1. Fish lips! If you think that because you have hundreds of snap images of yourself doing the fish lip, that is going to be your Signature pose.... think again! Only OK if you are fooling around!
2. Walking across backdrop paper with pointed heels! When walking onto set with spiky heels, always step on the balls of your feet or tippy toes so you do not tear the paper causing the director/photographer to reset!
3. "Fake it till you make it" does not mean acting like a diva! It is NEVER beneficial to have an attitude problem! Always be kind, personable and like-able. Offer to help where you can with setup if you are not in wardrobe just yet. Do what you can to build lasting business relationships and always be nice to other models, photographers, MUA's or directors! ALWAYS!
4. Do not put your nose to the sky! While shooting for ad's and print, be careful not to cock your head/chin to high to the sky. It is important to elongate your neck, but we do not want to see only neck. Also, your eyes tend to hide away under lashes and lids when head is bent too much. You want to also be careful not to prop chin too low as well. It will emphasize any baggage under eyes and you may become "The neckless wonder!"=)
5.Never forget the people who sign your paycheck! Once you appear in an ad for a product/company, you become an instant endorser of that brand! Do not speak ill of them because even though you are only "appearing" to be a customer, people look at you as a person who uses or wears the product! Only use positive comments when asked about the company. The girls in the "cover girl" ads do not use ONLY Cover Girl make up, but when asked about it, they praise the make up as though it is the only product they trust! Which brings me to my next point...
6. Be upfront and honest! If you are potentially being booked for a product that is in close competition with another product ad you have done, be sure to tell them before you agree. It may not matter to the person giving you the job, but best let them know before they find out and yank your endorsement deal!
7. Unless you want to book Penthouse, tone down the sex! "Sultry" is far different then "Sexified." Unless the job calls for extreme sex appeal, do not stick out your chest and booty with a "Come Hither" look. The trick is learning to model in way that attracts eyes to the product. Draw them in with intense expression and body language without appearing to be modeling for a "Live Links" commercial. Yes, sex sells, but exotic beauty with the quiet sensuality and layers ALWAYS beats out the loose bimbo!
8. You cannot model alone! Modeling is not a one-man show! Pay credit where it is due! Make up artists, hair stylists, photographers and directors help make you the beauty that you appear to be in print! All jobs are equally important and just as difficult so do not act as though you just walked in front of a Polaroid camera and turned it all on! Credit everybody involved in your images and work!
9. Bragging makes US ALL tired! I have always found that the people with the most bragging rights are always the silent ones. Do not toot your own horn in front of professionals! Actually, in front of anybody! So you are a model! How is that any higher in the food chain then a chef, stylist, taxi driver or mail carrier? It is not! It is just another profession that certain people are good at and others are not! This is true of any trade!
10. Really? You want to be told how to do your job? Just like a Doctor who attends college for many years to complete his job, you cannot expect the photographer to tell you how to pose. They may help direct you in the general area they would like, but take it from there, Darling! You are booked and paid to get a job done in the most complete and convenient way possible! It takes far too much time to pose a person for every frame. That is why it is very important to do practice trade shoots before jumping out there in the professional world. Nothing mimics true experience!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Portfolio
It is important to have the proper aspects of a modeling portfolio. Even if you do not plan on working in specific areas of the industry, it is right to cover all basis. That means that even if you do not plan on swimwear or high fashion, you still need to have images that represent those branches of fashion. That way you will show that you are capable of many different looks.
You will want to condense your portfolio into 12 to 16 images always putting your best three in the front. Tearsheets are always a good idea. If you have tearsheets at your disposal, use them over anything else. This helps the client to see that you have what it takes to be a professional and provide the right talents to be booked. *Side Note* If you are ever given the chance to do a magazine assignment, ALWAYS ACCEPT even if there is little or no pay. This will give you a great edge on other models because you will have tearsheets to present to agents and designers! Also, editorial shoots are another fantastic job to book despite of pay! You may not make a lot at the time, but trust me on this, it will up your model worth and get you better paying gigs in the future!*
Your book is a representation of you, your personality and versatility as a model. Therefor you will need certain types of images! This includes:
Two Headshots. One smiling and one with a serious or "different" expression. A model can transform herself in miliseconds by changing expressions. Here are examples from my own personal collection...
