BE A MODEL

Although most of this information applies to men -- there are four times as many women models. That's why this is directed primarily to the girls.

Right where you are there are many opportunities for you to become a model and get FREE photos of yourself - if not right in a small community, at least in the nearest larger town.

With the Worldwide Web, you can pursue opportunities worldwide from your home computer! Just surf around on Google and other search engines -- and check out blogs, etc. You can make the contacts, and use the following suggestions to have fun, meet people, and make a nice living in modeling. Some models get rich and famous -- if that's your goal, face the fact that your odds may be better at slot machines or the lottery!

There is a continuous demand for models. Photographers are always looking for new fresh faces. Advertising agencies are always looking for good modeling talent. Plus, fashion opportunities are always available. The opportunities are all around you, so we will tell you how to go about getting modeling assignments. How do you get started?

Perhaps you have taken a course in a charm school or modeling school ... if so you already have some knowledge of modeling. If you have the funds to do it, some of the courses offered can be very helpful. But even if you have not had this opportunity you can still get into modeling and get free photos, plus cash money!

There are many types of modeling and this is important. Very few people could name all of the different opportunities open to the attractive girl who is qualified for modeling. There is photographic modeling which may be used for editorial purposes, article illustrations or for commercial purposes to advertise or promote a product or service.

Next, one of the biggest fields for a model is in Trade shows or product promotions. Thousands of models are used for this purpose all the time. Models are also used in consumer shows ... automobile shows ... boat shows ... etc. In these shows, models are used to attract the attention of the visitor and then to be able to talk to them for a moment until a salesman can get to them. For this modeling a girl must be able to speak well in addition to being attractive.

In a modeling school you are taught to be aware of your appearance and this is vitally important. You must look clean, neat - dress well and know how to use cosmetics to enhance your appearance. You will not get modeling assignments by looking like a punk rocker or looking slovenly. The people who hire you as a model are willing to pay money for you to model for them because you look sharp, attractive, and will help them sell their merchandise.

You must draw attention to the products being sold whether they are clothes, jewelry, soft drinks or whatever. You can find out a lot about cosmetics by visiting a department store and talking to experts on makeup or you can read up on it in the glamour magazines. We offer training videos that will be helpful, too.

Makeup for photographic modeling is quite different and usually quite overdone for street use. So, listen to the photographer when you're told how to fix your makeup. Who knows best about photography than the photographer? An important point a beginning model is to recognize that the people who hire you know more about the modeling business than you do. They know what they want and they know how they want it done. Don't risk losing an assignment before you begin by trying to tell them what they want. They are paying you and they know what they want ... and it is NOT advice!

If you are tall and slim and want to model in fashion shows there are a few ways to go about it. If there is a modeling agency in your city, you may wish to get listed with them when they receive calls. Some models prefer to be independent "free lancers" because agencies often tend to give the jobs to the girls who have been with them longer. New girls are at the end of the assignment list.

You can go directly to the fashion coordinator at all of the stores in you city. If you are a type they can use they will be glad to know about you and will call you. If you are not a type they can use, look at the other modeling opportunities ...

Keep a record of every modeling assignment you get. It will be valuable to you. At first your pay may be small, but experience is an asset and it will be impressive to have a record of many modeling assignment "credits" in your resume.

For Trade Shows, check with your local Chamber of Commerce. They usually have a list of all the events coming up in the city. Also you can check with the large hotels and convention centers. You want to be able to contact potential employers in advance of the shows rather than waiting until the show begins. This requires a little detective work but it can pay off and you will find that you will get one or two new assignments just from being seen at a trade show ... that is, if you make a good impression. Remember, the good model is always in demand. Just learn to be good.

Another profitable modeling opportunities is in photographic modeling. All types of models are used. You can be short, medium or tall. You should be attractive and not too fat or heavy, otherwise your opportunities will be limited. As a photographic model you will be used to advertise products or for publicity or whatever is required. You can get in on these opportunities by contacting your local advertising agencies, the local commercial photographers, newspaper photographers and editors, etc. A commercial photographer is one who does photography for business or commercial clients and does not do baby pictures or family portraits. On the other hand, is smaller towns some photographers do both.

In case you have just arrived on planet earth, let me remind you that your pictures and videos can mysteriously appear on The Internet and only the super-rich (Paris Hilton) or the ultra-courageous (Pamela Anderson) -- or a combination of the two -- can survive scandalous exposure. Protect your image on camera. Even camera angles from hidden places are a risk.

