 |
Some Tips for Models - With the Internet in Mind
A career in modeling can be financially rewarding and can provide several opportunities for you to blossom as a performer. Start toearn what it takes to become a model in this article. Everything from types of modeling to building your portfolio.
To become a model your look has to be marketable. A corporation would have to believe that your face and/or body on their product will help them increase their sales. Can you the handle that pressure? Can you handle the constant rejection? If your answer is yes, then you are ready.
Getting started
Ask yourself if you are serious about modeling.
Take an honest look at yourself and decide what type of modeling would be best for you. If you are unfamiliar with various kinds of modeling then check our article on that.
Find some books on modeling and/or photography.
Get some photos taken that you can be proud of and make sure people see them.
Get some photos scanned and get some web space somewhere. If you have to, use free web servers like Tripod or Geocities.
Visit some modeling message boards and read some posts to learn what you can about modeling.
Post some messages with some pertinent info and photos.
Be honest, reliable, and enthusiastic. Go for it!
Safety Tips
Never put your full address or phone number on any post in a modeling forum or other public area.
Be very careful regarding posts and e-mail from anyone with a generic (hotmail, yahoo, etc.) e-mail address.
Find out as much as you can about those you are considering working with. Ask around.
Make sure you see examples of their work. And specificly, examples of what they want to use you for.
Ask for references from other models about those you are considering working with.
Be certain to get a verifiable home and/or studio phone number, and street address, for anyone you work with.
Especially if you are meeting somewhere.
Be very clear about what kind of work you are looking for, and what kind of work you will not accept.
Never travel on a shoestring and have a back-up plan if things don't work out exactly as planned.
Internet Jobs - Some tips on how to get more modeling work from the internet
The many online Modeling Forums and Message Boards are a great way to learn more about
the world of modeling and also a great way to let the world know about yourself.
Check the modeling forums for messages from photographers looking for models.
If you post looking for modeling work, be sure to include some info about yourself, including where you live, and include a photo
with your post.
Before posting a message looking for modeling work, be sure to understand how to include your photo and website link with the message.
See below for information on how to include a photo with your post.
Don't post the same message to a lot of different message boards on the same day. Spread them out for maximum exposure.
If a photographer has a web site, go there before asking them for information.
Try to respond quickly to requests from photographers, so they remember who you are and what you look like. And be enthusiastic!
When responding to email, make sure you try to respond to ALL the questions asked.
Always put your website address under your name in your email. So they don't have to go looking through their bookmarks to figure
out who they're talking to.
Try to be clear from the start as to what kind of work you're looking for and what kinds of work you will accept.
Get yourself listed on as many of the busiest modeling sites as you can.
More Tips and Hints
I do not advise anyone to spend thousands of dollars to get pictures done to get started. All you need are clear pictures of face and body. Industry standard for a photo shoot in New York City (which is usually the most expensive place to get pictures done) is $75 a roll, more if a stylist is hired to bring you clothing. These days it is common to use digital photography and so the costs should be even lower.
Anyone charging you more is ripping you off. Three rolls of film should be sufficient to get the pictures you need. You need about 4-5 clothing changes to show your versatility.
You should also find test photographers in your area. Test photographers who are usually building their portfolios take pictures of new models for free. In exchange, the photographer has the right to use the photo(s) in his/her portfolio or other publications.
You can get in touch with photographers through friends, parties or simply just looking in the phone book or on the internet. Set up an appointment with each photographer and take a look at his/her portfolio. If you do not like their portfolio, do not work with them. You have the power. It is your money afterall. Don't forget to talk to the photographer about a TFP (Time For Prints). Many photographers are happy and willing to work with new models to help them get started.
At the end of your photo shoot, you and the photographer will review the pictures. You should get a composite or ZED made if you wish to pursue work through agencies or "traditional" channels.
The modeling industry standard size for images is 9"X12" but many models (and photographers) settle for the cheaper 8" X 10" format. When you are happy with your enlargements, go to an art supply store and buy yourself a 9" X 12" portfolio to put your pictures in. Remember that a portfolio is a work of art in progress. It has to keep on changing in order to keep up with the changing trends in fashion and the times. When you have begun to get published you will start adding "tear sheets", actual pages from publications you are in.
|
|
