How do I become a model?
WELCOME! YOU CLICKED ON THIS SECTION FOR A REASON!
Here you will find information on starting your modeling career. Modeling is way more important than having a social media presence, its important but we’ll touch on that later. The most important aspect of becoming a model is understanding the various types of models there are, and choosing what fits your style! Or, you may choose to experiment in various modeling opportunities.
TYPES OF MODELS
Editorial- An editorial model mainly focuses on fashion photoshoots. These models are up on high fashion! Think Gucci, Louie Vuitton, MCM, Chanel, etc. An editorial model is a good starting point for getting used to being a part of a professional photoshoot. Beyond keeping up with the latest fashion, editorial models know how to fluently pose. Learning how to pose is a huge part of becoming a model. Editorial models are able to capture the perfect image by using their own sense of artistic direction. Ideally, editorial models are on the taller/slimmer side. But, don’t let that stop you! Normally editorial photoshoots are run by the brand. Remember to keep a friendly and positive attitude. Do not expect to choose your images or receive your images from an editorial photoshoot! Once the actual product is released you may receive your photos or you may not. It’s all about the experience!
Catalog/Branding- A catalog or brand model typically has a more “everyday” look to them. These models are tailored to more to brands such as Fashion Nova, SheIn, H&M, Nike, Adidas, etc. A good way to start of being a brand model is to network with local designers and clothing brands to collaborate on a photoshoot! There is way more flexibility towards the “look” of a brand model. A brand photoshoot can be done in a studio or in an outside setting. Most brand photoshoots take a group effort! Prepare for a long, but fun and exciting experience. Remember to discuss potential compensation, a trade off of their products for your time, or make it clear this is only a collaboration agreeable by all parties associated. A model may have more creative control over a branding photoshoot. Branding photoshoots are a big part of your portfolio. (We’ll get into that soon!)
Runway- Runway models walk the catwalk and exhibit a tremendous amount of confidence! Runway models may have to walk in high fashion, other clothing brands, lingerie or swimsuits. The biggest part of runway modeling is following direction. You never want to be late to a casting, practice, walkthrough or the actual event! It is highly recommended that a model attends a few runway workshops if this field is something they’re interested in. Runway models typically have an ideal look: tall/slim. But, just like an editorial model’s ideal look, don’t let this stop you. Always stay in the loop about local fashion shows. Clothing brands need various sized models to help sell their merchandise, and fashion shows are always a good way for both to get exposure! Remember to network at these events! How else will you get your pictures back from the dozens of photographer’s snapping away? Ask is this a paid opportunity or are the brands/vendors paying for wearing their items, do I get to keep what I wore?
Parts- Parts models only model a certain part of their body. They may have gorgeous soft hands, a unique eye color, perfect teeth, full lips, etc. Maybe think about what’s your BEST feature…and showcase it! A few ideas for a parts model could be a collab with a custom jewelry maker, all you would show would be your neck, fingers, waist, wrist or ear! You could even network with a new business such as a makeup artist or nail technician.
Fitness- Fitness models are models who eat, breathe and sleep the gym life. A fitness model has a regular gym routine and maintains a healthy diet. Fitness models advertise for magazines, sell supplements, model workout attire and promote gym and training facilities.
Lingerie/Swimsuit- We’re going to categorize lingerie and swimsuit models into the same category. Lingerie and swimsuit models are more comfortable showing skin. Of course, there’s always levels to it. The difference between lingerie/swimsuit models and a glamour/boudior model is that lingerie/swimsuit models main focus is to still SELL THE PRODUCT. Lingerie and swimwear models will have opportunities for runway, branding photoshoots and portfolio building. Lingerie and swimsuit models will provide a various amount of poses to showcase the lingerie or swimsuit. A professional photographer in an indoor setting will usually have the model posing in front of a neutral colored backdrop. Remember to discuss posing and situational comfort levels before these type of photoshoots. Smiling and having fun are the most important aspects of having a successful lingerie or swimsuit photoshoot. All of these options are opportunities to add to your portfolio, but remember the purpose of each photoshoot. In this case, the model will have a lot of creative control as to the length of the photoshoot, what images will be chosen, and when and how they will receive the photos. Consider compensation or come to a mutual agreement about a collaboration.
