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

So I got my images back from my recent shoot with a really great stock photographer, Jana Le. She found my modeling profile on Model Mayhem's website and liked my look. She sent me an email and it was a done deal! This was actually my first time doing a stock photo shoot, so it was a fun challenge for me. To recap for those who aren't aware of what stock photography is, this type of photography is very similar to commercial, except in a different form. There are many online stock photography websites, where photographers upload their images into galleries. Clients who don't have the time or budget to put together their own shoots and hire models can go to the stock photography websites and download the full-size images for a fee, which the photographer (and in some cases, the models) get a percentage of. These images appear everywhere from website ads to print for fliers, brochures, product packaging, billboards and many more. Here is Jana's portfolio of work (I love h...

ki~ki Wrote: So, Dania I have a open call today, I got my head shots and 3/4 shots ready and a pair of heels. I also have been doing a lot of excersing with my boyfriend and eating healthier. We did a lot of running. So, before I go today is there any advice you can give me??????????????????? Thanks Again Hi, Ki-Ki! As far as advice for open casting calls, remember that the agencies want to see the true you…not a version that you feel they should see. Stay true to yourself. They love upbeat, bubbly personalities. Walk in with confidence and stand up straight. Have good posture when standing and when sitting—don’t slouch. Always wear a comfortable smile and above all else, do not overanalyze anything and if you’re going to be nervous, keep that to yourself. Never let ‘em see you sweat! Wear little to no makeup (none is better if you can get away with it) and avoid wearing patterns, logos, brand names, stripes and polka dots. My suggestions for what to wear include: a tank top, cami or b...

Troy Wrote: Hi, i hope you can respond to my question. i'm an aspiaring male model, and although i'm sure it'll be different, i was wondering if you knew how to search for modeling gigs without an agent. i'm not saying i'm gonna be amazing all on my own, but i would like a few shoots under my belt before i go to an agency, just so they see i have some experience. i really want your opinion on this at least if you can't help me. There are a few ways you can go about being a freelance model, although let me say first that most modeling agencies do not care if you have previous experience or not. When submitting photos, many state they want non-professional photos but there are others that willingly accept your own modeling headshot. It varies from agency to agency. So if you are concerned about impressing an agency, just know that you don't have to have done shoots before or have your own portfolio. You'd be just fine submitting non-pro pix (headshot, full...

Ki~Ki Wrote: As I said before Dania, you do a great job with this blog. It's so helpful to me. But, I did have another question. Exactly how do I lose about 2 to 3 inches off of my waist and hips?????????? I really like my body the way it is now i.e. 34-27-36 but I guess if I want to explore modeling I will have too lose a few inches. Thanks, Ki-Ki, I appreciate the support! I am very proud to hear you say that with your current measurements, you are happy with your body! I hear too many people say the exact opposite…your response is a rare yet refreshing one to hear! That being said, I highly suggest seeing agencies as you are first. If you are happy with yourself right now then take a chance and see what they say. It won’t count against you if they say to lose a few inches and then come back…to be invited back is a good thing! So I see nothing wrong with seeing them now if you’re ready and taking things from there. As far as losing the inches off your waist, this was what informa...

Anonymous Wrote: hey! so i have a very random question, but it's been on my mind all morning. this morning i was in the shower and i slipped on some soap, falling down and chipping my two front teeth. i also scraped up beneath my chin quite a bit. i got several stitches on my chin and they believe that it will heal fairly well. my teeth on the other hand will be fixed this monday. the dentist says that it won't be noticeable unless someone is staring very closely at them. i am worried that this will hurt my chances at becoming a model. would photographers be able to fix anything (even if it is very subtle?) sorry this got so long... my teeth were my favorite part of my face, so i just wanted to see what you think. thanks a bunch for reading all this!! i love reading your blog...it is so helpful! =] No apologies needed and thanks for being a reader of my blog! Oh, no, that sucks that that happened to you! Well, if the chip is slight and your dentist says it won't be noticeab...

Ki-Ki Wrote: All of the information that you post is very helpful. Currently I am looking into modeling and have searched a few websites. I looked at the models on those websites and their waist is usually between 23-25 and hips between a 33-35. My waist is a 27, hips are a 36 and buist a 34. I'm also 6'0. Should I try to lose an inch or two before I go to an open call? While I can say that you will need to lose a few inches to meet the required measurements, your best bet is to hear that from the agencies themselves. I always encourage going to open calls as you are and getting as much feedback from the agencies as possible. It is their advice that is going to dictate where you go from here so even if you know that you should lose a few inches, it helps to get that confirmation from them. Making that initial contact with an agency is important because you may make a lasting impression on them and most agencies are more than willing to let you come back at another date after yo...

The first time I ever wore false eyelashes was on the set of my 2004 JET Magazine “Beauty of the Week” shoot. I thought I’d never be able to open my eyes—the lashes were so heavy! It was quite a shock to me but soon as I looked in the mirror, I loved the way they looked. Adding false lashes to your photoshoot can add just the right touch of glamour. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning on including a pair in your next shoot. My first piece of advice is to choose your lashes wisely. In case you weren’t aware, there are many types of false eyelashes, all with their own shape, size, and style. Not one pair of fake lashes may work well with all of your looks so it helps to get your own mini collection going. I have about 5 pairs of false lashes. MAC is great for selling top quality lashes at reasonable prices. It helps to get the assistance of someone working there to help you choose the right style. If you get your makeup done at the MAC store and add ...