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What Photos Do Agencies Look For?


Sure, each modeling agency is going to have its own requirements but when it comes to photos, these are the ones that count (some may ask for full body profiles, which is basically the same as a full body frontal shot but taken from the side):

1) Headshot: This picture is taken from the shoulders up. You should have two headshots, one smiling showing your teeth and one without you smiling. Wear no makeup in this shot. If you're dealing with a problem zit or are breaking out, clear up your complexion first and then take your snapshots. Wear your hair down or up in a ponytail--as long as it is out of your face.




2) 3/4 Body Shot: This photo is taken from mid-thigh up and is not a profile. Your body should be turned slightly. Still not getting it? Think of how contestants in pageants pose when they get to the end of the catwalk--that's a 3/4 stance. This pose helps slim your body and allows the agent to see the dimensions of your shape. For a more natural look, put one of your arms on your hip. Make sure your arms do not block your body--this could cause you to look wider in the torso than you really are.




3) Full Body Shot: When they say "full body", that's what they mean, so do your best to not completely chop off your feet in the picture. This shot is best done in a bathing suit, one or two piece is fine. And please wear a bathing suit that caters to your age group. No agent wants to see a 14-year-old decked out in a Victoria's Secret string bikini.



For all of these photos, as well as many others you take, remember to wear solid colors that complement your skin tone. Stay away from busy patterns, stripes, plaid, and don't wear anything that has a noticeable logo or brand name on it. Additionally, these photos should be taken against a plain white background indoors with good lighting. No pictures, clothes, posters or other objects should appear in the background. No shoes or socks in any of the pictures either.

Comments

The Blogger said…
Hi,
I'm an aspiring male model and I just started following your blog yesterday. I stumbled on it while checking for perfect poses for male models and so far, everything I've read has been so enlightening, well done! I wanted to know- is the procedure exactly the same way for male models when sending pictures to agencies? Thanks
Dania Denise said…
Hi, The Blogger! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #459," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Hey, I was just wondering if having brace (though since it's private treatment, they're clear so not very noticeable) would be a big problem for modelling, especially since I'll need to submit a photo of me showing my teeth! Please help x
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Rosalyn! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #584," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
but on model agency websites the polariorsds models wear heels in bikini shots
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous!

The snapshots showcased on modeling agency websites are taken at the agency office by one of the staff members, which is why the models are wearing heels.

Agencies take their own snapshots of the models they sign so that they have images on file of what they look like naturally but because they also present these same snapshots to potential clients, they have them wear the heels.

When models are submitting their own snapshots from home, they should not wear heels. The only time this would apply is if an agency website specifically says to wear heels in the snapshots. If they don't say anything about whether to wear them or not, it is better to not wear the heels.

Oftentimes the models choose really bad shoes to wear, which can be distracting in the photo and snapshots should only showcase the model herself, not anything else.

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