Modeling Articles

Posted on Monday 5th of March 2012 | Posted by GlenG

Many photographers and models will have at some point in their adventures arranged a TF shoot and for a variety of reasons one or the other fails to show up on the day. Does this really matter that much? After all, no one has been paid, there are no costs and no one is out of pocket are they?

Well, if this is what you think I would urge you to think again!

It’s correct that in the true sense of the term no money changes hands between contributors on a TF shoot. Time is given up on both sides of the camera to create images to mutually benefit all involved but is there really a financial cost?

From a models perspective, there is the cost of travelling to the shoot to start with, make up and clothing may have been bought specifically for that theme of the shoot and of course there is their time.

From a photographers perspective there is their time and skill to account for, travelling to location and even the cost of hiring a studio (this open up another can of worms which I may write about at a later date).

From a make up artist’s perspective, they may have purchased make up items specific to the shoot based on what the model or photographer wants to achieve. There are also the usual travelling costs incurred too.

Apart from the financial cost there are other hidden costs too. How many people actually set out to create a poor reputation as being unreliable, a time waster? But this is what you will get, at no cost I might add, and any negative references on your profile will be shouting loud and clear ‘STAY AWAY FROM THIS PERSON’.

If you are serious about making progress in this industry your reputation is worth its weight in gold and should be promoted well and protected wherever possible. This is how people will judge you besides the


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Posted on Saturday 18th of February 2012 | Posted by GlenG

After various experiences behind the camera I thought I would share my ideas on the ideal model and maybe this will be receiprocated by a model with his/her ideas on the 'ideal photographer' or MUA/stylist. Most of my experience with models has been top notch, but there are others that do amuse me.

My ideal model should, in the first instance, be able to communicate, preferably in words of more than one syllable and be able to articulate what they actually want to achieve from a shoot rather than "I dunno" or "it's up to you" or "I've not really thought about it".

When reading replies to casting calls there are a number of things that put me off straight away, such as a one word reply "interested" and nothing else. Is it at all surprising that many people simply do not reply to those types of messages? When I get emails stating "I'm so excited about our shoot" I can almost guarantee that it will be another 'no show'. Be genuine and honest and don't book a shoot unless you truly do intend to turn up.

'No shows' cost in time and preparation effort, even worse lost studio costs if you have to hire. Turn up and turn up on time wherever possible. Delays sometimes cannot be avoided, but being two hours late....I don't think so.

I always like to at least speak to a model on the telephone prior to arranging a shoot and most are comfortable with that. It gives us a chance to have a little idea of what is required. One model wouldn't speak to me on the phone as she said she was 'too shy'. Another would only communicate by text or email and turned out to be a bloke pretending to be a woman. It's good to talk.

Communication on text or email is very one dimensional and can lead to much confusion. For example, I responded to a casting call and stated that the level I am prepared to work to on a TF shoot is


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Posted on Tuesday 31st of January 2012

Each and every day I see modelling photos of aspiring, potentially great, models but there is something missing; something that prevents them from taking that next step up, from being good to great.

But what is it? It's their facial expression. A models job is to connect with the viewer, to assist in the narrative and how can this possibly be done with an expressionless face?

Take a look at some of the greats, or any of the pros, you’ll never find a photo with an emotionless face:
Tyra Banks: bit.ly/A76hLH
Kate Moss: bit.ly/xxKp5y

Or any of the professional models on here: www.madcowmodels.co.uk/models/professional/0/

The positioning of the body is not the be all and end all of a pose, and the links above demonstrate that a facial expression helps complete that pose, and narrates the story of the photo. Photographers! If you're working with a model who's lacking expression – then encourage them to create a bit of an expression.

So next time you’re practicing your poses in front of the mirror, as you should be doing as an aspiring model, throw in some facial expressions too. Look at some of the photos I linked above, copy the poses, develop them and make them your own.

You'll be amazed at how much your portfolio improves, how much better your photos come out, and as a result, how much more work you’ll get! ;-)



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Posted on Wednesday 28th of December 2011 | Posted by Lee

This maybe one of the first things that gets pushed to one side is the age of a model. Certain types of photography with under 18s is against the law and the photographer could face being arrested and getting a record. This would be called as Sex Offence against a minor.

All though the age of consent is 16 the under 18 year old is still classed as a minor. Section 45 of the Sex Offences Act 2003 amended S.1. Protection of Children Act (POCA) 1978 in May 2004 by raising the age of a ‘child’ from 16 to 18.

Now the above is not to scare you in to not taking photos of under 18s but to shine the light on the law and what could happen.

If you approach a model or they approach you and you know they are under 18 you can ask for parental permission first. Some may quickly disappear when you ask this. You must also get proof that they are the father or mother as its been known for under-age models to get "Friends" to act as a parent.

So what sort of pictures can and can't you take?

So what constitutes an illegal image?
It means any images of children, apparently under 18 years old, involved in sexual activity or posed to be sexually provocative and include images depicting erotic posing, with no sexual activity etc..

