Fashion Model Agency For You

It goes without saying that countless individuals, male and female, young and old, want to test the waters of modeling. Maybe it's high fashion, maybe it's swimsuit and maybe it's commercial print. Regardless, millions of people go after modeling jobs every year. However, are you aware that not ever fashion model agency is looking for the same thing. If you haven't already noticed, different agencies employ different models to create different looks for their campaigns. What does this mean? How about that there is no exact norm in the modeling industry. While a fashion model agency will have certain expectation from potential models, that 'model look" may not always be the same.

Have you ever ventured off to a go-see or open call at a fashion model agency? If the answer is no, then let me give you a quick scoop. Most fashion modeling agencies offer a particular time each week or month where they allow aspiring models to come in and be examined. You can bring in a portfolio or merely a few snapshots. Just so you know, most high-end fashion agencies don't want to see glamour shots or any made-up photos for that matter. They want to see what you truly look like, make-up free and hair up. After all, your complexion, hair, teeth and figure are all major aspects of modeling. If you don't have any professional pictures, don't worry about it. Simple take a few snap shots and bring them with your to the fashion model agency you're interested in.

The web has quite a bit to offer in regards to fashion model agencies now days! What I mean is, you can look up their official websites any time you choose. Often a fashion model agency will allow you to contact them via email and attach a few photos for them to look at. This way they're able to distinguish on some level whether or not they'd be interested in seeing you in-person. In some cases, fashion modeling agencies will even fly you out and do a test shoot. This is the best way to determine if they can make money off of your look. If you are interested in modeling, don't put the dream on hold. Most women are teenagers when they tack this field and men are in their twenties.

What It Takes To Become A Professional Model

 If you think models are just another pretty face, think again! The world of modeling is extremely competitive and often grueling. There is certainly not a lack of beautiful people in the modeling world, so in order to succeed, you will to rely on more than just your looks. ++Before you decide to become a model, ask yourself: "why?"

Many individuals start modeling in order to make a jump into acting or singing, but make no mistake - the professional world of modeling is a career aspiration in its own right. Far more than a springboard to other careers, professional models are hard working, highly trained individuals. ++Break out of the misconception that only women can become famous professional models! Male models are often just as sought out as females, so do not expect the road to being a professional male model to be any easier than a female model. Furthermore, do not be under this misconception that models are all six-foot tall and weigh 100 pounds.

The growing trend in the fashion industry is the advent of the plus-sized models. These beautiful models proudly wear a variety of fashions designed for real men and women by popular companies such as Lane Bryant. ++Regardless of your beauty, shape, or size, if you do not have the ambition and drive to make it in this dog-eat-dog business, you will fail. Expect to do more than walk down a couple of runways and take cover shots for popular magazines.

You will have to work diligently at honing your craft and getting your face and name known. Many aspiring models choose to work with modeling agencies that will do the grunt work of finding jobs and promoting their name. Take great caution when choosing an agency as there are many scam agencies posing to be legitimate. Remember, true agencies make their money by promoting the models and charging commissions on bookings. True agencies do not make their money by demanding large sums of money from an aspiring model up front. ++Once you sign with an agency, you will begin working on your portfolio.

This collection of pictures will show potential clients how you react to a camera. Also, you will need to take what is known as 'model mug shots." These pictures are to show potential clients your looks and body type. In this mug shot, you are not posing and are usually wearing a simple bathing suit. It is important that all of your photographs are professional and fit the industry standards. A modeling agency will be able to provide you with a photographer who is accustomed to taking both portfolio images and mug shots.

++In order to find a modeling agency and be one of their representatives, you may wish to utilize open calls. Open calls are similar to open houses where all individuals who are interested in becoming a model are invited for an interview. When you attend these interviews, keep in mind they are professional and you should dress the part. Keep your dress and appearance simple in order to best showcase your features and body type. The agency representatives must view you as a blank canvas so you can be adapted to fit a variety of fashions. Wearing simple but professional attire will allow them to do just that. ++In order to excel as a professional model, you will have to work hard and diligently at your goal. Just like any career, modeling is a job and should be taken seriously if you expect to excel. ++Copyright 2005 by Lynn Walls. All rights reserved.

The "it Girl" And The "it Photographer".

Fashion photography and becoming a model in this glamorous industry is the dream of many a beautiful young woman and more than one great looking guy as well.  But because the allure of making it to the top level in the modeling world is so alluring, there is a lot of competition for those few top slots that produce the world's 'super models".

If you are just starting out, the challenge is how to pick the perfect photographer who can do a top-notch portfolio for you.  You want a portfolio that cuts through the pack and gets your portfolio noticed by those elite agencies who can get you the big jobs modeling for fashion magazines and commercials.  So what are the qualifications for such a photographer?

Your first consideration is location.  If you live in Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago of one of the other major metropolitan centers, there are elite photographers who already have the contacts they need to get your portfolio to the key decision makers in the business.  If you don't live in these cities, you have two ways to resolve the problem your "remote" location might cause. 

The first one is to learn the ropes of the fashion industry so you know who the key players are.  Then you can interview the photographers you do know to see if they are aware of the networking they need to do to get your portfolio noticed.  This can be a tall order if you don't have insider information but networking with models you may know who have 'made it" to at ;least some success is a good start.

If there are no photographers in your area that understand the fashion industry to your satisfaction, you may have to travel to a major city to find the right photographer.  But above all, don't compromise your values on this.  Just being well networked is not enough for a photographer to be qualified to handle your portfolio.  There are some other critical tests for you to apply.

. The agency has to be legitimate.  They don't ask you to pay for the portfolio and they don't advertise to get models.  A good agency is making plenty of money selling their work and they can find good models without stooping to such measures.

The photographer has to be well equipped and know his equipment.  Interview him or her and discuss the effects you want to see achieved for your portfolio.  They should be able to discuss with ease how they will achieve that effect and show you examples of how they have done so in the past.

. The photographer should have a good eye for color, lighting, framing and staging your shots.  Look at other portfolios of theirs so you can see that they know how to get what you want from a shoot.  Also, get references from other models who have worked with them.  You want to be confidence that once the shoot gets underway, you are in top-notch hands.

Above all, you have to "click"  with your photographer.  Having your picture taken is a very personal event.  These photo shoots may get long and difficult.  Perfection is hard work.  Listen to how the photographer talks about his work.  The most important thing to come from these shots is personality.  That is what is going to break you through the pack and get you noticed.  If your photographer can get that from you, they can take you a long way toward your goals of success in the modeling world.

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