Full Length Image*Head-to-toes*- This description is vague only because there are not tightly bound rules to this one like most. Rules, yes, but options! Be sure to choose an image that has a strong pose that shows curves or ability to model to your toes! Yes, that is correct... modeling is not just about smiling pretty and having kickbutt make up! No-no! A popular misconception is that modeling is easy! Oh cont rare! It is difficult and trying, but if you have what it takes... very rewarding! Your entire self has to be on the same page constantly! That means your eyes connect to your baby toe. You have to use every body part and muscle! If you can learn to coordinate it all together, you will end up with awesome images! If not, you will look like a stick figure with cat eyes, or dead eyes with a striking body pose!
Action Shots- This one is pretty self explanatory! This does not mean a picture of you in the corner with 95% of scenery. You MUST command the entire image. That means when a person looks at it, their eyes go to you. "Tree? What tree" Rollerbladers? Where?" You want your pose to be the thing remembered after the client looks away!
Bangin Body Shot- This is typically where swimwear comes into play, though it doesn't have to be. But you want to show your true body mass and muscle tone. Not super Photoshop where you appear to be a body builder when secretly you have no tone what-so-ever. You do not want to book a job only to show up and make the client realize you really were not what they were looking for after all. Strong pose, but do not do in such a way that you hide important body features. Less is more. Strong expressions and pose, but let your body do the rest of the talkin!=) This next example would be better if it showed the entirety of the body... Gotta do spring cleaning and sift through my images, but I found this one pretty quickly:)
You will want to condense your portfolio into 12 to 16 images always putting your best three in the front. Tearsheets are always a good idea. If you have tearsheets at your disposal, use them over anything else. This helps the client to see that you have what it takes to be a professional and provide the right talents to be booked. *Side Note* If you are ever given the chance to do a magazine assignment, ALWAYS ACCEPT even if there is little or no pay. This will give you a great edge on other models because you will have tearsheets to present to agents and designers! Also, editorial shoots are another fantastic job to book despite of pay! You may not make a lot at the time, but trust me on this, it will up your model worth and get you better paying gigs in the future!*
Your book is a representation of you, your personality and versatility as a model. Therefor you will need certain types of images! This includes:
The remainder of the images you include should vary from black and white to color and show your versatility. Try a "soft sensual look" along with a "Hard@ss I will rob you blind and it will be the best day of your life" look. Vary with facial paint and hair colors as well as do's. Throw your creativity in the mix. Feel free to inlcude one that involves another model as long as they are not outshining you! Keep a few natural images in which you are not overly "made up" and be sure they capture the true essence of you! Push your boundaries. How do you dress in the norm? What is your personal style? Jump to the other end of the spectrum and capture something that is nothing like your self everyday. Capture your "alter ego" if you will! Experiment with androgyny or other ethnicitys! These are all very expensive marketable qualities of a model. If you are asian, but can book african american jobs... well twice the money for you!:) Here are a few more examples!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
But....How? Why? When? Who? Take a deep breath and proceed my children...
network...Network....NETWORK! It is one of THE MOST important things you can do for your career. Your hometown just launched a new fashion line and is holding a launch party. GO! Be sure to NEVER over drink and dress to impress. This does not mean pushing the puppies together and up with a plunging neck line. This means dress fashionable, modern and professional! Think... Night out with your boyfriend or girlfriends family. Fluff up the hair line, curl the lashes and paint on a pout! Be charming and introduce yourself to EVERYBODY there! If you can avoid it, do not give out any personal online networking information or personal phone numbers. You do not want them to call you and reach the same message as your friends. Set up an email account that has your first and last name or a business online networking site. Give this information over personal contact info. You would be greatly surprised what a difference this can make!
