Modeling & Acting 101 - A Model/Actor's Diary

Submitting quality snapshots is just as crucial for aspiring male models as their female counterparts. 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 requireme...

As you've probably already gained from my blog, the role of snapshots is hugely crucial to new models hoping to get into the industry--namely, those with goals of snagging an agent. Learning how to put together quality modeling snapshots is a great way to make a strong first impression and improve the chances of getting invited to an agency interview. Below are some easy dos and don'ts for aspiring female models when it comes to putting their snapshots together (male models, don't worry--I haven't forgotten about you! The next blog post after this one will be filled with snapshot tips just for you). :-) 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 ...

I can't tell you how many aspiring/new models seem surprised or can't believe it when I advise them to stick to non professional, digital snapshots in order to impress modeling agencies. Sometimes I have to point them to other credible sources to prove my point. Here is a quick tidbit of modeling advice straight from the mouth of Pamela Frank, modeling scout for Ford Models in Los Angeles: "Every model should have at least one unfiltered headshot where they are not smiling. The light should compliment all their features, from cheekbones to nose and eye structure and lips. Little to no makeup." It really is as simple as that, ladies.

(This post does not pertain to baby modeling. For info on that type of modeling, please visit my post: Baby Modeling Tips ) I realize that the majority of my posts are targeted towards teens and adult models. But that doesn't mean I've forgotten about the kid models out there! When it comes to helping parents of aspiring child models, I could easily tell them to refer to my previous posts about taking snapshots and submitting to agencies but I figured it might be challenging/confusing for parents to try and apply that info to their kids when the posts specifically talk about adults and have snapshot examples of older models. So to make sure I don't leave anybody out, I decided to do this particular post to guide newbie parents through the process of submitting their kids to agencies. There are a few factors that remain the same for submitting photos of your child to agencies that older models also follow, however: Most (not all) agencies prefer/request non-prof...

So I feel I've done a grave injustice to my aspiring print models out there. This is a post that should've been done a long time ago but wasn't really brought to my attention until recently...aren't you glad I don't proclaim to be a perfect, know-it-all? LOL Okay, snapshots: I constantly go on about the importance of having quality, non professional, digital snapshots to submit to modeling agencies because they are the most effective way of getting one's foot in the door as far as agency representation goes. No mystery there. What I failed to clarify, however, is that the snapshots I typically refer to (and provide photo examples of) are ideal for aspiring models that plan on pursuing fashion, runway and editorial modeling . Aspiring commercial/print and lifestyle models should also submit non professional, digital snapshots to agencies that represent their category BUT there are some distinct differences. Below are what aspiring print models should ke...

This blog post was inspired by a reader question... Anonymous wrote: When submitting snapshots to agencies through email, should I send separate files or edit the all onto one "page"? Like the one example you gave of Doutzen Kroes? Or does it not really matter? Thank you for all of your wonderful help!  If you've been a reader of my Modeling 101 blog, chances are you've seen me mention non-professional digital snapshots for agency submission quite a few times. Those of you that are familiar with my posts may also have seen photo examples of what other models' snapshots look like--namely, the ones of Doutzen Kroes, where her images are arranged as six pictures all put into one collage. While Doutzen's snapshots are perfect to use for creating your own snapshots to submit to agencies, I do realize that some of you may be confused about the type of layout you should do. So to clarify things once and for all on this subject to save any newbie models gri...

The end results in modeling are all about the glamour and glitz, fancy hair, amazing makeup and extraordinary clothes. What many newbies trying to get into the industry fail to realize, however, is that the first stage in their journey will begin with the complete opposite. To this day, some models that seek my advice may not believe me when I say that the best way to impress an agency is to dress down and submit non professional, digital snapshots. I know, I know, at first it seems crazy--after all, how can anyone WOW big names like IMG, Ford, Elite, Wilhelmina, DNA, etc. with basic snapshots? But believe me, I would be the last person to steer anyone in the wrong direction. Once you better understand the modeling world and how it operates, the "less is more" mentality will make a lot more sense. New models that have yet to be discovered aren't expected by agencies to be these amazing glamazons with glossy professional headshots, portfolios and comp cards. That...

