Jessica Gomes (Australia)

Sonia Couling (Thailand)

Good Photos Are Important

When you're first starting out (and from that point on!), good photography is important. It baffles me to see what some models use to market themselves. Just a quick scan of many of the portfolios on modeling sites, such as OneModelPlace, will reveal an abundance of poorly lit, poorly exposed, uncropped, out-of-focus, and badly composed photos. Photos that would look bad in a photo album, let alone a model's portfolio!
If you were an agent or a model scout looking for talent, who would you pick, the aspiring model with mediocre photos or the model whose images really catch your eye? Putting "snapshots" online does not make you a model. Be critical. Get good photos. Avoid representing yourself with photos that do not accurately reflect your potential and level of expertise.

Your photos are your selling point. They most often create the first impression. A viewer will make judgements about your personality, your professionalism, your eye for detail, and your level of expertise based on what they see in your photos. You owe it to yourself to only put up your very best.
Variety is important in a portfolio. When creating a portfolio, the photographer you work with should be willing to think outside the box. The last thing you need are photos that make you look exactly like everyone else. I have seen so many photos taken by photographers where the model doesn't really matter at all in the photo. She's just filling a space. It could be anyone. You want to create photos that show you, your diversity, and what you are capable of. If it's been done before, trying to do it differently will help.
I've seen a number of models fall into the trap of "Since I worked with a professional, his photos must be good". Not true. It is true that working with a professional photographer will absolutely increase your chances of getting some decent photographs. However, it is only the best of the best of these photos you should use. No photographer gets an outstanding photo with every click.
Even when all is said and done, there is absolutely no guarantee that good photos will create demand for you. However, bad photos can be damaging to your career and aspirations. (source : Zero Dean)

Modelling Tips For You

The market determines what models are needed. These needs tend to cluster into market segments and allow us to look at types of models. It is important to understand the type of model you want to be. By understanding the type of modeling you are interested in you can learn what the requirements are and if you can meet them. This also helps in avoiding getting ripped off (more about this on the scam page). I have seen the greatest number of rip-offs and bad business decision happen when a wannabe model is thinking of one type of modeling (usually high fashion) and a scout, agent, photographer, etc. is recruiting for another (life style, Playboy glamour). So it is very important you understand what type of modeling you are interested in. 

Fashion Modeling

The Garment and Beauty product industries are large users of models. People want to see what clothes or beauty products look like on somebody. Your high-fashion, designer-label garments, are designed for what fashion designers view as the "ideal woman." This is someone tall and slender, somewhat leggy, with a swan like neck and very young. In major markets like New York, this is someone who is 5'9" to 6' tall and from a size 8 to a size 0 depending on what is in. For men it is at least 6 foot tall and a 40 regular - of course, you have to have that "look" to go with the clothes. In secondary markets we would like to have this but often work with fashion models that don't meet these measurements. It is more important you just have a look of being tall and slender and that the sample clothes will fit you. The "look" can run from classic beauty to some extreme looks for fashion.

If you are going to work in front of the camera you need to be photogenic, and this you won't know until you do a test shoot. Usually the face is oval shape, with symmetry to the facial features. Eyes are almond shape. The cheekbones should be strong and nose straight and proportioned. Lips should be full. All of this just puts you in the general category; from there it is a matter of what the market demands are.

On the money - Top New York High Fashion models (there are just a handful of these folks) make more money then any other models (I have seen incomes as high as eight million a year). By contrast a model doing a fashion show at a local mall may get paid nothing. This shows the wide range of income one might expect in fashion modeling. Most folks who try to make it as fashion models will earn almost nothing so don't quit your day job.
 

Body Part Modeling

Body part modeling is a special category that belongs in both fashion and commercial modeling. This is the use of just part of the body in a photograph. Often standard models that look great in full-length shots or headshots don't look so good close up. Their hands or feet may look horrible. This is where the body parts model comes in. We will set up a shoot using the standard model's face but the body part model's hands and it looks like it is just one person. Usually body part models will specialize in just one part of the body like hands, feet, legs, ears, or neck.

