographs taken so that they can help them to find work with modelling agencies. They often offer a ‘money-back guarantee’ if they don’t manage to find you employment within a certain period. Sometimes they do find work with an agency, but the agency is just as bogus as they are and is usually run by the same people. Again, the agency asks for an up-front fee to join, so victims end up paying twice. It’s all a scam to run off with people’s fees and victims never hear from them again – and never get their money back.
A genuine modelling agency will never charge an up-front registration fee. You shouldn’t ever be charged anything until you’ve completed the first assignment they’ve arranged for you.
Model competitions
Good and reputable agencies don’t charge any entry fees for their competitions. If you come across a competition where an entry fee is required, even if they say it’s to cover the cost of photographs and administration, and even if they look slick and professional, steer clear – they’re just after your money.
Bear in mind that a model competition isn’t the same thing as a beauty pageant, which will normally – and quite legitimately – charge an entry fee to cover the costs of hosting the event.
Model training
Beware of agencies that insist upon you completing a day’s training run by themselves at your own cost in order to register and obtain work with them. No model can be trained in a day – it takes practice and experience – so any claims of turning you into a professional model in an instant are nonsense. Genuine agencies may offer to send you on training courses but they shouldn’t charge you up front. Any costs incurred will normally be charged to you after you have started earning with the agency.
Free photo shoots
Often advertised in the classified sections of newspapers and magazines, these scams offer free photo shoots for people aspiring to be models. However, as the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. These tricksters end up with a free set of photographs that they can use to unscrupulously sell to various publications, making a profit out of you which you don’t see a penny of. What makes it worse is that you have no control over how your photographs are used and you could find your picture in undesirable or inappropriate publications. This is especially the case where the advertised ‘free photo shoot’ is looking for potential glamour models. Worse still, you could end up putting yourself in danger as many of these shoots are conducted in hotel bedrooms or other private places. Never go anywhere without telling someone else first, and if possible take someone to accompany you. Don’t be bullied into doing anything you don’t want to do and if you smell a rat, get out as soon as possible. These criminals sometimes use the opportunity to cajole young, innocent victims into performing sexual favours for them or attempt to sexually assault them.
Author bio
Tania Machowska is a former model with experience of catwalk and catalogue modelling. For the past four years she's been contributing to websites such as http://www.chemodels.com, Brussels Model Agency.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tania_Machowska
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