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Answering a Reader Question #135

Anonymous Wrote:


hi my name is sophia and im half japanese and half australian i think i have a great skinny body but im poor and cant afford to get into modeling what do i do.honestly even if people say to me i have the slimmest chance i dont listen i want to follow my heart but i know the right thing to do is just forget about the career i have dreamed about for years one bad bit about me is that my eyes abit un syrimetrical and u might imagine me as this asian but i dont look anythinng like one ! i have big green eyes long brown hair im not like any ordinary girls im a girl with personality and sometimes i wish that someone would read this and care what im saying and give me a job 

Hi, Sophia. I wish I had your email address so I could address your situation one-on-one but perhaps this blog post will inspire others in your situation and give some hope to yourself and those that feel like they should throw in the towel. Believe it or not, there is a way to get into modeling without shelling out hundreds to thousands of dollars. But in order for me to better help you, I need to know more information, such as your age, height and measurements (bust, waist, hips in inches).

Getting an agent is the best way to get your foot in the door of the modeling industry. Submitting your photos through agency websites, email and regular mail as well as going to open casting calls are all free of charge. If an agency is interested in you, they'll offer you a contract and work with you to develop your portfolio by setting up test shoots with various photographers. You're not obligated to pay for the photographers, either, as long as you can find those that are willing to do free test shoots and produce pictures that the agency will approve of. So you see, there are cost-effective ways to get into modeling. Of course you also have to be in the right location/market. If you happen to live in a small town that doesn't see a lot of action, then yes, it will be difficult. However, if you can manage to find a legit and reputable modeling agency within at least a 2 hour's drive from where you live, then that's the first step in the process.

Also, you don't have to pay a professional photographer or put together a portfolio before submitting yourself to agencies, either. 9 times out of 10, agencies request non professional, digital snapshots to see your true potential so there's another way to go about pursuing modeling without having to reach into your wallet.

Sophia, the thing you--and everyone else in your shoes--have to understand is that in order to really go after your dream, YOU have to go for it...YOU have to chase it...YOU have to take the steps necessary to put yourself out there. Unless you happen to get scouted by someone legit, it's going to be up to you to make agencies pay attention. It's not easy but it isn't impossible, either, especially if you have a great, marketable look and meet the other requirements that agencies are looking for. If you need further assistance/guidance, send me an email: daniadenise@gmail.com. Don't throw in the towel before you've even tried so hang in there and hopefully you'll get in touch so I can help you see if modeling really is for you.
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Comments

Abbey-Lynn Dermott said…
Hi Dania! I didn't know how to message you or if I can on here but I was wondering if I could have your email-address? I have a personal question about modeling :p oh and you are SO inspiring and beautiful!!! <3
May 19, 2011 at 7:40 PM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Abbey-Lynn! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #142." Thanks for reading!
May 19, 2011 at 9:06 PM
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