Hand models are one type of body part model that I have had more call for. With hand models we look for long slender graceful hand and fingers. We also look for smooth (no wrinkles, hair or large pours), clear (no blemishes or irregular color) skin, and very good nails. The ability to pose the hand in a relaxed graceful fashion is very important. This is like a hula dancer that can tell a story with their hands and avoid what I call "the claw" that most folks produce when put in front of the camera.

Body parts model follow a similar path as regular models with finding modeling agencies, building portfolios and having comp cards. They simply pursue a very special niche market.
 

Commercial Modeling

 

Commercial modeling is sort of the catch all for everything that isn't fashion and isn't glamour. It is vast and diverse. The physical requirements can vary greatly. The 'look' can be mom, business executive, scientist, glamorous beauty, etc. The pay can be good but not to the level of the top fashion model and commercial models tend to find work less often. But it can be an area on can work part time at their whole life. Again, the purpose is to sell something - a product, service, or idea

 

Glamour Modeling

am getting a lot of young visitors (under 18) to this site so I won't go into this too deeply. Glamour modeling is modeling for photos with a sexual theme. This might be a simple cheesecake or beefcake photo. They can include bikini, sexy outfits and lingerie modeling. On the cheesecake level, photos can be used for calendars, posters, and other pin-up girl products. You can't pick up a car magazine without seeing a babe by the car or truck. As one moves to greater states of undress you move to the adult entertainment industry with high-end men's magazines like Playboy and then on down to the low-end back-ally magazines. But it is the Internet that dominates this field and is now loaded with all levels of sexual model photos. Glamour modeling and its triple X component is a very big industry. Top glamour models can make as much as top fashion models. But what is different from other types of modeling is all grade levels in glamour modeling can make good money and it is common for an established model to make over $100,000 a year. There are no height or size requirements as in fashion modeling. Where fashion modeling wants you to look like a beanstalk, glamour modeling wants you to have curves like a young Pamela Anderson. Where fashion may want a 'special beauty look', glamour modeling wants traditional drop dead gorgeous; where fashion really only happens in New York, glamour can happen anywhere and does.

You have to be over 18 to do glamour modeling even cheesecake. With the way the laws are today a photographer runs a real risk doing any kind of sexy photo with someone under 18. With news story reporting mothers are being thrown in jail for photographing their own children taking a bath and putting the photo in a family album, I think the risk is too great and the return too small to do any glamour work with someone under 18. But this field is wide open once one is of legal age. Unlike fashion modeling where you career is over by the time you are 30 with glamour your career could be just getting started. There is even demand for good looking grandmothers in their 50's and 60’s.

This field is easy to get started in, as there are a lot of photographers who would love to do test shoots and photo assignments on spec. Finding work and getting test shoots has been made easy with several web sites that cater to this field, although getting top high paying work can take as much effort as becoming a high fashion model. I will leave details and how this is all done to some other web sites. But a couple of references are Teezemagazine.com that covers the bikini, lingerie market and adultmodelingbook.com for a how to book on success as an adult internet model.

Become a Model and Get Paid to Model

Imagine having an exciting high-paying job as a professional model. Imagine walking down a runway at a designer fashion show, or having your photo taken for Vogue or your favorite magazine.

As a model you may have the opportunity to travel to beautiful locations, be pampered, attend events with celebrities, and earn thousands of dollars a day. Modeling can also lead to many other fabulous opportunities including acting. While a lucky few can become a super model like Tyra Banks, it is possible to become a model and have a successful modeling career even if you are not very tall, thin, or young.

In fact, many items sell better when they are promoted by models who look more like "real" people. Consumers want to see what clothes or beauty products look like on someone "just like them." As a result, there are modeling opportunities for people of all shapes and sizes. Which category do you fit into?

