While there isn't as much for male models to worry about, that doesn't mean the snapshots they submit to modeling agencies should be a free-for-all.
Some of the dos and don'ts listed below are the same as listed in my blog post for female models, however, it is still important to mention it separately here as well.
DO: Follow Any & All Instructions
Agency websites contain all the info new models need to know, including what kinds of snapshots to send. Many even post reference images to copy. If you come across an agency site that has all this laid out, follow the instructions to a tee.
DON'T: Take Random Snapshots
It's great when there's a site with full guidelines but even if you come across an agency with a website where there isn't much info or none at all about what types of snapshots to send, you can follow the bare minimum requirements:
- 1 closeup headshot (smiling if you're submitting for commercial/print/lifestyle, non-smiling if you're submitting for runway/fashion/editorial)
- 1 half body shot (facing the camera, hands at your sides, no posing)
- 1 profile or 3/4 body shot (body and face should be in profile to the camera)
DO: Have Someone Take Your Photos for You
Even though I've seen a few agency websites state that "selfies" are acceptable, a larger majority of agencies want better quality snapshots and that can be easily accomplished when someone else is taking the photo of you. Not only will the resulting images look better, it'll give you less to worry about so you can focus on taking a good picture.
DON'T: Treat It Like a Photoshoot
Snapshots are non-professional in quality for a reason: it gives modeling agencies the opportunity to see what you REALLY look like. The purpose of modeling snapshots is to show what you look like at your most natural. This is also why you don't need to pose. Fellas, that means no "GQ" poses with your hand resting underneath your chin like you're deep in thought, no far off gaze like you're trying to find the meaning of life, etc.
Facing the camera directly and not posing is going to be your best bet.
DO: Wear the Right Clothes
Obviously, the type of clothing male models should wear in snapshots is going to be drastically different from female models. Similar guidelines apply when it comes to color and style of course. When it comes to choosing the clothes you'll wear, avoid the following:
- brand names/logos
- graphics
- busy patterns (plaids, tiny polka dots, stripes)
The focus of the snapshots should be you, not the clothing. Ideal wardrobe choices include:
- solid colored t-shirt or tanktop
- solid colored shorts that aren't baggy (no sagging, please!!!)
- no shoes or socks are necessary (pay attention to that personal grooming when it comes to your tootsies, guys!)
DON'T: Get Naked
We all know that male models are famous for sporting amazing washboard abs and a physique that just makes people drool. However, that doesn't mean you should show agencies all your goodies up front. You'd be surprised by how many naive models (ladies, this does apply to some of you as well), who think it's required and appropriate to submit naked snapshots of themselves for agency consideration.
The clothing ideas listed above are more than enough to meet the minimum requirements for submissions. Want to really show off your body but in a way that is acceptable to agencies? Then you can go shirtless with jeans, a solid colored pair of swim trunks or underwear (boxer briefs, boxers or tightie whities are all fine).
DO: Put the Focus on You
Your snapshots should only have you in the photo. That means no cropping your friends/girlfriend/family out of the group photo that you think you look fabulous in. Additionally, take your snapshots against a plain, light colored wall with no clutter around it. That means no hanging paintings or picture frames or piles of clothes/shoes on the floor. Anything that can take the agency's attention away from you in the photo is a major no-no.
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