So You Want to Become a Model? (PLEASE READ POST #1 BEFORE POSTING)

[Snow-White]

I've been asked to model some clothes ...
but I am terrible at posing... I dont know how to get the correct angle in pictures...
any tips?

 

[BetteT]

It takes lots of practice in front of a mirror ... get magazines and catalogs and copy the poses. But first ... check out what kind of clothes they are ... it's your job to show off the details. You can show off a collar by touching it gently with your thumb under it, or a full skirt by giving a lot of movement to make it swirl a bit or you can turn your back and look over your shoulder to show off something on the back and so on.

So if they have a web site, check out what they usually have and also check out thier previous models to see what they are doing. Copy that and get those poses down to a T. Some clients have a very "standard" (their standard, not an industry standard) way of having the models pose. Things like: They always want you to smile ... or not smile. They want your hands a certain way ... or they don't want your hands in front of the clothing. They might want you to look sexy ... or much more demure. So the client dictates what they want ... so practice doing whatever they usually do on their site. Also ... a good photographer will assist you in posing. But a model is expected to be able to understand what everyone wants and be able to bring it, given direction.

Most of all, try to relax and have fun with it and know that you will have several chances to get the pose they want. Personality goes a long way at a shoot, so stay positive.

 

[Snow-White]

^thanks for that BetteT ... I have been practising... but I do need to do a lot more!
I haven't been told what I am supposed to wear yet ... but its going to be based on my personality according to the stylist.
i need to learn how to give a slight smile ... but not really a big grin

 

[yougotthesilver]

Snow-White, it's so cool you've been asked to model those clothings. I wish you all the best of luck!!

 

[Snow-White]

^thank you so much ... it came as a surprise to me but I accepted it

 

[foreverandnone]

I say even if you are short, 5'6" at minimum, and have a great look, go for it anyway.
Im 5'6.5" (169cm)and have seen top agencies in NY and only one (Marilyn) had something to say about my height, the others merely mentioned how I would have to get my measurements down to size.
If you get enough interest, you're height should not be a problem, but expect it to hinder you.

You will have to work harder than your 5'9-5'11" model friends, and you will struggle with it. It will take longer to book great jobs and you will be put under pressure to fine tune your measurements.

Not everyone can be like Kate Moss, 5'5" and working the runways over night. It IS possible, but be realistic, and whenever doubt enters your mind, think of all the shorter models who made it!

i just wanted to post this because a lot of girls give up on modeling because of their height. A great face can take you places (getting positive feedback about your look!!)! Just work hard and persistent and LISTEN to what agents have to say.

 

[Couturierdiva]

I actually never considered modeling, but I've been approached by reputable agents and am really considering it.

I have heard that this is usually the way larger/bigtime print and runway models are discovered.

I am not tall enough for runway, but I could do print work I suppose. Does print modeling carry the same height requirements as runway?

For those that do print work, what is this like?

What is the schedule like and what is required of you? I am trying to learn more about this, before jumping in. Thanks! Also, how old is too old (I am in my 20's). Do you need to be a teenager?

 

[BetteT]

If you are a bit short and also in your 20's, you are almost too old (it's usually over by 25) but print work might just be your niche.

"Print" models usually have a prettier look than runway models, not as "editorial"... and often do local ads and catalog work ... not high fashion editorials, which is also print work. They sometimes can work at 5'7" ... but usually they want them taller than that, at least 5'8" or 5'9" ... taller is still better.

Then there is commercial modeling ... which pays more than fashion print work and runway most of the time, anyway. Commercial modeling is modeling anything except clothes ... like ads for anything like cel phones, cars, laundry detergent. Can be print ads or actual commercials. Age and height are less of a factor, depending on what they are looking for. They still want someone good looking, fairly tall maybe 5'7" or 5'8", who is very photogenic who can be a "type" ... such as young mom, businesswoman, grandmother, athlete, and so on. Sometimes there are cross over commercial models who are suited to do catalogs, too. A bit of acting talent is a plus.