Glamour/Boudior- A glamour or boudior model is a step up from a lingerie or swimsuit model. Boudior models are not modeling to sell a product. They are hired based on appearance and sex appeal. Brands may be featured in a glamour/boudior photoshoot with appropriate credentials tagged, but typically a magazine, modeling agency or normal freelance photographer will contact you for a glamour/boudior photoshoot. Please be aware of the MANY layers to glamour/boudior modeling and photography. Lingerie or swimsuits may be worn during these opportunities. The vision may be a topless photoshoot with your bottom garments still worn. Completely exposing this are is entirely up to you. Always remember to discuss posing and situational comfort levels before these types of photoshoots. Being topless or having your lower private area uncovered but still not fully exposed is an implied look. The model is implying that they are nude, but still leaving much up to a viewer’s imagination. Fully exposing your top or bottom half is simply a nude photoshoot. Nude photoshoots have levels as well. Some models aren’t comfortable with their entire body being exposed, only the top, or vice versa for whatever reason. Nude photoshoots do not have to include closeups of your private parts! Remember you have control over what you chose to show! Remember to keep it tasteful! These images can and will be added to your portfolio. Do some research on how to tastefully pose as a boudior model. Models should always have a lot of creative control in these types of photoshoots: the length of the photoshoot, what images will be chosen, when and how they will receive the photos, and what photos will be available for public viewing. Consider compensation or come to a mutual agreement about a collaboration.
Erotic- Erotic models are the final step in the Lingerie/Swimsuit <Glamour/Boudior line of modeling. Erotic models are normally some sort of adult entertainer. Understand the differene between an erotic model or photoshoot and a glamour/boudior model or photoshoot. Erotic models have no issue being completely nude, although everyone has their limits as to which type of content they’re comfortable producing. Erotic models push the limit. There is no limit as to whats tasteless. Being an erotic model takes an enormous amount of confidence. For most models, it’s not their thing.
Terminology
Agency- A company that represents models and actors. Responsible for representation and promo for model, booking jobs for them
Backdrop- A background in a standard portrait photography session
Beauty Shot- A clean headshot, excellent makeup, simple hair, nothing distracting from model’s features
Book- Your physical book of photos (portfolio)
Booker- A staff member of an agency who handles request from clients to represent and setup opportunities for models
Booking- A job assignment
Book Out- A model notifying an agency of their unavailability
Call Back- A second audition for a model made by the client for a final decision
Cancellation- A 24 hour courtesy notification of unavailability for a previously scheduled booking
Casting Call- A call for models for a specific job
Client- A company who hires models through an agency
Composite (Comp) Card- A physical or digital card used to promote the model. Includes model’s stats, contact info and 3-4 photos
Creative Director- A professional in charge of setting up the theme of the photoshoot. It is their job to assist the photographer with the photoshoot setup.
Day Rate- Rate charged by model for a full day of work
Exclusive- An agreement between an agency and model to only work under specific conditions. Or an image may be only shared to the public after a certain date or requirements are met
Fitting- A meeting where the model tries on clothing before a booking to make sure clothes do or do not need altering
Freelance- A model or photographer that operates without agency representation
Makeup Artist (MUA)- A professional who applies makeup for a photoshoot session. Normally not included in photoshoot packages.
Market- Any area where models can find work. The top US markets are NYC, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. The top international markets are Paris, Tokyo and Milan.
