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

Lady J Wrote: Hi, My question is, can models that are my height 5'4 actually have successful high fashion modeling careers and what does it take to get to that level?  Hey, Lady J, thanks for the question, which I am sure is one that many have on their minds. At this current time in the industry, having a model at 5'4" in the high fashion modeling world is about as close to impossible as you can get. Petite modeling and commercial/print have always been alternatives for shorter models but the high fashion realm continues to be one that has managed to cling to the stringent height requirements for decades. While some will mention exceptions to the rule, Kate Moss is not 5'4" and even though Devon Aoki is probably the shortest model to successfully strut down a high fashion catwalk, her modeling career was brief and she quickly pursued an acting career instead--not to mention that Kate Moss was her mentor. In essence, unless you are super connected on the Ka...

Amanda Wrote: Hi Dania, thanks for answering my question before. I was wondering, how do I find a trustworthy modeling agency? Every time I looked on the internet for one in Miami, the only that doesn't seem to be a scam at first is Avenue Productions, which has received hundreds of complaints that the models they book not only pay an upfront fee, but they are never booked for any jobs. I checked the agency's website, and all that I really found was about 200+ pictures of models they booked (who probably paid the $300 upfront fee). Not to mention when I searched the company name, the suggested list said "Avenue Productions Scam". I really don't know where else to look, since I've used Google, Craigslist, and I even resorted to checking a phone book. I know Miami isn't as large as New York or LA, so I wouldn't expect to find as many agencies as models find there. But the only time I'm going to New York is in December for only 2 weeks....

Anonymous Wrote: My name is Quenette Battle. I am an inspring model. I want it so bad it almost makes me wanna cry. I'm working hard to get there but I feel like I need help from someone like you. I can send you pics through email or you can give me a call. Truely, Q.   Hi, Quenette! Hopefully you'll read this post--I didn't publish your original comment, which would have appeared in the comments section of the blog post you comment on, because it contained your phone number and I did not want to make that public for all to see. In the event that you see this post in response to your comment, I want to let you know that you can send your pictures and any other modeling info (measurements) directly to my email address: daniadenise@gmail.com. Email is the best way to reach me with any questions, comments or suggestions. Hope to hear from you and good luck!

(This post is great for all male models, regardless of what kind of modeling you want to do. ) The topic of this particular blog post is in regards to contacting female models for the purpose of networking, meeting up and planning shoots together. Needless to say, the Internet has opened up a lot of opportunities for exposure and getting work done in the industry. However, it is also a resource that is regularly abused by those with bad intentions. While the majority of professional, experienced female models know how to interact with male models they've never worked with before, if you are the one doing the contacting and are new to the whole modeling industry, there are a few helpful tips you can follow and keep in mind to take the intimidation factor out of the process and put any female model at ease. Pick the Right Form of Contact: There are tons of ways to get in touch with a female model in order to express your interest in shooting with her. If you have held a cast...

Anonymous Wrote: As for contacting female models through social networking sites, it's best that you proceed with caution because they might suspect you of being a sexual predator. And for meeting them, these female models that you're planning to work with, will usually bring a male friend, co-worker (if they are on lunch break from another job), relative, or family member for their own protection (but not a boyfriend or husband, due to jealousy issues) so don't feel intimidated because of that, especially by male friends or co-workers. Overall this is a good article for male models but I also think you need to write another article explaining how to work successfully with male models for female models, especially for freelance female models.  Hello, Anonymous, and thanks for the comments about my post, titled "Tips for Working Successfully with Female Models (for Male Models) Part I" . I appreciate your concern about the whole safety issue when ...

(This post is not specifically addressed to any reader in particular but is a basic response to the topic overall.) From time to time I get comments from readers, stating their concerns that certain modeling pictures can be seen as "slutty" or may give the model a "bad rep", among others. Such comments really irk me because these kinds of statements can negatively influence an aspiring model, which could result in having him/her decide to not pursue the a modeling career--not to mention that oftentimes such statements come from people who themselves are not actually in the business. The stance I take on such matters is from a business standpoint, which is the tone I'm going to take while writing this particular post. I must say that not all modeling requires being sexy or wearing next to nothing. There are different fields of modeling to choose from and your height, look and stats will be the main determining factors as to which one you'll be the most ...

(This last post in the series addresses male models that specialize in the high fashion and editorial fields.) While commercial/print couple shoots involve some romance and intimate moments, high fashion and editorial couple shoots take the sex appeal to an entirely new level. Being a male model in these fields means being confident, working well with female models and being comfortable with getting really up close and personal. Sex sells, plain and simple and the industry continues to use--if not exploit--this in order to sell their clothes, accessories, fragrances, etc. If you are interested in being a male model and want to pursue high fashion and editorial work, you'll have to throw all caution to the wind and know how to turn on your sexy persona in front of the camera. So what does this mean when working with a female model? I will say that my approach to this topic is one that is solely from a business standpoint. As I've stated many times before, being a model i...