Some photographers are connected with national magazines and are always looking for new models. There are literally thousands of magazines and they use a continuous number of photos. You have probably heard that centerfold models in some magazines earn hugh sums of money for their photos. Of course the smaller magazines do not pay this well, but it all adds up to extra dollars.

Photographers who specialize in Glamour, or Beauty, or Fashion, or Advertising depending upon where the finished pictures are used spend years of study and practice in order to develop the knowledge and experience it takes to capture flattering images of beautiful women.

This type of photography is a cooperative effort between the photographer and the model. She must be an actress, a dancer, a mind reader and acrobat. She must tolerate cold in the winter and heat in the summer. She must be willing to go to some of the most unpleasant places, dressed inappropriately, too much in the summer, too little in the winter, and always look happy, smiling, attractive -- gorgeous!

Beginning models will be asked to do many types of poses in various costumes. No one can force you to pose in any way that you feel is inappropriate. You always have the right to say no!

Having said that, you also need to know that the norms of modeling today are very different from even a few years ago. It is not unusual for even the top models of the world to pose for tasteful nudes, lingerie, and other types of provocative pictures that would have been unheard of a short time ago. If you are really shy about your body, you may be trying the wrong business. Today, if you want to work steadily you have two choices in modeling, (1) get over it! or (2) get out of it! This may seem harsh, but you will save a lot of lost time and heartache if you analyze your commitment to this profession early.

One of the most important things you need in order to get started in modeling is photos. Snapshots and photos taken by friends just won't do. They brand you as an amateur. You want to look as professional as possible. So, the trick is to get photos taken by professional photographers who are used to working with models. You can buy photos from them, of course, and the cost will vary greatly, but it will usually be in the hundreds of dollars for a set of good photos. If you are going to pay, be sure to look at some of the work he has done in the past so you can be sure that you like the quality of what he does. If you pay you want the best 8x10's you can get for your money. In New York City other sizes are used and photographers there know what is needed.

It is most valuable for a new model to know that you can get your photos FREE! Yes, this can easily be done, with a little effort on your part. First you must look neat and attractive. You need makeup for photography or you will photograph poorly. Visit every commercial photographer within 50 to 100 miles, or as far as you want to travel. Tell him that you want to get started in modeling and that you will be glad to pose for test photos when he is in need of this. For test photos you do not pay him nor does he pay you. The custom is that you will get free prints of the photos he makes, up to a limited number because they will cost him money. When you are a beginning model do not get a grand notion of your value. Today if a model is to be successful she cannot be a prima Donna. There are always at least ten other beautiful young ladies waiting in the wings to take her place. Until you are well under way let the photographer tell you what he will pay for any assignment. Then you can accept it or reject it but do not get too involved in bargaining about it.

Now, back to those test photos for a moment. The reason a photographer may be interested in test photos of you are several. First he may want to see if he can really use you and wants to see how you will photograph. He may want to test new lighting or other equipment that he has in his studio. Or he may have a client who wants him to show some samples of his work or suggested ideas. When you are not being paid you do not sign a modeling release form. If you sign this it gives the photographer the right to sell your photos and if you are not being paid this is not a fair way to handle it.

You will sign a modeling release when you have been hired for a modeling assignment and are being photographed for a specific purpose. With this release form he is able to sell the photos and he will usually ask that you sign it before you begin work for the day.

How much money are you worth as a photographic model? This will vary greatly depending on how attractive you are and the demand in your area. You cannot go by New York or Hollywood rates because the going rates are less in smaller cities. Editorial photography (sold to magazines, etc.) does not pay as well as commercial photography for a large client. Often a photographer is doing work on speculation. This means that he plans to sell the photos when completed. He has to pay you out of his own pocket and hope that he sells them. In this case your pay will be less than if he is doing a specific assignment for a customer who is ready to pay.

If you work through an agent they know the going rates. But, if you are free lancing you must set your own rates. Do not rely upon your friends or family to negotiate your pay - learn now to handle it yourself!

In any event, you need photos to show to prospective clients, and the way to get these at the beginning is TEST PHOTOS AT NO COST TO YOU. Remember that the photographer is paying the costs, so he decides the background, poses, costumes, etc. Don't interfere in the photographer's work or your career will be short lived.

Keep your eyes open. Read the newspapers. See what's going on in your locality. Keep in touch with everyone who is a potential employer of your modeling talent. Have a phone -- answering service -- and a cell or beeper. This is important.