| CATEGORY |
CLOTHES
& HEAD SHOTS |
BATHING
SUIT |
LINGERIE |
SEMI
NUDE |
NUDE |
| High
Fashion |
55% |
15% |
20% |
8% |
2% |
| Editorial |
60% |
15% |
20% |
5% |
NONE |
| Glamour |
10% |
15% |
20% |
30% |
25% |
| Catalogue |
45% |
20% |
25% |
10% |
NONE |
| Runway |
60% |
25% |
15% |
NONE |
NONE |
| Specialty |
55% |
10% |
20% |
15% |
NONE |
| Character |
100% |
NONE |
NONE |
NONE |
NONE |
| Conventions |
85% |
15% |
NONE |
NONE |
NONE |
| Photographers |
25% |
25% |
20% |
15% |
15% |
WARDROBE
In many modeling jobs, clothing is supplied by the
employer. For putting together your portfolio you need your
own in-style clothing for use in interviews, portfolio photographs,etc.
Have appropriate shoes to complement your outfits.
PORTFOLIO
Most modeling agencies ask to see your portfolio first thing. If
you are going to try to work through an agency don't spend
to much money on your portfolio, visit the agencies first.
Freelance models need much more complete portfolios.
An ideal portfolio should have 15-30 8x10 photographs. Some
modeling agencies will interview a beginning model if you
have at least two good photos. Some photographs
you might include:
-
Informal head shot.
-
Editorial-style photo, in evening dress.
-
Full-length photo, in a casual outfit.
-
Editorial-style photo, in a sporty outfit.
-
Editorial-style photo, in a coat.
-
Photo of product-demonstration.
-
Full-length photo, in a swimming suit.
-
Full-length photo, in a T-shirt and shorts.
-
Full-length photo, in lingerie.
-
Profile head shot.
-
Profile head shot, in a hat.
-
Head shot, in perfect makeup and hair.
-
Advertising-style photo, in full-length dress.
-
Full-length sport-action photo.
-
Full-length editorial-style photo, outdoors in a dress.
-
Situational shot, creating a "slice-of-life" image. For
example, getting surprised.
-
Catalogue-style photo, with another model in casual dress.
-
Photo featuring the part of your body that you want to model.
-
If interested in figure, art, seminude, or nude modeling,
a tastefully-done photo showing your figure.
*
A NOTE ABOUT NUDE MODELING
Every model, even a High Fashion model, sooner or later is
asked if she will pose in the nude. It is very common and
the pay rate can be twice as high for nude modeling.
Considering nude modeling? Keep the following issues in mind:
If you sign a model release without carefully reviewing the
content, your photos could turn up anywhere at any time, even
though this was not your intention. Make sure and read the
agreement or negotiate to make sure your photographs are protected
(litefocus's agreement has such a protection clause).
And,
it may not be that you are considering nude modeling but realize
that a bikini shoot is not far off from being nude in some
respects. On the other hand, be aware that there should be
some purpose to the shoot being nude. It should not
be just for the photographers portfolio (be wary of any studio
that overstresses nudity especially without reason).
Some
photographers prefer to have an interview or pre-shoot consultation
prior to the actual shoot. This is the standard policy for
Litefocus photographer/s. This is to meet you and allow some
time to know a little about you than a few photos sent via
email. It is also for you to meet the person or people behind
the cameras of funding the shoot or studio time. Shoots turn
out much better when the model is comfortable with the photographer
and location as opposed to showing up on day 1 for the shoot
without knowing anything about the other person/people. Being
comfortable and at ease at the shoot WILL translate to the
photos. We want the very best for you in the shots. To obtain
this we want you to be at ease and glad to be here. To achieve
that we will take the extra time for an interview in order
to save time later on and to produce photos that show you
the very best.
The
reverse is also true - if you are not comfortable or do not
feel at ease then your photos will show that when finished.
