Amateur Indiana

[BaileyDC]

Okay so I'm new to modeling and am really wanting wanting to make a serious career of this. BUT... I need some help. I was hoping someone had some suggestions or tips on building a career in modeling. I could also use tips on how to make myself known (in a good way of course!) I can always ask Shaylene but I would really like some extra opinions and extra insights. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
BaileyDC

[Shaylene]

Try to contact Darrel.... maybe you can get some pointers and get broke in at the Camera Club. They're all wonderful guys and have great tips!

Beware she's more playful and goth than seduction at this point guys!!!!!!
_________________
Shaylene
http://www.shaylene-brown.com
OMP# 137722
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/shaylenebrown

[Darrrel Booth]

I am not into the Goth look, but there are a couple of members that stop by here.

Darrel

[Shaylene]

Well didn't figure you were into goth or at least it would be a hidden talent of yours that I didn't know! However since you run the monthly shoots I figured you'd know someone that might have an interest.

So how have you been???
_________________
Shaylene
http://www.shaylene-brown.com
OMP# 137722
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/shaylenebrown

[Darrrel Booth]

I am doing well thanks for asking. Not looking forward to next birthday. May changes at the club that I will not discuss here.

Darrel

[BaileyDC]

Still help is appreciated even if it comes to tips on posing and such. And Shaylene you should know as well as I do that I've got my seductive side and my fashionable side. And Ahhhhh!!!!! my hair is lightening up again. Just kidding around but no Goth is not all I'm wanting to do although yes it is my main interest.

[rwilliams]

Below is something I wrote on another site several years ago but I think it still applies.

My previous posting on the subject of modeling practices focused primarily on the potential negative actions by models which resulted in it being described by one model as “harsh.” That is probably an accurate description although that wasn’t my intent; I am however when it comes to business a blunt person, finding that clearly speaking my mind works better than leaving doubt as to my thoughts.

In this posting however I’d like to start a discussion on positive modeling practices, those things that models can do to enhance their careers and move a level beyond, hence modeling 102.

I’ll begin this with a simple unqualified statement that I’ll qualify later. Almost no matter who you are, no matter how good or bad you look, you can probably make some money modeling. You could for example be a dead ringer for the Hunchback of Notre Dame, but if some advertising geek needs a hunchback, you got work!

One of the highest paid and most successful models I’ve personally ever broken bread with was a 35 year old woman who worked exactly as much as she wanted to, traveled all over the world, while making $1500 minimum a day and she rarely stood in front of a camera! No, she was a promotional event model who could speak four languages and had a near photographic memory. She could go to a trade show, sit in a room the night before, learn the entire story on a product or product line then stand in the booth the next day and intelligently chat up potential customers! She confided in me that she made around $450,000 a year and that her big paydays were the international car shows. The trick is to find your niche!

The first thing most models should do is take all their clothes off and stand in front of a mirror in bright lights! If shopping for a swim suit is a frightening and humbling experience, then this can be terrifying, but you should do it anyway both male and female models. And while you stand there look at some magazine covers, catalogs, calendars, and a Victoria Secrets catalog if you’re a masochist and put things into perspective. This one honest assessment may save you years of grief. Because the first step to being successful is chasing jobs that you are qualified for.

Take a note pad and take notes. Be brutal on yourself. Are you short, tall, thin-average-heavy? How are your proportions? Do you have trouble finding clothes that fit properly? There’s a clue! Do you have a nice natural smile? Do people comment on your eyes? How are your teeth? Are your breasts to die for or is it time for a wonder bra or lift? How bout the tummy, is there a six pack or is it a case of too many six packs? Do you love high cut swim suits that show off your legs and hips or is it my God everything has gone to my hips! Do you have a derriere to die for or do you think, what’s it take to find a swimsuit that will cover my butt? Look at everything from head to toe and grade yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Intermission, time for funny anecdote:
A few years ago I was working with a very successful model doing a health club shoot. One of the required shots was her wrapped in a towel, post shower on a scale. The model prepped came around a corner and for the first time saw one of those large dial scales that stares you in the face. She got a look of horror on her face declaring, “there is no way in hell I’m standing on that thing!” It took me a second to realize that if she stood on it her true weight would be revealed to all who saw the picture and that was the problem for the 5’9” fitness model who advertised herself as 125 lbs. We wedged the plate on the scale so it read 120, problem solved and her secret safe!

Back to work:
Ok, you’ve stood naked in front of that darn mirror, bared body and soul, have managed to see what the rest of us see, now what? Now you look, where do models that look like you show up at? Do your homework.

Models, both new and experienced need to understand that it is not photographers that drive the modeling market, it is advertisers and advertising agencies. The exceptions to this are artistic photography, runway modeling, magazine work, promotional events and adult. My disclosure to you is that my expertise lies mainly in advertising/illustrative work, secondarily and to a lesser degree magazine and artistic photography. I have very little if any experience in the others.

Hopefully by now you should have an idea of the general types of modeling you’re seeking. Now is the time to get serious about your portfolio. The quickest way to a good portfolio is also the most expensive and that is to hire a competent photographer in the area of modeling you are seeking work in to do a portfolio shoot. A portfolio shoot for a comp card shouldn’t be that expensive, most will be between $250-$400. You’ll see self promoting photographers telling potential models that it cost a $1000, but that is nonsense and by my way of thinking predatory on the models.

If you are an exceptionally attractive person with good swimsuit and glamour potential life can be easier, just get a few decent pictures and take a tour of glamourmodel.com and get ready to travel to Florida or California because that is where the camera guys are in that industry. If you have the goods, there you will get the offers!

