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

I'm so thankful my friend, Turner, shared this video on my Facebook wall. Model, Cameron Russell, only speaks in this video for a little under 10 minutes but everything she says was so profound and moving that I couldn't help but share it here with my readers. Young ladies (and gentlemen), really listen to her perspective and the experiences she's had and why they play a part in how she perceives the modeling industry. It's 100% truth and isn't meant to downplay or discourage anyone from pursuing modeling but it does shed a lot of reality on an industry that is all-too-often glamorized for the wrong reasons. Just something to keep in mind if you really want to become a professional, working model: Note: Cameron is a fashion/runway model so her experiences and career stem from those areas of the industry. Because so many aspiring models dream of runways and magazine covers, this video will definitely apply to individuals with these goals. The topics she touc...

Hey, all! As I'm sure you've noticed, the polls for my website are now closed and the results are posted. The good news is that with the results I'll be able to start planning the layout of the webinar and what topics I'll be talking about. The bad news is that GoToMeeting contacted me to say that the new video feature that's supposed to go with their webinar service won't be up and running for another couple of months. I'm not willing to postpone my webinar any longer than I have to and while I absolutely love their webinar product/service, I'm gonna have to seek another option. That being said, the search is on! Until then I obviously can't do anything aside from plan out the webinar and what it will consist of so at least I'll have that to keep me occupied until I find a webinar service that meets all of my requirements. I know Skype is a free and easy option but the quality sucks and I don't want to risk having an experience where...

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...

Category: Shoes For: Female Models Worried that you'll slip while wearing your high heels? Take a piece of sand paper and scruff up the bottom of your shoes. It will create friction on the bottom of the heels when it makes contact with any surface so instead of feeling like you'll slip, it'll have a better grip. This means more confidence in your walk and less of a chance that you'll wind up kissing the catwalk instead of strutting on it.

Category: Agency Submissions For: Male & Female Models When reading through the instructions listed on a modeling agency's website for how to submit yourself, if they mention the word " snapshot(s) " that means you should send them non professional, digital photos...not professional images ! Unless the website specifically says it is okay to send professional pictures (or if they let you submit both pro and non pro) only send digital snapshots. Failing to do so could mean automatic rejection. Why? Because you didn't follow directions! So save your professional images for the interview/casting call and use the snapshots to get your foot in the door. Remember, you don't need professional images or a portfolio (in most markets) for agencies to consider new models for representation.

It's always exciting to finally see images I've shot being used for advertising instead of just as regular images in my portfolio. The owner of Jira Couture Cosmetics posted this recent online ad on my Facebook timeline and I was so happy about it that I wanted to share it with my readers! I just found out that they'll be using this ad in the New York market as soon as the final layouts have been approved...needless to say I am completely THRILLED that my photo will soon be circulating in New York! I don't know if it will be just online or in print but soon as I find out and once it's official, I'll be sure to let you know!

Those of you that are pretty familiar with my blog probably know that I participate in bridal fairs year-round within the Northern California area. As I've advanced in my role as a model and right-hand gal to the model coordinator for the bridal fashion shows, I've also had the great opportunity to be a part of the casting call process each season. While I don't sit on the judging panel, I am the first person the models meet at the casting call after signing in. I conduct the mini orientation where I explain what the panel is looking for in its bridal models, as well as demonstrate an example of the runway walk the judges expect to see. The Spring bridal season for the Bay Area Wedding Fairs is starting soon and it's time to find new faces! Below are the details of the casting call...I definitely encourage any of you that is interested to attend: Who Can Attend? We are currently seeking male and female models of all ages, as well as child models (ages 5+). We...