If you want to be a successful model, you need to understand the basics. Here are just a few of the
basic concepts to help get you started...
Models pose to sell something. Models are generally hired by someone for the purpose
of selling something. Models are paid to sell clothes, perfume, makeup, magazines, calendars, pictures, various products and services
to name just a few. Before you start any shoot, you need to think about what you are trying to sell. In general, your style
of posing needs to match the product or service you are trying to sell.
Grab their attention. If you are going to sell something, you frequently need to
grab someone's attention. Who wants to buy a magazine, picture, or calendar of boring everyday life? Pick up any magazine
and look at the ads and pictures. How do the models wear their clothes and use their bodies to grab attention? Practice posing
like the models in the magazines and make sure you portfolio contains pictures that look similar to the types of pictures
in magazines.
Build a portfolio. Every model needs a portfolio, so start building one as soon
as possible. A portfolio is a collection of pictures that demonstrates your modeling skills and is generally required at most
interviews. A good portfolio will contain 8" x 10" pictures of you in a variety of clothes and poses. You should have at least
one head shot and full body shot. You should keep your portfolio updated on a regular basis and it is generally good to have
pictures from a variety of photographers to get a different look and feel.
Get some comp cards. Forget business cards, most models carry around comp cards,
or composites. Most comp cards are about 5 inches by 8 inches. Many people print 2 comp cards on a piece of 8.5" x 11" card
stock paper. Comp cards generally have 3-6 pictures on them, as well as the vital statistics of a model (name, measurements,
agency, contact information). Here is a little sample minus the model information...sample in PDF format.