If you are a potential fashion model, then get your butt on a plane or drive to NY and make the rounds of open casting calls at the agencies. There you will learn in short order if fashion modeling is in your future. If Elite wants to sign you, congratulations you are on your way!

Let’s assume however that none of the major agencies are lining up to sign you and you are going to have to largely make it on your own. However you do it, paid or TFP, get three solid pictures! Head shot, full length and if you are a standout in a swimsuit, then that is ok, otherwise another totally different shot. Do not put a nude on a comp card! You can get comp cards made for around $125 bucks for 250 of them. Include you name, contact information including a phone number, personal data, height weight, measurements hair color, eyes, dress/shoe size on the card.

While the comp cards are being done, go to the library and get one of the advertising directory red books or worst case, get out the phone book. Mail your comp card to every advertising agency in your area with a cover letter saying you’re seeking assignments. You can also mail them to modeling agencies with a letter saying you are looking for non-exclusive representation. Do the same with photographers. As you can afford it, get your comp card in front of as many talent buyers as you can and update frequently. “But Rick, that’s a lot of work?” No fooling Sherlock! It’s a business, it takes work.

Get to know the trade. Do you know what Backstage is? You should it is a publication now online that lists every casting call for talent and models! Consider reading advertising Age as well to stay up on industry news.

Good models, like anyone who is good at their trade tend to be students of their craft. For models this means becoming aware of a number of items. What are the fashion trends. For example, low riders and exposed thongs were the in thing in 2003, in 2004 that is out. There are trends in makeup as well. The outlined lips, which I personally always hated is now passé.

Speaking of makeup, models really need to learn as much as they can about makeup. If you can’t afford going to makeup classes, then hit the Mary Kay parties or hire a makeup artist to teach you how to do a solid makeup job.

Pay attention to the photographer when you are working with them. I’ve literally had models fighting me the whole time during a shoot because they want to move here and there after I spent 30 minutes on lighting that doesn’t work if they move 10 inches. After a shoot ask questions, most photographers would be flattered that you take an interest rather than running off, just don’t do it while you’re on the clock. Practice poses that make you look good; learn what makes for a good photo.

Network a lot, meet people, take cards, get to know people and for goodness sake, be nice to people and be professional!

Stock Photo Shoots:
Most of the major agencies are against their models doing stock photo work. This is because once the photos are taken and the agency gets paid, then they have no control over the images which could show up anywhere. The major agencies usually cut specific releases for photo shoots and where the images get used. If you want Tyra Banks, then the release will specify for whatever use and nothing else because the fees vary by use!

For most models though stock work can be a fairly good source of income, so don’t let what the big boys and girls are doing overly influence you unless you’re a big boy or girl yourself!…g

TFP:
I covered this fairly well in the first posting but it bears repeating. As a model you should look at the photographers work and if it is better than what you currently have, then it makes sense to do the shoot, otherwise no. That’s it, end of story.

Agencies:
My view on exclusive contracts is if you want exclusive rights to my income, then you’re going to guarantee me an income or go fish. Now, there may be exceptions, Elite would be one, but the thing is, unless the agency has a really serious track record getting models work, then them asking for an exclusive contract means they have control over your income.

Second, if an agency comes on with some deal like; “Ya gotta spend $1000 for us to represent you, then run, don’t walk to the nearest exit. They are making their money on production fess, not getting you jobs! It may not be a scam, but its close. Same with “house” photographers that charge outrageous fees for middle of the road work. Most legit agencies will have a list of photographers that they recommend, then you choose. That is if you don’t have a solid comp card or book.

In the major markets, most of the agencies specialize. Kids, plus models, middle aged models, hand/foot models, petite models etc. If you’re in a category, then track them down and talk. In non major markets, most agencies are a hodgepodge. In that case, the question is, do they get their models work or don’t they. Ya gotta walk the walk in this industry or shut the heck up! Someone wants to sign you? Fine, but don’t be flattered until you check out their references. “Oh, thank you Mr Agency Man, but provide me with a list of ten models you’ve booked in the last month.”

Next item are the sleeze folks. “Listen baby, I can make you a supermodel, but ya know, you’re gonna have to show the goodies to do it!” Then there’s the kindly agency person who you tell bluntly that you’re not interested in topless or nude modeling but constantly presses you to do it anyway. Run People!

Another on my list of vermin are touchy photographers. A lot of models I think lack the confidence to handle these folks the way they should be handled and that is spread out on a wall in handcuffs! Ladies, if a photographer touches you when you don’t want to be touched or touches you inappropriately then tell them in clear terms to knock it off and in the later case of inappropriate touches you may explain to them the penalties for sexual battery as you walk out the door! If some goober of a photographer gropes you, file a complaint with the police! Do us all a favor and get this creep off the streets.

On that subject, sometimes it is just expedient to adjust clothes, move hair, move a shoulder rather than take 2 minutes talking the model through it. The key though is I always ask permission first. May I works wonders and knock on wood it hasn’t been an issue as far as I know with me. You can’t really function in this business if you are too freaky about personal contact but then you needn’t put up with being manhandled and certainly not groped.

Staying Safe:
If in doubt, take a Marine or Navy SEAL with you. Even better is to trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, then walk away from it. A major league photographer with a thick book of published work on a magazine shoot may very well tell you to leave your boyfriend home, but in those cases the agency has already qualified the guy and he has a known rep. But the fellow with no business listing, a marginal portfolio or won’t/can’t provide references, then take a friend, preferably on the size of an NFL lineman! Personally I don’t care if models bring the entire US Marine Corps s as long as they stay out of the shoot, bring their own food and don’t bother me.

The muse has left me for now, so feel free to rip, counter rant, add to delete, comment or ignore.
_________________
Rick Williams
Multi-Media Design, Inc.
Newburgh, IN
www.themmd.com