Images should also be considered with regard to the child’s body position during the activity, this is particularly relevant in gymnastic, dance and sporting activities, where the body may be in unusual positions.

Images you can take?
You can only take images of a under 18 model if they are fully clothed. And must not be wearing any see thru clothing etc..

You must use your own judgement if the pose/clothing is ideal.


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Posted on Thursday 25th of August 2011 | Posted by Emi Rose

You've taken on some TFP shoots, you've created your portfolio, you've decided you'd like to take the freelance
route into modelling..and now you want people to notice you, right?
You need to sell yourself and make sure as many people in the industry as possible see your work and notice you. Just like
businesses market there products, you need to market yourself, after all in this industry YOU are the product.
In this article, I'm going to describe and guide you through some marketing/promotional techniques. Although
these are probably the most popular methods to market yourself..there's always more, use your imagination! In the modelling
industry it takes more than just a pretty face to be successful..you need to have indivduality and personality.

1. Portfolio hosting websites.
Use portfolio hosting websites to your advantage and as many of them as possible at that! Most of them offer a free
membership with the option to upgrade to a paid membership. Free memberships are more than often enough to get you
started: you'll be able to upload a set amount of pictures, access forums/castings, browse other members in your area,
start/reply to a set amount of messages each day. Upgrades have various bonuses to free memberships such as unlimited
messages, pictures, casting posts etc. On portfolio hosting websites you should include important information about yourself
(there is normally a form to fill in that covers everything), your shots (obviously!) and also any experience you may or if you
have none what you are hoping to achieve/get out of modelling. Don't just create your account and wait for offers to come
flooding in to you..you need to be active! Message photographers you would be interested in working with, make yourself
active in the forums, apply to casting calls and post casting calls of your own.

2. Social networks.


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Posted on Wednesday 27th of July 2011 | Posted by Hugh

Whether you're a model or a photographer, knowing what to charge and when to charge can be a very difficult and somewhat daunting decision. You don't want to price yourself too low, but you also don't want to overprice yourself, especially if you lack experience.

Photographers often have thousands of pounds invested in cameras, lenses, flash gear and software, whilst a model, it's just "them". So, clearly, it's the photographer who should be charging... right?
But the model is often the subject of the photo, no model = no photo, so the model should be charging too, right?

In reality, both should be charging as without either the photographer or model there is no photo. This is what happens in the professional world of the modelling and photographic industry. A client will hire a model and a photographer, they'll both get paid and everyone is happy. Unfortunately, in the amateur world – there often isn't a client.
By taking the client out of the equation, you remove the money source and here appears the desire for both sides to charge one another.

So who should get paid? Well, there are so many variables but largely it comes down to:



Let's take 2 common scenarios:



In scenario 1, the photographer has declared themselves as the client – as they will be the recipient of the photos and thus the photographer should pay the model.
In scenario 2, the model has made themselves the client, as they are the one who is going to benefit mostly from the photos, and so the model should pay the model.



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Posted on Sunday 10th of April 2011

As a model, accurate body measurements are one of the most important pieces of information you can hold.

It is no good you second guessing your size, or even worse giving a size you would like to think you are. People within the fashion industry know their sizes and if you give wrong or misleading information, you could jeopardise a whole shoot, wasting a lot of time, money and effort. And guess what? they probably won't work with you again.

So if you are a size 12 do not try to say youre a size 10, face facts you are what you are.

It is almost better to say you are "Bigger" than you are, as outfits can be pinned, clipped or stuffed to get the desired look, but someone in an outfit too small for them... Well youve all seen "those girls" out on a Friday night, and we all know they dont look good.

Listed below are the main area of measurements, and a diagram on how to take those measurements properly. Take your time, take all measurements twice to make sure you got them right, and get a friend to help you, you cant do this alone.

Take your measurements on a regular basis and keep an up to date record, so if a client asks, you have the information to hand.

Remember the Golden Rule: DO NOT LIE




KEY TO DIAGRAM:

1. BUST/CHEST round the fullest part of the bust/chest
2. WAIST round the natural waistline: not tight
3. HIP round the fullest part of the bottom
4. HIGH HIP round the prominent hip bones
5. FRONT from the hollow of the throat to the natural waistline at the front
6. FRONT


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Posted on Wednesday 20th of April 2011

I've been a photographer for several years, helping models start off from complete novices to becoming confident in front of the camera, and developing their talent - so here is a very basic outline as to what is involved in becoming a model. The reality is harsh, and you are going to have to learn to take rejection and criticism as if it is second nature, if you honestly think you can take that, then you have taken your first step.

The next thing to remember is, as a new or aspiring model you have no real value, not to anyone within the industry, anyway. You have no proven track record, no testimonials not even a body of work that says here I am. Everyone that works with you, as one simple goal, and its Not to make you Rich or famous (sorry about that!) its to make money. Whether its an agency, a photographer, a design or even a promotions company they are there to make money from you - But they owe you nothing, so do not have the expectation, that agencies are going to fall over themselves to give you a placement within their agency, or a photographer is going to go out of their way to produce a free portfolio for you. Like any other industry in the world you have to pay your way through life to get what you really want. You have now left the comfort of your friends and family telling you your "fantastic" or "your really photogenic" or even "you look like the next Kate Moss, Jordan or Twiggy" because in reality in the modeling industry, you just look like 1000s of other hopefuls that enter the realms of modeling every year.