• High fashion modeling
• Glamour modeling
• Petite modeling
• Plus size modeling
• Teen modeling
• Mature modeling
• Body part modeling (hand modeling, etc.)
• Character or "real people" modeling

In addition to fashion, models are also needed to advertise a wide variety of products and services - from cars to food. If you become a model your work may involve:

• Runway modeling
• Catalog modeling
• Showroom modeling
• Fit modeling
• Promotional (trade show) modeling
• Television
• Videos
• Editorial (magazine and newspaper) modeling
• Print advertisements

The guide covers topics of vital importance to anyone in the U.S. or Canada who wants to become a model, including:

How to Get Ready for a Modeling Career

• How to look the best you can. Simple tips to help you improve the appearance of your:
• Hair
• Eyebrows
• Skin
• Makeup
• Body
• The best insider resources for models to help you develop your fashion sense
• 7 personality traits you can develop to give you an advantage over other models
• Tips for choosing a modeling school
• Plus why you do not need to take any modeling classes to get hired as a model
• Information about the different categories of modeling so you can decide which type of modeling is right for you
• How to get discovered and become a model through
• Modeling conventions
• Model searches
• Beauty pageants
• Modeling contests
• Your portfolio
• How to get free or low cost modeling photos of you taken by professional photographers
• Photographers to stay away from
• Posing tips for models
• How many and what types of shots to include in your modeling portfolio

How to Get Modeling Jobs

• What you need to know about modeling agents
• What agents can do for you to help you become a model
• Finding legitimate agents
• Which type of model agency is best for you?
• Model agency contracts (exclusive versus non-exclusive) and fees
• How to contact model agencies
• Contacting a model agency by mail (includes a sample letter)
• Attending an "open call"
• Submitting your photo by e-mail
• How to do well in a model agency interview
• tips on what to wear and do
• questions you may be asked
• questions you should ask
• Model management companies that can help you become an international model and get international modeling assignments
• How to find freelance modeling opportunities in your home town
• What to put on your modeling resume (includes a sample)
• How to prepare for "go-sees" (meetings with clients that are looking to hire a model)
• What happens when you get your first paid modeling job (also known as a "booking"), and how to make a great impression so you can get future jobs

Plus you will find even more resources and advice to help you become a model, including:

• How to spot modeling scams that could cost you thousands of dollars
• Information about legal matters such as model release forms and copyright
• Tips for models about overcoming rejection and achieving success
• Advice on creating a web site to promote yourself as a model
• How to keep track of your money when you become a model (and how to get tax deductions for clothing, cosmetics, meals and modeling books)
• A brief overview of 7 related careers you can get into after modeling - from modeling agent to fashion stylist.

What is Model?

A model (from Middle French modèle), sometimes called a mannequin, is a person who is employed for the purpose of displaying and promoting fashion clothing or other products and for advertising or promotional purposes or who poses for works of art.

Modelling ("modelling" with a doubled "l" is British spelling, vs "modeling" single "l" American spelling) is distinguished from other types of public performance, such as an acting, dancing or mime artist, although the boundary is not well defined. Appearing in a movie or a play is not considered modelling.

Types of modelling include fashion, glamour, fitness, bikini, fine art, and body-part models. Models are features in a variety of media formats including books, magazines, movies, newspapers, and TV. The models themselves can be a featured part of a movie (Looker, Tattoo), reality television show (America's Next Top Model, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency), or music video ("Freedom! '90", "Wicked Game", "Daughters").

Model Agencies

A modeling agency is a company that represents a group of models which they call their model board. Model bookers (also called "booker" or "agent") are a group of people who manage a model's career. An agent helps a model find jobs, book jobs, gives advice, and emails or gives copy books and comp cards to various clients they work with (a comp card is a selection of pictures printed on a card, a copy book is a scanned version of a models portfolio). An agent may send models to various clients and schedule modelling interviews (also called go and see or castings).^{[citation needed]}

A model does not have to work with an agent but it is highly recommended for fashion/runway models.

Fashion Models

The first person described as a fashion model is Parisian shopgirl, Marie Vernet Worth. She was a house model in 1852, to her fashion designer husband, Charles Frederick Worth.

