How do I get started?
If you think that you might want to become a model, here is some information to get you started.
STEP 1: What Does It Take to Become A Model? Is It Something I Really Want to Do?
So, you think that you might want to become a model. You're not really sure what it's all about but from what you know, it sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Yes it can be, but it can also be a lot of hard work too.
You probably thought that this would be about the physical qualities needed by a model. In reality, the physical requirements are few. The modeling industry needs models of all looks for various clients. The physical requirements to be model are relatively few, it’s the mental requirements that will be the factors in the success of your career as a model.
First, jobs will “pop up” seemingly, at the last minute. Many Advertising Agencies, Graphic Design firms, and photographers often times need to react to last-minute client demands. The ability to be available for those last-minute projects will get you quite a few projects. Having a flexible “other life” will be a contributing factor to your ability to get work.
You probably won’t get rich, but if you have reasonable expectations, you won’t be disappointed.
There are many horror stories of models being scammed or harmed when they show up to a secluded photoshoot (some may even claim to working for a major company), so I always recommend that you never go to a photoshoot alone. Always bring a parent or friend.
STEP 2: Decide On Your Style and Type of Modeling You Want to Do.
STEP 3: Practice, Practice, Practice!
The first thing you need to do to begin your career is to be honest with yourself. Go into your bedroom. Make sure that no one else is around and look into your mirror. Now smile. Does it come naturally? Is it a pleasant smile? Still look natural? What about worried? What about sad? Distant? Sexy? A good model needs to have different looks. A model that is only capable of producing a couple of looks, will have few repeat clients.
Now do the same thing with a friend or parent in the room. Ask their opinion and insist that they be truthful. You’re going to be investing a lot of time and some money, too. You don’t want to be wasting your resources, if you don’t need to.
STEP 4: What kind of pictures do I need? Schedule a Photoshoot with a Photographer.
If you think you are ready to pose for photos, contact me with a photo and your stats (age, height, weight, waist, etc.)
You will sign a standard model release. You will receive digital copies of the photos, and there is no charge. In the modeling business, this is known as TFP (Time For Photos).
You will want to do the shots in a variety of outfits and you’ll want the shots to be taken from different angles. You will need full length shots and some headshots showing your face from different angles. This is a good time to show your versatility in expression, too. Happy, sexy, sad, distant, you never know what a client will want, so you have to have as many looks as possible. Depending on what styles of modeling you want to pursue, you may also need to take a shot or two in a bathing suit or underwear. The people that will be seeing these photos want to know what you look like.
A good photographer will examine your photographs and help you to see your strengths and weaknesses, so you know what you need to work on.
You will need to have prints made of your comp (composite) cards, which have with your stats and contact information along with photos of 3-5 poses.
STEP 5: Who do I need to contact to start a modeling career?
Start by scheduling interviews with local modeling agencies to show them your photos. It is a good idea to meet with more than one agency before you make a decision. You may not go with an agency, but the interview will be a good opportunity to ask questions and to get their opinion of what they think of you and what they have to offer. If the agency wants to sign you right there on the spot, I would pass up the opportunity and move on and meet another agent to get their opinion. You can’t have too many opinions. Learn as much as you can at these interviews. Ask lots of
questions. Remember, you are interviewing them too.
Some agencies will try to force you to use their own photographer and charge you for more photo sessions. I recommend that you try to avoid this, as you can find your own photographers that will do it for TFP or cheaper.
Some of the questions you will want to ask:
How much work do you expect to get me?
How long between work and payment?
What happens if I find my own work? (Some agencies still want to get a percentage of assignments you get on your own.)
Do you work with models that are not exclusive? (Early in your career, it is best to get a non-exclusive contract, because you will have the freedom to work with more than one agency.)
How many models in my category do you represent? (Too many can mean less work opportunities for you, but too few can be the same, as it probably means they do not have enough clients needing your models in your category.)
How many shots do you think I should have in my portfolio?
You’ll still need to bug the agency from time to time too make sure that you are on the front burner, so they will actively be trying to find you work. Otherwise, you will get lost in the shuffle among their other models.
Modeling Dos and Don'ts
Be prepared. Have what you need, even if you don’t think you’re responsible for it.
You should be well practiced, even it you’re inexperienced, you need to work on poses in a mirror or even a few practice shoots. Concentrate on the posing and facial expressions. What works and doesn’t work? You have to learn by doing.
Show up early for the shoot. You may not realize how many people you could be holding up if you show up late.
It’s a terrible way to start a shoot and it leaves a very negative impression with those involved.
Be nice to everyone and do not gossip. Some people may think the assistant handing out water bottles might not be important, but he likely hands out bottles to the boss, too. People talk and you do not want the people in charge hearing that you are rude or disrespectful to someone. Photographers talk with other photographers and agency people tend to hang out with other agency people. You don’t want their conversation to be about what a pain it was working with you. This is the easiest way to keep from getting hired again. This industry is all about reputation. How do you want people to remember you?
Be honest. If you are uncomfortable about something, let them know. It will come across in your attitude and your photographs. Be up front about it, so they know what is going on and can fix it. Do not be afraid to give a suggestion that may help the shoot go more smoothly.
Be focused. You need to be focused and pay attention at all times. Some locations or poses can be dangerous for you or the crew.
Do listen to instructions. When a photographer gives you instructions, be sure to pay attention and listen.
If you do not understand, it is important to clarify things at the beginning rather than waste time later.
Do not assume that you are done with an outfit and change into something else or leave a set thinking you are done. There may be other plans that you are not aware of. Always check to make sure before changing anything or leaving.
Be patient. There will be times during a shoot when you have to wait. Don’t appear annoyed, even if you are. You are not the only one. On quite a few projects, models are often asked to wait before and after their
actual modeling duties. Either the shot right before yours took longer that expected, or something happened in the schedule. Learning to “deal with it” with a smile, can go a long way toward building your reputation in the industry.
Good people skills really come in handy too. Models are often required to interact with photographers, clients, and other models. Making friends with the client or photographer can make it more likely that the next time either of them need a model that fits your profile, they’ll be calling you. Like the rest of the business world, it’s much cheaper to make return clients than it is to find new ones.