Model Bag- A large tote bag containing all of your essentials
Portfolio- A book containing your photos and tear sheets to be shown to clients
Pose- One of the many stances or positions a model assumes during a photoshoot or fashion show
Proof-An unedited image sent by the photographer for model to choose their best poses. Not to be confused with a RAW file
RAW- A large file coming straight off the camera. Used by photographer’s to edit final images. .ARW is the file extension. Most photographers do not send RAWs
Release Form- A contract signed by the model which releases your claim over any images taken of you
Runway- A raised platform where models “walk” to show clothing
Shoot- The actual photoshoot
Stats- Women- height, bust, waist, hips. Men- height, chest, waist
Stylist- A professional hired to style hair and wardrobe for a photoshoot
Tear Sheet- The actual page from a magazine or print job where the model was featured
Test- Some of the 1st shoots a model does to build their portfolio
Time for Print (TFP)- A situation where the model and photographer both agree to exchange time for photos to be used for both’s portfolio
Go to Tips
Being a successful model takes quite a bit of hard work! Check out these tips to start off.
Practice- PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! When you’re done, practice some more! Invest and enroll in posing classes. Posing classes will help you know what to do with your hands, highlight your best features, how to part your lips showing off your teeth and smile, how to talk to the camera with your eyes. what parts of your body that should never face the camera, and many more! When you get home, practice what you learned. Take selfies. Buy a ring light, set up a cloth backdrop in front your closet or living room. You can use your phones self timer.
Understand Industry Terminology and Standard Policies- Everyone has to start somewhere. No one is an expert as soon as they start off. You should have a basic understanding of industry terms and policies. If not, take a moment to google terms such as: portfolio, composition card, freelance, agencies, and castings. Understand basic copyright procedures when it comes to your images. Always remember even a picture of you does not mean you are the owner. Whoever took the image is the owner and has the copyright. You don’t want to be the model making unrealistic specific demands, especially as a newcomer. Also, you can not demand paid opportunities without an actual portfolio and references.
Be Professional/Reputation- Displaying a positive vibe will take you more places than a pretty face ever will. Respect other’s time and places of business. It’s never a good idea to bad mouth another model, agency or photographer. Everyone talks! Models talk to other models, those models are linked to other photographers who can be linked to agencies. You know the saying, “its a small world.” Be on time and come prepared. We’ll talk more about being prepared in another section. Learn how to accept rejection. It’s completely fine if you don’t get chosen for a casting, a magazine submission gets rejected, Continue to work hard, take the constructive criticism and do better next time. It’s never a good idea to come to a photoshoot or set impaired. Not only is your safety at risk, but you’re showing how serious you are about the project. Respond to emails and other inquiries in a timely manner. Also be completely honest about your interest in a project. You are your brand! Respect your brand. Don’t take the “just because” jobs.
Keep Yourself Up- The modeling industry is probably one of the most competitive freelance industries in the world. 95% of the work will have to be done by YOU. There’s endless pressure, you will be tired, hungry, overworked, hot, cold, you name it! With all of this being said, theres still the pressure of keeping yourself up! Depending on the type of model you’re leaning towards, maintaining your physical physique is a huge priority. Editorial brands need models who will look good in their clothes, and runway models usually have their special requirements. Exercise often. You will have to spend money. Modeling isn’t cheap. In addition to paying for photoshoots, classes and workshops, you’ll also have to pay for makeup artist and other needs. Networking is vital in this area. Get to know make up artist and stylist. Sometimes you’ll have to travel or be outside so maintaining your look may be come difficult. Keep your model bag with you for every shoot. It should include: make up set (palette), skin toner, foundation, hairspray, feminine products, deodorant, water, hair ties, phone chargers (wall and portable), brushes and combs, lipstick or gloss, snacks, a variety of skin toned undergarments, white and black bras and underwear, a few pairs of jeans, heels, flats and a few sneakers, nail polish, press on nails. Makeup, hair, nails and body hair should be all taken care of prior to a photoshoot. Always look your best!
Recognize Your Strengths- Everyone has something unique about them! What is it for you? If you have a big smile and a pleasant vibe, brand modeling and a dynamic headshot portfolio may suit you best. Are you extremely confident, demand attention and can captivate a room? Runway and glamour modeling may suit you. Do you already have a large social media following? Network with brands to become a brand ambassador. You’ll easily add to your portfolio, build relationships and have a variety of pieces to shoot in. Are you into eccentric makeup or cosplay? Network with makeup and special effects artist. If you consider yourself a stylish person, shadow a stylist for someone else’s photoshoot to see how it looks from a different perspective. Still remember you don’t have to get stuck in one lane. But always know what your major strengths are. Be confident enough to step out of your comfort zone sometimes. Use the resources around you. Say for instance your friend is a musician and they need a model for their video. This can be an exposure opportunity for you or for another model you’ve met and clicked with at another shoot. You’ll need props, a videographer, makeup artist, and everything else to make it successful. We’ve already talked about getting to know local designers. It’s all about sharing resources! If everyone uses their resources the project will be a success.