Because clothing is needed to be modelled for all people, a variety of shapes and sizes is required in models. The job ranking for fashion models are: print (part time), print modelling (full time), runway modelling, and supermodel.

Print modelling

Print models showcase clothes in images used in magazines, newspapers, advertisements, billboards, press kits, etc. Fashion models may be used to display or promote various types of clothing, such as dresses, jeans, suits, lingerie, or swimsuit. They are known as an "editorial model" or "photographic model". They can work all over the world. The fashion capitals are London, Paris, Tokyo, Milan, and New York. Though there are markets in almost every country, shooting can take you anywhere from a studio to exotic locations like Fiji or Morocco or Florida or Tenerife, which can make a career exciting but also demanding.

Models work under the direction predominantly given by the photographer but also from clients. They must work in a variety of working conditions depending on the client. Models' work can have them in extreme cold weather or hot weather. Print models can work part-time or full-time. For example, a part-time model might only work one week out of an entire year. Full-time models work with a variety of photographers and clients.

A model must accommodate his/her time and must be flexible. He/She must be willing to work any day of the week, at any hour, depending on whom they're working for, how much money they'll get, and how much they're willing to accept. Print models go to interviews (called 'go and see's' which are to meet a client so they know they are in town or a "casting' which is always for a job) and must take a portfolio of their best work which is normally arranged and decided upon by their agent. Agents classify models as self-employed though predominantly function under the agencies business number, they have to go to modelling interviews in order to get more work. The average career span of a print model is 3 to 5 years. A girl's peak money periods often range from 15-25 years of age and men 18-35. Fashion magazines often shoot younger models while commercial print clients target a broader age group. Women's career spans are normally shorter but they can expect to make up to 9 times a male model's earnings in a year.

Models often venture into areas associated to the entertainment/production industries once they have withdrawn from modelling exclusively.

The requirements for print models depend on the needs of the employer. Models must be well kept- hair, skin, and attractive or unique features.

Runway modelling

Runway models showcases clothes from fashion designers, fashion media, and consumers. They are also called "live models" and they are self employed. Runway models work in different locations. Models constantly travel to large cities where fashion is well known - London, Milan, New York City, and Paris.

Some runway models were discovered as print models. The demands for runway models include certain height and weight requirements. During runway shows, models have to constantly change clothes and makeup. The models turn and stand to demonstrate the garment's key features. Models also go to interviews (called "go and sees") and must keep a portfolio of their work. They go to modelling interviews to find more work. The more experience a model has, the more likely she is to be hired for a fashion show. A runway model can work in other areas, such as department store fashion shows, creating product lines, acting etc.

The British Association of Model Agents (AMA) says that female models should be around 34-24-34 in (86-61-86 cm) and 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) tall. The model must be slender and in shape.

The preferred dimensions for a male model are a height of 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) to 6 ft 4 in (1.95 m), a waist of 28–32 in (71.12–81.28 cm) and a chest measurement of 36–40 in (91.44–101.60 cm). Male runway models have been noted as being skinny and well toned.

Male and female models must also possess clear skin, healthy hair, and attractive facial features.

The former requirement measurements for models used to be 35.5-23.5-35.5 in (90-60-90 cm), which were the alleged measurements of Marilyn Monroe.^{[citation needed]} Today's fashion models tend to have measurements closer to the AMA recommended shape. Although in some fashion industries, a size 00 is more ideal than a size 0.

The often thin shape of many fashion models has been criticized for warping girls' body image and encouraging eating disorders. Organizers of a fashion show in Madrid in September 2006 turned away models who were judged to be underweight by medical personnel who were on hand. In February 2007, six months after her sister, Luisel Ramos - also a model - died, Uruguayan model Eliana Ramos became the third fashion model to die of malnutrition in six months. The second victim was Ana Carolina Reston. Luisel Ramos died of heart failure caused by anorexia nervosa just after stepping off the catwalk.

Recently, runway walks are less flamboyant compared to the late '80s and early '90s, when Naomi Campbell and other supermodels were known for their distinct struts. Instead, most designers want a natural stroll.

