Getting into the Modeling Industry – How To Get In
I have worked with close to 100 models, majority were aspiring models. Over the past six years I have worked with a vast amount of people, who have had a lot of horror stories to share. Most of the models do not realize that they have even been had till it comes time to print their images or make a comp card. So what do you as an aspiring model need to know?
Some lingo
- TFCD – Transaction For CD
- Please be advised that a lot of photographers give very low-resolution images, to a point where they may look ok on your computer but when it comes time to print the images, they will be pixilated (very low quality).
- Images need to be a minimum of 1.3MB for you to be able to print them on a regular 8.5 x 11. You can check the file size by right clicking on the image (PC – properties) (Mac – Get Info).
- TFP – Transaction for Print (would not advise as you are then stuck with having to go to them each time you want a photo)
- MUA – Makeup artist
Your online portfolio
I honestly think that the worst image you have in your portfolio will outweigh the most amazing images. Just because you have only 3 amazing pictures, does not mean you need to put pictures of yourself going to the clubs. Please remember that your online portfolio is a clear representation of who you are and a company or an agency may only come across your portfolio once, don’t destroy your chances. Remember to always have high standards!
Some websites I would recommend for your online portfolio, whether you are a model or photographer.
- http://www.modelmayhem.com
- free and has a limit of 20 images (please be advised that if someone sends you a message on this website and you open to look at it, that person then can tell that you have read the message. Please reply to all requests)
- http://www.onemodeplace.com
- promotes models more heavily and costs money to join (standard plan lets you upload 4 images and message 5 people a day)
Charging Vs. Free
Rule of thumb is that if you are a professional, you charge for your services. Typically an aspiring model will seek a professional photographer and generally will pay a fee. If an aspiring photographer seeks out a professional model, he will then pay him/her for their time. If both parties are not at the professional level, then they may look at a TFCD/TFP option.
So why should I pay someone to take my picture?
A great photographer will not only take your picture, but will instruct you on how to pose and the variety of expressions you should be portraying. You are not simply doing a photo shoot together, but going through an educational process. Once a model has fully captured the ability to present any expression or pose, she would then be considered a professional model.
What should I say in my Bio on my online gallery?
Many photographers will look closely at your bio page and will try to figure out what you are comfortable with. If you are not comfortable doing Nudity, please explicitly state that in your bio. If you do not address the issue, you will get requests for nude modeling. Also explain what style you like and just a little bit about yourself.
How do I know who is the right photographer for me?
- Find the worst image they have in their portfolio and imagine it as if your photo shoot ended up like that.
- Look at their style; is it something your like?
- In the end you want them to recreate or create an image that is of similar caliber as the rest of their work.
- If you do not trust a photographer, ask for their credits/references and speak to those individuals. Both models and photographer speak to one another a lot, so you should be able to get a lot of info from a previous model. Just because a model worked with a photographer, does not mean she liked it or will do it again.
- Bring a chaperone with you, but please understand that that individual cannot interfere in anyway. Most photographers allow them and some wish they don’t come. Some wish they didn’t come because they do end up interfering in the process and it affects the quality of the images as well as the attitude of the model.
What is a fair price to pay for a session?
This question is very objective and varies a lot based on the photographer and their experience in the industry. Some may charge $100 and some may go higher than $1200. Also some photographers may have set rates, while others have floating rates that vary based on the amount of time they have and or how much they want to work with the model.
Model Release
A majority of photographers will ask the model to sign some kind of model release. This model release varies in their complexity. Some model releases relinquish all rights to the photographer while some may be simple stock photo releases.
So what is a Stock photo release?
A large number of photographers around the world are getting into the field of stock photography. Stock photos are primarily generic images that a marketing or any company could purchase via a stock website. A sample of a stock photo would be of you in a business suit and smiling. When you sign this release, you are allowing the photographer to post your images on a plethora of stock websites. Check out our stock photo tutorial.
Some photographers may not charge or pay some models so that they can post images on these sites. But please also understand that a photographer may submit 100 images to a stock website, but most professional stock sites will accept very few of them.
How do I get into an agency?
There are a variety of ways but here are some helpful ways
- Establish your website with your portfolio (we offer this service)
- Have a comp card – Size = 5.5″ x 8.5″(we offer this service)
- Start attending casting calls (check out your local area and what modeling agencies are working there)
- Start doing commercial photo sessions (not over filtered and edited)
What if I am not the typical model?
There is a huge industry of alternative models, which work with a variety of websites and handle majority of their work themselves (vs. an agent who handles all the work at a full time agency). This field is not as defined but can lead to working as a promotional model and so fourth.
What is a perfect model?
I believe it is any model that can pull of any expression with ease and can truly move the viewer.
What if I do not show up to a scheduled photo shoot?
Some photographers require a deposit while others rely on your word. Some photographers have rules of when you can cancel, but typically if you cancel within a 24-hour period, the professional photographer usually will not work with you again. Also model photographers have to recommend models for companies and promotions. So that may be a missed out opportunity if you do not show. As well photographers talk to one another frequently and no model photographer will choose to schedule with a model that he knows will most likely flake. In most scenarios by you, the model, not coming to the session, another model may be missing out on the opportunity because that time slot was reserved by you.
If you have any questions we missed, please do not hesitate to contact us! Please also check out some of my work as a Chicago model photographer.
