| Model Talk Newsletter March/APRIL 1999 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRINT MODELING FOR MAGAZINES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A fashion photographer is not just someone standing behind a camera. That person is the artist that can literally change your life as a model. If you know someone that is a fashion or commercial photographer with credits in a number of magazines, latch onto that person as a business partner. Your modeling life can depend on it. In order to present the following material we consulted with professional magazine and fashion photographers for input. The following are qualities we all felt to be the most essential to success as a print model. Motivation and emotion are real factors for any model that wants to become a success. A model that can give expressive poses coupled with a lot of determination will get the benefit of the doubt when choosing a model for an assignment. It's the model that's on time, friendly, responsible and prepared that gets the job. A really serious model will also learn to do things on her own like make-up and hair styling. They will come ready to work even at an interview. A model that comes to an interview without their model's tote bag is not ready to model. (A model's tote bag is an over-night size bag that contains several wardrobe changes, make-up, shoes, pantyhose, and accessories like earrings, scarves, hats etc). It is also a good idea to bring your portfolio, composites and a model resume. Successful models realize that modeling is a business and needs to be treated accordingly. Far too many models take a passive approach to modeling. They show up late for interviews and jobs and are not prepared when they walk through the door. The best way to lose a modeling job is to show up late for a model interview. If the model can't arrive on time for an interview, it's a good indication the model will also show up late for the actual job too! Models must realize the importance of the working relationship between the model, photographer and staff. So plan to be 15 minutes early for any jobs and interviews. It's far better for you to wait on the staff, than them waiting for you! Like any business, time and energy must be invested for there to be positive results. You have to get out and make contacts with the clients that will use your model services. You can be the best model in the world, but if no one knows it, especially photographers and clients that use models, then you aren't going to get the first job. Contact clients with poise and confidence, whether they are photographers, model agencies or commercial type clients. Even if you're just starting out, carry at least a couple of photographs, even if they aren't professional. By all means, leave a photograph with the client or agent at every interview. If you exit a client's office without leaving a photograph, then they probably won't be calling you back in the near future. Remember this quote: "OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND" The most important thing to remember is that if you are dedicated to becoming a model and have the drive and ambition, you will more likely find your place in this business. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| STARTING AS A MODEL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A lot of people that want to start modeling feel there is no chance unless they live in New York, L.A., or Chicago. Nothing could really be further from the truth. Sure there are more jobs in New York, L.A., and Chicago but the competition is really fierce. In medium size cities such as Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City,Boston, Philadelphia, etc. the pace is less grueling and the jobs per model are much more plentiful. The hardest part is getting your foot in the door and finding the jobs that are available. To get the work, you have to promote and advertise yourself. The problem is that a lot of people in this business will try to get you to spend huge amounts of money to get started as a model. You can spend a fortune on pictures and getting a professional portfolio put together, but if you start smart and buy only what you need at each stage, you can start modeling for less than two hundred dollars. As you get model work, add to your portfolio as you go. The real necessities are model promotion to get work in the first place and a composite or set of photographs to send out to clients. Sure there is a financial investment involved, but compared to the cost of going into any other business for yourself, it's more than reasonable! There's a lot more to it than just showing up and looking pretty. You may be surprised to find that it isn't very often that a make-up artist and hair stylist are provided for you on the set of every shoot. So plan to become very good at doing your own hair and make-up for your photo shoots. This includes the different tones of make-up that will need to be applied for color or black and white photography. Except for fashion shoots, you will be expected to bring your own wardrobe as well. Always carry several pairs of slacks, shirts, shoes and other kinds of accessories. In addition, plan to bring several pairs of earrings, nude pantyhose, a strapless bra and dress shields for your modeling assignments. Business clients will expect you to bring business suits, a brief case and black shoes. Always bring more than you will need. It's better to bring too much, than to arrive unprepared for work. There's a wide world of modeling opportunities available. In the smaller markets even the best models won't work full-time. The amount of work will vary from season to season. Plan to make modeling your part-time income and work a regular job for your main source of income. If you are fortunate enough to make modeling a full-time job, plan to budget wisely. The busiest times are in the spring and fall and the slowest times are summer and winter. By putting away money while you're busy you will have something to fall back on when times are slow. You can make $50,000 a year, get overexposed and make virtually nothing the next year. Once you decide you want to begin modeling, write down your goals. How are you going to get started? How are you going to advertise you "LOOK" to clients and get work? Make a decision to get your first pictures together so you have something to give clients when they contact you. If you are undertaking self-promotion, get your composites together and start mailing your ZED cards to clients. The most important thing for models just getting into the business is "make that conscious decision" and get started as soon as you can! | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| FREE Model Evaluation! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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You have to spend money to make money. Business is funny that way. You | don't, however, have to spend a fortune to make it in the modeling business. "It's a joke," says Tony Dezenzio, a fashion photographer and model scout for over 14 years living in Pensacola, Florida. "Either an agency can use you or they can't. In most small localities across the country, there's a tendency for an agency to suggest an expensive portfolio and costly "improvement" classes. Before the girl knows it, she's spend $1,000 and hasn't worked one job. It's just not necessary!" Tony sees a lot of potential talent getting the runaround. He feels that a lack of knowledge in the modeling market allows girls to think they need fancy photographic portfolios and costly modeling classes to work as models. Tony knows that this is not true, and has added a model consulting service with his photography business to help educate others. Models World Promotions, a division of Model Testing International has just opened after Tony investigated some modeling agencies via telephone survey. Tony can guide you from the beginning to becoming an established model. Models will learn the business side of modeling, choosing a right photographer, choosing the right agency, etc. Get a FREE model evaluation from Models World Promotions! Simply e-mail a full length photo and head shot along with your stats and we'll send you a model evaluation free! You may even qualify for a Free model test shoot. Or, if you wish, you can send your material to: Models World Promotions 4400 Bayou Blvd.,PO Box 30205 Dept.FC Pensacola, FL 32503 850-478-5997
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