 

[Blunier]

I've been asked to model some clothes ...
but I am terrible at posing... I dont know how to get the correct angle in pictures...
any tips?

There are no miracle tips. Some girls are naturally talented when it comes to posing or walking, some learn it, some never learn it (and some even later (!)). A good face and body are obviously good assets to start as model but there's definitely more needed to make the difference.

Like in many other domains, you can learn something to some extent but there comes a limit beyond which you need talent. A really good model has some natural gift.

As beginner you should remember that what others, be it the audience or the photographers, see it not necessarily what you imagine. You can't see yourself well and your judgement about yourself is likely to be biased (and further many girls are obsessed by imaginary flaws but that's another problem).

A mirror helps a bit but you won't percieve yourself like others will percieve you. It's far better to have someone videotaping you.

For posing it's best to do some photoshoots as only the photographer sees you through the lens while shooting. He or she'll also know best how to guide you. Just make sure to shoot with an experienced photographer, it won't help you much to improve your model skills if you're directed by a beginner, even worse, you could end with wrong habits.

Try to relax, don't overdo poses, mainly remain yourself and listen carefully. You'll hopefully progress with each photoshoot. Don't expect vogue-editorial-ready results from your very first test or assignement. Like other jobs, modeling is something one learns with time.

Remember that most important are human factors. Most photoshoots failures are caused by human problems rather than technical issues. It's a teamwork.

Blunier

 

[Couturierdiva]

If you are a bit short and also in your 20's, you are almost too old (it's usually over by 25) but print work might just be your niche.

"Print" models usually have a prettier look than runway models, not as "editorial"... and often do local ads and catalog work ... not high fashion editorials, which is also print work. They sometimes can work at 5'7" ... but usually they want them taller than that, at least 5'8" or 5'9" ... taller is still better.

Then there is commercial modeling ... which pays more than fashion print work and runway most of the time, anyway. Commercial modeling is modeling anything except clothes ... like ads for anything like cel phones, cars, laundry detergent. Can be print ads or actual commercials. Age and height are less of a factor, depending on what they are looking for. They still want someone good looking, fairly tall maybe 5'7" or 5'8", who is very photogenic who can be a "type" ... such as young mom, businesswoman, grandmother, athlete, and so on. Sometimes there are cross over commercial models who are suited to do catalogs, too. A bit of acting talent is a plus.

Thanks for your advice. I'm in my early 20's. I have been approached for print mostly, but I will look into commercial modeling. Sounds good.

 

[Carrme]

Blunier I needed to read that.
I'm not a model, but I act. And I am updating my portfolio with a known Toronto photographer at the end of the month and I just feel absolutely terrified.
Last time I shot was two years ago and I find myself extra paranoid of my poses/stance.
I also have a mad case of the self bias so your post is helping me sort things out.

 

[thinkbelove]

I've been through the whole process and made it, so after all that, this is what I think is most important to do.

First, email your polaroids to every agency you'd like to join. Then, go to casting calls.

Modeling is about confidence, attention to detail, and dedication. In your test shoot it's important to remember to be confident no matter how stupid you feel in a pose. You can't be posing and be asking with your eyes at the same time whether it looks good or not, just own it and it will look good no matter what. The photographer will help you. Don't be scared and your test shoot will turn out so good! If you're scared, it'll show in your eyes and you won't get as good of a photo. It helps too to pay attention to little details like if your fingers are bent funny or if your body is feeling tight. You want your body to be relaxed and your face to be fierce. In my opinion, having a good first test shoot is what fuels the fire because that's the book you start off with. The better you do there, the more jobs you'll get and it all builds on itself.

Lastly, I think, is to just try and not be nervous! When you meet the agency or the photographers or the make up artists, just be yourself, have fun, and enjoy the process. Agencies look for girls that have what it takes physically but they look for personality too.