Having said all that I hope I have not put you off, because in reality you have as much chance as anyone else, and with the right information, advice and research you have a better chance than most. But please remain realistic and keep you feet firmly planted on the ground, dont just listen to the positive feedback, but learn from the negative, use any criticism as constructive, take the information away digest it and turn it into a positive. Modeling is a craft, it is a skill and


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Posted on Sunday 10th of April 2011

It is important that you act responsibly regarding your security and own well being before and during an photoshoot. It is always too easy to get carried away of a fantastic offer or opportunity, but always take one step back and think before you rush off.

Here are some tips you should follow to ensure your safety.

Before you agree to meet a photographer, request a landline telephone number that you can call them back on, inform them that you will call them back on that number sometime over the next 24 hours to verify the number.

If possible, get your boyfriend, husband, brother or father to talk to the photographer, if they are not legitimate, then normally a male voice will scare them away, to do this all you have to say is "my whoever will be driving me, can you speak to them to give them directions".

If you have any doubts, or unsure feelings regarding any enquiry, then do not take on the assignment, if you choose to take the assignment, make sure you get as much information you can regarding the location, the photographer and the assignment, understand exactly what the photographer is expecting of you and do not be afraid to ask questions, if you are going to a shoot thinking your doing lingerie and the photographer thinks you are doing nude, then there is going to be a situation that could have been avoided.

I always invite models to to bring someone with them, again most photographers will be happy with this, however do note that, most photographers do not like your male companion hanging around as this can distract you from your work. But most studios will have a waiting area with refreshments.

Never give out your home phone number, address or email address. Sites such as this have the ability to block someone from contacting you, should the situation between both of you turn sour.

Use your first name or create an alias,


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Posted on Sunday 10th of April 2011

Every model is different; every model has their own quality their own style and their own signature look. What you have to do is develop this look and work on it so you can produce that time and time again, whilst still looking fresh.

It is a myth that models have to beautiful. Hard to believe but it is true the world of beauty pageants and modeling are about as far apart as you can get. What most photographers and clients are looking for are models that are adaptable that when they are dressed in a certain garment, they radiate and create desire, desire for the product. The model must play the part, but must not distract from the purpose, and that purpose is to sell.

So what is your selling aid? The answer to that is simple. Your selling aid is you! So therefore you have to ensure that you look after yourself. This means good skincare, good hair, teeth and body. It does not matter what type of model you are whether a size 0 or a plus size, the rules are the same.

Skincare

You need to look radiant, and you need to look fresh make sure you look after your skin make sure you moisturise and often as required not only to ensure you look good, but also because of make up applied to you during shoots the heat of the studio lights will all help to dull your skin, and that does not make a good photograph.

Hair and teeth

It is important to ensure these are kept in good condition. It is worth spending the little extra at a hairdressers and getting a good hairstyle; good hair quality and style says a lot about a person. Teeth; although it is not a requirement for the bright overly white of the Hollywood smile, it is important to make sure your teeth are In good condition, as bad teeth will show up in a photograph, and you will always be self-conscious about smiling and that will show tension


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Posted on Sunday 10th of April 2011

To make it in modeling the first thing you have to do is realise your own identity. Knowing what genre or variety of modeling you wish to do is very important, you can not possibly do everything. So choose what you want to do and aim for that, become as best as you can within that category. However there are certain things you have to remember and these are very important to consider when choosing your categories.

Firstly. Some genres of modeling just will not suit you, you might be too short, you might be too big, and you just might simply not have the look for that category. Understand that is how it is; dont waste your time trying to beat the system, just move onto the category that does best suit you

Secondly. Think carefully about what you want to do, but dont limit yourself too much. For example if you want to be a model but you only want to model bodyparts, and only prepared to travel 10miles from where you live. You are obviously limiting your working potential and realistically, you may not get many offers of work. Personally, I normally only hire models who are prepared to travel a long distance - as the ones who are prepared to travel further, are often the more serious models, and therefore I'll get the best images. If you were to choose, fashion, hair, catalogue, bodyparts and swimwear and prepared to travel nationwide; then you make yourself more versatile and useful to photographers, remember most photographers will pay travelling costs, I know I do, and this gives you a much bigger bit at the modeling cherry

Thirdly. Im on a few modeling websites, and I speak to a lot of models who believe just because they get their boobs out they are a model. Well I am afraid this isnt even remotely true. This will attract a certain type of photographer, but not necessarily the ones you want. But more importantly, if you want to be taken seriously within modeling this can actually hold back your career. If your desire is to get into glamour or adult modeling then that market is there and plentiful, but very rarely


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