Want to be a Professional Model
   

A survey was conducted recently for New Outlooks in Science and Engineering, a national campaign to raise awareness of science among young people. It revealed that one in three teenage girls wants to grow up to be a model. However glamorous it may be, to become a professional model is a lot harder work than many think. But if the prospective model has what the media industry wants, and are willing to work hard, there is a reasonable chance they could make it.

Both male and female will aspire to the Fashion Scene and become a "Fashion Model" with their stunning looks, amazing bodies and large modelling fees. However only a few will be able to attain that status.

There are numerous different styles of modelling. In many ways, there is a one for almost anyone. The key is to discover how much potential the prospective model has in that particular category. Do they like being in front of the camera? If they are not a performer, then maybe modelling is not for them. Models need to work hard and look their best at all times. A professional model must act in a professional way . If the start time says 6.30am, it means it and not 9.30am. Talent scouts exist but the chances of someone being discovered walking in the street is fairly remote.

What follows are a number of tips that could help. Although it will be determined by your shape, the first thing you have to ask yourself is which style? Modelling takes many forms - it can be from simple portraiture at the local Photographic Club to International Catwalk Fashion modelling.

At the Boutique Studio, we are always on the lookout for new models to add to our studio model list. If you think that you have what it takes, feel free to contact us. We do not normally charge for test shoots.

 
   
Fashion / Lingerie Commercial /Print / Other Glamour /Art Nude
Caz
Ivetta

The normal minimum height for fashion is 5' 9" with a dress size of size 8 (or less) Weight should be between 45Kg to 55Kg. Added to which stunning looks are essential. Alongside this, it also helps to have a distinctive look. In other words the criteria are pretty tight for this type of modelling. Some of the catwalk models are not as intrinsically beautiful but portray distinctive presence when modelling!

 

I have grouped Lingerie in this category as the demands for that and swimwear are often the same. If you still want to do fashion are not tall enough, The criteria for some catalogue work is not as tight.

 

Although you may be able to pick up the odd paid job off various internet sites, they top end work is handled by agencies. So you will need to find an agent. This really needs to be done in person. You will need around six prints but they do not need to be too fantastic. Do not waste hundreds of pounds on photographic sessions. If the agency takes you on they will do this for free. As long as you have a couple of good close ups and two or three full length, they should suffice. Do not part with large amounts of cash at this stage.


Having said the above, get us much experience in front of the camera as you can. Stand in front of a mirror and work on expressions.

It's can be hard work and try and have something to fall back when or if the modelling career slows down.

As I said earlier on this page, if you are good in front of camera and you have what the industry wants, there is a potential to pick up some modelling work whatever your shape. The dilemma is, would it be enough to live on. Here are a few sub groups.


Plus Size Models

Similar to fashion but size requirements are at least 5ft 6in and size 12 to 16

 

Body Parts
If you have superb skin and fantastic hands, then there is some need for hand models. The same goes for other parts. A very specialized market but can be rewarding.

 

Fitness / Body
No real height requirement but over 5ft 8in (female) and 5ft 11in (male) stand more chance of work. Fully toned body required

 

Catalogue
Very similar to fashion but size requirements are not normally so strict.

 

Commercial
A pretty wide group - could be a TV advert. There are no strict size requirements. Auditions are likely to be popular for jobs with large fees.


Exhibition
This is really a crossover with acting. The task is normally to hand out promotional material at exhibitions. Fairly seasonal work but can be interesting and financially rewarding.

I have grouped these two styles together but from the photography point of view, they are very different. The only common factor is that partial or complete nudity is often required. Art nude is more to do with shape and exploiting the natural curves to produce a piece of photographic art.

So what is Glamour? It means anything from page 3, “Boys' Mags”, calendars to softcore. The keyword tends to be more suggestive as opposed to explicit. Glamour is almost exclusively female. There is no real height qualification as long as you are of average proportions with at least have a decent bust. Often shoots will be in a bikini but more often they will be topless or nude, but not particularly explicit.

Often the expressions “implied topless” and “implied nude” are used. Normally this mean you will be topless or nude but something will cover up any girly parts.  So when published "nothing shows".

Generally, in this category, if a model will not entertain at least topless, she is likely to get very little work compared to a model who will! Many famous models have modelled nude before deciding to keep their clothes on.

Just one more note – beware of scams. Somebody spots you and suggests that you could be the next Jordan or whoever and you need a makeover and a set of photographs for an agency to give you work. And would you believe the same agency can do it all for you as long as you have the £500 to £1000 to pay.