Build Your Portfolio- It will take more than an Instagram page to be a model! Portfolio building should be the most fun part about your modeling career. No matter what form of modeling you choose to venture into, a model should have a variety of photoshoots included in their professional portfolio. Only professionally shot images should be added to your modeling portfolio. Quality headshots are the most important! Nothing speaks louder than a perfectly shot well lit headshot! Be sure to take various types of headshots as well: black and whites are always an option, try different hairstyles or makeup, be dramatic, or even have your favorite photographer experiment with different lighting techniques. Secondly, show your range. You’ve already decided what type of modeling you’d like to focus on, but try other types every so often. It can become difficult to find other opportunities if you only focus on one type of modeling. Have a variety of indoor and outdoor fashion and branding shoots along with your swimwear and lingerie/boudior looks. You should have both a physical and digital portfolio. A physical portfolio can be a combination of your Tear Sheets (we will discuss later) and other images in an actual notebook, a digital portfolio can be an actual website or have a link to an image hosting site. We’ll dig deeper into this later.
Promote Yourself- There’s no promotion like self promotion. Create as much content of yourself as possible! Catch behind the scenes footage from your photoshoots, create reels for social media, etc. Create strategies for your content to stay active. But remember, it’s not all about you! Show love to the ones you create with. Tag them in the work you post, and also like and share their post. Social media’s algorithm is different for everyone, so you’ll have to figure out what YOUR audience is tuning into. Staying consistent is the most important thing as far as getting the algorithm to have a positive result. Having consistent content means you have to consistently shoot, right?
Choose the Right Photographer- Every photographer has their own style. Some photographers only shoot a certain style. Choosing an event photographer for your wedding doesn’t make much sense do it? It’s the same for your modeling career. The more you shoot, you’ll figure out how you like your photos to be shot and which photographers capture you the best. It’s equally important to build relationships with other models and photographers to connect with other photographers and possible modeling agencies.
Is a Modeling Agency Worth it?- Honestly modeling agencies can either help or harm depending on which direction you want to take your modeling career. Be aware of agencies that charge fees. A good agency should start off by wanting to see your portfolio and encourage you to build it. A good agency should also have experienced photographers on their staff. If you choose to join a modeling agency, make sure they offer you quality opportunities for your career. A lot of agencies make promises but can’t deliver. Also make sure there is clarity whether or not the agency will have exclusive rights to you. This would mean that you are not only signed to their agency, but you can only shoot with photographers from the agency or have approval from the agency to set up your own photoshoots. A good thing about an agency is that they may have access to a casting database. These can be paid opportunities for you.
Keep Your Values- If we can refer back to the top of the page, we’ll see the different type of models. Again, your modeling career path is entirely up to you. Maybe you’ve only done branding shoots and want to try something new with a boudior photoshoot. Never let a photographer or agency talk you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. Be careful about drinking or doing drugs during a photoshoot or event. It’s a good idea to bring a friend with you during photoshoots. Be careful with photographers who don’t want you to bring anyone to a shoot. If you are at a photoshoot and the photographer wants you to do a “look” that you are uncomfortable with, simply tell them “no.” If they are persistent, let them know you are uncomfortable and the shoot is over. You also have photographers who will threaten to not send over edits or proofs in a model isn’t interested in anything extra beyond the photoshoot. Be aware of promoters, managers or anyone promising all expenses paid party or traveling invitations, as well as offers to be in videos to be around the hottest local celebrities. It all turns back into building relationships with other models and photographers to know who’s who in the media world. If you are ever in a situation where you feel you were taken advantage of, content was posted without your consent, or anything that made you uncomfortable during any modeling experience, do not be afraid to speak up. Your voice will be heard. There is no place for persistent unwarranted advances.