Supermodels

Supermodels are highly paid, high profile fashion models. These (usually female) celebrities appear on top fashion magazine covers, in catalogues, and in fashion shows.

The first model widely considered to have paved the way for what would become the supermodel was Lisa Fonssagrives. The relationship between her image on over 200 Vogue covers and her name recognition led to the importance of Vogue in shaping future supermodels. Her image appeared on the cover of fashion magazine during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s from Town & Country, Life and Vogue to the original Vanity Fair. Models like Dorian Leigh and Jean Shrimpton have also been dubbed the first supermodels.

Glamour Models

Glamour photography emphasizes the model and the model's sexuality rather than products, fashion or the environment. Glamour modelling often focuses on the sexuality of the subject and insinuations of sexuality serve to enhance a product's attractiveness. Glamour models may be used for mass-produced calendars, pinup and for men's magazines, such as Playboy magazine. Famous glamour models include Pamela Anderson, Jordan, Jodie Marsh, Lucy Pinder, and Louise Glover.

Artist's Models

Art models are models who pose for photographers, painters, sculptors, and other artists as part of their work of art.

Models are frequently used for training art students, but are also employed by accomplished artists. The most common types of art created using models are figure drawing, figure painting, sculpture and photography. Although commercial motives dominate over the esthetics in advertising, its 'artwork' commonly employs models.

Throughout the history of Western Art, drawing the human figure from living models was considered the most useful tool in developing the skill of draftsmanship. In the art school classroom setting, the purpose is to learn how to draw humans of all different shapes, ages and ethnicities, so there are no real limitations on who the model can be. In some cases, the model may pose with various props, one or more other models, animals etc., against real or artificial background, in natural or artificial light and so on.

Models for life drawing classes are often entirely nude, apart from visually non-obstructive personal items such as small jewelry and sometimes eyeglasses. In a job advertisement seeking nude models, this may be referred to as being "undraped" or "disrobed". (Alternatively, a cache-sexe may be worn. Eadward Muybridge's historic scientific studies of the male and female form in motion, for example, has examples of both usages.)

In Western countries, there is generally no objection to either sex posing nude for or drawing members of the opposite sex. However, this was not always so in the past, particularly prior to the 20th century. In 1886 Thomas Eakins was famously dismissed from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art for removing the loincloth from a male model in a mixed classroom. Similarly, Victorian modesty required the female model to pose nude with her face draped (illustration). European arts academies did not allow women to study the nude at all until the end of the nineteenth century. Up into the present day some rare art classes prefer male models to wear a jockstrap.

Policies vary regarding male models having an erection. Some instructors don't mind at all (especially with younger or inexperienced models), while others, including the Register of Artists' Models (RAM) in the United Kingdom, consider this as cause for termination. In any case, it may be inconvenient for the artists, as the subject is not exactly the same as when the drawing session commenced.

Salary

Despite the stereotype of modelling as a lucrative and glamorous profession, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the median wage for commercial and print models was only $11.22 per hour in 2006. MarketWatch listed modelling as one of the ten worst jobs in America. Print models may work for manufacturers, stores, etc. for little or no pay. Experienced print models can make about $200- $ 500 per hour. Some print models do not work with an agent. The ones that work with an agent must give 15 - 20 % of the model's earnings to the agent. Famous print models can make thousands of dollars.

Beginner female runway models make less money than models that have experience. The average wage for a female runway model can range from $ 250 -$1,000 an hour per runway walk. The salary of a top runway model can exceed $ 500,000. Costs of travel, transportation, food, hotels, etc. are deducted from the model's pay. Fashion models can get discovered by editors, cosmetic companies, photographers, fashion industry professionals, etc. A contract girl for a cosmetic company can make about $ 300,000 to $ 2 million per year.

Male runway models make less than female runway models. Beginner models can earn up to $ 150 per shoot. The famous male models make at least $500,000 per year. Designer clothing and fragrance ads pay the most money. A male runway model can earn up to $8,000-$15,000 per day for high-end catalogues.