No, it's not because she's this amazingly talented supermodel. I love Doutzen Kroes because she is one of the prime (and my favorite) examples of how to get into the modeling industry without being scouted, "discovered" overnight or by going to a modeling school or convention with the hopes of making it big. Doutzen made it into modeling by simply submitting non-professional, digital snapshots to a modeling agency in her town. Before sending in those photos, she had NO previous modeling experience. I don't know, but sometimes I think people simply don't believe me when I say the most powerful tool a newbie model has is his/her snapshots. Not a professional portfolio or amazingly retouched images--snapshots! Doutzen Kroes is one of the models who was fortunate enough to make it to supermodel status but getting her foot in the door in the beginning was all thanks to her own efforts to follow the most basic rules for submitting to a modeling agency. Below are...

I can't keep track of the countless times I've heard aspiring models talk about how excited they are to send pictures to modeling agencies but have no clue what to send. Getting into the modeling industry is a process, which means there are steps that need to be taken. Jumping blindly into things is a surefire way to put yourself out of the running. Submitting your stuff to modeling agencies should be the LAST step in the process. Before you can send photos you have to figure out which agencies to send them to, right? If you have no idea where agencies are in your area, then it's time to do research and find them. Are they not local? Then you'll also have to consider how seriously you want to pursue modeling. For aspiring models with no legit agencies within a 2 hour's drive, you'll have to make a judgment call as to whether moving/relocating to a larger modeling market is going to be a realistic possibility for you. I'll do a post on that very topic i...

(This post is mainly for freelance models) Submitting yourself for modeling gigs often requires you to email pictures of yourself--typically headshots, comp cards or other professional images that relate to the nature/theme of the modeling gig you are trying to get. However, in some cases the client might ask you to send additional photos that are candid and not professionally taken. There are some instances where you will need to exercise good judgment and common sense to decide whether such a request is legitimate and related to the modeling gig or if it is a scammer or shady individual "fishing" for photos. It is not uncommon for a client to ask a model to submit non professional pictures. Oftentimes this is done because they want to make sure that they know what you look like without the makeup, retouching and Photoshop tricks. The last thing they want is a person walking onto the set that looks nothing like their photo--this happens all too often in the indus...

(This post is ideal for freelance models. While modeling agencies do request non-professional, digital pictures, the type of photo taking I am talking about in this post is for taking pictures of yourself when you don’t have anyone around to take it for you. When taking digital pictures for agencies DO NOT TAKE THEM YOURSELF! ‘Nuff said.) This post is targeted towards freelance models that submit themselves for modeling gigs. It is important to be prepared for anything, especially when sending certain photos to potential clients. Don’t be surprised if you come across a client that requests recent, non-professional images that are not retouched. If you’ve been modeling for a while, the chances of you having such pictures may be slim. This calls for a mini photoshoot using your trusty digital camera. However, there are a few pointers I want to make here so that you get the best results. Even though many clients will cast models based on their professional pictures and portfolio, ma...

If there’s anything that makes my modeling boots shake, it’s the Polaroid camera. As a model, why on Earth would I be scared of a camera (and an old school one at that!)? Well, simply put, I HATE how my picture looks. I swear, I can never take a good Polaroid picture. Feel free to agree with me so that I know I’m not alone. Haha. However, as much as I dislike it, the Polaroid camera is a part of the modeling industry and one that you should get familiar with. Modeling agencies rely on their trusty Polaroid camera when it comes to taking snapshots of models for open casting calls, as well as those they invite for an interview. Some agencies, like Ford, actually post their models’ Polaroid flicks along with their professional photos on the gallery page of the agency’s website. Many castings and go-sees you’ll attend will also use a Polaroid camera to place your name with the right face. Below are samples of Polaroid pictures taken of models: So with all the technologica...

There is still some debate as to whether or not aspiring models should send non-professional photos or professional photos to modeling agencies in hopes of seeking representation. My personal and professional opinion: non-professional photos all the way. There are some that may disagree with me, and that’s fine, but I will speak for a bit about this topic and why I suggest non-pro over pro. In all my time researching and being a part of the modeling industry, 99% of all agency websites I’ve looked at specifically requested that aspiring/new models send in non-professional photos. Some even went as far as to say that those who sent in professional pictures would not be looked at. Case and point. When in doubt, go with what the agency states on their site or when you speak to them. No two agencies are the same so of course there are going to be instances where professional photos may be required but the majority of the time, all they simply want are snapshots. That means a dig...

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...