You could easily meet a photographer or designer one year and then receive a great opportunity for a paying gig later on. If you make a good impression and stay in contact, they may just think of you next time they need a fresh face. I have met people 7-10 years ago that have helped me get amazing jobs now! Fashion week being one of them! This is not a joke!
Now, we shall touch on the importance of the MOD PORTFOLIO! You will need this tool to book jobs! No if's, ands or buts about it! And not just a folder filled with mediocre images that your boyfriend took. You will need the proper aspects of a portfolio to ever be taken seriously by an agent or designer. NEVER GO ON A GO-SEE WITHOUT THIS TOOL! They will blacklist you as a person who is amateur and not serious about this industry. First impressions are hard to overcome and you want to make it count! I will be creating a post that further details the proper images you will need in a portfolio, but first lets discuss how to get there.
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on images! If you go to a casting that asks for copious amounts of money then walk the other way. It is a scam! If an agent wants to represent you it is because they see you as marketable. This means that they believe they can make money by representing you. Therefor they will not expect you to pay them for their services! They will be making money by collecting a percentage of your earnings on jobs that they help you to book.
Start small and work your way up. It will be doing yourself a disservice if you just pay a photographer to take all of your images. This can be a good thing to do in some instances, but you will be missing out on great exposure and practice if you put all of your eggs in one basket. Start by doing "trade" shoots with local photographers. This means that a photographer is not being paid because they will be gaining images for their portfolio as will you. Sometimes online modeling network sites can be helpful for this, but use caution! Never go blindly with a person you have never met and have not obtained references on. There are creeps out there that use those sites as a means to an end. A way to prey on vulnerable woman. If you are approached by a person who would like to work with you, then ask around. Ask other models or girls who have shot locally and if nobody has worked with them or heard of them, it is not a good idea. I am always happy to recommend photographers to girls. Of course a lot of them are from my area so if you are from another state you will need to contact other models in your area. I cannot stress enough that you must be careful. I have heard too many horror stories and you do not want to be making the evening news because you were victimized. But if you meet the right people and a reputable photographer then it can be a great start. There are certain things that really cannot be taught without doing them and photoshoots are an excellent way to learn. Also, if you enjoy shooting with that photographer, you can build a long lasting professional relationship which is another great way to network! Once you get some great trade shoots under your belt and if you have the talent and a good look, you will most likely have more opportunity to shoot with some awesome photographers that have a lot of experience shooting fashion models. This is how you can begin to build your portfolio.
One of the only times that I think it is alright to pay money toward your career is shooting with a photographer who has a great portfolio. Sometimes they may ask you to shoot, but require a small payment to cover materials. It is not cheap for photographers. They have lighting, backdrops, studio space as well as any sort of editing programs and props they may use so it is ok for them to ask for a small amount to help cover all of the expenses. A model really doesn't need to invest in any sort of material for shooting so sometimes it is good to help share in the cost ensued by a great shoot. Also, photographers that charge does not mean that they are not reputable. This, of course, is their trade so they need to make money. Sometimes girls do opt to pay for a portfolio shoot. There is nothing shady or wrong about this. I just think it is also important to get some trade shoots under your belt before you get out there. Experience is important! I know a lot of awesome photographers that would do great work for a model looking to put together a portfolio. It is just not the only way. Patience are a virtue and if you are willing to invest a bit of time before you try getting out there, you can do a lot of this without paying any money. But if you are from my area and would like to pay for a professional portfolio shoot, feel free to contact me for recommendations.
You could easily meet a photographer or designer one year and then receive a great opportunity for a paying gig later on. If you make a good impression and stay in contact, they may just think of you next time they need a fresh face. I have met people 7-10 years ago that have helped me get amazing jobs now! Fashion week being one of them! This is not a joke!
