Educational Reading on Modeling

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Advice for Models

Some advice and observations for amateur or beginner models interested in developing a career in modeling.

This opinion written by Art's Photography. A commercial and portrait photography studio in Kansas. Art's advice is based upon his years of professional photography experience in the Wichita Kansas area. While it is probable that you are from another part of the world and your modeling experiences will be different many of these points will also apply. The odds are that you are a model in another part of the world where the modeling business will be different based upon local business and local culture.

• Everybody has advice to offer. Listen and learn, but realize that not all advice may apply to you. For example " It is up to you to determine what works best for you." Your most valuable asset is your own intelligence. You will hear great ides and poor ideas. What works for someone else may not work for you. Many people will give you heartfelt and valid advice and others will give you advice based upon their own agenda. You must learn to sort through the advice.
  
  
• Continue to learn what you need to know and also adapt what you've already learned to different situations. There is no one "right way". What is popular and correct in 2008 may not be as applicable in 2009. A good example is the trend to not hire models who are so skinny that it is unhealthy.
  
  
• When talking to a photographer look at their work and see how it matches up with your look and if their photography looks professional. Shooting with photographers who don't have the necessary skills to provide you with great model photographs is not helping your career.
  
  
• Photographers who provide the majority of their services for free are not likely to hold themselves to the same standards as those who make a living from their services professionally. They don't have to. The odds are they are not as trained nor as dedicated to their photography and would be a professional.
  
  Having said that I will admit that I will often work with someone as a trade. I do this when I want to try out new equipment, create a new look, or to just improve my skills..
  
  
• Do your homework. Study the photographers style. Find photographers who provide work that fits a particular style you are looking for. Keep your standards high and don't settle for less.
  
  
• If you have more than 10 photos in your portfolio you should weed out the poorer quality photographs. Your portfolio should be reserved for the best images you have. Each photo should present itself in a way that says "quality" and "professional".
  
  
• Being beautiful does not make you special. Great looks are on every street corner. Look at well known actresses who are not glamorous, but are successful because of their professional acting skills.
  
  Having a good attitude, being professional, reliable, and serious about being a model is a requirement. Be the type of person that leaves the people you work with with a positive impression that makes them want to say nice things to others about you.
  
  
• The industry is full of people who will tell you just about anything that they think you want to hear to meet their own goals. There also many people who will be honest about you. in order to get what they want. The industry is also full of people who are, in fact, honest, trustworthy, worth working with, people who mean what they say, and are also willing to help you attain your goals. The honest people in the industry will not always tell you things you want to hear. A favorite parable of mind can be found on WhoSezHome.com the Management Parables page.

The Bird, The Cow and The Cat

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold,
the bird froze and fell to the ground in a large field.
While it was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on it.
As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, it began to realize how warm it was.
The dung was actually thawing him out!
He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy.
A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate.

Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung,
and promptly dug him out and ate him!

Management Lesson:

1) Not everyone who drops dung on you is your enemy.
2) Not everyone who gets you out of dung is your friend.
3) And when you're in deep dung, keep your mouth shut!

• Having "some modeling experience" is not the same as being a professional model. Yes, maybe you've invested in some clothes (perhaps you've invested a lot), you are comfortable in front of a camera, and you have your poses down. Don't quit learning.
  
  
• Above all: "Be professional." If you are serious then treat it as a serious business.