Skip to main content

Answering a Reader Question #6


Ki-Ki Wrote:

After reading your blog I found it very helpful. Currently, I am a 19 year old college student in the Philadelphia area. I want to do modeling as a way to earn extra money. I have even had plenty of comments from people I know and dont know about modeling. This also inspired me to look into it. I have no experience and not exactly sure how the modeling thing works. But, I can get serious about it and make it work. Thus, would it be a good move for me to get some really good pictures taken and just go to an creditable agency or is it another way to go about this?????????


Hi, Ki-Ki! To answer your question, you do not need professional photos at this point to snag an agency. However, if you want to do test shoots to see if this is something you really want to get involved in, feel free to do so. Just make sure you network with legit and pro photographers.

That being said, if you do want to find a good agent in your area to get you work, all you'll need are basic snapshots. These should be clear, good quality and can be taken with a regular digital camera. I've added some photos for reference...don't feel like you need to copy exactly what's in the photo. Mostly use it for reference in the way the person is posed and how the shot is taken. The minimum shots agencies look for are:

1) headshot: from the shoulders up or a tighter shot. Make sure you're looking straight at the camera. No makeup and wear your hair naturally as long as it is out of your face. Do one headshot with no smile and one with a nice and genuine smile.

Example:



2) 3/4 body shot: this is usually shot from the thigh-up. It helps to wear an age appropriate swimsuit that is a solid color and complements your skin tone. No logos or brand names on the clothing in any of these photos. The 3/4 pose isn't a profile but your torso should be turned slightly away from the camera. It helps to put your hand on your hip.

Example (the girl on the right is doing the ideal 3/4 pose):



3) full body shot: include your feet. Wear a swimsuit for this as well. No shoes or socks. Stand up straight but comfortable (no stiffness) with your arms resting comfortably at your sides. You can choose to smile or not smile.

Example:



Most agencies will state on their websites exactly what type of photos they are looking for so that helps, too.

The bottom line: get these basic shots done and then start looking for local, legit modeling agencies. Steer clear of anyone who claims you need to pay for any up front fees BEFORE offering you a contract and also avoid modeling schools and organizations trying to get you to pay for classes. You're better off dealing with the actual agency themselves. If you need help finding agencies, send me an email and I can get you a list of ones you can check out.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Want to Be a Victoria's Secret Model?

(*Due to the number of comments and questions I get from aspiring models about working for VS, please be sure to read my post on this very carefully. If you don't meet all of these requirements then you cannot become a model for VS. If you are not tall enough, if you are not signed to a top agency, your chances are not good.  If you don't meet the requirements, please don't be too upset about it. Find another field of modeling you may be good for. There are plenty of other modeling opportunities for models outside of being a VS angel. They may not be as good or as well-known as VS but it's better than nothing.) I know I’d jump at the chance to be offered a gig modeling for Victoria’s Secret (although I think they’d be irritated by Photoshopping my stretch marks HAHA, yeah, I said it, I’ve got stretch marks!). All silliness aside, the gals of Victoria’s Secret are probably the inspiration for a majority of aspiring models out there. Not only do they get to wear the s...
358 comments
Read more

Male Models & Height

(This particular post is in reference to male models seeking to do fashion and runway modeling only, not commercial/print.) So I realize that many of my posts are directed at female models because, well, there are so many of them out there! But I do acknowledge and recognize the male models out there, too, and believe me I do my best to try and squeeze in posts that relate to you guys as well. While I will say that much of the information I provide (casting calls, submitting to agencies, etc.) can be applied to male modeling as well, I don't want anyone to get confused or feel they have to sort out exactly what applies to females and what applies to males so I decided to start trying to do more posts for male models or those aspiring to be one. The height factor is not just an issue with female models but male models as well. Unfortunately, there are even less "exceptions to the rule" when it comes to male models than female models. There are definitely the Ka...
61 comments
Read more

How Old is Too Old to Model?

It’s no secret that the media has made a big deal out of youth. Think about it: how many people have you heard say, “Gosh, I can’t wait to get wrinkles!” Worldwide, selling the idea of youth has made many companies billions of dollars. Without the models, however, they wouldn’t get very far. So that’s the obvious stuff but what about the question of age and being older in the modeling industry? Well, for starters, if you plan on being in the fashion and runway field, the younger you are the better. The longevity for this type of modeling is extremely short for the majority of models involved. Agencies sign girls as young as 13 years old and tend to hesitate if a model is over 18. This topic, like the height issue, is a reality of the industry that you don’t have to agree with but you will have to accept or at least get used to. It’s just a plain fact that agencies and their clients can get more work out of youthful models than those who already show the signs of aging. Sadly, this...
95 comments
Read more