Q. I want to become a model, how can I
become a model? What’s involved in being a model?
A. So you want to be a model? Here we
shall provide you with a comprehensive guide to some frequently asked questions
and other useful information.
Age, height and other physical requirements
For fashion modelling these requirements do vary slightly from agency to agency, but as a general
rule of thumb, females should ideally be aged 13 to 22 years old (the younger
end of that scale the better when starting out) and a very minimum height of
5’8”.
For males add about 6” to 6”2 and 14 to 22 years old.
Generally you should be healthy, fit, toned, great clear
skin, healthy hair and nails and a generally well looked after body.
There are also other areas of modelling such as
commercial, life modelling and glamour which all have different
requirements.
Of course, the above is for fashion models. On internet
sites such as this one, there are many opportunities for other models that do
not fit in to the above category. Many people will advertise castings for a
specific or not so specific look that you may be able to apply for.
When applying for castings, please ensure before doing so
that you are suitable for the job. For example, if the photographer is asking
for a model who is 5’8” or taller, and you are shorter, you should not reply
with something along the lines of ‘I am 5’8” in heels’ and so forth.
How to become a model
There is a lot more to modelling than ‘looking pretty’.
You need to be realistic about what you can achieve as a model, for example if
you are short and size 16; you may not be able to do catwalk modelling. You
need to know your own limitations and be able to take and act upon criticism.
You should have a think about what kind of modelling you
would like to do and if you fit the requirements.
Once you have decided what you would like to do, you
should do some research and decide how you would like to market yourself.
You may want to get signed with an agency. This usually
involves either sending in a couple of snapshots of you or dropping in to the
agency itself, each agency has different application methods which you should
research carefully. If you are intending on joining an agency, do not fork out
a lot of money on a professional portfolio, the agency will help you with this.
You may not be able to get signed by an agency, be signed
with a non exclusive agency or you may rather want to work freelance and use a
site such as this to gain more work. It is important you have your best photos
on display in your portfolio.
There are a number
of ways of building a portfolio on sites like this.
(Before booking a
shoot, it is highly recommended that you research the person you are working
with and seek references where possible. You must remember this is the internet
and you have no idea who the person you are meeting with is who they say they
are)
Building your
portfolio with TFP/TFCD
One is to build your portfolio by doing TFCD (Time For CD)/TFP (Time For Print) work. This is where
photographers and models and sometimes other people such as makeup artists and
stylists work together for mutual benefit. All parties put in their own time,
effort and resources and generally no money exchanges hands. If you decide to
go down this route, as a rule of thumb only ever work TFCD up, in other words,
only do it if it is of a better standard than what you already have in your
portfolio unless of course you enjoy doing it and are offered these shoots!
Building your
portfolio by paying
Another way is to pay a professional photographer to help
build your portfolio. If you decide to do this, carefully research as many
photographers as you can and choose somebody who you think will benefit your
portfolio. Before the shoot takes place, as with any shoot, you should ensure
that all parties concerned are aware of all details, such as how many pictures
you should expect to receive from the shoot, will they be digital or printed, will there be a makeup artist on hand and so on.
Getting it all
Occasionally you may find you undertake paid jobs in
which you will also be allowed to use some of the images created from the
shoot. However, this is not something you should expect nor demand.
Q. I have my first
shoot booked, now what?
A. Firstly,
congratulations! Now on to the important stuff.
Ensure that you arrive for the shoot at the specified
location on time and that you have brought everything that you have been asked
to by the photographer/client booking you.
Unless otherwise specified, and if a makeup artist will
be there, ensure you arrive with NO makeup on, clean hair and clean nails. Also
try and avoid fake tan unless you have had it done professionally. Also it’s a
good idea to remove your jewellery before leaving for a photo shoot, it means
you will not lose it for a start and it’s often a requirement.
Here is a checklist you may find useful, especially if
there is no makeup artist or other creative’s.
-
Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot and do
not arrive with a hangover
-
Drink plenty of water the night before and make
sure you are hydrated
-
Make up remover
-
Your entire make up kit, including some loose
powder to control areas of shine.
-
Hair straighter’s / hair curlers
-
A Brush, Comb, hair grips, hair bands, a good
hair spray
-
A couple of t-shirt bras (at least a dark and
light one preferably
-
If it’s a tfcd shoot, don’t be afraid to bring
along some pictures so you can show ideas to the photographer
-
An invoice and the signed model release if
necessary
-
A good selection of outfits, tights, swim wear
and shoes so you create different looks.
-
You may want to bring other props such as hats,
sunglasses, shoes and scarves.