And if you get rejected, remember that every agency is looking for different looks, and your's has to match what they're looking for. They don't mean that you arn't pretty, just that they are not a good fit with your look. You will find an agency that fits your look : )

I think the last thing, once you're accepted and to keep the fire burning is to work very very hard. Take the opportunity of every shoot or test shoot you are offered no matter how tired you are. It's all about practice. Lastly, be prepared to be asked to sit, lay, stand, in awkward, cold, or dirty places. Be ready to have paint and dirt and leaves thrown on you. Modeling is not a prissy business, be willing to get dirty! and to shoot in dresses when it's 30 degrees F outside! It's not all glamour and pampering! If you have your first test shoot outside and it's cold, bring a heavy and long sweater or blanket to wear for makeup and hair changes.

Best of luck to everybody that reads this! <3

 

[xlevix]

this is so random but does anybody know of any good or BETTER agencies i could start off on around LITTLE ROCK, AR or SPRINGFIELD, MO? im sadly stuck in the south and i havent ever attempted modeling because the agencies i have around here are like tacky john casablanca modeling agencies and idk where to look for an agency i can take seriously and will actually get me anywhere.

 

[BetteT]

That is a tough question and I don't know the answer. But I'd like to comment that some larger cities have an agency or two that have models for commercial and catalog shoots and things like that ... but you probably won't find any real fashion agencies in your area. If the fashion industry (fashion magazines, headquaters of the fashion lines, etc.) is not there, then the agencies won't be either. Chicago might be your best chance ... they do a fair amount of catalog work there .... Sears, for example.

I'm glad you are passing on John Casablanca ... which is really just a school ... more of a "charm school" than an agency. And giving them your money won't increase your chances of becoming a model, anyway.

 

[model_mom]

There are several agencies in Saint Louis Missouri that take models with potential.
Centro models, West Model management and Mother model management. The last one might be willing to meet with you and connect you with the larger agencies in New York. That is there specialty.....they don't find you work but are willing to let you know if you have what it takes to make it big.( Karlie Kloss for one) The first two are largely commercial agencies but the money is good if they sign you. I think Centro's open call days are Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon. You can look up their websites to find out more info.

 

[theBlueRider]

I finally went up to NYC for a few meetings (some are pending until after the fashion week frenzy) with 2 agencies--set up by my mother agency.
I met with MC2 and Race (both of which, ha, are somehow linked to the old Karin NY). Race was by far more excited, energetic and friendlier than MC2 and they were willing to spend a lot of time to explain industry workings and all that and answer my many questions.
The one agent there who wants to "take" me as his "own" just moved from a larger, very well known agency (one of the huge 2 in the 90s, hint hint, I hope no one from those agencies are reading this : X) and he was their new faces director (and he worked with one very well known young Canadian model when she was on the development board).
He seems to know what he's talking about, has good connections and is very optimistic about me. But the agency itself has a range between very catalog-y commercial girls to more editorial girls and they don't have any stars (Iza Olak left for Next). I was given a contract and I guess that one agent hit a lot of selling points for himself but I'm reluctant to attach myself to the agency's name for 3 years (does that make sense?). I always thought there was some type of client preference of sorts (even though the agent says they have the same clients as all the majors).
The appeal of it would be having that one agent formerly with a major and the fact that a boutique will develop me with a lot of attention (development is what I need right now since everyone said my DC port is too DC, too much makeup, too styled, so I have nothing to work with from my mother agency--they only like my polaroids and me in person etc). But for 3 years with a name that isn't quite established? How hard is it to switch while under contract? Should I wait it out until the end of February or should I take the chance, get developed and see where it goes?

Thanks for reading!

 

[thinkbelove]

i'd take the chance and see what happens

 

[ninanina19]

How old is too old for high fashion models at the NY agencies? Most of them are like 15-16? Is 18 too old?

 

[MikChick]

I want to know that too..

 

[estellaDARREN]

hallo there, I want to know if anyone is familiar with italian agencies, i just would like to know some feedback for milan, experiences, anything sort of current about
beatrice
fashion
brave
major
elite
women

???

Thank you much