The Pay Will Come- Please understanding that the modeling industry is one of the most competitive industries in the world. You have to consistently put the work in. Get your face out there! Network! Do the branding shoots and kill it on the runway! Build your followers up! Build your portfolio! Get published! Do the basics before you start expecting payment for your services. Let’s get straight to the point: don’t be the model sending photographers rates when all you have is an Instagram page full of half naked photos. Another thing to remember is don’t always expect a collab photoshoot when you’re first getting started. Going back to the reputation section, always remember your attitude will take you a lot farther than a pretty face. Being a photographer’s subject for a workshop is also a good way to add to your credentials and also a way to receive compensation. With collabs, travel, wardrobe and or makeup service compensation can be discussed. Just remember to always be polite when discussing business.
It’s Not All Glam!- Everyone wants to look good in front of the camera. That’s a no brainer. But do you really know what it takes to get some of the best images? Your average person doesn’t. But we’re here to be great! Scheduling conflicts is probably the most important factor in your modeling career. Having to juggle between school, work, family/friends, your relationship, hobbies and modeling can be crazy! Like anything else in life, if you’re serious and want it bad enough you will make time for it. The people closest to you will have to understand. Are you ready to spend your off days getting up at 8AM for an all day photoshoot? Modeling is also an investment. We touched on keeping yourself up and what you should always have with you in your modeling bag. A few more things to consider would be the amount of money you will spend on random things. For instance, every model should have access to google drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer or some form of cloud data storage. If you’re a model who likes to edit their own photos sometimes, remember professional editing software isn’t free. You’ll have to spend your own money on props sometimes. Even booking studio space to create a certain look will have to come out of your own pocket sometimes. Photoshoots can run overtime. There will be times where you haven’t eaten all day. You may have to be outside in the heat. You may have to help carry equipment. There will be bugs outside in the summer. Significant others or parents may not understand WHY you want to model. There will be arguments. You’ll deal with rejection frequently. Agencies, casting calls and even freelance photographers have a selection process when it comes to creating. The best advice is to simply stick with it. All it takes is the right photo to be seen by the right person for a life changing opportunity.
Other Platforms- Besides having an Instagram, you need to have somewhere online to have your portfolio. Websites such as SquareSpace or Wix are excellent options for hosting your modeling portfolio. Along with your portfolio, your website should have your contact information, general location, social media links, measurements, tear sheets, and rates (if applicable). You should also create an email address strictly for your modeling contacts. Using websites such as modelmayhem.com and kavyar.com are good for connecting with other models and photographers. Join facebook groups in your area too.
Build a Team- Finally the last section! I’m proud of you if you made it this far! Having a support system in this industry is key. Having go to people to get the job done is important too. Once you’ve had some experience, build your team. Most models have a favorite or a few favorite photographers. Have a go to make up artist, hair stylist and nail tech. All of these people will play an important role. It takes a full group effort to have a successful photoshoot. Have a friend with you who doesn’t mind watching your back or simply making sure you’re on point during your photoshoots. Find an editor. Hire a website builder if necessary. Some models even have a manager. With all of these faces around you, please make sure that you make them feel appreciated!
Questions to ask before a photoshoot
1. Date/Time of shoot, and where is the location of the photoshoot?
2. Studio or home?
3. What kind of photoshoot is this?
4. Is this a paid opportunity or a collab?
5. What made you choose me for your vision?
6. How long have you been shooting?
7. How many people will be there while we shoot?
8. Am I allowed to bring a friend/chaperone?
9. Will I receive all of the proof images?
10. How will I receive the proofs?
11. How will the edits be chosen? 50/50?
12. How much are extra edits?
13. How will the photos be used? IG, promo, publication?
14. Who will have access to the pics?
15. What is your turnaround time for sending edits?
16. Are you part of an agency?
17. If so, does this make me under contract? Is this exclusive? Or
am I free to continue shooting at my own leisure?