We will always arrange a pre-shoot interview or consult to
try and achieve this for you. In addition, if the photographer
doesn't feel that you are ready for certain types of shoots
then he/she will not schedule the shoot.
PHOTOGRAPHER
TO DO YOUR PORTFOLIO
For freelance models a good portfolio is a important.
When you pose for your portfolio photographs you are building
a portfolio and also gaining experience as a model. Choosing
a photographer tips:
- You
won't be rushed. A beginner's portfolio may take many hours.
- You
do your own makeup. In most beginning and intermediate jobs
there is no makeup artist and you are expected to do your
own makeup.
- Generally
there should be no touching-up of the photographs. Touched-up
images are useless to the modeling agencies. Photographs
without touch-up are less expensive than portrait photographs.
- Provided
reasonable opportunity to work on your hair and makeup every
time you change into another outfit.
The photographer varies his style and alters the backgrounds,
so that the photographs do not appear too uniform.
- The
photographer has the capability to convert photographs into
scanned digital images. The popularity of the Internet's
modeling agencies is multiplying every month.
- The
total cost (or other arrangement) of the portfolio is up
front.
After
you select your photographer make sure that:
- You
bring your makeup kit to the session.
- You
bring enough outfits and shoes for at least six changes.
- You
vary your expressions during the session. You check your
makeup and hair often, or else ask the photographer to check
them for you.
- After
the proofs are ready, study them carefully with a magnification
glass, and pick not more than 10 to be made into 8X10 enlargements.
FREELANCE
MODELING
Freelance Modeling is one way to work as a model. You are
responsible for your own billings, promotions, safety, etc.
Here are some ways you can promote yourself:
- Create
a composite and resume.
- Do
test shoots. Sometimes a photographer recommends a model
to an agency if the test shoots turn out well.
- Visit
businesses that use models, telling them of your interest
in modeling. Leave them your composite and resume.
- Advertise
your services in photography magazines.
- Register
with a Virtual Modeling Agency on the Internet (there are
several and list by region).
- Consider
your favorite photographer if they do managing but be careful
about any agreements.
Talk
to us about any of these topics if you like. The above are
only guidelines and there is much more to it than a few 1-liners.
If time is available we'll be happy to discuss further details
with you. Note that we take on very few select people to advise
or manage due to time constraints. However, if you are unique
and personable then we may be able to assist you.
PRECAUTIONS
FOR FREELANCE MODELS (or
any model for that matter!)
- Don't
have your own phone number, address, or real name on your
composites and resumes.
- If
you get a job offer, find out the address and phone number
of the job location. Many models prefer to bring an escort
to a shoot or interview if they are unfamilar with the studio
or photographer. If the studio or photographer is known
to you ahead of time via an interview or pre-shoot consult
then an escort is usually not expected nor required (and
can actually interfere with you getting the best shots during
the shoot).
- Know
exactly what kind of modeling you will be doing, the pay
rate, and the duration of the session, before accepting
the offer.
- Prior
to the job, get a copy of the model release agreement. Study
it carefully, or seek assistance.
One
tip worth noting: Do
not accept every offer made, especially TFP.
It is very disheartening to put in the time and effort only
to receive substandard photos in return. Do not expect $1,000
worth of professional photos for 2 hours of TFP but you should
receive photos that are high quality and professionally
done and printed. Be selective. This is difficult
when starting out (i.e. - accept every offer presented to
you) but you will be better off if you are selective right
from the start. It's okay to turn down offers, especially
if they do not provide you with tangible advancement for your
goals or expectations. So, stay away from amateurs that have
never professionally produced products or do not have a professional
background in photography (it's okay to ask things like "where
were you trained" or "where did you get your degree"
or "where is your work displayed" or "who are
some of your known clients / companies". You're not looking
for snapshot quality photography!
Good
luck in your venture and goals.
If Litefocus can help you achieve them or help you on your
way we will be glad to.
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