82Model Management

PHOTOGRAPHY

This industry is run on pictures. If you are a model, pictures are how you or your
agency advertises your product (you). The first step is to practice on your own. Try
looking at pictures in magazines, notice how the models position themselves according
to the camera angle, look how they are looking into the camera, and practice natural
expressions in the mirror.

The next step is to take pictures with a digital camera. Try having a friend take
pictures of you. Afterwards notice: do the pictures look anything like what you have
seen in the magazines? (They probably won’t.) After you practice a little bit on your
own, you should start to look for photographers that will take your pictures in
exchange for TFP (TIME FOR PRINT). “Time for print” is when you, the model, take
pictures with a photographer and you both use the pictures for each of your portfolios.

Eventually you will need to shoot with an experienced photographer to get the best
possible pictures. You may have to pay the photographer for his time and pictures.
(Beware: some agencies and photographers will offer to make a portfolio for you for
few thousand dollars. The truth is, you are being taken advantage of because a real
portfolio is a book of pictures of work you have done with real clients. If you are just
starting your career, you won’t have a portfolio because you have never worked with
any clients before.) The normal rate a photographer should charge should be priced
about $20-$25 per usable picture. Or in other words, between $250-$300 for a 2-hour
shoot that shoots about 20-25 shots in about two to three different outfits.

When selecting outfits for a commercial portfolio shoot, be sure to follow these
simple guidelines and you won't go wrong.

•   Solid colors. Absolutely no floral prints or patterns.
•   Make sure the clothing fits properly. Be realistic. Just because you like to wear
your clothing tight doesn't mean that it looks good in a photograph that way.
•   No trendy or fashion-oriented outfits. A commercial portfolio is about personality
and your ability to look and act like an attractive real person.
•   Be sure to have a good mix of colors and styles. An agency should not be able to
tell what your favorite color of clothing is when they look at your book.
•   No jewelry!

For head shots, also be sure to remember the following guidelines:

•   Avoid white and light pastel colors.
•   Avoid V-necks unless your photographer is proficient at photographing them
properly.
•   Be sure that the top has shoulders
•   No spaghetti straps, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts.

MODELING SCHOOLS

There are a lot of modeling schools out there today. The real question is, is it
necessary to attend a modeling school to break into this industry? The answer is
ABSOLUTELY NOT! We represent models who have attended modeling schools, and we
have had wonderful working experiences with them. But most of the models that we
represent never attended any modeling schools or taken any classes, and they are just
as quality of talent and book as many jobs as those who have been "professionally
trained". Any dream, including the dream of becoming a model, can be achieved by
anyone who is willing to work hard for it. The top working models are those who really
want it and, therefore, work harder than the others to make their dream happen. If you
don't know how to do your hair and makeup, then modeling schools are exactly what
you need! But for most people, if you just practice posing and really study how other
working models pose in pictures, you probably don't need training. Your agency will
let you know how to conduct yourself at auditions and provide you with information,
such as what to take on bookings, etc.

Conventions

Simply Put, DON'T PAY ANY MONEY TO ATTEND THEM! The agents who are invited are
paid representatives who really have no intention to discover talent. If you want to
market yourself to agencies in larger markets, just look on the agency's website and
there will usually be information on how to submit a model application. (Most agency's
will just have you take a few pictures with a disposable camera and mail them in.)

The modeling industry is a fun and competitive industry.
Here is some advice and warnings for prospective models.

The first thing to keep in mind is that you should NEVER, EVER!, pay a modeling agency
any money up front for them to represent you. There are way too many scams in this
industry who take advantage of people’s aspirations to become a model. Real modeling
agencies will make their money through commissions they earn from finding their
models work. The normal commission that an agency makes is 20% of the total booking
for the model.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS THAT
AGENCIES HAVE FOR MODELS

•   Please be prompt to all auditions.
•   If you are running more than 15 minutes
late, call your agent so that they may alert
the client.
•   NEVER contact a client directly unless
instructed to do so.
•   Bring your book, card, and/or headshot
to each and every audition.
•   Don't assume it is not needed even if you
were not specifically instructed to do so.
•   Your professional materials should go
with you everywhere. Agents expect a
return phone call within a two-hour time
period regarding auditions and bookings.
•   Always have a pen and paper ready to
write down information.
•   Always send a confirmation e-mail
regarding all e-mails sent to you with
booking information.
•   The only contact information to be given
to any of your agency's clients is the
agency's information unless directed
otherwise.
•   Keep your agency posted with all of your
current contact information including work,
cell, home, e-mail, and address.
•   Never discuss money with any talent or
client at a job. These discussions are
between you and your agent only!
•   Contact your agent immediately if there
is ever a problem at a booking. They must
always know of any situations that have
occurred so that they are not taken off
guard by an upset client.

Billie

Stacy

Kristin

Silje

Rachel