Now, we shall touch on the importance of the MOD PORTFOLIO! You will need this tool to book jobs! No if's, ands or buts about it! And not just a folder filled with mediocre images that your boyfriend took. You will need the proper aspects of a portfolio to ever be taken seriously by an agent or designer. NEVER GO ON A GO-SEE WITHOUT THIS TOOL! They will blacklist you as a person who is amateur and not serious about this industry. First impressions are hard to overcome and you want to make it count! I will be creating a post that further details the proper images you will need in a portfolio, but first lets discuss how to get there.
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on images! If you go to a casting that asks for copious amounts of money then walk the other way. It is a scam! If an agent wants to represent you it is because they see you as marketable. This means that they believe they can make money by representing you. Therefor they will not expect you to pay them for their services! They will be making money by collecting a percentage of your earnings on jobs that they help you to book.
Start small and work your way up. It will be doing yourself a disservice if you just pay a photographer to take all of your images. This can be a good thing to do in some instances, but you will be missing out on great exposure and practice if you put all of your eggs in one basket. Start by doing "trade" shoots with local photographers. This means that a photographer is not being paid because they will be gaining images for their portfolio as will you. Sometimes online modeling network sites can be helpful for this, but use caution! Never go blindly with a person you have never met and have not obtained references on. There are creeps out there that use those sites as a means to an end. A way to prey on vulnerable woman. If you are approached by a person who would like to work with you, then ask around. Ask other models or girls who have shot locally and if nobody has worked with them or heard of them, it is not a good idea. I am always happy to recommend photographers to girls. Of course a lot of them are from my area so if you are from another state you will need to contact other models in your area. I cannot stress enough that you must be careful. I have heard too many horror stories and you do not want to be making the evening news because you were victimized. But if you meet the right people and a reputable photographer then it can be a great start. There are certain things that really cannot be taught without doing them and photoshoots are an excellent way to learn. Also, if you enjoy shooting with that photographer, you can build a long lasting professional relationship which is another great way to network! Once you get some great trade shoots under your belt and if you have the talent and a good look, you will most likely have more opportunity to shoot with some awesome photographers that have a lot of experience shooting fashion models. This is how you can begin to build your portfolio.
One of the only times that I think it is alright to pay money toward your career is shooting with a photographer who has a great portfolio. Sometimes they may ask you to shoot, but require a small payment to cover materials. It is not cheap for photographers. They have lighting, backdrops, studio space as well as any sort of editing programs and props they may use so it is ok for them to ask for a small amount to help cover all of the expenses. A model really doesn't need to invest in any sort of material for shooting so sometimes it is good to help share in the cost ensued by a great shoot. Also, photographers that charge does not mean that they are not reputable. This, of course, is their trade so they need to make money. Sometimes girls do opt to pay for a portfolio shoot. There is nothing shady or wrong about this. I just think it is also important to get some trade shoots under your belt before you get out there. Experience is important! I know a lot of awesome photographers that would do great work for a model looking to put together a portfolio. It is just not the only way. Patience are a virtue and if you are willing to invest a bit of time before you try getting out there, you can do a lot of this without paying any money. But if you are from my area and would like to pay for a professional portfolio shoot, feel free to contact me for recommendations.
Thick Skin
Thick skin is a must in the fashion
industry. If you are serious about getting involved as a model, or
anything in the industry for that matter, remember that you have to
succumb to regular rejections and hard criticism. It can be quite sobering and can create serious mental afflictions such as eating disorder, drug abuse and very poor self esteem!
I have been called everything in the book and as a child, I allowed it to fester and grow into self hatred. Luckily I have since learned to cope and understand that a photographer or designers idea of beauty may be completely off kilter and nothing like society's :"norm": And I have also learned to embrace my differences and flaws and love what God and my mother gave me despite what others may believe. This, to me, is more important than how low or high my body mass may be or how tall I am. If I can go home after a casting and still love myself, then I am doing my job and fulfilling my personal needs.
You may think that you can handle this industry, but you need to allow your sensibility to outweigh your desire to be in magazines. Living a dream is not worth losing yourself over! Trust me. I have lived it, loved it...HATED IT, and learned!
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